Fetzima Side Effects
Generic name: levomilnacipran
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 29, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Fetzima Side Effects associated with levomilnacipran. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Fetzima.
Applies to levomilnacipran: oral capsule extended release.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (capsule, extended release)
Warning: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies.
Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Levomilnacipran is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Serious side effects of Fetzima
Along with its needed effects, levomilnacipran (the active ingredient contained in Fetzima) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levomilnacipran:
More common side effects
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- difficult urination
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- inability to have or keep an erection
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
Less common side effects
- anxiety
- arm, back, or jaw pain
- blurred vision
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- chest pain, discomfort, heaviness, or tightness
- cloudy urine
- confusion
- decrease in the frequency of urination
- difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
- difficulty with speaking
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- drooling
- dry mouth
- fainting
- headache
- irritability
- loss of balance control
- muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
- nausea
- painful urination
- pounding in the ears
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- restlessness
- shaking
- shuffling walk
- slow heartbeat
- stiffness of the limbs
- sweating
- trouble breathing
- trouble sleeping
- twisting movements of the body
- uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- delayed or inability to have an orgasm
Other side effects of Fetzima
Some side effects of levomilnacipran may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- increased sweating
- vomiting
Less common side effects
- bloated or full feeling
- decreased appetite
- dry eyes
- dry skin
- feeling of warmth
- headache, severe and throbbing
- hives or welts, itching, or rash
- passing gas
- red eye
- red face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
- stomach pain
- sudden sweating
- thirst
- yawning
Incidence not known
- decrease in smell
- loss of sense of smell
For healthcare professionals
Applies to levomilnacipran: oral capsule extended release.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported side effects included nausea, erectile dysfunction, constipation, and hyperhidrosis.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 17%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, vomiting
- Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, flatulence[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Common (1% to 10%): Hot flush, hypertension, hypotension, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, palpitations, tachycardia
- Frequency not reported: Angina pectoris, chest pain, increased diastolic blood pressure, increased orthostatic blood pressure, increased orthostatic heart rate response, increased systolic blood pressure, labile hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, sinus tachycardia, supraventricular extrasystoles, ventricular extrasystoles
- Postmarketing reports: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, urinary hesitation
- Frequency not reported: Ejaculation delayed, ejaculation failure, epididymitis, hematuria, organic erectile dysfunction, pollakiuria, proteinuria, seminal vesiculitis, urinary hesitation, urinary retention[Ref]
Erectile dysfunction and urinary hesitation occurred as dose-related events.[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis, rash
- Frequency not reported: Dry skin, erythematous rash, generalized rash, macular rash, maculopapular rash, pruritus, urticaria[Ref]
Metabolic
- Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite
- Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia, increased blood cholesterol, thirst[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Aggression, agitation, anger, bruxism, hypomania activation, mania activation, panic attack, premature ejaculation, psychogenic erectile dysfunction, suicidal behaviors, suicidal thoughts, tension[Ref]
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors more commonly occurred in adolescent and young adults 24 years and younger.[Ref]
Nervous system
- Frequency not reported: Extrapyramidal disorder, migraine, paresthesia, postural dizziness, seizure, serotonin syndrome, syncope[Ref]
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Angle closure glaucoma, blurred vision, conjunctival hemorrhage, dry eye[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Discontinuation syndrome[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Increased bleeding risk[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Abnormal liver function tests[Ref]
Respiratory
- Frequency not reported: Yawning[Ref]
References
1. (2013) "Product Information. Fetzima (levomilnacipran)." Forest Pharmaceuticals
Frequently asked questions
- Does Fetzima help with anxiety?
- How long does it take Fetzima to leave your system?
- Does Fetzima cause weight loss or weight gain?
- Does Fetzima cause hair loss?
More about Fetzima (levomilnacipran)
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Further information
Fetzima side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
