I have missed mulitple times (seperately) and was wondering how it has affected others as well as how they overcome these effects.
Anybody experience effects of missing a dose of Effexor?
Question posted by Bsteinbrueck on 18 Jan 2010
Last updated on 17 August 2024 by ElleKay55
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71 Answers Page 2
ElleKay55
24 May 2020
I realize this post is really old but I'm still responding in case it helps someone in a way and to just share what I've felt when missing a dose. I'm relieved that I'm not the only one that experiences horrible symptoms after missing a dose. I've been on Effexor XR 150mg for 6 months for panic attacks with generalized anxiety, no depression. I take my Effexor XR around 9am daily. Only missed a dose once before (3 months into it). Yesterday, I was so busy that I forgot to take my pill. I didn't notice anything unusual until about 4pm... All of a sudden I felt extremely depressed, extremely sad, hopeless, couldn't get off the couch (notice I don't have depression). About 5pm, I started experiencing that "whooshing, brain zap" feeling.
Someone on this post previously described it SO well when they said "It’s tough to describe exactly, but it almost feels like your mind is a half a second behind your body (head specifically) when you move. It’s uncomfortable, and a bit disorienting". I would walk around my house and it felt like my brain skipped for a second to catch up with what I was doing. It's the scariest feeling EVER. This feeling continued until this morning. Around 8pm I had a crying spell (for no reason, out of nowhere!), then I proceeded to get angry and yell at my boyfriend for not wanting to watch a show with me (this is SO not like me). Before we went to bed he told me he's going riding (they own Harleys) with his guys tomorrow for a few hours. I started to get paranoid (again, this is NOT my normal behavior!) and anxious (normal of me). My paranoia was from wondering who he's going with, why his friends wife is going but he didn't invite me (mind you I HATE riding on that damn Harley, I get TERRIFIED). I didn't share this with him obviously, glad I had some sense of reality still left in me. We went to bed... I had HORRIBLE NIGHTMARES AND NIGHT TERRORS. I woke up screaming and scared the crap out of him. He calmed me down and I went back to sleep. In my second dream I pinched his arm thinking I was fighting some woman who wanted to hurt me in my dream. (This morning he said he doesn't think I pinched him. He said I was just really tossing around and made odd sounds and I scared him and woke him up when I screamed in my sleep). I went back to sleep only to wake up at 4 am in a lucid, paranoid state thinking like someone is in our house. I turned all the lights on, laid on the couch, crying and praying to God I don't fall asleep again. I woke up at 9 am. FINALLY remembered that I did NOT take my pill yesterday. I took it immediately. It's almost 11am now. I have an upset stomach but I am starting to mentally feel better and back to normal.
Manda34
3 Jan 2020
I'm so glad to have found this question, I missed 2 days worth of venlafaxine due to a mix up at the chemist. Within hours I had such a sore head, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain then went between fits of hysterical laughter to crying it was really quite scary. Although within about an hour of taking my meds I felt substantially better. Think I may discuss changing anti depressants with my doctor as I can be forgetful but cannot handle the side effects if its taken late etc.
Rickyft87
21 Dec 2019
Hi there..
I SEE this thread is old, but I'm really trying to ride out this anxiety I've had all day... I have been on venlafaxine hydrochloride 75mg for 2 years... But and I know and it's very dangerous and silly, but I miss my meds for 2-3 weeks now.. I know I need them aswell, I didn't feel or should I say I may not of felt any withdrawal symptoms from them... However I fought I need start again, so I took new script tablet at 6pm, went to sleep 11pm and woke up wide awake with massive pupils at 5.45am.. I felt adrenaline and rushing as if high on drugs, it was horrible feeling... I managed go back to sleep... But all day I've had this horrible, nauseous gut feeling of anxiety all day, would this be the meds booting me back up to level as I hadn't taken them for 2 weeks?
Thanks
Jesparza
1 Dec 2019
I had a few drinks (3 beers)12hrs ago so I called my dr and he said it will be fine to stop taking it for a whole day. I am mentioning the alcohol because I took my effexor on Halloween hrs after a few drinks(hard liquor) and I thought I was going to die. The worst experience ever. I don't recommend it to anyone. Never ever drink. Lol. I take 150mg of effexor xr with lorazepam. He did tell me to take my lorazepam to stop my nervousness and anxiety feeling. It did work so far. As anyone else had this problem? I know I'm not supposed to drink.
speedtrip
9 Nov 2019
I take my dose at night before bed (150XR & 50tablet) but if I forget to I have insane dreams that are extremely realistic and vivid. Plus, when I get up the morning I'll have a headache, similar to that of being hungover. Not fun. The headache goes away 20 mins after I take my dose. The meds definitely control my emotions but it's scary just how powerful the effect is on the brain. I always have extra on hand so I don't run out.
Mick818
21 Oct 2019
Weird dreams if I miss a dose. I mean really weird, and even disturbing. Some are actually rather inventive, but mostly they are weird enough for me to ponder the next day. Don’t miss doses, unless you fancy Stephen King authoring your dreams.
Kimc318
11 Sep 2019
Within 1/2 day after missing a dose I have flu like symptoms, lightheaded, and either crying or raging or both. These side effects are serious and make you feel absolutely awful.
Cookie7316
27 Aug 2019
I know this was asked years ago but im on a lot of meds and if i miss a full day due to missing collection from chemist. I get sweats, headaches and generally feel terrible.
jlisicki
8 Aug 2019
I just found this website after weeks of thinking I am having ear related tinnitus or worse other more serious symptoms. I made the mistake of just stopping my venlafaxine 75mg and my paxil 20mg due to weight gain and trying to loose weight. I have experienced all the listed side effects as everyone describes mostly, whooshing in the head, brain zaps, ear ringing, etc. Have been to ENT and Audiologist with mostly no help. Have a appointment with my doctor for today to see if I should just restart the Venlafaxine and the Paxil? I have also read the Venlafaxine usage has a possible side effect of Tinnitus so I may ask to be put on Desvenlafaxine. I am happy to have have found this post thank you to those who have provided it and contributed. I will update with my findings after speaking to my doctor and what the plan is. Thank you.
jlisicki
9 Aug 2019
Early this morning I started to retake my Venlafaxine and Paxil again. I went to sleep as I work nights. And woke up with pretty much ZERO of the above symptoms. Maybe coincidental? Not sure but all I know is I feel so much better and my symptoms are gone and hopefully they stay gone as I have been suffering for quite along time. So now I go to my doctor maybe next week and discuss my options for the near future, hopefully including being weaned off properly or switching to a new antidepressent without these side affects. My advice DONT JUST STOP TAKING YOUR MEDS, this was a huge mistake and I paid for it. Hope this helps. I will continue to update.
SWilson150290
28 July 2019
I started taking Effexor Xr about a week ago. I missed a dose last night by a couple of hours and started experiencing chills/hot flashes, vomiting, and crying spells. Other people have said it takes half a day for symptoms to start.
Jesus911
14 July 2019
Yes,
I thought I am losing my mind missed one dose
Halicinations, anxiety, fear, images in mind
Know that if you were feeling ok before, then it’s probably from Effexor.
I’m studying to be pastor, this withdrawal is crazy bad.
God bless you! Your not losing it, love yourself, take your next dose on time.
Contact if questions, if your illness is not stable and you are thinking of hurting yourself or another, stop go to mental health center. I love you god loves u, now take care of yourself
Gary
Mandyj341
13 July 2019
I don’t get the side effects as bad as my hubby he gets horrible brain zaps after a day only getting worse. for me it takes 2-4 days till I get them. It’s a typical side effect which is why you should never come off yourmeds without talking to your doctor and if you can’t speak to them talk to your pharmacist they have consultation areas you can speak in private. I know for myself I used to think it was ridiculous just stop why not? But for what it’s worth the side effects of stopping yourself are severe from pain to depression to suicidal thoughts. Decreasing you dose followed up by a medical practitioner is set forth for a good reason. Don’t put yourself through hell for no reason. And if u do decide to do what the doc suggested after a couple weeks and you realize hey I don’t need to I can just stop I don’t feel anything. Think about it a second k it doesn’t hurt because your doing it the right way.
Hope this helps and sorry for the novel I’m good for that lol
Mandy
LannyBell
12 July 2019
I have been on 300mg of Effexor and 300mg of Wellbutrin for over a year. If I miss just one dose of Effexor, I am extremely nauseous by mid afternoon, horrible night sweats that soak the sheets and my hair, and I am VERY emotional that day and the next where I am either bawling and crying or raging and angry. If I miss 2 days, I am vomiting by the next afternoon and have had to leave work.
The side effects are no joke.
MichaelB13
19 April 2019
I've missed the odd day every now an then if I have run out of a script etc.. The main side effect I have is an increase in brain zaps. I am on three other anti-depression meds as well. I guess everyone will have different side effects. My advise would be to avoid missing doses if you can, if they are messing with your head too much as it will probably slow or retard your recovery.
CBON
14 April 2019
I am currently dealing with 1 day and 1 morning of not having any Effexor and it is hell.
Some people experience more or less effects of missing a dose though so it really depends on the person and how long you have been taking this.
I have been on Effexor xr for just over a year now, whilst at the pharmacy I noticed a man approach the bench to ask for his first script. I had every intention of quickly going up to him and dramatically saying to him "DON'T DO IT" but even moving my head or eyes to quick causes, what is called "brain zaps".
I have been in tears all morning due to this, and the lingering and vivid dream I had last night of my recent ex.
Sometimes, it is hard to determine a dream from reality.
If I could go back and say no to this medication, I would. But due to my depression, and being on almost all of the options out there, herbal, as well as pharmaceutical, I accepted the script.
1 year and 1 and a half months in, I wouldn't wish these side effects on anyone.
The only upside I have seen to these is the weight loss.
After being on Mirtazapine for 6 months, i gained about 22kg and this has helped reduce that.
The dreams at times can be fun too..
But, If it were easy to come off, I would do it in an instant.
Related topics
effexor, depression, bipolar disorder
Further information
- Effexor prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Effexor (detailed)
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