Venlafaxine and Sweating: What Users Say (Page 2)

• lil...
• September 11, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Started Effexor after citalopram stopped working for anxiety and depression, been taking it for 3 years, was up to 150 mg, tapered down to 37.5 mg, slowly over 6 months, mainly because of weight gain and feeling more calm. No problems in reducing, but am reluctant to go lower in case of a relapse. Has anyone lost weight after reducing the dose, or do you have to come off completely? I rate Effexor, except for weight gain and sweating, the only med that has made me function normally."

• dou...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 16, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor XR on and off for about 14 years. At first, it seems to work, but then I end up going back to where I was and then worse. I have suicidal thoughts at all times. I'm depressed and agitated, even more so now than ever. If I get a dose increase, I sweat more. I don't know what to do."

• Moo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "Day 4 of venlafaxine, 37.5 mg at 6:30 am and 6:30 pm. I have only just realized the importance of taking it at the same time if you are doing split doses. Previously I was taking it as I woke up (5 am) and before bed (10 pm). Not good - headaches turned into full-blown migraine. First dose, I was sick immediately and was sweating, trembling slightly. I felt I could feel the chemicals literally swooshing around my brain and body. It was very strange. I calmed myself down, told myself to go with it. The rest of the day - fine. Day two, realized I had to EAT with the venlafaxine to ensure I wasn't sick. I've never been a big eater, but half a banana with a venlafaxine plus milk in between bites was enough to line my stomach. Much better this time."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2020

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The people saying they don’t get side effects maybe they just don’t notice, but there are side effects. I sweat more, sleep less, and have no sex drive, but those are all things I can live with in exchange for the positive effects I get. I started taking Effexor in high school because I was sleeping an average of 16 hours a day, likely had depression because I was anxious so much, and my quality of life was abysmal. I left the house like four or five times a week at the most as a 16-year-old. Once I started Effexor, I started to feel more energized, I didn’t need nearly as much sleep, and my depression has cleared away completely. I still have issues with anxiety attacks, but have recently lowered my Effexor dose and started taking Lexapro as well. This is a medication you cannot miss doses on because you will start to feel serious symptoms of withdrawal if doses are skipped, but it’s a great medication worth trying if you haven’t found what’s worked for you yet."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "These pills are horrible. The lights are so much brighter now. I always feel sick to my stomach. I have no motivation to do anything. I wake up 5-6 times a night having cold sweats. I always feel exhausted. My hands and feet are constantly sweating. Do not take this drug. The withdrawals are atrocious."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "These pills are horrible. The lights are so much brighter now. I always feel sick to my stomach. I have no motivation to do anything. I wake up 5-6 times a night having cold sweats. I always feel exhausted. My hands and feet are constantly sweating. Do not take this drug. The withdrawals are atrocious."

• Ell...
• January 7, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Our son, 16 years old, was put on Effexor XR in January 2019 for depression, after Prozac wasn't working on him. The dose was slowly increased to 225 mg. At the time, his psychiatrist went on holiday, and he developed dilated pupils, racing heart, jiggling, sweating. Took him to the GP, who immediately took an ECG, reduced his meds, said that he was developing serotonin syndrome. The psychiatrist did not have a replacement while away and had planned to add another antidepressant as Effexor wasn't working. The reduction side effects have been horrible, made more manageable by using micronutrients, but still losing a lot of school time. From August to December, we have gone down from 225 mg to 42, reductions have become smaller and slower as the dose reduces. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, head zaps, fatigue, and insomnia are his side effects. I wish I had done more homework. Since reading more, using it on those under 18 is not recommended."

• Ano...
• October 2, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took 225 mg of Effexor XR for about 6 years for MDD and was doing well until I started to notice a drop in its effectiveness. I then tried Lexapro (terrible) and Cymbalta. The latter worked well for about a year and a half, until, again, its effectiveness waned. My physician suggested that, since Effexor XR had worked in the past, I give it another shot. I've been back on 150 mg now for over a year and a half and am doing well on it. The medicine, along with talk therapy, has helped significantly. The side effects I experience are: increased sweating, dry mouth, and loss of libido. Also, missing a dose for more than a day is miserable, as it causes nausea, a 'disconnected head' feeling, and slight anxiety."

• tea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 1, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "I lasted 6 days on venlafaxine 37.5 mg dose, as it instantly crushed my libido. I couldn't think straight, but it worked somewhat on the time I was on it. The withdrawal from this stopped 1 day ago, and never in my life have I felt like this. I was the closest to a breakdown I've ever been, and I am a 27-year-old male. This stuff is poison, I beg anyone not to ever touch this. Literally, I have never taken a drug before that's brought me to my knees. I went on this for anxiety and stress, but this has crushed me mentally and physically. It destroyed my memory, the room is spinning, I'm sweating so badly, my body is in agony, it feels like I have horrendous flu, and I've never felt more depressed in my life or low. I don't know what this stuff is, but it has genuinely broken me. I cannot function on this withdrawal, I genuinely feel like going to the hospital. This stuff should be illegal. I don't know how this is allowed to be given out. Please do not take this stuff."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

For Hot Flashes "My doctor put me on this medicine for hot flashes and the roller coaster of emotions that come along with pre-menopause. 37.5 mg. After I took the first dose, I started sweating, shaking, got nauseous, and started violently vomiting, along with diarrhea. I had the dry heaves for 4 hours. Very scary. I almost went to the ER. I will not be taking this medicine! I'd rather have the hot flashes!"

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Took this before bed and woke up at 3:30 am, nauseous, bad diarrhea, sweating, and shaking. Had no appetite all day and was dehydrated. Tried napping, and my heart was pounding just laying there. The next day, I had a migraine up until day three and felt awful. Will not take again. Should be called Sideffexor."

• Sul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking this medication about eight weeks ago for increased anxiety (likely aggravated by menopause). It was affecting my life greatly. Side effects of blurred vision, low sex drive, and sweats were extreme. I kept questioning whether or not I would get past the side effects, especially the sweating, as I was starting to feel better. Thankfully, they all passed except for the low sex drive. That bothers me a bit, but not enough to change meds, and I feel amazing. Heading back to work next week and actually looking forward to it. I also realized I probably should have been on this medication a long time ago. Hang in there for at least eight weeks before giving up due to side effects."

• Mar...
• February 23, 2022

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "The first couple of days, I felt weird. The very first dose made my hands and feet sweat for less than 10 minutes. I was a little worried because of how I felt in the beginning. I've tried various anxiety and depression meds in the past. My doctor said this is stronger. I have always been a little anxious and have suffered a few panic attacks in my lifetime (I'm 41 years old). I'm now on my fourth week and feel amazing. I'm more active and enjoy things again. I used to dread leaving my house, even just to run an errand. Now I am out and about. I didn't realize how much I really needed this medication. I take it in the morning with breakfast, 150 mg. I even sleep better at night. I used to constantly wake up in the middle of the night."

• NW6...
• November 1, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've taken Effexor for 7 years, in a dosage that has decreased from 225 mg to 75 mg over the last 2 years. While I had some benefit with depression, I experienced side effects from Effexor. I experienced short-term memory loss, problems concentrating, blurry vision, weight gain, sweating, and dry mouth. I cannot drink at all on the medication since it exacerbates the memory and mental focus problems enormously, even with one glass of wine."

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have had depression for over 30 years, and during that time, I took Paxil and Citalopram. The Citalopram was not effective anymore, and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor XR. I had gone through withdrawal from Citalopram, which was difficult. However, when I was put on the Effexor XR, I was having side effects from the Effexor XR that were worse than the withdrawal from the Citalopram: severe shaking and nervousness, heavy sweating, and no real relief until 55 days of taking it. Then, all of a sudden, I felt really good for 9 days. After that, I refilled my prescription, and the side effects began again: nervousness, shaking, sweating, and the depression returned. I have to take an additional medication to calm my nerves, and this time, I also have restlessness. I know antidepressants can work well from previous experience, but Effexor XR isn’t the one for me."

• Nic...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 13, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor for about 6-7 years now. I started taking 75 mg, which needed to be increased to 4 x 75 mg per day as I was in complete terror. This drug saved my life. I would not be here if not for this drug. I tried amitriptyline, citalopram, and propranolol for many years previously, but they did not give me the relief I needed. The first 2 weeks of taking this drug while off work, I saw the room flip upside down a few times, making me fall down in the shower, etc. It was a really scary time, but once in my system, I got great relief almost immediately. My side effects now are just sweating and tiredness, but I am on 2 x 75 mg/day & feel really content. I got down to 75 mg/day but felt anxious, so I upped to 2/day. Great drug if it suits you!!!!"

• tea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Lasted 4 days on this, far worse than any depression, anxiety, or stress. Extremely confused, no attention span, couldn't concentrate, lost all motivation, and even with the tiredness and life sucked out of me, I never slept once during the 4 days. Time practically disappeared and felt like a robot. Decided to stop yesterday and feel far worse than I did taking it. Headaches and even more anxious than before and sweating a lot, feel like I'm going crazy during this withdrawal, and it was only 37.5 mg. Research into the medication before starting this because the withdrawal is even worse than the side effects on the medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I had been off all meds for 10 years when I had a major relapse and knew it was time to medicate again. Effexor is hard to get on, lots of dizziness and exhaustion. Also, if I am late taking it, I feel awful. Headaches, anxiety, mood swings. Don't ever miss a dose! I can't stress this enough. Withdrawal hits hard and fast, even within 12 hours. Sweats, chills, headache, dreams, whole-body pain. HOWEVER, it does help me get through the day. I have suicidal depression and clinical anxiety, so for me, it is worth some struggle to stay with Effexor because it does give me relief. It calms my brain, allows me to get moving with my day, and not have the threat of my own self-destructive tendencies."

• Bec...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2021

Venlafaxine for Depression "Hideous poison. Was on 225 mg for eight years. Sweating every night, neurological pain, twitching, shakes... withdrawal symptoms before I was even due my dose. Avoid at all costs. Am now on Remeron and I can sleep and function."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 16, 2020

For Depression "I was prescribed this drug, venlafaxine, for depression after 10 years of menopausal symptoms. I took it for about 2 years. I noticed side effects if I was late with the dose... but when I came off it, it was truly appalling. Some three years later, I still get the sweats, the odd brain flash now... but it has left me with permanent tinnitus. It's fine while you're on it, but a vile, and in my case, permanent damage occurs when you come off it. My advice? Do your homework, because your doctor just isn't interested in the withdrawal... they're only interested while you're actually on it!"

• nab...
• December 15, 2008

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Effexor for over a year, and my dosage has been 37.5 mg daily. The drug has worked wonders for me, but I have had some side effects of sweating, strange dreams, and dizziness when I forget to take it."

• JD3...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "Taking Effexor in the beginning was hard to get used to, but after 6 months I felt great. Downside is I have headaches and sweat a lot. If I miss more than 4 days, then I have withdrawal symptoms. I'm taking 150 mg a day, and despite the side effects, I wouldn't change a thing. Oh yeah, I have also lost weight while taking Effexor."

• Mad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 12, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "Trying Effexor was the worst decision of my life. I was on Celexa for about a year and noticed it becoming less and less effective, so I talked with my doctor, and he convinced me to try Effexor. The first few months, I experienced nightmares, cold sweats, grogginess, lack of motivation, and memory loss. After 6 months, I wasn't even the same person anymore. I had no emotion, no sex drive, and completely lost all hope. The only reason I stayed on it was because I knew the withdrawal was so miserable. A couple of months ago, I had an incident where I attempted suicide and had no choice but to switch medications. It took me about a month to get off the Effexor, and the withdrawal was absolute misery. Please, if you have a choice, do NOT try Effexor."

• Soc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have tried Zoloft and Cymbalta. All equally effective in my anxiety level, but I find Effexor has been the best. While I still don't have a ton of energy, I was a zombie on the other two. My libido is back to normal, and I'm not hungry 24/7. Zoloft would be my second choice, except I needed to nap every day and I was always hungry. Cymbalta was very difficult to get off of, and I was also very tired. Negative effects of Effexor include insomnia - I have urges where I HAVE to get up - but usually melatonin and reading, and NO electronics before bed help that (or Xanax as needed). I also sweat a lot more on it. But having more energy and more libido makes it worth it. I have to take a beta blocker because I speak in front of people."

• sgt...
• February 10, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed Effexor after a major depressive episode and being diagnosed with general depressive disorder. I started at 75 mg of the XR, and a few weeks later increased to 150. I can't even tell you how much better I felt. I know that some people have problems with this medication, but that's how it is with any antidepressant. The only side effect I had was increased sweating, which was annoying, but was definitely outweighed by the positive effects. The only issue I had with this medication was a decrease in effectiveness over time. Eventually, I had the dosage raised to 225 mg, and I stayed with that dosage for a year and haven't had any problems."