Effexor XR and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Sta...
• September 20, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have always been a more anxious person, but in college, I experienced sensations of extreme anxiety (detached from reality, drenched, sweating, shaking) and almost passed out. This lasted for days. I went to the ER and was told it was a result of extreme stress and was given an Ativan. This continued for a year anytime I felt mildly stressed and went to the doctor. I had a horrible reaction to Celexa, it sedated me. Zoloft helped some, but not great, and Effexor. Effexor was difficult at first, I was fatigued and dizzy for about 2 weeks. In the fourth week, the good effects of the medication hit me, and it felt like I could breathe again. I am an even better version of myself, by that I mean happier and calmer. I don’t experience the physical symptoms on a daily basis. I’m more confident and worry less about stressful situations. It took me trying 3 different meds to feel this way. Please have hope and keep pushing through."

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

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."

• Gra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 4, 2020

For Depression "Everyone's different, for me this one's a LIFE SAVER! My depression began 15 years ago. In 2014, I hit my lowest point. Previous doctor had me on several meds that didn't mix well together. That whole year is a blur, I don't remember any of it except for the few grand mal seizures they caused. Eventually, I attempted suicide with one of the meds and ended up in a mental hospital twice within a month. My new psychiatrist took me off everything and started me on this, topped out at 150mg (which I am to this day, 6 years later, still taking). I can't thank that psychiatrist and this miracle drug enough. Taking with Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I'm not sure which one, but I believe one of them has got rid of my sex drive. I prefer no sex drive over that really dark place I was in. Also, if I miss taking them a couple of days in a row (again, not sure which one is causing it), I experience extreme vertigo... not fun. Other than that, I have no other complaints, just absolute gratefulness. LOVE IT!"

• Gem...
• February 22, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor gave me my life back. I was so overwhelmed with anxiety for months to the point I would not come out of my room, all I was doing was crying. I thought I was having a breakdown. I'm taking 75mg at night. At first, I felt sick and dizzy, but after about 4 weeks, I started to feel better. I've been taking them now for 8 weeks, and I feel back to normal. I'm back at work full-time. I still get the odd bad day, but that's to be expected. I don't know what I would have done without this medicine. Please be patient with this medication, I know it's hard, but after 4-6 weeks, you will feel better. Good luck with it all. I know it's really hard, but you will get better."

• ree...
• January 25, 2015

For Depression "I started taking Effexor 3 weeks ago after finding no success with Wellbutrin or Zoloft. It causes some initial bad side effects (nausea, dizziness, tiredness), but I can't emphasize enough how wonderful I feel now! I thought I would never find a solution. Most effective medication I've encountered thus far!"

• sar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2019

For Anxiety "I came to be on this drug in January 2018. I suffered from panic attacks and GAD. I felt horrible. I lost all my motivation, and I was scared of being crazy. I started with Effexor XR 37.5 mg for a week. Then I switched to 75 mg XR. The first month was the worst. Dizziness, akathisia, more panic attacks, sleepiness, my nerves were cracking. After 3 weeks, all the side effects were gone, and I started to feel better. Every day a little better. Now I am a new person! My husband is happier than me! Psychotherapy improved the effect of the drug. I really suggest complementing the drug treatment with psychotherapy. What I suggest is to resist quitting in the first month... it's always darkest before the dawn!"

• Jen...
• September 29, 2016

For Anxiety "I wanted to leave my experience on here because this drug has changed my life!! I read all the bad experiences people have had and was worried this would happen to me too. Back in December 2016 for some reason I just lost it. Heart racing constant (although most of my life I have had heart racing at times due to anxiety), panicking over nothing, crying, depressed, lost interest in hanging out with my friends, wanted to just lay in bed all day, expecting the worst to happen, scared to drive anywhere past my town, dreading my husband coming home from work, etc. No logical reason for any of this. My doctor started me out on Zoloft and it helped a little at first. The side effects for Zoloft were awful for me the first week. 7 months in my doctor had me on 100 mg and at that point it felt like it wasn't working at all anymore. In August, he switched me to Effexor (generic). The only side effect was an occasional dizzy feeling a couple of times the first few days. I literally felt a change by the 2nd day. My heart started beating normally, I was happy, had lots of energy, and could drive everywhere!!! The best part, other than my heart not racing, is wanting to hang out with friends again and talking to complete strangers without sweating and panicking thinking they are judging me!! I did have to raise my dosage to 150 mg because 75 mg was only working half the day. I do hear when you do want to come off of these it is not fun, but at this point I hope I never have to."

• ssh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

For Depression "Started weaning off Effexor 150mg 1 year ago. Got to 37.5mg with hardly any side effects. Then weaning off 37.5mg was terrible. Headache/head pounding, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, random crying spells, very emotional, etc. Did a lot of research and trusted that it’d get easier with time. 4 wks later, finally feeling physically well again... Then it got bad. Sense of constant dread, horrible anxiety, heart racing, emotional as hell, trouble sleeping, extremely depressed, and felt like a zombie. Missing work, sleeping all day, no motivation to do anything. Went back to doc and she put me back on the 37.5mg. Extremely disappointed not to get off this medication. Been 3 days since getting back on it, starting to feel somewhat normal again, just want my life back. Wish I’d received more info when I was first prescribed it - had no idea it would be such a nightmare to try to get off of it. This experience has shaken up my whole world. BEWARE."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2015

For Anxiety "This medication has helped me immensely! I tried Lexapro, but had too many negative side effects. Effexor took about 6 weeks to fully work, but it really brought me out of the depths of my anxiety-fueled depression. I finally feel myself after many years of living in the fog. The side effects for the first 2 weeks for me were: insomnia, increased anxiety/depression, hot flashes, and nausea. These all disappeared after the initial 2 weeks and it's totally worth getting through that rough patch. Once Effexor started working, I thought, OMG! I'm back! My body is dependent on it, though. If I miss a dose, I get dizzy and nauseous. Just know you must wean yourself off and not go cold turkey so you don't feel sick."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2018

For Anxiety "I've been on this medicine for two days due to perimenopause, which is causing me to have blackout panic attacks. The doctor started me on 75 mg once a day. The second (no joke) I took this medication, I was having a panic attack. It had almost an instant effect. The first day I was a bit dizzy and had diarrhea. I woke up in the middle of the night having hot flashes. But no anxiety whatsoever. On the second day, I took it at the exact same time. Not one single side effect. This drug is a lifesaver and changer. I also have ADHD and have been on Adderall XR 15 mg for 18 years. I was worried about how these two pills would work together. All I can say is WOW!! Effexor XR and Adderall XR together couldn't be a better combo. I'm a completely new person. I wake up and take my Adderall, and then about dinnertime I take Effexor. I am now calm, have no more agitation and anxiety due to the Effexor, plus I can stay focused and alert all day due to my Adderall. I couldn't feel better. These two medications work hand in hand."

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

For Depression "This medicine literally saved my life. I took 75mg and the first day I took it, I noticed a difference in my mood. I woke up in the morning and actually felt like getting out of bed. I smiled and enjoyed being around people and was in a pleasant mood. I was getting my life back! The only side effect I noticed was that I was pretty nauseous the first week and lost my appetite. But, it wasn't bad at all! I stopped taking the medicine suddenly when I found out I was pregnant and the only side effect I noticed when I stopped was being dizzy for about a week. But that could've been because I was pregnant too. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage, and started taking Effexor again. Looking forward to being happy again."

• Bug...
• March 15, 2016

For Anxiety "I have very bad anxiety, moderate panic attacks, and horrible night terrors. I just couldn't take it anymore. This was the first medication I tried. It has helped me so much, I can't even explain it to you. Yes, I still have anxiety, but it is mild now. I almost never have nightmares anymore. As soon as I miss a dose, I get lightheaded, dizzy, and feel like crap. It has very bad withdrawals. I have almost no side effects. This medicine has been great for me. I've been on it for almost a year. I am at 150 mg."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Anxiety "I am 26 years old and I have been on Effexor for anxiety. When first starting the medication, I had severe nausea for about 2 weeks, but I stuck with it. Thankfully, the nausea went away and now I feel so much better. I feel smarter, more grounded, and able to make appropriate decisions. Before going on Effexor, it was like I was always working hypervigilantly to ensure nothing bad happened. Now I am able to relax and go with the flow. The only drawback is the severe withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and 'brain jolts.' I notice these beginning even if I am just an hour late taking my pill."

• tqu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "You have to get through the uptake before judging. I am taking 75 mg of XR, and it took 12 days for the nervousness, hot flashes, complete loss of appetite, and weird nerve sensations to subside. I now feel great and have a sense of calm and happiness that I did not have before with GAD and mild depression. I don't worry as much. I'd give this drug a ten (10) if it wasn't for the delayed ejaculation (I'm 47) during intercourse. Ativan helped get me through the uptake. Buspar (hot flashes, dizziness) and Mirtazapine (weight gain) did not work for me."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2016

For Depression "I've been taking Effexor for 5 months now, and I can say it definitely has worked for me. It can take time to actually start working, though, so give it some time. The only downfall is if I forget to take it for a day, I start getting dizzy, brain zaps, and headaches. I am now waiting to refill it, and haven't taken it for about a week, and the symptoms are still occurring. Even with that said, I would recommend this medicine for depression/anxiety. I no longer cry all the time for no reason. Definitely has changed my life (:"

• Sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

For Depression "I take the drug in the morning when I wake up. The first thing is eating, then 75 mg with a bottle of water, and I make sure during the day to drink plenty of water because this drug affects your renal and hepatic system. Every three months, or according to your MD, you should do routine labs. Remember, the drug won't take effect fast; it is going to be two weeks to check out how you are tolerating the dose. During these first two weeks, you may feel somnolence, dizziness, tiredness, and an urge to sleep. That's normal, but you can also feel like you can't control your life, not being focused, and unhappy. That can also occur in the starting period, as it did for me. The maximum effect of the drug/dose will take effect in three months. Monitor your suicidal thoughts with any anti-depression medication."

• ind...
• March 29, 2019

For Depression "It took the drug company 11 years to get this approved. This drug should not be allowed on the market. I have been on SSRIs for 15 years and was switched to this pill, which is the worst. I was constantly dizzy on this, also anxious and brain-zapped. If you take this medication an hour late, you are sick. It has a very short half-life. Going off of it, if you can, is like one bad trip. I had breathing issues, my whole body ached so painfully, vertigo, so dizzy, vomiting, and I tapered off slowly. It will take you 6 months to a year to taper off and get ready for the issues you will continue to have. Don't take it. When I read the reviews, I thought it would be different for me because of the lies from my doctor. These reviews aren't lying, or they haven't tried going off. The XR is the only one that is approved??? The other Effexor is banned now. Please go on something else. Not an SNRI, it will bring you to your knees to pray you never took it."

• ind...
• March 29, 2019

For Depression "It took the drug company 11 years to get this approved. This drug should not be allowed on the market. I have been on SSRIs for 15 years and was switched to this pill, which is the worst. I was constantly dizzy on this, also anxious and brain-zapped. If you take this medication an hour late, you are sick. It has a very short half-life. Going off of it, if you can, is like one bad trip. I had breathing issues, my whole body ached so painfully, vertigo, so dizzy, vomiting, and I tapered off slowly. It will take you 6 months to a year to taper off and get ready for the issues you will continue to have. Don't take it. When I read the reviews, I thought it would be different for me because of the lies from my doctor. These reviews aren't lying, or they haven't tried going off. The XR is the only one that is approved??? The other Effexor is banned now. Please go on something else. Not an SNRI, it will bring you to your knees to pray you never took it."

• jay...
• November 10, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Had panic attacks and social anxiety starting in adolescence. Powered through until postpartum depression after my second child and began having severe mood swings, irritability, and panic attacks (dizzy spells, heart racing, fainting, chest pain) even when I wasn't feeling stress. Started Effexor on 37.5 mg and had almost immediate success (within a week). Felt a little hyper and would feel like I was getting a low jolt of electricity through my legs, but otherwise fine. Gained a bit of weight, but I think that's only because I was finally able to eat without stomach pain. Increased to 70 mg after two months when panic attacks began again, love this drug! Finally have a normal life."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2017

For Panic Disorder "The good: tried after 3 years of agoraphobia and relying on diazepam to even go down the road. 7 months later, I'm at university, living a normal life, going to job interviews, socializing with friends, and I'm going abroad (for the first time in 6 years!) next week. Venlafaxine saved my life. The bad: you have to take it twice a day, which is annoying if you're a disorganized student like me! Also, if I forget to take a tablet by even a few hours, ZZZZAP! The brain zaps are so intense it feels like my head is being pounded by a defibrillator, plus dizziness, etc. Other notable side effects for me are excessive night sweats and dry mouth. The good outweighs the bad 100% though... I love venlafaxine for how much it's helped me."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started at 75, then gradually increased to 300 mg over the course of about a year. Has worked so well for me. 300 mg is optimal for me. If I drop below that, my symptoms return within a few days. It has horrible withdrawal effects, though: nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. It's worth it to me, though. I can think clearly, focus on work, not irritated, not depressed, or having horrible thoughts on repeat all day. Have not had thoughts of harming myself since I've been on it. Also, I have social anxiety. Now I can go places without fear and heart pounding. I've tried Paxil and Wellbutrin, but this is it for me. Hope this helped."

• Sha...
• April 19, 2018

For Depression "I have taken Effexor XR for almost 5 years. I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I take 150 mg in the morning. I don’t forget to take it because if I don’t take it in the morning, I start having withdrawal symptoms by 4 p.m. My lips get numb, and vertigo starts. The longer I wait, the worse it gets. I really had to discipline myself to take it routinely because forgetting enough times is hell, so generally, I never miss a dose. However, a few times a year it happens, and I remember. Overall, it’s the first drug I’ve stayed on because if I forget, it reminds me with the withdrawal symptoms. Generally, I feel very happy and able to deal with life. I’ve put my life back together after my trauma and feel empowered. I’ve set some great future goals and a timeline. There is nothing I can’t work at."

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2019

For Panic Disorder "When I read the reviews about Effexor XR, I couldn't believe what some people had written, and I took it anyway because I had been on Citalopram for ten years. Wow, now I want to go off of Effexor XR because it makes me feel unfocused, brain zaps happen just before I am to take my next dose. If you miss a dose, OMG.... dizziness, brain zaps, headache, crying spells.... from 1 missed dose. I had a QT heart issue. Took this med with Clarithromycin and had to go to the hospital, it put me into Tachycardia, my heart rate was 190 bpm. Had two shots to slow my heart. Now I am weaning from 150mg to 75mg, wish me luck. I hate this bad boy. Never again."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2019

For Anxiety "I started taking Effexor 75 mg for my anxiety at 22 years old when Lexapro and Prozac were no longer working for me. I immediately felt relief after I started taking it. I am very bad at taking it at the same time every day/remembering to take it every single day and have experienced some of the most horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I start to notice it about 6-7 hours after a missed dose. I’ll start to feel off balance, headache, fatigue, flu-like feeling, vomiting, etc. This drug is amazing if you remember to take it, but it is definitely something you need to be on long-term. Highly addictive and horrible withdrawal symptoms."

• Ell...
• January 7, 2020

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."