Venlafaxine and Sweating: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Have been on Effexor XR 75mg for about 1 year now for anxiety & panic attacks. I had a constant odd pain in my stomach (like butterflies and hunger). I would sweat uncontrollably & get dizzy & faint if I was put in a situation I wasn't comfortable with. I went to a Dr. who diagnosed me with anxiety and put me on to Effexor. The first 3 days were hell, every bad review I read on Google I could relate to, I even ended up going to the ER one night as I felt so nauseous and felt like I was losing control and could not stop freaking out. The Dr. told me to stick to it, and promised it would get better. I'm so glad I did. I feel that this medication has saved me. I can almost live a normal life again."

• aim...
• February 25, 2020

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I'm a 27 y/o female, good health but have GAD and MDD. I began taking Effexor XR when I began having panic attacks while driving. I began with 37.5mg for 4 weeks, then upped to 75mg after that. After 3 months, I began to sweat in my sleep despite not feeling overheated. I began to suffer from sexual dysfunction, lost my libido and had difficulty reaching an orgasm (neither had been an issue previously). My appetite increased and I gained 25 lbs in 1 year. I also noticed I felt very 'flat' emotionally. I wrote this because I feel like positive reviews are lacking. Effexor absolutely improved my anxiety. The side effects were unpleasant but not severe. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so when I switched to a new one, I slowly tapered off it by opening the capsule and counting the granules, reducing them by about 4 per day. I did not suffer from any 'brain zaps' or any withdrawal symptoms."

• Jan...
• July 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking venlafaxine for almost a year now and my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I have BPD, and the mood swings, constant anxiety, depression, anger, stressing over the smallest things, and overthinking everything always got in the way of living a normal life. I also struggled with an eating disorder due to comfort eating and weight gain with other antidepressants. I have lost weight, don't binge anymore, have much more energy, sleep well, am less stressed, and my moods are much calmer and less irrational. I didn't score it a ten as the first few weeks of side effects were pretty rough - constant dry mouth, excessive sweating, nausea, dilated pupils, but didn't last long! Everyone's experience is different."

• Pan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Effexor (venlafaxine) for around 10 years, and I could not have survived without it. It helped me to feel 'normal' and allowed me to go out of the house without getting panic attacks. I did sweat profusely for some time, and once I did not take it for 3 days, that was really bad. I had shakes, shivers, lightheadedness, and nausea... I would say this medication saved me from years of mental nightmare."

• vio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I've had depression for 20 years (both chronic/moderate, and 3 previous severe episodes). Tried every class of psych med (30 total), SSRIs all made me sleepy, numb, apathetic. I take Lamictal (150mg), Effexor (75mg), and Ritalin (30mg) which is the best medicine combo for my depression. Pros: Effexor demolishes anxiety and severe episodes (crying spells, suicidal thoughts). Less sedating (compared to SSRIs). I feel calm, no insomnia. Cons: Excessive sweating (at higher doses), some lethargy, and dry eye. ****Do not go cold turkey, ask for the 'Prozac Taper' to avoid the shock of withdrawals*** No drug is a cure-all. Effexor does not cause weight gain or increased appetite (for me). It's prevented severe episodes and I'll stay on it for life, unless something better comes out."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor saved my life! I was so hesitant at first to try this drug because to me, it seemed so powerful compared to Zoloft and Celexa which I've been on in the past. I was also nervous because of the reviews I read with people talking about all the horrible side effects. I'm here to tell you, DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ. Effexor is absolutely amazing! I had no side effects at all. If I had to say I had any, it would be cold sweats for maybe a day but that's it. I take 150mg ER a day and I am back to my old self if not better. My advice is that everyone's body reacts differently to medication and not everyone experiences the same things. This drug is amazing and has helped my depression in every way."

• sfu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I'm a 27-year-old female with ADD, generalized anxiety (including morbid thoughts, OCD behaviors, hypochondria, and depression). Effexor has basically fixed me. I used to be irritable, negative, overwhelmed, and chronically fatigued to a disabling capacity, and now I'm evened out and confident, positive, patient, and kinder. My head feels clearer than it ever has. The only issue is that this medication causes some sweating and raises my blood pressure, so I've had to have that stabilized with blood pressure medication."

• Hom...
• January 10, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Used Ireven (venlafaxine). Started at 75 mg. A small bit woozy, increased heart rate, sweats, and hyperactivity. This eased after a couple of days. I increased from 75 mg to 150 mg. Same effect on increase, but quickly subsided. Life was easier, emotions more manageable, and generally a bit happier. Although, I did experience really, really vivid dreams and fatigue. After Christmas, I decided it was a good time to come off them. This is where it got bad. First off, I should have consulted a doctor and weaned off, but being me, I didn't. Cold turkey is not a good idea, trust me on this one. It was absolutely awful. Vision, motor control, nausea, cramps, pains all over, shaking and tremors, awful migraine, no pupils, I couldn't coordinate my mind and body to work in sync. Admittedly, I should have followed a doctor's instructions and am writing this review to advise others to do exactly that. Overall, it worked well for its purpose, just be mindful when coming to the end: do it slowly."

• Tot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’ve struggled with generalized anxiety, depression, panic disorder, OCD, among other things my entire life. With the pandemic, my anxiety and graphic OCD intrusive thoughts got to the point where I could not function and do my day-to-day activities. It got to the point where I was suicidal and could not leave my bed. I was prescribed venlafaxine and Lamictal and have noticed an immense improvement! I’ve been on it for a month now and no longer have panic attacks, and while I still have intrusive thoughts, they do not affect me in the way they used to. I am extremely thankful for this medication as well as therapy. The negative side effects are sweats, excessive scalp picking (I’ve always done this, but it’s become much worse), and disruptive sleep. I do wish I could get a full night’s rest, but I don’t dare stop taking this because it really has helped me in more ways than one!"

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been on it a week, and yes, the side effects are pretty bad, like the drowsiness and the severe sweating. That’s nothing compared to the depression I felt beforehand! I’ve been on other medications, and nothing has worked like this. I feel like myself again. I’m enjoying life and enjoying my family!"

• Jam...
• August 28, 2017

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was always kind of a nervous person but was able to deal with it. But as I got older (40's), it began to impact me more and more. Soon I found myself avoiding most human interactions. Couldn't stand in line, get on the bus, get my hair cut, meet people. While attempting to do these things, I would sweat, my brain would lock up, I would turn red, my breathing became rapid, I just needed to escape immediately. Just a complete mess. If any interaction could not be completed in five seconds, I would not do it. Couldn't even visit my Doctor because of the waiting room. But now on Effexor, I feel SO much better. Been about a year, but the results came after about a month. Feel what I imagine normal is. Changed my life."

• NDG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I went on this medication as a last resort. I was at a point where I couldn't leave my house, I cried all day, and I had anxiety 24/7. I have just started taking the medication. The first day was terrible - cold sweats and brain zaps. I found I could not sleep. Now, 3 days into the medication, I find I am much happier. Perhaps I'm being optimistic, but the constant torture of obsessive thoughts and not being able to let the little things go has decreased. I would recommend this if you are at a last resort. The past 2 days have been reminiscent of how my life was before the year and a half of constant agony."

• JCT...
• May 7, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was having bad anxiety for a couple of months. I was unable to sleep, and was pacing the floors a lot. I got on a low dose of Effexor (37.5mg), and my anxiety disappeared within a week. I did not have many side effects. I got a little sweaty the first week, and felt a little foggy. That went away quickly."

• can...
• May 21, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "This drug has literally saved my life. I agree with others that the initial side effects can be bad, so sleepy for the first week but switched to taking it at night. I take the slow release after dinner (better tolerated with food), helped me sleep, which helped me to feel a little better initially. The dose to start was 37.5 mg for 3 weeks, then up to 75 mg. So sweaty!!! If I don't take it with food, I get horrible nausea. Sex drive decreased slightly initially, and weight gain of about 5 kgs. Now I've been on it for about 6 months. Slowly losing the weight, sleeping great, no suicidal thoughts/ideation, or maybe just a couple fleeting thoughts, decrease in obsessive thoughts, no nightmares, decrease in impulsive behaviors, disassociation, emotional regulation!! Highs and lows kind of dulled, I would say. Experiencing the gray areas for the first time in 20 years. Feeling 'normal', increase in interest in social activities. Honestly, this is the best antidepressant I've ever had. I will never stop taking it!!"

• sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started on a new dose of 225mg 9 weeks ago. At first, didn't think it was working, but slowly each day seems much better. Feel much happier & enjoying life again. This medication does not work overnight, it can take a while, but don't give up on them too quickly. Hang on in there & you will see the benefits. The only side effects I had were sweating & vivid dreams, but these do subside over time."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Have suffered horrendous anxiety for years. Tried every type of medication to no avail. I currently take propranolol to help heart rate and shakes, but had a bad few years where even this wasn't helping. Was put on mirtazapine (highest dose) for a year, this only helped my appetite, so I then became housebound with agoraphobia. I was at my wits' end until I was given 75 mg twice daily of venlafaxine. Now, at first the side effects were nasty, very nasty. I'd feel extremely nauseous, yawn every minute followed by gagging sensations, and completely lose my appetite. Also, when I went to bed, I'd shake, sweat, and feel very agitated. This lasted for about 2 weeks, and then all of a sudden they disappeared, and I feel amazing. Nerves have gone, and I honestly feel like a new man. I don't even have brain fog anymore. It's like somebody went into my body and took control. Best drug ever. Highly recommended for anxiety and depression."

• Cin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2017

For Hot Flashes "This drug saved my life! Sweating stopped immediately after the first day. Agitation gone! If you are going crazy from menopause, take it! My stomach was upset for about a week. I wish I would've listened to my primary doctor a year ago. Just surrender, and life will work out calmly."

• Lin...
• February 1, 2015

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My 1st anxiety attack was in 2000. I didn't know what was going on. Then I saw my doctor and said I had an anxiety attack. He placed me on Effexor XR 37.5 mg for 2 weeks, then 75 mg after that. I was on it for 14 years. Then I got off all medication, only took Xanax 1 mg when needed. I lost my job about 5 months ago and now having severe anxiety attacks even when I wake up. I get sweaty, chills, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. I went to see my doctor. He put me back on Effexor 37.5 mg and I'm on day 4, but still having attacks. I hope this gets into my system soon because it helped me before, and I know it will again. No one knows why I get them, but I've tried hypnosis, etc., and nothing helps. They keep on coming. Plus, going through menopause doesn't help."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started on Effexor four weeks ago at 37.5 mg for a week and was advised to increase to 75 mg. My initial side effects for the first three days were excessive fatigue, I think I slept for two days straight. I also had nausea and sweating. After four days, the side effects stopped, except the nausea still continues. My overall mental health is a lot better. I am calmer, less stressed, and able to concentrate better. I have also lost 6 kg since starting the medication. So far, I'm happy on it, the nausea is slowly subsiding but is still there."

• Aym...
• May 13, 2014

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I give this a 7 because it does work. BUT be very cautious of the side effects. I was on it for 2 years, first started on the regular dose, then switched to extended release as the medicine would 'wear off' throughout the day. While it helped tremendously with my depression and anxiety (it was almost non-existent) the side effects alone were debilitating. I gained 20 pounds, would fall asleep midday (we're talking I had to pry my eyes open to keep from passing out in the middle of a conversation), I was tired ALL DAY. I sweat PROFUSELY and the dizziness I experienced from missing a dose by only a few minutes, plus the heart palpitations were enough for me to stop."

• fir...
• February 8, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now. I feel a lot less anxious and generally happier. I've noticed some side effects, which I was expecting. So I thought I'd share my experience: sweaty hands, blurred vision, nightmares, stomach ache/headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, major increase of the effects of alcohol. Those are just some of them."

• Ann...
• November 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been taking 75 mg venlafaxine slow release once a day for 5 1/2 weeks and would recommend it! Day 1 I took it at 8 pm, woke up at 1 am with horrible nausea and vomiting, was really shaky and sweaty. Day 2 freezing but had sweaty palms, clenched jaw, couldn't focus, felt exhausted and had a headache. Day 3-7 felt stoned, slept a lot, no appetite. Day 8 felt really high, had huge pupils and sweaty palms. Day 9 appetite started to come back, but was shaky and exhausted in the evening. Day 10-14 spotting and tired. Day 16 exhausted, couldn't focus, had night sweats. Day 16-23 spotting and felt very dopey. Day 26 felt good. Day 27 a period started (I'm on the pill). Day 28 felt OK. Day 29 forgot to take the meds, took the missed pill in the morning, no adverse side effects. Day 30-31 tired, but OK. Day 32-38 felt like my normal self, without the anxiety and constant rumination! Stick with it for 6 weeks, it takes a while for your body to get used to it."

• Red...
• December 21, 2011

For Hot Flashes "I am on Venlafaxine 75mg ER, 3 times a day. Before taking venlafaxine, my hot flashes were so bad that I would be soaked. I still have hot flashes, but only every half hour now instead of constant. Ran out of pills on the weekend, and it was one of the worst weekends ever! My moods were up and down, sweating and flushing from head to toe. Never run out!"

• Can...
• October 3, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed Effexor for menopause symptoms, and it treated my undiagnosed depression! It completely changed my life. I was an angry, laughing/crying mess, and Effexor turned me around and put me in a good place with an excellent attitude. Cons are brain zaps and sweating from the forehead. I was weaning off of it when I couldn't take it anymore and went back on it. I started crying and felt horrible. Night sweats were miserable too. I'll take the zaps and sweats over depression and night sweats any day."

• the...
• January 11, 2009

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "I have been taking Effexor XR for approximately 6 months now. My hot flashes were very severe. I would be soaked and wet from the top of my head down to my legs. A cold glass of water hardly touched it. After taking Effexor, I only have a little sweating around my head and neck maybe two to five times a month. It is a great relief."