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User Reviews for Effexor XR

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Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I started taking Effexor XR 37.5mg capsules 2 months ago. I had a hard time for the first couple of days. I would wake up in the mornings feeling afraid and hot. But my loved ones convinced me to stick it out. I continued taking my medicine each day...at the same time each morning. And I wish I would have started taking it a long time ago! I can concentrate. I can focus on what my children are saying to me. Things that used to be overwhelming are no longer. I can go out in public and feel confident...not feel like the walls are closing in on me. Effexor XR changed my life for the better.

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November 18, 2009 4:40 PM
Memberembrys4ever said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: I've been on Effexor XR for almost a decade. The withdrawal symptoms have prevented me from stopping it. Every attempt in the past to change/stop the medicine has landed me in the hospital. I am now taking the generic due to the cost, I can't see any difference. I consider it my happy pill and have to take it every day or I experience uncomfortable side effects.

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November 14, 2009 5:19 PM
Membergbdill said:
User Rating:  
6.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: I was prescribed Effexor XR for the treatment of anxiety and slight depression. The bottom line is this, it made me more calm but at the expense of too many side effects. It wasn't worth it to me. It made me more calm almost clouded my mind. I was sleepy throughout the day and had no energy. But if I took my second dose too late in the day, I couldn't sleep at night. I also sweated profusely more often, typically within a couple of hours of taking the medicine. Perhaps the most profound side effect I experienced was the inability to achieve ejaculation. This was NEVER a problem in my life until I began taking Effexor. My doctor has now switched me to Wellbutrin. Hope it works.

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November 10, 2009 1:03 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been on tons of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications throughout the years. When I started taking Effexor XR, I was thrilled- I felt so much better... minus all of the side effects. The side effects are just awful. I sweat constantly, I have awful headaches, no sex drive, and I gained 15 pounds. And now the medication has stopped working sort of... I don't feel sad or happy... I just kind of feel here. I've tried to get off of Effexor but I get those brain zaps/vertigo feelings and vomit so I stop and keep taking it. I guess it helps some people but if I can ever get off of it, I will be going back to another medication.

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November 9, 2009 1:14 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: I started taking this for the irritability that arrived with perimenopausal symptoms. It has worked miracles!

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November 4, 2009 5:45 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyLizardoli said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: This drug has worked for me for the last year. It actually started working the first couple of days I used it and then I titrated up to a dose twice a day and it has enabled me to be on a more even mood throughout the day. Just be careful when the doctor mixes it with other anxiety medicines or depression medicines. You could be susceptible to serotonin overload, I mixed it with a high dose trazodone for sleep issues and found that it made my anxiety worse and more apparent to people, so I switched to Limbitrol which seems to work well with it and don't forget, if you stop these drugs don't do it cold turkey. I stopped trazodone and went into withdrawal symptoms that triggered a major seizure for me!

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November 2, 2009 2:30 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: This is the best medicine I have been on in years. It gives you a continued feeling not a low or uncaring feeling.

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November 1, 2009 9:47 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: I take 225mg a day. I experience withdrawal symptoms throughout the day. I have missed a couple doses and felt like I was relapsing. The medicine helped me. But the side effects are affecting me physically and have become more and more of a nuisance for me over the last year. I experience a tingling in my lips and get a nervous feeling throughout the day now. Jittery and antsy. I soon will hopefully start the tapering process.

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October 30, 2009 1:11 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: In my case it triggered a manic episode, so I'm no longer on it, but a family member takes it for clinical depression and has seen wonderful results.

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October 27, 2009 12:44 AM
Working-it-out (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Postpartum Depression: I am a mum of two. Been depressed in past but felt fine after birth to first baby and the following three years. Developed depression, anxiety, mania after second baby, almost immediately. I am now in hospital (mother and baby unit) with 9 week old daughter. I'm on Effexor XR 375mg and experimentally with Seroquel (too sedating), Abilify (not effective) and now lithium. Effexor is causing mania like symptoms and I have been taking it for 4 weeks. The introduction of another medicine will hopefully counteract this. Overall though Effexor has definitely reduced my lows from a 1/10 to never dipping below 5/10. Fingers crossed I can get out of here and back to normal, soon.

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October 20, 2009 6:54 PM
AshleyV (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: I have tried at least a dozen different psychiatric drugs, and Effexor XR works better for my depression than anything else has, and it does not make me at all manic. I also had a positive side effect it made me lose weight! I was very pleased.

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October 12, 2009 7:45 PM
Happy Michigander (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been on Effexor XR 75 mg once a day since December 1999. I originally started taking it for depression. It has worked superbly for me. It removed the frequent crying spells, and feelings of worthlessness, disinterest, etc. The only side effects I had were yawning at first and vivid dreams (which can still occur). During the fall, around September/October, I find I double my dose to 150 mg once a day. If I miss my dose, I get weird vertigo-like symptoms. I can heartily recommend this medication to those with 'milder' forms of depression with some anxiety. I don't care if I have to take it for the rest of my life! I'm a 'normal' human being now!

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October 11, 2009 6:29 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: I am amazed at how this medication changed my life. I often compare myself to a duck in water, where the problems just glide right over me, which never used to be the case. Issues that may have cause depression or anxiety in the past are now handled without confusing emotions. The only reason I give it a 9 are the horrific side effects if I miss even one dose. Strange nightmares, shaking, confusion and even an odd ability to sleep for more than 10 hours straight. Does it deter me from continuing with this medication? Absolutely not.

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October 8, 2009 6:45 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Postpartum Depression: I returned to work, after having my second child, at the end of April. By the begining of June everything was falling apart. The job I had worked so hard to attain, my relationship, my friendships...nothing seemed to be going well, my two beautiful boys were the only thing keeping me remotely together. I was asked to take a leave from work. I started with Zoloft - terrible I clenched my teeth all day long! Moved to Cymbalta - all I wanted to do was sleep, with two very active boys naps are just not an option. I started taking Effexor XR two weeks ago now. Love IT!! The only side effect I'm noticing is short term memory loss, but hey my sex drive finally came back!!! YEAH! That alone does help alot with my depression.

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September 28, 2009 9:07 PM
clrrrr (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I was prescribed venlafaxine a year ago after a suicide attempt. After about four weeks on 150mg once a day I started to feel less miserable all the time and a bit more sociable. However, the side effects have affected my life quite a lot. I am now constantly getting sweaty, often feel restless (especially at night) and I have little to no sex drive. The side effects of skipping a pill (just one day) are also extremely drastic. Nausea, vomiting, crying, headaches and my anxiety problems are exacerbated to the max. It is not helpful at all to my anxiety, I have been prescribed buspirone for that on top as I am still having frequent panic attacks, etc.

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September 8, 2009 6:36 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: This medication changed my life. I'm sorry I waited so long to admit I needed it. It's wonderful to be able to cope with all of the daily challenges of life and yet still feel happy to be alive. If you're feeling out of control, don't waste your life out of fear of asking for help. Side effects like loss of sexual drive are minor compared to the benefits.

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September 2, 2009 5:45 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Hot Flashes: Effexor XR has been very helpful. The only side effects I've noticed is a occasional, slight feeling of dizziness and increased sweating. The benefits greatly outweigh the side effects.

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August 13, 2009 2:18 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: So far Effexor XR has been a lifesaver with minimal side effects. As a full time care giver to my mom who has Alzheimer's, depression was slowly destroying me and I was a fool to think I was man enough to deal with it - with no help. After 3 weeks use, I had completely overcome my heavy alcohol use and my motivation, clarity and concentration levels returned to an above normal level. In the beginning I did experience the sweating side effect and felt a bit anxious. My doctor agreed he should have started me at the lowest dose instead of the 75mg. I now find that a 75mg dose every other day, supplemented with exercise on the non dose days has seriously turned my life around for the better.

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August 10, 2009 7:19 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I was on Zoloft for 8 years and my doctor first tried to ween me off that and put me on Effexor. It was miserable. I am sure some of it was related to the withdrawal from Zoloft, but I was eventually able to transition to Lexapro without the same problems. This medicine made me extremely nauseous. I had a horrible headache and was so depressed my family cried from being around me.

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July 31, 2009 4:37 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
4.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have currently been taking Effexor XR for about a year. It seems to be helping with my depression I could do without the weird side effects such as the constant yawning and vivid dreams. Also never miss a dose because after missing only one dose I experienced jitters, massive headache and dizziness, it felt like my head was full of water kind of a "sloshing" feeling.

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July 30, 2009 10:53 PM
JD25261 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
6.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: Effexor XR did it's job in balancing me out. I had a significant anxiety and depression problem. I started out with 75mgs, moved up to 150mgs and tried 300mgs. In the end, I settled with 150mgs. At 300mgs, my dreams at night were very, very vivid and real like. They were too much to deal with. And mentally I felt bogged down. I did too with 150mgs but not as much. I didn't notice much in side effects when I started taking it. However, it is true it does affect your sexual drive and experience. The prescription is fine if you have health and prescription insurance. The drug itself for a 30 day supply is about $180. The company does not offer you any helpful programs to try to reduce the cost. The company no longer offers free samples to my doctor so if and when I might need it due to a lack of funds, I can't get it from them. I'm trying to come off it and have buzzing zaps dominating my head. As time goes on without the medicine the body feels like it's shriveling up and deals with other irritable side effects. During the time of coming off it, you are very irritable. I have followed my doctors orders of dropping the mgs down to 75 for two weeks. And then taking one capsule every other day after that for two weeks. It's the day in between that is awful, if I don't have one a day.

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July 23, 2009 3:19 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: It worked for about a year and then the panic and anxiety came back. Even being weaned off of the drug I had the most horrible side effects, mood swings, 40lb weight gain in only one month to name just a few. I have been off of it now for about 6 months and still experience the brain jolts.

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July 18, 2009 3:30 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been on Effexor XR for about 9 years now (150mg once a day). I originally started taking it for A.D.D. and mild depression. It has worked incredibly for me. I went from no attention span to extremely focused. I also went through some events that increased my depression, and by upping the dosage, I was fine. The only side effects I've had are extreme withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose (severe headaches and jitters), and a decreased sex drive. I would strongly recommend this drug.

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July 12, 2009 1:43 AM
Memberjaxony said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: I was prescribed this for chronic pain. It did relieve the pain but made me groggy and nauseated, so I did not continue it.

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June 21, 2009 6:23 PM
Memberzoombini1 said:
User Rating:  
4.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I started Effexor XR about a year ago. Within a month I developed an excessive sweating condition, which my family, friends, and others noticed and commented on. Many of my new blouses got discolored sweat stains on the neck, which would not be removed by pre-treating or washing. I could no longer exercise without having a major debilitating sweat, which would take at least 20 minutes to recover from. I started Cymbalta yesterday, and tonight I was able to walk for 1/2 hour with my husband, with only normal sweat.

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June 11, 2009 10:26 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) 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 hyper vigilantly to ensure nothing bad happened. Now I am able to relax and go with the flow. The only draw back is the severe withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and "brain jolts." I notice these beginning even if I am just a hour late taking my pill.

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June 11, 2009 1:01 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveybls247 said:
User Rating:  
6.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I feel the need to write a review of this medication as I am currently experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms from missing one dose. There was a mix up with a new insurance company and I unfortunately had to miss yesterdays dose. I have never felt this way after missing one dose of a medication and I have taken several different antidepressants over the last 10 years. I have the sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and I have been crying uncontrollably all day. I did have benefits from taking this medication for the past three years but I worry about continuing to take it any longer.

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June 9, 2009 6:17 PM
Got my Happy Pills (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
2.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: This medicine did not work well for me. I was on it for a total of three months and it did not make me feel any better. The side effects were not fun. I had trouble sleeping and almost no energy.

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June 9, 2009 2:30 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: I have been on this medicine for five months now. Getting on this drug for my Bipolar and Major Depression made all the difference in the world. I really think that the XR is the best way to have a medicine of this type. It keeps me even and able to carry on with my life.

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June 7, 2009 7:24 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
3.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: Caused weight gain.

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June 4, 2009 9:32 PM
OCD Guy (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Effexor is the only antidepressant that has helped my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and I have tried quite a few. It is the only one that has had very few side effects as long as you take it regularly. It has greatly helped me deal with my OCD and has greatly improved my overall mood and outlook on life. I take it in conjunction with Pimozide which has eliminated the intrusive unwanted thoughts and also Dextrostat which helped eliminate the tiredness associated with with taking the previous medications. These 3 medications have given me a new lease on life. Prior to this mix of medicines I must have tried a couple dozen that either didn't work for me or had too many side effects.

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May 31, 2009 4:57 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Fibromyalgia: Effexor was better for fibromyalgia when you could control dosage and take more if needed.

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May 25, 2009 4:27 AM
tuckaseegurl (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: My doctor suggested I take this medicine. I was a what you could say was a functioning, depressed person. I tried Effexor SR and after a week felt better but in 3 weeks time a 9 lb weight gain. I think that I would continue this medicine if not for the huge weight gain.

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May 24, 2009 1:35 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder: I'm 19 years old and have been on Effexor for about 2 years now. The day before my High School graduation I went on it after having a huge panic attack and finally being diagnosed with anxiety (surprisingly I never knew I had it). This has given me my life back. I can't remember when my last panic attack was. I'd recommend it.

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May 13, 2009 5:29 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveytaylz said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Was in College when I treated. At high doses (approximately 225mg), I was lethargic, cloudy headed and angry. Drug caused SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. It aggravated stress levels. But for my mom, this medication has given her life back to her, "curing" depression, lowering anxiety, and inspiring creativity.

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May 4, 2009 2:31 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: This medication has helped me out very much. I used to get anxiety attacks often about school or work, a couple times a week but now I rarely get them at all. I also used to just "blow up" in arguments with my wife but now I feel in control of my actions and speech.

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April 13, 2009 12:12 AM
Membertighab said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Bipolar Disorder: It caused a severe reaction for me. I started going into hyper-mania with racing thoughts, anxiety, trembling and upset stomach.

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April 8, 2009 9:57 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Postpartum Depression: I started the Effexor XR 7 years ago after dealing with 2 years of postpartum depression. I finally stopped being stubborn and went to the doctor. It started working right away, but believe me don't miss a dose or be late with one when you first start taking them, you body will not like you. I was off of them for many years and was doing well. Recently due to stress I have gone back to my old moody self and having blow ups and am back on them and again working right away. You feel much calmer and once you get through the time of your body getting used to them you are clear headed and happy. Don't let the first few days discourage you.

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March 21, 2009 10:17 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety and Stress: I have found that Effexor XR is the most effective drug for my anxiety disorder and depression. I have had basically no side effects from the medicine and it has helped control both issues. I have noticed withdrawals even if one dose is missed. I have been taking 150 mg daily for three years and overall am very pleased.

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March 13, 2009 7:14 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I went through a very bad depression state a few weeks ago. I went to the hospital and they put me on 75mg of Effexor-XR and increased it to 150mg after a week. I had severe bladder cramps and waterworks problems while on the higher strength. My doctor reduced the dosage to 37.5mg once every 2 days. I now feel fantastic. One of the main things I have noticed since taking this medication is this. For about 35 years I have suffered with extreme pain from T.M.J(an inner ear problem). Since I have been taking this medication the T.M.J. has gone and I can sleep 8 hours at night, the first time since I was a baby which is 53 years ago.

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March 5, 2009 5:21 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been taking Effexor XR since mid-2005 to help me through a major depressive episode in my life. Took it in conjunction with Remeron, which helped me immensely with improving my sleep and improving my mood. Watch for withdrawal symptoms (reduce drug by taking a few grains out of the capsule each time). Do not go off cold turkey. Would be a 10/10 except that I have the sexual side effect. However I'd rather be happy/non-suicidal than easily aroused.

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March 2, 2009 10:04 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've just started using it, to take the edge off of anxiety and panic problems. I use to wake up in the middle of the night with bad panic attacks thinking I was the only one in the world awake with this. Well I haven't had an attack since taking this.

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February 20, 2009 4:10 PM
26 y/o female (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been taking Effexor XR for 15 months for treatment of depression. Initially, I wondered if there was a point and if it was making a difference. I was very skeptical when I ran out during a storm, didn't receive mail, and my mail service pharmacy prescription arrived late. I felt like my head was "sloshing" and I was very sick to my stomach. Missing a dose was awful. But about a year after I began taking it, I noticed that I was back in control of my life and I felt like me but better than I remembered. My friends say they saw a difference much sooner. I don't know if the passage of time, monthly therapy, or the medicine is what helped me get my depression. I'm giving credit to Effexor XR.

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February 6, 2009 11:13 AM
TheMommy (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: Like others, I'd been on Paxil and Lexapro before. Lexapro helped for a few months only. I've been on Effexor XR for a month now and what a difference. I have more energy and I'm thinking more clearly. Thank God for this medicine. I have an active 5 year old who now has her mommy back.

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February 4, 2009 9:51 AM
SoNotNormal (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: This drug helped me a lot when I suffered a severe depression about a year ago.

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January 26, 2009 12:02 PM
gutgirl (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Worked really well for irritable bowel syndrome, but unfortunately it affected my blood pressure.

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January 13, 2009 9:41 PM
Memberthedeb41 said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Hot Flashes: I have been taking Effexor XR for approximately 6 months now. My hot flashes were very severe. I would be soaked and wet from top of my head down to my legs. Cold glass of water hardly touched it. After taking Effexor I only have little sweating around my head and neck maybe two to five times a month. It is a great relief.

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January 11, 2009 4:09 PM
MemberStacey68 said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: It is a fine medicine for depression but gives me nausea.

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January 10, 2009 1:40 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Fibromyalgia: Fantastic for anxiety. Has enabled me to function normally. I spent 15 years in constant state of stress. This really worked for me for fibromyalgia. Can't believe I'm pain free after 20 years.

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December 29, 2008 4:12 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
3.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: This medication was not for me. Over the year that I was on it I gained 20 lbs and kept having to up the dosage. The side effects were horrible. If I was late taking a pill I would get a really funny feeling in my body.

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December 4, 2008 12:37 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been on Effexor-XR for around 6 months now. My dose is up to 300 mg, and it will probably increase to 375 mg next visit. I was in an extremely deep depression and was initially prescribed prozac. That was a mistake for me. Affter a 2 week washout I was switched to a low dose of efexor, and it was gradually increased. It is helping with the depression. I have feelings again, and I can talk to people and meet their eyes. It's not so good for the generalised anxiety. Side effects at the start were lack of appetite and insomnia. Only the insomnia remains, and has got worse as the dose has increased.

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December 3, 2008 8:14 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I've been taking Effexor XR since 2004. The side effects that I experience are loss of appetite/weight loss and sexual side effects. However, every time I try another medicine or try to "get off" my medicines, I crash and I always go back to Effexor and it works really well. So it is a consistently reliable drug for me and I am very thankful for it.

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November 2, 2008 8:15 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: The generic venlafaxine is not comparable to EFFEXOR XR at all . You have to take them 1 every so many hours you have to figure it out to take during your waking hours. Therefore you crash daily and more than once a day. The bad news is my insurance won't pay for the EFFEXOR I have to pay out of pocket for it.

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October 29, 2008 12:36 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: I can't believe how much this medicine helps. Something tramatic happened to me last May which made me very anxious and my doctor tried to prescribe this but my insurance company is notorious for turning down any medicine that does not have a generic. Finally in October (after trying many other medicines) I was prescribed Effexor. Although the underlying issues are still there for me, I am myself again.

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October 28, 2008 8:47 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: Effexor XL has worked very well for me in combating my depression. I have been very diligent in taking the medicine properly and on schedule every day at near the same time. This past weekend due to an oops at the doctor's office a refill was not called in properly to the pharmacy before I went out of town for the weekend and I left town without any Effexor. Needless to say I experienced Effexor withdrawal symptoms. Heed my warning! It's not a good idea to miss a dose and you DEFINITELY DO NOT want to miss any doses. It was awful. Don't let the script run out.

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September 15, 2008 12:44 PM
trippensli1 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have been on this wonder drug for many years. I find that if I forget to take my medicines for even one day I become sad and can cry very easily. If I am off them for more than 3 days watch out. So don't skip. Take your medicines. I am 46 and find I am forgetting things. I have been on antidepressents for 20 years now. 6 or 7 of those years on this medicine.

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August 28, 2008 2:26 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyjcobb said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I started taking Effexor XR 3 1/2 years ago while in an eating disorder treatment center. I struggled for years with major depression and took several different anti-depressants that never helped. Even after being in a treatment center for 3 months I could barely deal with my emotional issues because I was so weighed down by the depression. They finally sent me to a new doctor who knew Effexor would be different for me. He started me off on a week of 75mg/day then the next week he upped it to 150mg and the next week he ended it at 225mg. It was like a huge dark blob was lifted off of me! I felt clear-headed, stronger and happy. I never thought I could feel that way again. I still take the 225mg dosage and have no plans of quitting.

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August 19, 2008 5:33 PM
Sunny-side-up (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Hot Flashes: This drug decreased my hot flushes by 2/3. I figured it would be 100% but that was probably an unreasonable expectation. I've gone from 8-12 a day to 2-3. I've suffered hot flushes since 1998 and the past 6 months they have only gotten more frequent and very annoying. My husband says I'm nicer to live with after taking Effexor, so now I realize I really was irritable from the lack of sleep and night sweats this past year. I tend to forget names or words more frequently but am not sure if the foggy brain has another cause.

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August 13, 2008 3:45 PM
GKBJ (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder: I found Effexor to be a good medication for my symptoms which were anxiety, panic, slight depression. I forced myself to get off of this medication because all it really does is mask the problem. It took me two tries to get off it. I had been taking 75mg for 5 years, eventually moving up to 150mg.

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August 5, 2008 9:06 AM
Memberbritgirl said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have only been taking this drug for two weeks but I believe it has saved my life. I have taken so many drugs that did not work I could hardly believe this began working in just over a week. My severe depression has not gone completely but the change is huge in such a short time. I think the doctor will probably increase my dose, only on 75mg daily, and I am hopeful I will be in total remission quite soon.

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August 3, 2008 4:09 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have been taking this medicine for 6 years and am very happy with it. It is the first medication that has helped me to feel what I would guess is normal. I am able to enjoy things in my life that are good. My anxiety is less and my paranoid obsessive thoughts are much more in control. I feel like it gets my brain in the right place to where I can think clearly.

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July 31, 2008 3:43 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: Effexor XR is the only drug I have found that worked for my depression (I have tried about 10 different drugs), but I gained weight. I got off it about 3 years ago because of the weight but haven't found anything that worked as well.

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July 27, 2008 11:46 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: Life changing. I was prescribed Effexor XR for depression and anxiety with attacks. I suffered for years until I hit rock bottom and saw a doctor. This was the first medication I was prescribed and after 2 weeks I saw an improvment and after a month I was a completely different person. I actually for once feel normal and I am never sad and cry for no reason.I have energy, I dont feel crappy. I am hardly ever in a bad mood and the best part is I don't feel like I am taking anything. Best decision of my life.

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July 12, 2008 12:44 PM
nannygoat (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Hot Flashes: I have been suffering with hot flushes and insomnia since I entered menopause. I have been miserable until a friend who suffers the same told me she was on Effexor with great success. I am on the lowest dose (37.5) and my hot flashes have decreased by at least 80% and I am sleeping at least 5 hours a night now. I have just started taking it so I hope this isn't just a honeymoon period. I recommend any menopausal woman suffering with symptoms to give it a try. I had no idea this was a cure.

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June 19, 2008 8:03 PM
Just keep swimming... (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: In 2003, I had initially tried Remeron to deal with anxiety/insomnia but after 4 months and going through major depression, I started on Effexor. I took Ativan to get me through the first few weeks for anxiety until the Effexor kicked in. It definitely helped me get my life back. My only problem is the weight gain - about 25 lbs. I have tried to wean myself down from my highest dose of 225mg/day to as low as 37.5mg but had reoccuring depression and anxiety so have gone back up.

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June 19, 2008 1:58 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I am so glad that this drug works. I just recently started it. I have had a few side effects but so far feel good.

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June 3, 2008 12:14 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: I've used Paxil to treat what was panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. SSRI's in general are a miracle and gave me my life back. But, neither Paxil nor Lexapro treated the depression that replaced my anxiety. I used to sleep a lot and felt overwhelmed. With Effexor XR, my self-esteem has returned. I'm back in control, accomplishing things, and have a very positive outlook for my future. No side effects.

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June 2, 2008 11:47 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
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,

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May 10, 2008 12:38 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: I HAD DEVELOPED SEVERE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN MY LATE TEENS/ EARLY 20'S AND LIKE MANY BEFORE ME I HAVE TRIED WELLBUTRIN, PAXIL, LEXAPRO ETC. THIS IS THE ONLY MEDICINE THAT HAS SHOWN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT ON BOTH MY DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. I CAN BE MYSELF AGAIN. DON'T BE ASHAMED TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR FAMILY MEMBER. GET HELP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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May 9, 2008 10:30 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: 2 days after I started taking Effexor, the major depression I was in went away. It was like a miracle!

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May 1, 2008 12:18 AM
thpnkpnthr (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: I started taking 75 mg Effexor XR four weeks ago. I used to be extremely manic, impulsive, restless, aggressive, destructive, and all-around volatile. I'm back to being a bubbly, happy, normal twenty-year-old girl. I sleep soundly every night for 8-10 hours and wake to the alarm the first time it goes off (both are firsts in my life). I can concentrate in school, and I have hardly any anxiety. I do tire easily, and I have lost about 20 lb (I was a normal weight to begin with).

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April 26, 2008 1:37 AM
range4 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: It gave me my life back. I would have panic attacks that lasted for hours, always anxious, work was crippling. After one year no side effects. Now I feel normal, confident - it's something I've waited on for 26 years!

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April 24, 2008 11:04 PM
rosietosie (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have been taking Effexor since it first came out. It is the only drug that has helped me, life has been good.

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April 23, 2008 4:47 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have been using Effexor XR for a couple of years now and can tell u if it wasn't for this I don't know where I would be today. It work's for me. Thank you.

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April 18, 2008 6:19 PM
so tired (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: I went from being to severely depressed and so lethargic I couldn't get out of bed, to taking the lowest dose of Effexor and suddenly having more energy than I knew what to do with.

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April 17, 2008 8:20 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This drug has been a miracle for me. I've never been a nervous or a high strung kind of person until the last year. I thought I was going crazy and was afraid to tell anyone. I talked to my doctor, and he prescribed the Effexor XR. Started at 75 mg, and then went to to 150 mg. I feel normal again now.

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April 13, 2008 4:36 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety: I think this medication works well for anxiety. It only works average for depression.

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March 21, 2008 8:47 PM
betrol (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I have been taking this medication for a 5 weeks and it really helps. I would really suggest it to anyone suffering from the same symptoms as I.

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March 15, 2008 10:26 PM
oxaf (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
4.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: When I first started Effexor XR, it seemed to really help for a while. After a while we had to increase the dosage to its maximum, and had to add the max 80 mg of Prozac to keep me "normal". After about a year, I started having real problems with exhaustion and fatigue. It took a lot of testing and doctors and finally two separate sleep studies to find that my deep sleep had been disrupted significantly -- essentially I was getting NO restorative sleep, even when I slept for 8-12 hours!

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March 14, 2008 7:37 AM
greatareyou (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) : When I first started taking Effexor XR, I felt very sad but now I feel much better. I was taking Lexapro but my M.D. said I looked like a Zombie and took me off.

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March 14, 2008 12:15 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: It's a good product. I have been on Paxil and Celexa but Effexor XR was the only thing that made me feel normal. I have been on it for 7 months and I would suggest it to anyone who has depression.

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March 13, 2008 2:46 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression: I just started Effexor XR a week ago. I am on it for depression and anxiety. It seems 2 be working.

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March 12, 2008 3:32 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder: I had crippling anxiety. I couldn't even make it to the grocrey store some days.... I have been on Paxil and Lexapro prior to taking Effexor. Effexor has changed my life and made me feel like my self again. Ihave been taking it for about 7months now and I have had no side effects except that I have had a few vivid dreams. These are happy dreams but I can remember EVERY detail when I normally do not remember dreaming at all.

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March 7, 2008 4:00 PM

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