Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Reading reviews online will freak you out about this drug, and as someone who used it for panic disorder and extreme anxiety (as well as depression), these reviews on here definitely terrified me. First off, relax. Taking any new drug for the first time can be scary because your body's adjusting, but freaking out about any little symptom will only make your experience worse. Now on to my experience: The first couple of weeks, I experienced nausea and maybe a bit of sleeplessness, but nothing too crazy. Lost a bit of weight too as it suppressed my appetite. I really do believe this drug helped calm my nervous system enough so that I was able to function normally again, and so far after the first month, I don't experience side effects at all. Don't be scared about all the wacky reviews, people can psych themselves out when influenced by others' opinions."

• lin...
• August 1, 2018

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Miracle Drug! I advise everyone to stick to it through the first week. For me personally, the first week was awful. Honestly terrible. I was nauseous, disoriented, had short-term memory loss - I felt high/disconnected to reality the first couple of days. After one week, I woke up and was completely fine. I felt like my old normal self (without anxiety/depression). Now I feel very happy, motivated, calm, and most importantly stable! No more mood swings, irritability; as soon as something dark creeps into my mind, I can dismiss it in a moment. I've been on Venlafaxine XR for two months (150mg now) and I feel fantastic. I'm so glad I gave it a go. Although it was my last resort, it was my best resort. I used to be a professional athlete, been vegan for a while, I would meditate, do yoga, and none of that would help at all with my condition. Now, these actions are starting to pay off with the help of this drug. Lots of love to everyone going through hard times. Hope my review helps you ❤️"

• Mit...
• August 9, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Have suffered from bouts of severe anxiety over the last few years that would leave me bedridden, suicidal, unable to work or eat. Tried Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Luvox, and honestly thought nothing would ever work for me. All made me worse. My psych doctor wanted to try Effexor XR, but I was worried about withdrawing from it - after trying everything else, I finally agreed. It has taken a month to feel a difference. I'm enjoying things again, not chewed up by horrible anxiety. I'm actually HAPPY?! The first month on it was so challenging - very low, anxious, exhausted, nauseous. But now no side effects. I feel like a light has gone on. I am getting my life back. I could sob with relief. I truly believed I'd never get better, but here I am."

• Cle...
• March 2, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I’ve had depression and anxiety my whole life, and I’m diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I tried all the other antidepressants, but I didn’t really know if they worked or not. A new doctor slowly tapered me up on Effexor. That was about a year ago... The side effects weren’t terrible, some nausea and insomnia for like a week, and then after that, the side effects were gone. I feel so much better, honestly, and I’m not just saying that because with Lexapro and Cymbalta, I never knew if they were working or not. Effexor helps with my anxiety a lot, rumination, and this is the first winter I’ve enjoyed in at least a decade. Also, I have an eight-year-old, a four-year-old, and a three-month-old, all girls, and virtual schooling is still on, so it definitely helps me be more patient and takes the edge off so I don’t yell and scream in a fit of exasperation. I was also afraid of getting postpartum, but honestly, I haven’t felt any of that. Thank the Lord."

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

Venlafaxine 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."

• Jan...
• July 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking venlafaxine for almost a year now and my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I have BPD, and the mood swings, constant anxiety, depression, anger, stressing over the smallest things, and overthinking everything always got in the way of living a normal life. I also struggled with an eating disorder due to comfort eating and weight gain with other antidepressants. I have lost weight, don't binge anymore, have much more energy, sleep well, am less stressed, and my moods are much calmer and less irrational. I didn't score it a ten as the first few weeks of side effects were pretty rough - constant dry mouth, excessive sweating, nausea, dilated pupils, but didn't last long! Everyone's experience is different."

• Pan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Effexor (venlafaxine) for around 10 years, and I could not have survived without it. It helped me to feel 'normal' and allowed me to go out of the house without getting panic attacks. I did sweat profusely for some time, and once I did not take it for 3 days, that was really bad. I had shakes, shivers, lightheadedness, and nausea... I would say this medication saved me from years of mental nightmare."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I've had unmedicated anxiety all my life which seemed to become worse as I got older. Though I lived with it, I also experienced my first migraine followed by almost daily tension headaches. My doctor recommended Effexor. I was very nervous to try it after reading many things online. I also mentioned my concerns about weight gain and sexual dysfunction. I was a newlywed at 40, working hard to lose weight. Despite my concerns, my doctor still recommended it. Within a few weeks, I started to feel better. Over time, I noticed I was calmer, had a clear mind, and slept better. I became more patient and even found improvements in my sex life. Fortunately, I did not gain weight, just experienced a little nausea at first."

• xyz...
• July 31, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have taken Effexor on and off for nearly ten years for depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden traumatic situation. It took a week or so for the side effects to disappear when I first started. I felt so well that I weaned myself off it, which took at least a week with side effects. I have done this twice, thinking I was very well and able to cope when I take the medication. However, I have come to realize that I need to stay on it, and my husband now understands that it keeps me well, happy, and balanced. If I miss a tablet, I feel quite nauseous and a bit unbalanced, even though I only take 75mg once a day. I have come to realize that there are a lot of people out there, including many high-profile people, who need Effexor."

• Mis...
• September 21, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am 46 years old and have taken Effexor since 2000. It helps me balance myself. It really works, and it calms me down and relaxes. But never miss it for a day or so, it will give you dizziness or nausea. I would like people out there to know that Effexor is the best antidepressant. It helps me focus on my life in every way. Thank you for saving my life, Effexor."

• ree...
• January 25, 2015

Venlafaxine 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!"

• abd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2021

Venlafaxine for Depression "I read a lot before taking this medicine because I heard about its horrible side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but finally, I decided to take it as I believe all depression medications have side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and for sure it won't be worse than depression. And if it's approved by the FDA and allowed in most countries, then for sure it has also positive effects more than negative ones. After I took it, I felt it change the depression after the first dose! Now, after 3 months of it, it's the best medication I've tried so far. But please know it has different effects from person to person. For me, the side effects were some nausea and night sweating, and that was only for one day. After that, no side effects happened. So finally, I tell you don't be afraid to take it - it is a safe and strong antidepressant."

• Gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2023

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was taking 37.5 mg Effexor for several years. My depression was pretty much non-existent during that time. Last spring, I got cocky and had my doctor wean me off the drug over a two-month period. For six months, I felt great… until late fall arrived. I suffered with continuous anxiety for the next two months. I denied the heaviness in my chest and the constant worrying that overloaded my brain until I said enough was enough. If this situation was prolonged, I would be in a full-blown depression. I called my doctor, who put me back on 37.5 mg Effexor. I had a few side effects with nausea and headaches, but after four days, I started to feel the anxiety lift. By the fourth week, I was back to my usual happy self. I will never stop taking Effexor again. Lesson learned. My body does not produce enough serotonin. Despite my focus on exercising and other interventions to be mentally healthy, I need Effexor to keep my depression and anxiety away."

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Effexor has been great. I had been on 25-50 mg of Zoloft for panic attacks and high anxiety, and it had worked for a few years. However, after I went off for 4 months and started experiencing them again, I encountered the worst morning panic with nausea, vomiting, and IBS for three months. I didn't want to switch, but it was getting so bad that I would have anxiety for most of the workday and was afraid I might have to miss work. It was fortunate that my cubicle was right next to the bathroom during that time! Finally, I told my PCP I was ready to try something else, and she prescribed Effexor XR. She advised me to stop the Zoloft and start 37.5 mg of XR venlafaxine. It was like night and day. I no longer experienced panic attacks, morning nausea, vomiting, anxiety, or IBS. It's been over a year, and I still like it. Initially, I took it in the morning, but gradually switched to taking it at night because I sleep better that way."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have only been taking Effexor for a little over 2 months and noticed that if I was even an hour late taking my daily dose, I’d feel nauseous and anxious. I also began to notice that I was feeling nauseous anytime I didn’t have a full stomach, so weight gain was inevitable. I decided this drug was making my physical symptoms seriously distressing enough to outweigh any good it may be doing. I was shocked at how awful the withdrawal symptoms have been, even though I was only on it for two months at a dose of 75mg. I’ve been experiencing nausea and 'brain zaps' for two weeks now. My GP put me on Effexor, but after meeting a psychiatrist at a dinner function and casually asking her thoughts on Effexor, she said she doesn’t prescribe it, its withdrawal is so awful. I’m glad I’m getting off it, but alarmed at how nasty the withdrawal is. Can't imagine how bad withdrawal would be for those at a higher dosage and for much longer than my 2 months."

• Fit...
• April 16, 2017

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "At first, I read all the reviews, positive and negative, and was like, oh hell no! I would leave work early, wouldn't want to leave the house, or even go to the store. So, my doctor started me on 37.5 mg XR a few months ago. The only side effect was feeling sick to my stomach, but that went away after a while. I know people are different, but WOW, has it changed my life and thinking. I felt like the old me again, not worrying like a nervous Nelly about things, not in my head thinking about the what-ifs, stayed at work, and went to stores, and people around me noticed the change in me. I was more upbeat and less nervous. Today, I started the 75mg XR because my doctor said let's make you feel even better. Hopefully, this works, if not, I'll just go back down to 37.5mg."

• Blo...
• August 13, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Started taking Venlafaxine ER a year ago for anxiety. Started at 75mg daily and am currently on 150mg per day, and have been for about 8 months. It has helped a ton with the anxiety! While I am not completely clear from anxiety, it is much better to handle. I did not gain any weight whatsoever. I do notice that if I forget to take it, I feel a bit nauseous and lightheaded, so I have set an alarm on my phone. I take both 75mg pills at one time so that it's done for the day. All in all, I would recommend!"

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am 18 years old and started Effexor 3 months ago for anxiety. It has given me my life back. I used to have a hard time even leaving the house, now I enjoy life. I haven't been this happy in a long time. I don't think I would ever quit taking it. The first week, I had the shakes, felt nausea, had headaches, and had no appetite. The side effects went away and now I don't have any at all. I am so grateful, it's changed my life for the better."

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2019

For Hot Flashes "I've been on the 37.5 mg dose for 3 weeks now, and it has been a life changer. I am sleeping at night again instead of being woken up every half hour with hot flashes. I have way more energy, the post-cancer fatigue is resolving, and I'm feeling like I'm getting my life back. I don't know that people understand the impact that those hot flashes have on your quality of life. Some minor nausea, a bit of sleepiness, but I take it faithfully at 8:00 PM at night, so the effects are not too bad. Did I say how much better I'm sleeping... oh... and can wear sweaters to work again."

• hhh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Started taking Effexor in the luteal phase of my period (approx. 10 days before menstruation) for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel the best I've felt. I cannot even access the dark and awful thoughts/insecurities/self-loathing that used to be a constant during this period. The only side effects I've felt were a slight bit of nausea/lightheadedness in the first few days and difficulty sleeping (I keep waking up at 6 a.m., but feel pretty refreshed, so it's okay). Will report back on how it feels to go off them at the end of this phase."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

Venlafaxine for Autism "I took this about 3 weeks ago. I started on 75 mg. I felt nausea the first day. Then the second day was easier, just a headache and a little nausea and panic. But as the week went on, the symptoms went away and I felt a lot better. The reason why I don't give it a full 10 is that if you take it late, after the 24-hour period since your last dose, you start to experience withdrawal. It is different for everyone, but I was fine. I'm autistic, suffer from acute anxiety, PTSD, and severe depression. It has saved my life so far. I am scared of horror stories, but as an autistic adult, I look at it as an opportunity."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've dealt with depression/anxiety all of my life, or at least as early as I hit puberty. I tried Zoloft and Wellbutrin to their max doses, and neither were effective at all. After dealing with unbearable constant depression, I stopped seeing my psychiatrist and went to a family physician who prescribed me Effexor. It's been maybe 4 months on Effexor XR 75 mg/day, and I've done a 180-degree turn around. I feel so content, so confident, rarely feel sad or bothered by little things. I started dating and met someone, and my friendships with people are stronger than ever. I finally feel like the person I should be, and more importantly, I feel like an optimist. The only bad thing is that withdrawal is bad, and it can make you nauseous. Otherwise, 10/10!"

• Xha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2017

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "After years of social anxiety and panic attacks, I had to sort myself out. I did some research into SNRIs/SSRIs and like many, was fearful of the side effects described by others and how bad it made people feel. I went to the GP who prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor. The first few weeks, I felt a little nausea, increased anxiety and panic attacks, and a delay in ejaculation. It never felt unmanageable. After 6 weeks, all had gone. I feel 80% less anxious in social and all situations. I feel calm and very much unfazed by most things. I feel more confident, my mind is clearer, and it is physically impossible to dwell on negative thoughts. I haven't had a panic attack! Everyone reacts differently. I believed it was a risk worth taking and I feel it has paid off!"

• Hom...
• January 10, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Used Ireven (venlafaxine). Started at 75 mg. A small bit woozy, increased heart rate, sweats, and hyperactivity. This eased after a couple of days. I increased from 75 mg to 150 mg. Same effect on increase, but quickly subsided. Life was easier, emotions more manageable, and generally a bit happier. Although, I did experience really, really vivid dreams and fatigue. After Christmas, I decided it was a good time to come off them. This is where it got bad. First off, I should have consulted a doctor and weaned off, but being me, I didn't. Cold turkey is not a good idea, trust me on this one. It was absolutely awful. Vision, motor control, nausea, cramps, pains all over, shaking and tremors, awful migraine, no pupils, I couldn't coordinate my mind and body to work in sync. Admittedly, I should have followed a doctor's instructions and am writing this review to advise others to do exactly that. Overall, it worked well for its purpose, just be mindful when coming to the end: do it slowly."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2019

For Hot Flashes "Started taking 37.5mg Effexor (same time every morning) one week ago for severe day and night hot flashes. Had minimal nausea and dizziness for the first two days, and now nothing. My daytime hot flashes are completely gone with the venlafaxine (they were every couple of hours all day long) and my night sweats/flashes are almost completely gone as well. I have had the last two nights without a single flash and have slept great! I tried everything possible over the counter and 'natural' but the Effexor is the only thing that has truly worked and worked fast for those hot flashes"