Effexor XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Balan...
• June 24, 2017

For Panic Disorder "This medication is the only thing that managed to keep me functional as a human being. Panic attacks, and severe depression...this seems to do the trick for both problems, and does wonder for my IBS as well! I have started and stopped multiple times (usually just because of the "I feel fine, why bother with it?" syndrome) but the last time, the doctor told me, "Consider yourself like a diabetic; they need insulin because their body doesn't regulate it correctly. You need this because your brain doesn't regulate serotonin correctly. Don't feel ashamed! The choice is to lie around and do nothing all day because you hate pills, or take the pills and live your life." Effexor XR allows me to live normally."

• MudBug
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2017

For Anxiety "Effexor has been a Godsend for me. I went through every med out there to control my depression and anxiety attacks. I have been on it now for 11 years, and it's still working just fine. I'm not saying every day is roses and rainbows, but, if I can have 6 out of 7 days positive, it's a far cry better than 7 out of 7 horrible."

• Sal
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug Effexor XR saved my life. I had previously been on Effexor 75 mg for 30 years and thought I would try something else for OCD. Bad mistake. Other medications made me really anxious, depressed and suicidal. I couldn’t sleep and had lost 20 kgs. Doctor put me back on Effexor 150 mg and within weeks I was a different person. Back to my usual happy self and busy social life. Anxiety was way down. It saved my life. Only side effect is night sweats but I can deal with that just happy to be me again."

• Cotinga
• October 12, 2019

For Depression "I will be 60 this year. My first experience with treating my anxiety and depression started around 1968 with a doctor convincing my adoptive mom to put me on Ritalin- In 2004, my Dr placed me on Effexor XR. Within a week I felt relaxed and human. About a year ago I had a really bad breakdown my current doctor suggested I up the Effexor dosage to 150mg per day. It worked, except for that I have lost my drive and ambition. I know I have things to do, they just do not seem to interest me enough. I get the things done I have to; then I just kinda slack down. Effexor saved my sanity so to speak; but have lost the extreme drive that propelled me in my younger days and I wish for that back! I just wonder if after 15 years on Effexor if there is something that betters it in the 'drive' and emotion department. Again, wonder drug. Sign me, Depressed from birth."

• sara
• 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 being crazy. I started with Effexor XR 37.5 mg for a week. Then I switch 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 to complement the drug treatment with psychotherapy. What I suggest is to resist quitting in the first month...it's always darkest before the dawn!"

• Kay
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I see a lot of people complaining about the withdrawal of this drug or side effects. I hope this drug never gets discontinued. This drug is the only thing (besides benzos, but try get prescribed that these days..)that has ever helped me with my major depression, social anxiety, and panic attacks. This drug is not meant for everyone .. if you have slight anxiety or depression you should not be on this drug.. yes the withdrawal is bad but for some people with severe issues we NEED this to function in society or until we are stable enough through therapy to get off. This is the only drug that works for some people like me with severe anxiety issues"

• JenJen
• 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 my life I have had heart racing at times...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 effects was an occasional dizzy feeling a couple times the first few days. I literally felt a change by the 2 day. Heart started beating normal, happy, lots of energy, driving everywhere!!! The best part, other then 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."

• Chamo...
• December 22, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I am a chemist and worked at a Pharma company when my panic attacks got really bad. My doctor put me on effexor. The 75mg dose was way too much and I ended up in ER. I decided to open the capsule and count the pellets. 1 pellet was about 1mg. I was so desperate to get better (I had tried xanax, lexapro and 1 other SSRI and I had severe reactions to them). I started taking 10 pellets a day and noticed an improvement immediately. I did have a headache in the back of my head at times and also had vivid dreams but it was working. I only needed 10 mgs a day for about a year and weaned off very slowly. Eight years later I developed POTS and my anxiety, brain fog, panic attacks were terrible. Again I got on 10 mgs of effexor and needed to work up to the 37.5 mg pill. I have no panic or anxiety and can drive on the freeways again. It took 2 years to work up to the 37.5 mgs. If you start on a smaller dose these meds should work."

• Whats...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I've suffered from severe panic disorder since I was 10. I am 45 now. I was on 200mg of Zoloft for 18 years. It took away my anxiety, but also took away any motivation. I was a zombie for all of those years and slept all the time. My new Dr. suggested switching to Effexor. I was afraid that it wouldn't work and my panic would come back. I was so wrong. After a week on 37.5 mg, my energy was back and anxiety still gone. I'm on 75mg. I can't believe I stayed on Zoloft so long! I can think and do things again! I don't sleep all the time. Everyone reacts differently. If this med doesn't work for you, I'm sure there is one that will. Wish I would've switched sooner. No side effects at all!"

• EIRE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for the past 4 months now for social anxiety/GAD. A sense of calm and relaxation has come over me. I have days where nothing seems to phase me and I couldn't care less attitude. For me this is a good thing as I use to worry constantly about small, stupid things. I think this is called "emotional blunting"I also seem to look people in the eye and maybe give them a smile. This drug takes awhile to kick in so I would suggest maybe sticking with it. I also take Mirtazapine 15mg at night,"

• Thank...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2019

For Depression "I'm a 53 yr old female & still in perimenopause. Effexor XR 150mg has been a life changer for me! I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, & also bipolar by different psychiatrists. I was depressed, very irritable/angry & moody. I couldn't function & or get out of bed, had no desire to do anything but sleep! Currently diagnosed: Major Depression Disorder (MDD) & Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). After being on many other antidepressants (Paxil, Cymbalta, Bupropion, Abilify, Seroquel - very sedating) & some bipolar meds (Lamictal, Risperdal, Depakote - which made my fine thin hair fall out) that didn't help for over 10 yr period, I was really losing hope & tired of feeling sad, horrible & constant worrying. I felt this was no way to live. After 8 months on Venlaxafine 150 mg XR, I feel so much better and much less irritable & anxious."

• carto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2016

For Anxiety "In my 25 years of being put on various medications, this is--by far--the best. I suffered from anxiety and PTSD, which (of course) would lead to depression. I'd contend with crying spells and outbursts of anger. The first few days of taking 75 mg/day, I did have some side effects (such as racing thoughts, sleeplessness, etc.), but my body adjusted quickly. I now wake up every day feeling more hopeful, and with ZERO crying spells. I am still ME, and never feel like a zombie. I am still aware of my surroundings and what annoys me, yes, but my RECOVERY from processing those things is much faster, and I bounce right back. In other words, my perspective of things is normalized, and my days aren't ruined. Wonderful stuff!"

• Blond...
• August 13, 2014

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 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!!"

• MrPat...
• August 16, 2015

For Anxiety "I tried Paroxetine, Prozac and Celexa and had no positive results so my doctor advised I try Effexor XR given it is a SNRI or different class of drug. Almost immediately < 1 Week I felt a positive mood change, my social anxiety and mild stuttering seem to dissipate and I felt balanced. I have been taking Effexor XR now for almost a month now and my anxiety has dropped right off that I feel my normal self again, I am a lot more social and I stutter hardly ever and I think more logically. The only down sides are that I do sleep more and find it harder getting up in the mornings for work and have noticed fluid retention around my abdomen. I do not mind these small side effects because this drug has really helped me get my life together. :)"

• DennyY
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2012

For Hot Flashes "I was put on Effexor 37.5 for hot flashes. I had uterine cancer and went into very fast menopause. After trying to live with the hot flashes for about 6 months, I asked for help. Effexor has been wonderful. I am now able to sleep through the night. I really only have a hot flash when I forget to take my medicine."

• Fitzy
• April 16, 2017

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 wan to leave the house or even go to the store. So my DR started me on 37.5 mg XR a few months ago. Only side effect was felt 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 an old me again, not worrying like a nervous nelly about things not in my head thinking about the what ifs, was staying at work and going to stores and people around me noticed the change in me. I was more up beat and less nervous. Now today I started the 75mg XR because my DR said let make you feel even more better. Hopefully this works if not I'll just go back down to 37.5mg"

• Sha
• February 15, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started this drug in Jan 2018. I started on 37.5 and went up to 75mg after 3 weeks. I have a history of severe anxiety with panic. I can tell you this drug is the only thing I have taken that completely erases negative thoughts and any and all thoughts of panic. I was never really depressed, but I can tell it has lifted my mood as well. I have tried every SSRI under the sun and Effexor is the only thing that worked for the anxiety AND panic. I encourage you to at least try it, if I made decisions based on the reviews I have read from this drug I would have never tried it. We are all different and react differently to each drug. I viewed the med as a nothing to loose situation so I gave it a shot and it worked for me."

• indig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2018

For Anxiety "I am a long time general anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic sufferer. I went on effexor XR since celexa stopped working for me. I love it. I feel better, I feel more motivated. I've lost 25lbs because I am out now out walking and just living my life with no worry or anxiety anymore. I still have a little but nothing like it was. My husband says I am so different for the better. We are so happy since I took it. My husband saids laughingly thank you effexor. lmao. I have to agree. It works for me."

• Aks
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Depression "This stuff is AWFUL. Feels like MDMA but with only the bad effects. Jaw clenching, can't focus, nausea, shaking. I was literally scared. I called the advice nurse after trying to make myself throw it up because I felt so terrible. Stay AWAY from this drug."

• Cat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started 75mg Effexor about three months ago for GAD and Major Depression . It has done wonders for me . The first month I did yawn a lot and seemed to be experiencing the emotional blunting that they described . And at one point I was scared that I had lost all empathy . But realized that being overzealous about others opinions and worries was destroying me . I am a lot more care free and I haven't cried for no reason in over three months . The low dose is working and I am much happier overall. I do sleep a lot, almost 9 hours a night and I am slow to rise . But my day carries on well after that . I would consider this a success ."

• Hummi...
• June 11, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started venlafaxine after ending up in the psych ward for suicidal ideation and it’s been working super well ever since! My mood is way better and I can actually function again. I still have the occasional bad day but now it’s much easier to cope with my depression and snap out of whatever funk I’m in rather than spiraling for months. I really haven’t had any bad side effects while taking venlafaxine at all which is nice. The one thing keeping me from giving it 10/10 is I’ve missed doses every now and then and I get super disoriented, irritable, and emotional within a day of missing a dose, as well as really bizarre vivid dreams that leave me waking up super super dissociated. It’s easy to recognize that these symptoms are because I missed a dose by accident though and they tend to go away within a day of getting back on my medication. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience on this medication and think it’s definitely worth trying out!"

• Loveu...
• February 9, 2017

For Depression "Effexor changed my life. I was suffering from bad depression for over two years due to something that happened in my life. I couldn't get the thoughts out of my mind. So daily, I would feel sad and depressed. I started with Wellbutrin, which I liked for depression and energy, but it made my anxiety which I also have worse. Anyways back to Effexor. The first 2 weeks taking effexor were kinda horrible. I felt weird, tired, and I was thinking of stopping this medication. But I stuck with it. I have to say I feel normal again, and my depression is gone. Even if I think of my past, I don't get sad anymore. So thank you Effexor"

• angmc
• February 4, 2012

For Hot Flashes "Effexor XR works great for hot flashes, not to mention it elevates your mood as a bonus. I do recommend the extended release as the side effects are fewer. I have no hot flashes now at all. I recommend it to anyone who does not want to take hormones."

• GAD-G...
• March 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Hi all. I’m a 32 y/o female with GAD diagnosed 2 yr ago & ADHD. My doc felt it was more important to treat my severe GAD before ADHD. After trying Zoloft for 6 months, I stopped it. NO libido. Lexapro, same thing!! Plus I was super tired. First two days on Effexor XR Were amazing. (placebo effect?) Then days 3-10 were filled with a little more anxiety than normal. Had vivid weird dreams, would wake up once in the middle of the night to pee then it would be harder than normal to fall asleep. Also jaw popping like I was grinding the heck out of my teeth for a few nights. Day 11-now, it's wonderful. I don't feel panic attacks or anxiety any more. I feel normal and relaxed. No more headaches, muscle tension or sleeping problems. I'm not short tempered with my kids. I don't WORRY as much! I'm just chill. Oh, and I can still pour some tears watching my chick flicks. With the sex side effect "O".... I can still do it, just takes a tad longer. I can live with that!! I can also drink beer with this."

• Trave...
• December 11, 2015

For Anxiety "Hi All, I'm a 26-year-old African American woman and I'm so glad that I found Effexor (Venlafaxine, for me) because it has really helped me manage my anxiety and depression. It's not common to talk about medication in the Black community so if you're reading this and think that the drug might help you - just give it a try! My therapist said that Effexor really tends to help young women. I have been on the drug for 16 months and went from 75 mg to 150mg. I just checked in with my prescribing psychiatrist today and I figured I would take some time to write reviews for people who haven't made the jump to medication. I also use Beating the Blues CBT online tool - it's free at my job! The combination, plus eating healthy and working out, works!"