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User Reviews for venlafaxine systemic

Also known as: Effexor, Effexor XR

The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.

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Depression 88 review(s) 82 medications
7.6

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Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
venlafaxine: I started this medicine about 6 or 7 months ago. I was irritated, crying,and worst of all a very angry woman. I wanted nothing to do with anyone, even left my husband. After that I went to my Doctor and told her what was going on and after trying Zoloft then Wellbutrin, I ended up on Effexor 3 X 37.5 pills a day and now I love everyone, feel like my "old" self again (came back to my husband). But, now I am dealing with extreme exhaustion that makes it very hard to get out of bed so now waiting on blood work, possibly sleep study, or changing med.

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November 20, 2009 8:20 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Nichole20 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I was told to take Effexor Rx at the age of 14/15 when I responded horrible to other anti-depressants. I am now 19 and am extremely satisfied with the results of this drug. I rated it a 8 out of 10 because the dosage can be tricky. GO TO A MEDICAL DOCTOR when confused about dosage regarding season changes, how it interacts with other drugs, or when discontinuing use! I have read numerous blogs about the horrible withdrawal effects - tell a medical doctor. They know how to fix this.

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November 3, 2009 3:48 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I just started a few weeks ago and it has helped stabilize my mood, give me energy. Not noticing any major side effects. I've had some headaches, some light nausea and some crazy dreams. But I've always had crazy dreams. Other medications gave me much worse side effects. Effexor seems to be working for me. My daughter says that I'm "funny" again. I love that!

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October 14, 2009 8:59 PM
Happy Michigander (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Meerkat (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been on Effexor now for 2 years after trying Prozac and Celexa (which both had awful side effects). My dose ranged from 37.5 to 112.5. I am now at a point in my life where I feel like I can break through my depression and get off these drugs. I want to start having kids and Effexor is very anti-baby. Today is day 5 and the only thing I have noticed is all I want to do is sleep and I have cried every single day since lowering my dose. I still feel like it is worth it to get off them though. They had only minor side effects such as lowered sex drive and nauseous if you don't eat but I feel like I can find a more natural way to feel better! Good luck to everyone out there, it's hard but you can do it!

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October 9, 2009 1:17 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): It saved me from committing suicide. Never thought there would be a drug that could help me since I tried many antidepressants and all didn't work. Was extremely suicidal and overnight after taking Effexor XR, my thinking and feelings changed. It saved my life.

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October 4, 2009 7:14 AM
clrrrr (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Memberebenavid said:
User Rating:  
6.0
venlafaxine: This is a somewhat decent drug. It stabilizes my depression. However, it's not perfect in relieving my symptoms completely. It also has two side effects that have really affected my life: insomnia and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

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September 6, 2009 11:06 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Memberkamv30 said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): I gave this a high score because I got lucky. I went for years struggling with depression, weary of Big Pharma, self-medicating. Finally a friend took me to a doctor. The first drug she prescribed was Effexxor. I was prescribed the 75mg capsules. I found it to be too much for me, so I take one every other day. The only side effects I feel are from withdrawals if I skip a few days, and 'ditziness' if you will. Other than that, managing my depression has changed my life. My weight has even dropped because I used to self medicate with food. I do recommend taking only the lowest dose possible for your symptoms. I am not a big fan of prescription drugs, but this was a lifesaver for me.

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August 8, 2009 11:51 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): I am a 40 year old male who has been prescribed Effexor for some 6 years, more recently due to increased feelings of unhappiness. The dosage has been increased from 75mg to 150mg, and on review 2 months later, a further 75mg was added to the medication. My experience is, all these tablets do is switch off showing how you feel, as in no more bouts of crying due being overwhelmed by inability to fulfill a days work, meet a deadline, etc. Since I have spoken again to my doctor regarding sleeplessness, he added Zispin 15mg to my existing medication, that was 4 weeks ago. Today, 28th July 2009, this has been increased to 30mg. No help yet.

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July 29, 2009 10:08 PM
rockys (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
venlafaxine: I have been taking citalopram for about 6 years and not really noticed any difference in my life. I was switched to venlafaxine yesterday and after 1 dose and a good night's sleep I jumped out of bed this morning to answer the telephone. I did not realize it until later, but I normally sleep through the phone ringing or just ignore it and go back to sleep. I am very very impressed with the results already and feel like a new person and so full of energy. Thank you, thank you is all I can say!

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July 28, 2009 5:51 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I took Effexor for a little over a year. I really didn't feel anything at all. It numbs your emotions to a cold lukewarm middle of nothingness. I also had a minor seizure after accidentally forgetting to take it one day.

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July 27, 2009 2:29 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): This medication works so well. The depression just goes away, and stays away. I wouldn't and don't ask for anything else.

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July 25, 2009 7:24 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyjuanita1984 said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Effexor was the first medicine given to me when I started having panic attacks. It helped me with my depression and stopped the crying spells. But I still continued to have panic attacks.

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July 6, 2009 6:43 PM
mmfamily (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I have been on Effexor for 4 years. My doctor at the time told me I was depressed but since then I was tested for severe sleep apnea. I have tried unsuccessfully 3 times to get off of it. I was taking 150 mg. One doctor told me to start taking the 150 every other day then eventually stop. Horrible side effects. Dizzy, irritable, bad dreams, sleepy and general flu like symptoms. I wish I had been told about the possible withdrawal symptoms at the time my doctor had given it to me. Effexor gave me sweats and I've gained a ton of weight. My new doctor has me on Wellbutrin and is slowly lowering the dosage. I'm on 37.5 right now and so far so good.

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June 23, 2009 4:07 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
6.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Just finished coming of Oxycontin after 6 years of use. Took Effexor 75mg throughout. Now a member of NA and tried to wean myself off - horrible side effects from the withdrawal, dizziness, panic attacks, severe depression and social withdrawal. Went back on at 75mg and now feel that the drug is pretty hard to get used to again. Can't seem to win.

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June 12, 2009 12:09 PM
Memberzoombini1 said:
User Rating:  
4.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I noticed that I had no appetite at all while taking Effexor.

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June 11, 2009 3:10 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveybls247 said:
User Rating:  
6.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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:  
6.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Improves my mood, less stressed but nauseous and sweaty.

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June 8, 2009 9:14 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyfishface42 said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Effexor alone didn't help me. A psychiatrist combined it with Remeron. Effexor in the morning and Remeron at bedtime. This combination gave me great relief from depression over eight years.

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June 3, 2009 11:03 PM
lasagna1 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I am 24 years old, female, 5'1, 130 lbs. Treated for major depression and anxiety. I have aversions to junk food (I am normally health conscious unless I am really depressed), weight loss (12 lbs), dry mouth, lighter mood, easier to focus, more motivated, mountains turn into anthills, lower sex drive, sometimes get headaches. For me, the pros overwrite the cons - I went off of this for 6 months with no problems. No addiction or sickness. I am back on it and boy am I glad to feel happy again.

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June 2, 2009 8:54 PM
tuckaseegurl (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Kenny1982ab (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I started taking this medication about 3 years ago for Depression/Social Anxiety. I will say for depression this drug worked wonders, not so much anxiety though. However, recently I've decided to try for the 3rd time to stop taking it. The withdrawal you get from Effexor is the worst feeling.

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May 10, 2009 5:22 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): EFFEXOR HAS MADE ME EMOTIONLESS, DON'T GIVE A DAMN, THIS IS 10 MONTHS AFTER COMING OFF OF IT. CAN'T SEEM TO COMMUNICATE, CAN'T DRIVE, MEMORY PROBLEMS AND THE LIST GOES ON.

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April 24, 2009 3:17 PM
kells89x (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
2.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I am 19 years old. I was diagnosed with depression/OCD/GAD at 11 years. This medicine worked wonders for me. I took it for 3 years. I later began to think I'd be okay without it. Now that I am back on Effexor, it makes me really sick every time I take it. It made me put on a few pounds. I have taken almost every anti-depressant out there, and I have to say this is the best one. Stay on it, even when you feel better.

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April 22, 2009 4:48 PM
Membereseehlk said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I have depression, anxiety and stress caused by my workplace. I have noticed that for the first time I can actually enjoy going to work. Before this medicine I used to cry and shake in bed before work, and my poor husband had to drive me there like I was a little kid going through withdrawals from parents. I've noticed I don"t "freak" out as much, and the best thing is my anti-medication" husband calls Effexor XR a "miracle pill". The only side effects I've noticed are extreme racing thoughts, and night sweats.

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April 14, 2009 6:58 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been taking Effexor for 5 years now for depression. As far as my mood goes, it works wonders. I'm a completely different person and its awesome. As far as side effects go, I have had some sexual ones, concentration issues and short term memory problems. I'd rather deal with those than the depression though and if I forget to take one, or can't afford to get them right away, all hell literally breaks lose. I get dizzy, emotional and aggravated. All I want to do is cry and sleep.

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March 25, 2009 9:37 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
4.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): After I started taking this medicine I got Restless Leg Syndrome - when I went off of the medicine it went away. I was always tired while taking the medicine. When I quit, I got dizzy twice and fell within the first week after I stopped taking it.

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March 23, 2009 2:37 AM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyRufusLeaking said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): There's no such thing as complete relief, but this drug gave me the best that I've experienced.

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March 7, 2009 1:49 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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:  
6.0
venlafaxine: I have been taking venlafaxine for about a year now. It has helped greatly with my anxiety. I take 37.5MG twice a day. I weaned myself off of it after taking it for the first 3 months because I was losing my medical benefits and wasn't able to afford the cost of it. The side effects were bad, extreme dizziness and nausea. I have had a lack of libido also which definitely puts a damper on the love life. I've also gained about 30 pounds but I'm actually happy about that side effect since I've been a 5'10 twig most of my life.

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February 26, 2009 4:23 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
1.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Worked for 2 weeks then stopped.

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February 18, 2009 10:25 PM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyalwaysashley said:
User Rating:  
8.0
venlafaxine: I have not experienced the above-mentioned side effect of weight gain, but notice that just missing a single dose gives me terrible headache and "brain zaps". Hard to describe, but you'll know it if you ever have one. Other than that, I suppose it's an okay drug. I've tried just about every antidepressant on the market, as well as mood stabilisers and even a few of the off-label medicines, which are prescribed to ease depression, but so far, this is the only one that has had ANY effect whatsoever. It takes the full 375mg to get any effect out of me though. I've hit another low recently. I can't do anything about it but for the most part, my depression has improved, with no side effects except the ones I get if I forget to take it.

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February 17, 2009 1:47 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been taking 75 mg of Effexor for a year and a half now and has made me a much happier person. If I miss 2 days in a row I start to feel dizzy, overly emotional and like I have the flu. Only drawback (which is a big deal for me) I have gained 40lbs.

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February 16, 2009 11:04 AM
26 y/o female (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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): 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
MemberStacey68 said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): I suffered from depression and general anxiety disorder. After Effexor, I experienced memories I long forgot which cleared up a lot of confusion. Today I am clear on all the negative emotional feelings I experienced and when I cannot afford to buy it for a few days, I really experience depression, anxiety and confusion on my own self worth, life, etc. I feel this medicine is a God-send for me.

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January 2, 2009 1:14 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
3.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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
Jimmy8282 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I started taking Effexor about a year ago. Started on 75mg and went all the way to the maximum 375mg over a 6 month period. The side effects were really quite bad, thus had to cut back to 225mg, this dose works very well. Some doctors are quite quick to push up your doses if your progress is slow. My advice is give it plenty of time before increasing doses. More isnt always better. Effexor is a good drug just somtimes can be a little slow working, the withdrawal from cutting down tablets wasn't really that bad at all; as long as you take it slow. Good luck to everyone who takes this drug.

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November 15, 2008 12:12 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
NW64PA (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've taken Effexor for 7 years, in a dosage that has decreased from 225mg to 75 mg over the last 2 years. While I had some benefit with depression I experienced side effects from Effexor. I experienced short term memory loss, problems concentrating, blurry vision, weight gain, sweating, and dry mouth. I cannot drink at all on the medication, since it exacerbates the memory and mental focus problems enormously, even at one glass of wine.

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November 1, 2008 7:44 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I was on Effexor XR for 8 years and I recently went off. I gave the drug 8 out of 10 because overall my anxiety and depression were greatly improved. I didn't have any sexual side effects and only felt dizzy when I did not take the medication at exactly the same time every night. I did lose a lot of my energy and was prescribed Wellbutrin to help out with that. However, the withdrawal, as others have mentioned, is terrible. My doctor prescribed a low dose of prozac (20mg) to ease the withdrawal and it really helped. If you are going off effexor, do it with prozac. I tried without it twice before and it was such a horrible experience that I went right back on.

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September 22, 2008 1:20 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I had the 5HTTLPR biomarker and CYP450 genotyping tests from a blood draw (which can help doctors determine how antidepressants are metabolized by your specific genetics and help predict which medications may be most beneficial as well as how long it may take for you to notice results), and was prescribed Effexor based on that info. It has helped me GREATLY for 6 months so far.

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September 13, 2008 5:11 PM
trippensli1 (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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
Memberbritgirl said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveydowxxpa said:
User Rating:  
7.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): Changed to Effexor XR 75mg about 2 months ago from Celexa 20mg. Having some dizziness and tiredness, maybe not feeling quite myself, so experimentation with the dosage is probably in order. Otherwise no problems. Serious diarrhea side effect from Celexa stopped immediately upon changing treatment. But I am disturbed by some of the comments on this site about withdrawal from this medication. I have had no problem drinking in moderation while on this drug.

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August 1, 2008 6:57 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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): 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
mothee (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): I had serious depression. Feel cured with Effexor and on my way to a full life.

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July 8, 2008 11:50 PM
Memberclbrgs said:
User Rating:  
7.0
venlafaxine: I find Effexor XR to be a terrific antidepressant, but I have experienced the withdrawal from it, and it was one of the most difficult experiences. I am now on it again after I found that nothing other than Effexor could ease my depression. I have resigned to the fact that I will be taking it for a long time, unless I am hospitalized to help stop taking it.

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July 2, 2008 9:27 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
venlafaxine: This drug is a life saver for me. I've been on Effexor XR 150mg daily for about 4 1/2 years. There were some minor side effects at the beginning, such as wakefuleness at night; my doctor suggested I dose in the morning. I sleep fine every night now. Caution - once I ran out of medication and thought since I felt better, that I'd be fine. Within 30 hours I was in a painful, suicidal state of withdrawal. I later learned that abruptly stopping this medicine results in a nose dive in your system.

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July 2, 2008 2:34 PM
Just keep swimming... (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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:  
9.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I find the drug good, my doses go up and down depending on how I am feeling. I have put on weight at 225mg and I was told that you are not supposed to exceed 225mg. I will go back down to 150mg for the summer. I usually go up in the winter months.

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June 4, 2008 4:09 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
chermaine (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): Works great for me, very effective.

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May 20, 2008 2:10 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): Effexor XR has saved my life twice. The side effect was major weight gain, but, sad as that was, it was worth it after trying several other drugs that did not work. The withdrawal is tough, but done easily if you just keep reducing your dose. The first time I went off of it was cause it was making me depressed again, even at the smallest does. But, 3 or 4 years later, when I once again sunk into a deep depression, it was the only thing that could get me out. I've been on 150 mg one year.

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May 19, 2008 12:30 PM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
rosietosie (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
10
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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:  
10
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been using 75mg Effexor for 9 weeks now and it has changed my life. I wake up looking forward to the day and can remain focused throughout. I woke up on my 30th Birthday feeling very depressed and could not believe that's how I felt everyday before taking Effexor. My libido is back to where it was a year ago and the only side effect I experience is an upset stomach during very intense work outs. I see a therapist and that too has helped. My wife says I'm now a different person.

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April 19, 2008 9:17 AM
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
8.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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
betrol (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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
Anonymous user said:
User Rating:  
9.0
Effexor XR (venlafaxine): 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): 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
Health B4 Meds (unregistered) said:
User Rating:  
5.0
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been on Effexor XR for several years now. As far as helping to control my depression, it has been wonderful. However, I have had some severe side effects. I have gained 80 lbs since I started taking the medication. I have been diagnosed with benign vertigo. I have had countless specialists poke and prod me because no one can figure out why I get a sinus infection every month. I stopped getting menstrual cycles, and specialists can't figure out why. These are all possible side effects

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March 4, 2008 11:42 AM
Membersleejoh said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): 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.

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January 28, 2008 1:55 AM
Memberlll_14892 said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): I ended up in the hospital after drinking a few glasses of wine getting my stomach pumped and extremely out of it. I should have read the side effects of effexor first and I would've known that you should not drink alcohol while being on this medication.

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January 6, 2008 4:42 PM
Memberrayc3149 said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): First, I have periphal neuropathy. I was taking both Lyrica

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November 4, 2007 7:49 PM
Memberloolooface said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): I noticed when I took Effexor and Adderall together, I got extreme anxiety attacks or panic attacks where my heart would just start randomly racing.

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October 22, 2007 1:08 AM
Memberherboyfriend said:
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Effexor (venlafaxine): My girlfriend has been on Effexor XR for almost seven years now. We just found out two weeks ago she is pregnant. The doctor told her to lower doses from the 300mg she has been on to 150mg then three days later drop to 75mg then three days to 37.5 then your done. Doctor said that there might not even be any withdraws if it is done this way. I wouldn't wish these bad withdraws on anyone.

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September 8, 2007 9:19 PM
Memberjfbrown71 said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): I was on effexor for 3 years, I recently was weaned off, the withdrawal from the drug is indescribable.

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August 14, 2007 10:44 AM
Select Members have provided additional information by completing the member surveyawconstantino said:
User Rating:  not submitted
Effexor (venlafaxine): I've been on effexor for 5yrs. I keep telling my Dr. that I wanted to quit this drug, mainly because I don't want to be on any anti-depressants anymore. I'm supposed to take 225mg, but all this time I've only tbeen taking 150mg, all this time. So, now I've reduced my dosage to 75mg a day, and I'm starting to feel alot better. If I can get some 37.5mgs. I can ease myself off to the point where I can finally be clear in my mind. The only side effect I've experienced is a little dizziness.

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May 5, 2007 6:52 PM

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