Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I am going to try a different A/D as this is NOT working out. I started out taking 80 mg of Fetzima 3 months ago, & the doctor lowered my dose to 40 mg about 6 weeks ago because of anxiety. Fetzima has worked for my depression but my anxiety is through the roof! I also sweat like a pig & that causes my electrolytes to flush out, then I start getting severe body cramps. One moment I feel hot as can be, then the next I am cold as ice. I have "never" had side effects like this on any other A/D, and I am done with this!!"

• JT263
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "This medicine can be very dangerous and send you into Serotonin Syndrome. I ask everyone out there to please know the symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome and report to you nearest Emergency Room Immediately if you are having symptoms."

• 8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "For last 8 months, Fetzima has worked very well (after the initial transition period from my last medication.) Over the last 15 years, I have been on many effective anti-depressants, but after about 2-3 years these medications start to become ineffective (Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, etc). Started taking Fetzima 8 months ago, and the first month involved a lot of agitation/anger (very unlike me) and also having to adjust the dosage upward.....now at 120. Since then It has been a good experience. Feel centered and have energy. One very good side effect has been pain relief from my arthritis in my knees and back. I have dry mouth with this and every other anti-depressant I have taken. The drug is very expensive."

• i m P...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Other meds not effective and troubling to Doctor. I started FETZIMA 40mg 5 days ago, including taper off Wellbutron and Escaltalipram. Side effects - heavy sweating, couple of headaches, occasional nausea, frequent diarrhea, little bouts of grouchy, inconsistent sleep, feel unsteady - - improved mood, better energy. I'm hoping for negative effects to stop or be manageable. I see Dr in a week. I'll hang in there til then ."

• Jade
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I have been on Fetzima for at least 4 years. It worked extremely well for me. No side effects after the initial 8 week period. The last year I have been passing out when I stand to long, random racing pulse, unstable blood pressure. My PCP refered me to a cardiologist who diagnosed possible POTS. After going over my med list he said it's probably the Fetzima as it's listed as a side effect. Geesh, who would have thought! So now no Fetzima and I feel crappy but I don't pass out. There is nothing anywhere on long term side effects so beware."

• Nat
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2018

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Today was day 5 of Fetzima and although I was initially a fan, I no longer am one. I definitely felt an increase in energy my first 2 days on it. On day 3 I went back to my usual sleepy self and I also started experiencing some of the side effects. Nausea, increased heart rate, weird anxiety (feeling on edge).. it wasn’t a very nice combo of problems to deal with lol. I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow and coming off of this thing. I don’t think SNRIs work for someone like me who is super sensitive and a highly anxious person."

• Asista
• October 25, 2018

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Seriously - where do I begin. I switched after weaning down from zoloft to fetzima, it has been the most horrible experience in my life. The amount of EXTREME RAGE I felt. I had so much frustration and the anger. I felt over things that were only minor inconveniences or annoyance before. It was the most horrifying experience. I snapped at everyone , said things I would never have said in a normal state of mind and cried uncontrollably especially after snapping at people and feeling extremely guilty and embarrassed. I couldn't think clearly let alone get any work done. I stopped taking it after a little over a week . I'm so done with this. It's making me want to give up. Hope I can find something that will work... :( This med has left me feeling hopeless."

• Less...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I've been on the max dosage 120 mg for 3 months now and feel more human than I have in years. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 rating is because I do have side effects that include: severe sweating, easy bruising, occasional aggressiveness (may just be my personality as I get it under control pretty quickly), my blood pressure (normally very low) has seen a changeable elevation, increased flatulence, migraines linger longer (though I get them less often). While I would love to find a medication that has me feeling this human without the side effects, so far this one has worked better than any of the others I've tried."

• 7071
• February 4, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Have major depressive disorder, PTSD, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain, high BP and cholesterol, low thyroid. Started taking Fetzima 20 mg for two days and then 40 mg daily for the past seven days. It stopped the traumatic thoughts at night but need to quit it due to so many awful side effects....slight nausea and light headaches the first few days, awful insomnia, very dry mouth, sore eyes and less clear vision, twitching in corner of eye, hot sweats switching to my whole body feeling cold, muscle cramps in legs, bad constipation. So sad because it was the only antidepressant that worked for the PTSD. It probably did raise my blood pressure but I did not check... got bad headaches like I do when BP is up. Good luck everyone."

• South...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I have changed my rating from 4 to 1. Upon recommendation of my counselor, I saw a physciatrist to regulate my antidepressant medication. Thank the Lord!!! Physciatrist switched me to another antidepressant that has been on the market for a long time. It is actually the first one I was ever prescribed, Zoloft. I'm into my 6th day off Fetizma and I'm starting to feel like my old self again. Fetizma had me in a state of mental anguish. I wanted to harm myself. I was so sad, so sad, then rages, then shame over ugliest behavior ever. I hate this medication."

• Ssfb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I started with 20mg and stayed on that for 1 month. I didn't see much of a change in with my issues but was a tiny bit better. I went to 40mg for 4 months and I felt some improvement but I became depressed again. I have just started 80mg last week. I was feeling angry and nervous and not sleeping at all for about 4 days. I'm on the 6th day now and those side effects are almost gone. I'll update after a little more time goes by. But I am feeling a little more motivated and awake."

• Doodi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2020

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Some good results from Fetzima but it made me incredibly aggressive and reckless. And I was talking and talking and talking all the time. Trying to pick fights with strangers. So, yeah, had to quit it."

• nicsn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "On day 10 of Fetzima 40mg after lexapro stopped helping me even though i still take it. So far so good it seems to be helping my mood hope it continues. No side effects that i notice. Going to be upped to 80mg as long as my BP is ok. The struggle continues wont stop till i find some kind of normality"

• Tired...
• January 14, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I have adult ADD,anxiety and Chronic Pain. Had to switch doc's (he moved) and the new one insisted I try Fetzima. I have been on it for a week. In addition to severe nausea & vomiting my stomach is rigid. I have been having bursts of rage that have started to become directed inward. Thoughts of self-harm (though not ones I would act upon). Have had flashes of suicidal ideas & am sad. I wasn't sad at all before I took this drug-just anxious & couldn't focus. I have had serious problems with all antidepressants I have tried in the past. I'm reacting in a similar way though it is less severe and my anxiety (when I'm not angry) is marginally improved. Not enough benefit to outweigh thoughts of self harm & suicide!."

• New...
• April 30, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I just started on this new drug. I am very nervous about the side effects as many are listed .... But I've tried so many different medications I have to give this one a try!! I was taking Prisiq but had a reaction from the sun ( even with sunscreen ) so took myself off. I enjoy sitting in the sun and was on vacation. On my second day of taking Fetzima no side effects other than my heart feels like it's pounding a bit but nothing that bothers me too much. I really hope this medication works for me. Stay tuned!!"

• Tiffy
• May 18, 2017

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I've tried damn near every med you can think of. I have MDD, GAD, PTSD, ADHD..wellbutrin stopped working after 3 yrs, and I don't do well on SSRIs (fetzima is SNRI). So I said , everyone is built different, so trial and error/guinea pig it is. 20mg once daily for 2 days then up to 40mg/day. Day 1 had completely 0 side effects. Day 2 nausea and vomiting, lasted until day 5..which is when constipation began. BUT my depression is under control despite environmental factors I can't control. I am less emotional, moody, or irritable in general. Suicidal thoughts don't last as long as before. I'm not a zombie. No weight gain. Its Good. Not Great. 7/10 for me. Stared 80mg today..nauseous but will subside. I'm pretty stable. Give it a chance."

• Jamie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I've tried Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, viibryd, and now this. Started with 20s for two days before going to 40s. First three days I was vomiting, nauseous, and itchy. When that subsided the depression got way worse (which is huge considering how bad it was before). I cry and sleep way more. I feel suicidal and reckless. Calling my doc first thing Monday morning to change plans because this is not working."

• TheTi...
• September 26, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I started taking Fetzima as an alternative to citalopram, as it was no longer effective for me. I immediately started feeling sick (queasy, light-headed). My doctor told me those were withdrawal symptoms, but I still feel them weeks later. I quickly became irritable and have gotten worse and worse. I'm hot and sweaty most of the time, but when I'm cold I also sweat. The irritable and constant crying have caused me to gain weight as I'm eating all the time to try to feel better."

• Lil
• April 10, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I've been on 20 mg for a month. My dr said I should start on a lower dose because of stomach issues I've had in the past. I've tried SSRIs and I didn't like them. Wellbutrin was fine but now am trying this. My body feels energized in the morning, even if I had only had 5 hours of sleep. I haven't noticed any changes to my mood, I still feel negative. My heart rate has gone up, I notice my resting heart rate is not as low as it used to be (I wear a Fitbit). Haven't had any weight gain, haven't had any libido changes, and my stomach hasn't hurt. So far, 1 month in and on a lower dose than he starting dose, I have had no negatives, but also no real positives either."

• Nick-X
• January 29, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Started taking 60 mg in the morning for 9 days and then increased the dosage to 80 mg for major depression along with anxiety. The main effects I felt were extreme agitation, irritation, and anger. It was next to impossible to concentrate on anything. My body and brain were very restless. Realizing that antidepressants take some time before they reach full effect, I tried my best to push myself to stay on it to see if I experienced any improvements. I didn%u2019t. So, after 5 weeks, I stopped taking it."

• Jano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Absolutely awful. Took it for 5 days and became a complete rage monster, just like the other reviewers. I hope you can all find something that works for you, whatever that ends up being (even if it's this!) and remember: many things exist that you can't see right now, and a purpose for living is no different. Good luck, mental health warriors!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2018

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I have struggled profoundly w severe depression for 40 years . I have tried 23 different anti-depressive drugs in multiple different combinations without luck . Last year I underwent ECT (electric shock treatments).I felt better briefly . When the depression returned I turned to Fetzima before trying the MAOI's . I am fortunate not to be experiencing the most serious side effects , although I may be having trouble w my eye due to the drug . I am depression free for the first time in years and very grateful ."

• borde...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2016

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "I gave it a 5 because Im only on day 5 of treatment. The only reason I'm leaving a review is because the side effects have been awful already. I've vomited every single day between last Wednesday (first dose) and today (Monday, 5th dose). I've had a killer headache 3 out of 5 days. I can't sleep for longer than a couple of hours, which makes no sense as I'm on 2 different sedatives - I should definitely be sleeping. And i've been constantly covered in sweat. Even when I feel cold, I'm sweating like an animal. I haven't noticed any mood changes (positive or negative) which is expected because of the short time I've been taking it. I just thought I'd share the side effects and hope they go away with continued treatment!"

• Hobbsey
• April 14, 2023

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "Excellent, I’ve tried all the SNRI’s, this is the best. Plus, it can have the side effects of constipation, which is excellent for me because I suffer from IBSD so my episodes of diarrhea are much less and milder. No effect on my weight or appetite. No CNS effects like drowsiness or fogginess or anything. I am on 40 mg per day. I am a long time suffer of treatment, resistant depression. I hope this feedback is helpful."

• Nickn...
• December 10, 2015

Fetzima (levomilnacipran) "By the afternoon of the first day I started Fetzima, my lymph nodes were swollen and tender to touch. It feels like it just keeps getting worse. I'm now on my 3rd day and have pressure in my face and ear. I thought it was a cold, but after reading some of the posts, I think it may be related to the Fetzima because I have no other "cold" symptoms. So, I figured I would share my experience so far it case someone else has experienced the same thing."