Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 5)

• kin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "If I could, I would give this a 0. I was put on Effexor for anxiety, the little depression that I had, and I was told by my doctor that it would help with nausea. All was fine for a while, but when I ran out of the pills, I would get very violently ill and could barely see straight. Effexor messed with me emotionally, it made me more depressed and had an opposite effect on me. Now getting off the pills was the worst. It took 6 months from 150 mg to 0. Brain zaps, could barely walk in a straight line, walls would be moving and feeling sick 24/7. My advice to anyone is take Effexor with caution and just remember your body will become dependent on Effexor."

• sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "Horrible drug, will never use it again. My doctor prescribed the lowest possible daily dose to try to see if it would help for anxiety and depression. After taking it for one week, I had nausea, constant sweating, made my head feel tight and foggy, did not sleep more than 20 minutes at a time because I was constantly waking with nightmares. Been off Effexor for over a month. Sweats gone, nausea gone, feeling much better but can't sleep more than 4 hours straight, then being awake for hours. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. Get your doctor to try you on something different first."

• N2H...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I dreaded taking Effexor. It put me into a darker mood, outlook was foggy, nausea, headache, loss of libido, incapacitating loss of motivation, and extreme/intolerable drowsiness. I was in an important meeting with engineers, and I couldn't keep my eyes open no matter how desperately hard I tried. For me, there was no upside to the medication. It was an entirely negative experience. Had to discontinue and will never take it again. Yikes!"

• upa...
• January 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "This is my second time on Effexor in the 7 months. I began taking 34.5 mg in June 2015, then it was upped to 75 mg after 2 weeks. The first week, the side effects were really bad, but they only lasted the one week, and then I felt great. Best thing I ever did, but then I started feeling better to the point I didn't even think about the medication and missed about 4 doses before I noticed. After missing that many, I just stopped taking it. About a month later, the depression was back and worse than ever. I just got put back on it, started last night, and the side effects are back, but I have to push through because I know they are temporary, and if I have to feel dizzy and nauseated for a week for the depression to lessen, it's worth it to me."

• CA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "My doctor prescribed this for ongoing anxiety, and it was horrible! I took one 37.5 mg dose at around 9:30 p.m. At 2:30 a.m., I was jolted awake from a bad dream. I never have any trouble sleeping before, but I suddenly had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to get up and go somewhere. I paced around my house, not understanding why I couldn't stop moving. My heart was pounding, and my body felt electrified. I had this cold sensation that felt like ice water in my veins, but I was sweating profusely. My mind was racing, but I felt confused over what was happening. I finally woke my husband up, and he had to sit up with me for over an hour until the worst of it passed. The next morning, I had nausea and felt like I had the flu, shaking and chilled. This was probably the worst I've felt in my life, and although I've never done meth, I imagine it feels somewhat similar to how I felt. Please beware when trying this medication for the first time!"

• Jef...
• October 11, 2018

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "The psychiatrist started me at 37.5 mg, going up to 150 mg. Was on that dose for 2 months with no positive effect, but a muscle ache, which my psych didn't think was the drug (but it turned out to be the drug causing it). He made me go up to a 375 mg dose over the next month (despite feeling worse with every increase), which made my muscle ache unbearable. Couldn't get out of bed due to pain, desperately wanted to sleep to get away from it. Tapered down, and by 75 mg had no muscle ache whatsoever but suffered horrible nausea, brain zaps, and shakiness from withdrawal that I am still feeling very strongly after being completely off the drug for 1 and a half weeks. My brain feels like mud. In the future, if I think a drug is causing bad side effects over 2 months in, I am going to go off it because of this terrible experience. My depression is significantly worse than it was before I started Effexor."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 8, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG, venlafaxine! I went on this medicine due to a temporary life event that caused a great deal of stress. Started at 75 mg and eventually moved up to 150 mg. I was not warned about any side effects or withdrawal. I had been on the med for almost a year and forgot to take it one day. By lunch, I was vomiting and felt horrible. It took about a day or two for me to start to feel better. I NEVER skipped again and was terrified of trying to come off of this medicine. I only stayed on it longer because I was afraid of the withdrawal. I finally worked with my doctor to try to come off of it. He was great and did what he could to make it tolerable. I still had to pull apart the capsules and take out a few of the balls each day. I felt awful: brain zaps, nausea, confusion, dizziness, memory issues, and headaches. If I had known how incredibly life-altering this drug is, I never would’ve started it. I have been 100% off of this drug for about 2 weeks now, and I still don’t feel close to normal."

• jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Stopped after the first capsule. I had nausea, headache, dizzy, disoriented, rise in blood pressure to 170/93, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, caused onset of IBS. I couldn’t get out of bed for 36 hours."

• Man...
• January 7, 2021

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was in the hospital for suicidal ideation, and they gave me Effexor. I remember I was sick the first night (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), but after the second day, I magically felt better. The depression felt like it went away, and I was ready to be released and start my life back. Well, this turned into an EXTREME manic episode less than a week later. I left my relationship of four years, I ran off and engaged in dangerous activities, and shut everyone out of my life. But I felt “happy.” I was out of my mind. I don’t have bipolar disorder, but this is exactly what it felt like. Two months later, this all came crashing down, and I ended right back in a psych ward again after trying to commit suicide. My therapist told me she calls it “sideffexor” because it’s a hit or miss medicine, it either really works or makes things worse. If you start this medicine, I highly recommend being closely monitored, it can be dangerous."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2015

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took Effexor XR 37.5 mg for 1 month against general anxiety and major depressive episode after big setbacks in business and job. The first week, I had to force myself to take it with daily telephone encouragement from the doctor (GP). Headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety about taking the new drug itself. After 3 weeks, I did feel a bit better but had strong headaches and felt very tired still all day. I decided to reduce and phase it out over 2 weeks by taking out the little balls from the pill. To my surprise, this was much easier to stop than Paxil, which I had discontinued for 8 months (after long-term use). Now, without Effexor since 4 weeks; no more headaches or anxiety, feel more alive and productive without these 'numbing' drugs."

• sad...
• June 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 19-year-old female who has been dealing with severe depression and anxiety for years now, trying out several different medications (Sertraline, Abilify, Trintellix). I couldn't keep taking Trintellix due to extreme nausea, so my doctor suggested Effexor XR. That's the last time I listen to my doctor. I am currently in a 12-day process of weaning myself off of this medication, after taking it for a little over a month. I had an extreme loss of appetite, to the point where I felt sick after a small fries from McDonald's or even a piece of fruit. I have found myself to be very anxious about death/illness/accidents and find myself wanting to spend the least amount of time sober as possible. I have no motivation, and have a hard time staying focused at work. Not to mention, I have had so much trouble with climaxing that it is affecting my relationship. Although I am not nearly as sad as I used to be and don't cry nearly as often, I feel like a numb zombie and not like myself at all."

• kma...
• January 4, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have suffered from MDD, GAD, SAD, OCD, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and PTSD for the past 25 years. I have tried several other SSRIs and was recently switched to Effexor XR. I was prescribed 37.5 and was to build up to 150 mgs. The side effects were so severe I could not get past the initial dose. I took it for the past 6 weeks, and it abruptly quit working. I could not tolerate increasing to 75 mg. I will be switching to Celexa. The side effects include tachycardia, sweating, hypostatic, extreme blurry vision, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and weight gain of 5 lbs. I experienced 'spatial disorientation' where I would get waves of vertigo. I had great depression relief for about 3 weeks, but the side effects were too numerous to tolerate."

• Jun...
• April 16, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I have had panic disorder and depression for years, with suicidal ideation. Wouldn't leave my house! My new doctor started me on 37.5. The side effects were awful, and I almost quit taking it. Worsened anxiety, nausea, you name it-I had it. After a little over a week, it was gone. The doctor put me on 75mg. I noticed a difference on day two! Less anxiety, less depression. Weird sensation in my veins like I need to go run or something. After a month, I was on 150mg. I was almost living a normal life by then and actually leaving my house. Side effects are gone. Now I'm on 225mg. I'm a different person! I feel alive! Haven't felt normal in years! I'll always have a little anxiety, but it's manageable with coping mechanisms. This med saved my life."

• Rap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 24, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on venlafaxine for 7 yrs. After a long battle with severe anxiety and stress that led to long bouts of depression, I was finally prescribed venlafaxine modified release. Eventually settled on 150 mg, which slowly but surely started to work alongside my body, and I felt better. Missing 2 days or more was a nightmare and resulted in nausea, insomnia, jitters, and the horrible brain lag (the only way I can describe it). I'm now in a much better place in my life, and my doctor and I are decreasing my dose slowly. Long-term side effects I've had are a complete loss of any sleeping pattern combined with horrible night restlessness (feeling like all your skin is ever so slightly itchy), and now that my dose is being decreased, I'm noticing I'm having uncontrollable anger outbursts along with increased night tremors. If this drug works for you, the pros are greatly outweighed by the side effects. But those side effects can be debilitating sometimes. Take with extreme caution."

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I started taking Effexor XR about two weeks ago on a very low dose. I am also taking Levbid twice a day. Between those two, my symptoms are almost non-existent. The doctor wants to raise the dosage next week, and I am okay with that since it is supposed to help my anxiety, which is a trigger for my irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. I will say, the first week, the side effects were horrible. I had enlarged pupils, nausea, constipation, and dizziness. They went away exactly at the 7-day mark, and now I am starting to have hope I can have a normal life once again."

• aca...
• December 10, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and Effexor. Effexor has been the one that worked for me, the other two were nightmares. I took Effexor during a particularly bad time after high school, and it saved my life. I had wanted to die back then. Just recently, these past couple of years, I've noticed my depression creeping back, and the death of a family member has added some anxiety in there as well. I told my doctor I needed something, or I was gonna spiral downward. I am taking the lowest dosage, 37.5 MG, I believe. It's been two weeks, and I've had some expected side effects: nausea, constipation, trouble sleeping, and a little bit of dizziness. Nothing terrible. Within three or four days, I noticed a change. It's worked for me, and I'm glad I'm back on it."

• Sle...
• April 19, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've only been on this medication for about 2 weeks. That said, I've slept almost every day since starting it. I know sleepiness is a common side effect, but this is excessive. Almost no energy throughout the day. Nonstop yawning. My depression is still there, anxiety has been better. I just feel very drained and apathetic. I'll stick with it for a while longer because I know it will take a while for the full effect to kick in, hoping for good results!"

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given Effexor XR for depression. I had the usual side effects at first: dizziness, nausea, weird dreams, and tingling. I was able to beat most of these by taking the medication at the same time every night. The downside was if I was late by a few hours taking it, the dreams and tingling feeling returned bad. I was started on 75 mg, and that worked for a few months, then the dosage was upped to 150 mg. This worked for a few months as well, then I hit rock bottom again and the dosage was upped again to 225 mg. Unfortunately, this only worked for a few months. A year after this, I was given it again, this time, it only worked for a couple of weeks. This was not the medicine for me."

• Hay...
• November 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Please, please, please... If your doctor suggests this drug to you, do your research. I am 18 and just put full trust in my doctor when she told me to take it. Seven months later, and I wish I never, ever took it. I usually take my 150 mg dose when I wake up in the morning, and now I cannot even go until 11 p.m. at night if I forget to take it without having withdrawals. I experience nausea and feel uneasy on my feet, as well as shakiness. It is ridiculous, and I write this to stress that this is not a light topic. BE CAREFUL!!!!!"

• Jac...
• February 6, 2017

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I took Effexor for about 2 years for my panic disorder, and it was a huge mistake! Effexor caused me to have violent outbursts, which I never had before the medicine, increased anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I thought I was doing good on the Effexor, but everyone around me saw a complete change in me, and it was bad. Almost 1 month ago, I was sick for 3 days and was unable to keep my Effexor down from being sick, so without knowing, withdrawal began, which included manic behavior, crying spells, nausea, brain zaps, and a suicide attempt that landed me in a mental hospital, and while there, detoxed from the Effexor and put on new medicine. I know Effexor has worked for a lot of people, but I wanted to share my story so people will research before starting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "This drug, Effexor, literally saved my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and panic! Side effects weren’t too bad taking 75 mg. Drowsiness, increased heart rate, increased tinnitus, nausea, bad nighttime sweating, increased anxiety at first, head felt a bit spaced out, and crazy bad insomnia. Most of these subsided after about 8 days. Dosage change amped it up again for about another week. If you can work through it, it’s so worth it! After three weeks, basically feeling like myself again. A little more time will tell if my anxiety subsides further."

• Sta...
• April 1, 2021

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Please research this drug extensively before beginning! 26-year-old female and have been suffering with severe depression since childhood. Have tried various types of medications for my depression over the years, and can honestly say, Effexor was by far and large the worst antidepressant I've ever taken. The side effects were horrible: severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, waking up in pools of sweat, hit my lowest of lows, and had frequent suicidal thoughts. If I forgot to take my medicine within a couple of hours of my dosage time, I couldn't function with work, chores, etc. Tapering off this drug very slowly was an absolute miserable experience. I'm someone that tries to find some good in even bad experiences, however, I have not a single positive thing to say about this drug. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to feel a minute of the side effects I did on this drug. If I could give a '0' rating for this drug, I would. Will never touch this medication another day of my life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2013

For Anxiety "I suffered with severe anxiety, especially in social situations. I think mine was linked to coming off my pill and my hormones going crazy. I tried sertraline for two days and felt horrid - flu-like symptoms, depression, nausea, fatigue! I then tried venlafaxine and after two weeks, my anxiety had gone. It came back around the time of the month, but this medicine has truly fixed me. I understand that different medicines work for different people, but this saved my life."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2019

For Hot Flashes "I took my first 37.5 mg venlafaxine yesterday. My hot flashes vanished... I took a low dose of HRT to manage hot flashes but had to stop last year due to breast cancer. The hot flashes returned. The venlafaxine made me super nauseous. I appreciate these reviews because several people seem to have had nausea with the first dose or so. Thanks for sharing info. I will stick with it for a few more days and see how it goes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "It was the worst experience ever. I took it and couldn't sleep all night. I cried for hours and even called the emergency hotline. I had muscle stiffness, excessive yawning, nausea, and twitching. So far the worst medication I've ever taken."