Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• laven...
• December 16, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "This stopped my depression the second day! It felt like a hole in my heart mended! Literally! I seem to be able to skip days here and there in the spring and summertime with no effects, but never have plans to wean off. It has been too great a miracle prescription for me! Seven years!"

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2008

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "I take 300 mg of time released effexor, a day and it has changed my life 100% It has helped me to not worry about rejection if things don't go right and to give a speach in front of a audiance had always been frightning as well as any crowds with others. Or being preccupied with possible rejection every minute. I did not relize how much joy of life i was misssing,"

• Panda...
• 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, light headedness and nausea... I would say this medication saved me from years of mental nightmare."

• Atexun
• May 7, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "Started on 37.5mg for a month. First two days were only side effects - I was a little jumpy, couldn't keep legs still, and had insomnia. That went away in 48 hours. Then it shifted to making me sleepy and fairly relaxed. However, I still had breakthrough anxiety crying and didn't feel much change in depression. Decided to up the dose and have been at 75mg for a while now. No side effects. This dose has obliterated my anxiety and helped with depression. All I feel is calm and relaxed. I am more outgoing and happy. Only thing I noticed, like so many others, is that it is tough to miss a dose. But, don't let that dissuade you from trying it. It really has been a miracle for me."

• Pisces
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "Effexor Saved Me After Many Failed Medicines. Current Med Combo- Effexor 75 mg, Lamictal 200 mg, Abilify 5 mg It saved me from wasting anymore time locked up in my house 24/7 and avoiding conversations, knocks at the door, people, telephone calls, and anything else involving socializing. I FINALLY LEAVE MY HOUSE. WILLINGLY and REGULARLY. Daily. I NO LONGER FEAR APPLYING FOR JOBS. I NO LONGER FEAR THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A JOB because I would have to deal with people. I am willing and eager to go out with friends, family, acquaintances, meet new people. SIDE EFFECTS- Only Nightmares, which eventually become less and less and then go away after 2 months. Maybe a little unpleasant at first. Definitely bearable. It's not bad for everyone."

• Freeb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I would just like to point out that every single person is different and adjusts to these medications differently. I had 3 suicide attempts before accepting medication and was put on Effexor. Effexor changed my life, until it didn’t. For 2 years it helped me to function normally, I went back to work, the suicidal ideation ceased and I was able to manage my depression. After a long time though I felt numb and wanted to get off of it. No one ever warns you about coming off Effexor. There is a whole group on Facebook just for coming off it. The withdrawals are worse than any drug I know. I counted every day. It was 12 days of agony before I felt any sort of relief. It was pure, utter awfulness. But I look back and think of what Effexor did for me when I first started this medication, and it gave me my life back. So despite the horrible effects coming off this drug, it still helped me immensely."

• Janem...
• 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 anti depressants. I have lost weight and don't binge anymore, have much more energy, sleep well, 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! Everyones experience is different"

• Effexor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2018

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "Been on Effexor 150 mg for 16 YEARS. Can't remember any side effects that weren't tolerable. I haven't had one problem in 16 years of taking it. I have had three clinical depression episode (about ten years apart) so I have to stay on an antidepressant for the rest of my life. I like to say....I'm a "quart low" on serotonin. Effexor has kept the level up. Happy patient!!"

• Kimeska
• February 24, 2020

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "WORST 48hrs of my entire life. First day I took it Effexor (dose 37.5mg) with my 300mg of Wellbutrin and I got to work and couldn’t even walk in a straight line. Went home and figured maybe I just shocked my system and slept it off. Next day I took the same dosage. First came the spaced out phase where I couldn’t remember where I was or what I was doing. The tremors? So violent that I couldn’t walk or talk or hold things. My husband came home to find me in the fetal position on the floor shaking violently. Let’s not forget hearing and seeing things that weren’t there. Another thing I noticed was that one second I was laughing then the next crying. It was so scary and I couldn’t stop it from happening. Stopped taking it. It’s been 2 days now and I still have tremors. Can’t eat. And the only thing that will stop the tremors is 1mg of Ativan. This drugs ruined my life in 48hrs. I will never recommend it to anyone. Worst 2 days of my life and it’s still going."

• stars...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I've suffered severe anxiety/panic attacks my entire life. I've had Xanax, Valium, Prozac and Edronax over the cause of my years. I finally changed doctor, came off everything, to start where I'm at now. I began on 37.5mg over two weeks ago and noticed a difference straight away. Now on 75mg and getting better every single day. My panic attacks could cause me to pass out, so this is a huge leap in health for me. For those concerned about coming off Xanax, it's so worth the effort. I now feel like I'm getting my life back and I'm truly grateful."

• sleejoh
• January 28, 2008

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I have been on effexor xr for about 8 years now, I currently am taking 300 mg per day, I tried to commit suicide several times before going on effexor, I had been on so many different antidepressants I thought this was how my life was always going to be my children slowly watching me sleep and then eventually die. The doctor put me on effexor and it was the best thing ever."

• New...
• March 27, 2012

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Hot Flashes "After having my ovaries removed, the hot flashes were so bad - one every hour or so - that I could not get a decent nights sleep.The doctor had said if the flashes got bad that I could try this antidepressant. I did not need that or so I thought. After a month I said okay I'll try it. I have been on the lowest dose for about 8 years now. Am I done with the hot flashes - I don't know and don't want to find out. And the side benefit for me is that is also took the edge off of stress and worrying. I recommend every woman who can't take hormones and has hot flashes to try this. I have had no side effects but I did have loss of appetite. Just make sure your doctor checks your liver functions yearly."

• Gemlie
• February 22, 2012

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor gave me my life back. I was so 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 break down. 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 in work full time I still get the odd bad day but that's to be expected. 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."

• Addie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After years of suffering from anxiety, panic attacks I finally decided to start medication. I started with lexapro and it made me feel terrible, with horribly low libido. I then tried Busbar with the same side effects. Effexor XR was my next try. I’m writing this because I was nervous about taking this medication after reading reviews. This medication has saved my life. I can finally do things that anxiety stopped me from doing. My panic attacks have decreased to hardly any. I had social anxiety and I feel like I can have a normal conversation without stuttering due to being anxious. The only “con” I have of this medication is if I skip it one day I have horrible flu like symptoms, extreme headaches. However, I don’t plan to skip it regularly so as long as you take it as prescribed this shouldn’t be a problem. I 10/10 recommend this medication!"

• tutti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2014

For Hot Flashes "After suffering from extreme hot flashes, night sweats and overwhelming anxiety, that I really thought was just me and my lot in life, my cousin told me about her Dr. giving her Effexor. I made an appointment and now take 75mg. I am a different person!! Sometimes have to look in the mirror to be sure it is me. It took me years to discover I can feel good!"

• cass
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine turned my life around in the best way. However, it is important to consider the side effects. The side effects in the beginning were not great for me. I realized quickly that my stomach does not handle this med well, and I WILL throw up if I don’t go to bed right after taking it. However, as long as I take it right before bed it is not a problem. This med also made me feel quite drowsy for awhile at first and also gave me night twitches (body twitches when I was trying to sleep), which were annoying. After about 6 months of being on 75mg my body has completely adjusted to it and I no longer get those side effects (except I do still have to take it right before I go to bed). The withdrawals are also very uncomfortable, and if I miss a day, I am extremely dizzy. On the plus side, I feel extreme relief from my stress, anxious, and depressive symptoms, and I actually feel content with my life. I actually feel happy. Shout out to Effexor!"

• VIRID...
• April 11, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "I BEEN TAKING EFFEXOR FOR 4weeks FINALLY I FEEL GOOD IT'S A MIRACLE I WAS SUFFERING REAL BAD DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AND THOUGHTS OF GIVING UP ON LIFE. EFFEXOR WORKS, THIS IS THE BEST I FELT SINCE I WAS 23 NOW I'M 30 AND YES I FEEL VERY HAPPY TO KNOW I DIDN'T GIVE UP AND FINALLY FOUND A MIRACLE PILL AND IT'S ONLY BEEN A MONTH THANKS EFFEXOR SAVED MY LIFE THANK YOU."

• Ashle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2023

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "This drug saved my life. I've been taking it on and off since 2017 at 225mg. Now, I have struggled with depression for 18 years - constantly crying, feeling hopeless, and wishing I was dead. I've been through several psychiatrists and several different meds. Nothing helped. My anxiety was bad. I couldn't keep friends or maintain relationships. I was on the verge of taking my life because I was in so much pain. Then, I was given Effexor when I was in the mental hospital, and it has helped me a lot and saved my life. It's the best medication I have ever taken. I don't feel anxious or depressed anymore. I got my life back, and I'm happy once again. The people who left bad reviews are overdramatic and sound like lunatics. This drug is amazing. No bad side effects besides drowsiness. It may not work for everyone, but it surely helped me, and I am so grateful I finally found a medication that works tried and true!"

• Bette...
• July 6, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Venlafaxine for four months and for the first two I was a mess. Dilated pupils, extreme anxiety, feeling depersonalised, no appetite, still suicidal, terrified of what the future was going to hold. I was switched to modified release around six weeks ago and the difference within three weeks is utterly incredible. I believe wholeheartedly that this medication has saved my life. Whatever chemical was missing from my brain is almost certainly present and correct now. Nothing else has changed in my life except taking the medication and it is like I can finally experience it. Antidepressants don't change rubbish circumstances but I had an awesome life I couldn’t enjoy because I was so anxious and stressed and now I can relax and am not scared of the future but am excited instead."

• TeTee
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I have been on Effexor 37.5 mg for three months for Hot Flashes. After my first bedtime dose, I was feeling lightheaded and a little jittery the next morning but those symptoms went away after three days. Before Effexor I would wake up several times a night due to the Hot Flashes. I am a totally different person and a pleasure to be around. I am dating again after a two year hiatus and the medication has not affected my sex drive."

• Tip
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I suffer from GAD and I have to say this medication has changed my life.. I am much happier and handle situations better. I only take 37.5 one per day usually in the morning and that works for me. The only side effects was insomnia In the beginning but now I feel calm and relaxed and I have great nights sleep. I wake up energized and wanting to start my day. This medication with therapy has done wonders. Ignore the negative and try for yourself . Reading reviews I was so scared to start this medication but I thank God I gave it a try."

• Gamer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "Effexor was by far the worst medication I have taken. If you miss even 1 dose within hours you are sick and having withdrawal symptoms. It took a good 6 months before the brain zaps stopped. Run away. It's terrible."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I’ve tried many different drugs for anxiety and depression, the last being Lexapro which did nothing to help me. Gave Effexor a try and I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m able to go out in public more without getting anxious, I rarely get depressed, and my mood has improved tremendously. No side effects. Just be careful to take it every single day and don’t miss a dose; my nurse practitioner said people feel terrible if they do"

• Calam...
• March 17, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I started having panic attacks at age 10, always been a struggle, then started having really bad bouts of depression. Things got to stage where I was just so tired of being scared all the time and finding it hard to function. I've been on many antidepressants through the years, Lexapro I had been in for over 10 years, phych weaned me off and put me on Effexor. I actually can't believe this. It's only day 2 On 37.5mg to be increased to 75 next week, but I swear I feel a calmness I haven't felt before, surely after 2 days I'm thinking this can't be right, but after reading some reviews I can see that others have had relief in a short time from this medicine. No side effects. Just feel calm. Feeling hopeful"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder "Effexor XR is the best drug! I have tried Zoloft, Lexapro and Prozac and none of them helped me. I was nervous to start Effexor because of the reviews and side-effects if you miss a pill. I took a leap of faith and started Effexor, and I have been on it for two years now! I have never felt more like myself. Set a reminder if you are nervous you might miss a pill. Every body reacts differently to every drug so please, give Effexor a chance! It’s a miracle drug for my panic disorder. Don’t let the reviews scare you!"