Fetzima for Depression User Reviews

• Fet...
• February 27, 2014

"I have tried every antidepressant in the books over the past twelve years, you name it, I've been on it for an extended period of time 'waiting for it to begin working.' I have bipolar tendencies and panic disorder, which has been so bad at times that I've literally fallen down and been physically crippled for long periods of time, sometimes up to four hours due to hyperventilation. Recently traumatic events one after the other left me also with a whopping case of depression to top everything off. My doctor began a starter pack of the Fetzima, and now I'm on an 80 mg dose. My anxiety is all but gone, it leaves me extremely calm without feeling sedated, and as an added bonus, it seems to have greatly reduced my chronic pain. Life just seems better."

• Rep...
• April 2, 2014

"I have been taking Effexor, 300 mg for 15 years and Lexapro, 40 mg for about eight. I have tried to stop taking Effexor twice with horrible experiences each time. My depression began to increase so the Dr. prescribed stopping Lexapro immediately and gradually decreasing Effexor and replacing it with Fetzima (first 40, now 80 mg). I was hesitant due to my prior experiences but the Dr. seemed confident. After 12 weeks, today is my first day without any Effexor, only 80 mg of Fetzima. I feel great; I had no negative side effects from the changes and notice definite improvement in my depression. I believe the depression will continue to lift with time. I am so relieved to finally be free of Effexor. I believe Fetzima made it possible."

• Gru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2015

"I've been taking 40mg of Fetzima daily for the past 9 months. For me it's hands down the best antidepressant I've ever tried. My mood is significantly better and I have more energy. Most importantly, it has lifted my need for other mood-altering medicines. I have been sober for four months without really trying. Amazingly, I no longer feel the need to 'escape' reality. I hope and pray it continues to work as it's given me a glimpse of what life without addiction and depression can be. It's been life-changing. As for side effects, I have noticed an increase in irritability. I have had inconsistencies in the bedroom as well. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Overall, well worth it for me!"

• ric...
• March 3, 2016

"I switched from Cymbalta, which has never done anything great for me. As soon as I started Fetzima, people started saying they saw a difference in me. I don't know what I would have done without Fetzima. For the first time, since I can remember, I feel like a regular human being. I have horrible social anxiety, and if I can make myself get out there, I do very well now. I no longer keep silent and feel like I shouldn't have the right to speak. I just feel normal like everyone else. I feel happy and normal. All thanks to Fetzima. My blood pressure has gone up, but all I did was quit my coffee and caffeine. Actually, I took up green tea, which has caffeine, but my blood pressure is down now. I'd gladly give that up to feel as good as I do."

• dep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

"Ignore all the negative reviews because this drug might work for you. I've had depression for decades and have tried 18 different drugs over the years. Only 3 meds have worked for me, and Fetzima is one of them. This drug saved my life. The side effects slowly went away over a 6-week time period. Yes, it is energizing at first, and you may need to take an extra amount of benzo to calm you down, but the side effects eventually go away for some of us, although it seems like they never will for weeks. Give it time to work!"

• Han...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2014

"I suffer from Severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Panic Disorder. The comment above me was almost like a mirror image! I was so relieved to see that another person has been on every antidepressant out there and none had really worked... For me, however, all the antidepressants I have been on in the past have actually caused an opposite effect than what they are meant to do. I would become even more depressed and even suicidal. I have Systemic Lupus, (among many other serious health issues) and in my case, the Lupus is very severe. It is pain every waking moment. The Fetzima 40mg has helped a bit with that, it hasn't made me more depressed, and I think I may even be feeling a bit more positive. So, all in all, I think it may be working :)"

• Wee...
• January 22, 2015

"Have been on many antidepressants, most either not effective enough or side effects were too much. I am on 40mg in the 3rd month. On the side, I have much more energy. I am no longer sleeping excessively, and my anger/irritability is much less. Most importantly, my depression is much better and emotionally, I feel much better. Now, I started getting headaches, severe ones, that only responded to ice packs. Then my blood pressure went way, way up. The headaches are probably related to the elevated blood pressure. I also got the sweats (at first, I thought it was menopause, but not so). I was also having a hard time sleeping. Finally, heart racing. Will try a bit longer to see if the body can adapt to it because my mood is much better, but worried regarding side effects."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2015

"I had recently lost just about everything I had but my truck, and was suffering from major depression. Couldn't even find the strength or will to get off my grandmother's couch. The doc gave me the first 3 weeks dosage (2 20mg then up to 40). The very first day I noticed changes. I had my energy back, I wanted to do things again. The side effects didn't kick in until day 4. Nausea, constipation, and overall foul stomach. My stomach made noises that I've never before heard it make. It was putting me in such a great mood that I just pushed through it and in about a week, with lots of antacid and stool softener, it subsided. This medicine has helped me tremendously so far in my battle with depression."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2014

"I was on Fetzima for a couple of months, but my depression was still really bad. The doctor kept increasing my dose with no signs of improvement. Eventually, my blood pressure and pulse were so high that I had to come off."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2016

"I started having serious health problems that I didn't think could be related to anxiety, but it was. I went 6 weeks without being able to drive, had extreme weakness to the point on one occasion I didn't think I could get out of bed. I had an MRI on my brain, an echo on my heart, blood work, and two tests at the doctor to make sure I hadn't or wasn't having a heart attack. I spent hundreds seeing a natural doctor as well. I tried Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and one more, and it wasn't until I took Fetzima that I actually had real results. I did have increased energy at first starting at 20mg, but I loved waking up with energy. I went to 40mg and did great for 3-4 months. Tonight is my first increase to 60mg. This drug has made a huge difference for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 13, 2017

"I was surprised to see that there were some reviews that showed it wasn't helping some people. I'm very sorry for that. Depression runs in my family. I've been on over 20 different antidepressants throughout my life. Nothing has ever worked. I don't recall any improvement from anything. I started Fetzima about 2 years ago. I felt relief within 1 week. I couldn't believe the difference within 2 weeks. I have experienced some rough times. I've had a few suicide attempts and woke up in ICU 3 times. I'm not trying to say I've had it worse than anyone. I'm just saying that was the place I was in. This was the only med that worked. The only drawback is the cost. It's very expensive without a savings card."

• Get...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 20, 2018

"My depression started when I was 13. I tried countless medications with unpleasant side effects with my PCP and then my psychiatrist, and nothing relieved my symptoms entirely. I was seriously considering ECT until he gave me some free samples of Fetzima when I was about 18 and in my first year of college. I cannot describe to you how much of a difference there was, but I will try. This medication quite literally saved my life, as I was suicidal pretty much daily in high school. It was much easier to think, sort my feelings out, and continue on with my life after about a month at the highest dose (120 mg). Though I am still on Wellbutrin and Adderall XR (since age 15/16), this medication lifted my mood immensely and gave me the hope I needed that life will turn out OK. It's expensive since it's newer, insurance partially covered it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2015

"25, male. I noticed the previous reviewer mentioned having ocular symptoms with Fetzima. I’ve also been having these issues. Specifically, I’ve had eye pain, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, and a tight feeling as if my eyes are about to pop out of my head. Other than the previous reviewer, I haven’t seen anyone else mention it, and it doesn’t seem to be an acknowledged side effect in the literature. I’ve had a number of other side effects, but they are manageable; this one is most troubling. I’ve been on the drug for 3 months, and I would have already quit except it’s the only drug (of many I’ve tried) that has helped my energy, focus, and motivation. I will probably see an ophthalmologist before I decide whether to discontinue."

• GDD...
• October 17, 2014

"I started Fetzima 4 months ago. My blood pressure went up dramatically to the point that now I am on blood pressure medication. I am also irritable now. I see my doctor in one week and I will tell him to change it. I've never had a blood pressure side effect from medication before. My blood pressure was also normal."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2019

"Prozac quit after 10 wonderful years. Tried many others. Nothing. Then Fetzima can’t get by 20 mg tablet due to nausea, bloating. Then attack either gallbladder or something else? Severe vomiting. Did Fetzima trigger gastrointestinal problems? Hasn’t improved mood either. Going off. What to try next? This is a crazy circle. Hopefully, one day there will be something better than “try this,” “try that” approach. At 70, ready to give up."

• Jam...
• February 8, 2018

"I was switched from anxiety medication to Fetzima. I was very nervous at first, not knowing what to expect and reading a million different reviews. From my personal experience, this medication has been amazing. I have been feeling so well. For the first time in years, I actually enjoyed Christmas instead of stressing myself out beyond belief. I actually feel like I can cope with family, work, and life stresses. I tend to overextend myself and try to go above and beyond for holidays, birthdays, school functions, etc. I can handle it now without having a breakdown, and I know my limitations and have learned it’s okay to reach out to others for help. Medicine reacts differently with everyone, but I personally have had such a wonderful experience and am so glad I listened to my doctor and tried this. It has been a success for me."

• Bau...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2016

"This norepinephrine dominant SNRI has helped tremendously with my depression. It has given me increased energy and focus without sleep disturbance. So far, no significant sexual side effects (will post later if this changes). Currently at 40 mg; may go up to 80 mg in preparation for seasonal mood worsening. I do believe the medication is also helping me with mild-to-moderate age-related aches and pains. Overall, very satisfied!! PS. No side effects for me; or I'm interpreting the side effects as positive, i.e., increased focus and energy, yet that's what these meds are supposed to do. Maybe someone else might interpret the energy and focus as anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2017

"Update: I've been on Fetzima for 5 months. It has worked better than any of the other 30 meds I've tried. It took 4 months for my arms' itching side effect to go away, and soreness of my mouth's upper roof and upper gums is also gone. My heat and sweating are almost all gone. If I stay on the couch, I have no sweating, but when I do anything such as brushing my teeth, I get so much sweating. Normally, I don't sweat. These side effects do go away, so don't give up on this drug too soon. I don't get that drugged-out tired feeling from the depression anymore. I do have a little anxiety from Fetzima, but it is usually when I'm in bed trying to sleep more when really I had enough sleep, which is good because that keeps me from escaping into bed."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

"I have had severe depression since my teens and have been on antidepressants for many years. Fortunately, I have had beneficial effects from several over the years. The most effective treatment to date has been a combination of Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. I took that combination for ten+ years and, unfortunately, I recently started slipping downward, increased depression, and feeling out of control. I was prescribed Fetzima (transitioned off Cymbalta) and completed the starter pack with the only benefit being increased energy. My Dr. then increased the dosage to 80 mg and have been at 80 mg for two + weeks. I have never felt (for lack of a better word) so crazy in my life! I have been so irritable, angry, depressed, and unreasonable and feeling."

• Sag...
• November 28, 2016

"This works better than anything I've tried. I was doing well with Strattera for 4 years, then it stopped working. I did well on Wellbutrin for many years, it stopped working, etc. With Fetzima, I get up easily in the morning because I lay in bed for at least 15 minutes, I pet and play with my cat, have quiet time saying things I'm grateful for, and sometimes I get guidance for information for my day. I don't overeat anymore, I get full fast and can only eat half as much as I used to because I get bloated, which helps. My headaches went away after 2 months, and my sweating is almost gone away now after 3 months. I feel good and motivated to do things. I'm not hyper like with Wellbutrin."

• che...
• October 29, 2015

"Horrible. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years. The doctor decided that I would try this medication. I have tried over 30 medications with no results. This medication significantly increased my anxiety. I have social anxiety and normally only become anxious in social situations. When taking this medication, I became anxious 24/7, and the anxiety intensity also increased. I felt like I was dying."

• Xri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2016

"Took a 6-week trial of Fetzima, after trying Zoloft (which I hated) and Celexa (which was okay). Fetzima seemed to work well! No more bouts of crying or crazy attitude. But my blood pressure and heart rate skyrocketed! While exercising, my heart rate would increase to 200 bpm! Resting could sometimes be 120 bpm! And although the feelings of depression had subsided, I had my heart to worry about. Not worth the overall long-term damage to my body..."

• Dea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2014

"I started Fetzima at the request of my doctor, as my mood was very dull, and I was using alcohol to help with anxiety. After 8 weeks at 40 mg, I could not handle the excessive sweating that was so bad I was showering sometimes 4 times a day and washing my sheets almost daily. The worst part was the excessive pain after intercourse that would almost bring tears to my eyes from the pain. I have since been moved to another SSRI."

• Squ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2014

"Started on 20 mg daily and went up to 40 mg. Little or no mood changes. Some of the worst side effects I've experienced: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Pain with urination. Initial loss of appetite, which then seemed to swing the other way and make me want to eat constantly. Very increased irritability, to the point that I caught myself screaming insults at the computer or other drivers (in private, thankfully), pounding my fist on the desk, and having to plug in headphones and crank the music loud enough so that all the little noises around me didn't make me scream in anger."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

"My experience with this medication is terrible. I have moved up to 40 mg daily. I have had a rapid heartbeat all day. The mood swings are terrible, runny nose, the sweats, body aching, headache, and just feel very irritable. The dreams are more like nightmares. I am not sure how they still market this drug, but I would not recommend this to anyone. It is not an antidepressant but an anti-feel-good product. I have never written a review before but feel so strongly that other people should not get involved in this drug."