Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Flag
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was taking this drug Effexor for the 4 months, I gained 45 lbs that I cannot loose. Side effects are horrible, you feel like zombie, no feelings at all. No fear, no love, no hate... nothing. You do not want anything- sex, love, food, nothing is matter. In spite of not eating much, because this medication reduces appetite, I put on 45 lbs in 4 month, and my fiancé left me. From size s to Xl. My depression did not get any better. Moreover I became aggressive and broke my phone. After I stopped it I had a very bed withdrawals, chest pain and panic attacks. I was referred to cardiologist and had echo stress test. I regret I was taking that crappy drug. I do not recommend to take it."

• Stable
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2020

Effexor (venlafaxine) "After 10 years of Major depression and extreme anxiety- trying several different medication combos I was offered ECT, but I was hesitant. As a last resort we tried Effexor 150mg, Wellbutrin 150mg and Abilify 5mg. Within 3 months the anxiety and depression started to lift. 3 years later I have no anxiety or depression. I am stable and feel at peace. For past 6 months my dosage has been Venlor 37,5mg, Wellbutrin 150mg and Abilify 2.5mg. Over the next 6 months I will try and reduce further- but weaning off Effexor literally means reducing one little bead in the capsule per day otherwise withdrawal can be unpleasant. My only negative had been weight gain of 10kgs in 3 years, despite watching my diet and daily exercise. I am 58 years old and have always been slim, now I’m plump. I hope to lose the weight over time. Other side effects are dry mouth and constipation. But they are negligible if it means being happy."

• Lela
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2020

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Effexor has got to be the worst of the worst to try to come off of. I am still trying to come off this completely after taking 225mg daily for 3 years I still cannot get threw the withdrawal symptoms they are horrific if any one has any suggestions how to help please let me know"

• pmano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) "About 15 years ago I started menopause had terrible anxiety and depression. Tried talk therapy did not work. Tried several antidepressants, until Effexor. I started out with 37.5 than upped to 75mg, then eventunally upped to 225mg. I have been on that dose ever since. It has been a life saver. Anxiety and depression no more. I do have some side affects. I do get heated quite easily, I have had vomiting on occasion, nausea. I have thought about getting off the effexor until I heard about the withdrawals. Most antidepressants are addicting and have withdrawals. I am going to talk to my doctor about a change since I have been on this medication for so long. But otherwise it has been a miracle worker"

• Tabby
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This Effexor XR is the best by far, antidepressant I have been on. Going on about 7 years now. The ONLY thing I HATE is that if I miss 2 doses bc I forgot (BPII) it is thee worst feeling I cannot explain it. But I am so grateful for this medication, it has made my life easier."

• Cherno
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I started taking Effexor at age 19 after about 2 1/2 years on Prozac. The reason for the switch was that I developed anxiety problems at that age in addition to depression, and the Prozac was not treating the anxiety. Effexor works very well to treat both anxiety and depression but if I stop taking it for even 1-2 days (which is often because I am very forgetful) I become extremely depressed for the next 1-2 days. Right now I am in one such down swing after taking my Effexor for the first time in about 5 days. If you avoid doing that though you should be fine, the medication does help a lot."

• FreeA...
• February 10, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I never write reviews but I figured I had to share how truly life-changing Effexor has been for me. I've suffered with GAD and Major Depressive Disorder for quite some time. I was on and off of Prozac for about five years. When it stopped working, I began taking Effexor XR 37.5mg. I started feeling better, more calm, less anxious. Last year, someone I had dated for years and had recently broken up with passed away tragically. I was a disaster. My dosage was increased to 75mg, then 150mg, and now 225mg. Honestly - I don't know how I would have made it to where I am today without this medication. It has controlled my anxiety, my panic attacks and my depression. I still have bad days, I'm still in mourning, but I finally feel normal."

• What...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 22, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I had a major trauma happen in my life about 11 yrs ago. Although I have been depressed for most of my life I went to the doctor for extra help during this stressful time. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR and I was on 75 milligrams per day and then within the last 4 years to 150 milligrams. I truly do not know what I would do without this medicine. It really has improved my life, my mood and lessens the depression. I too once tried to wean off on my own and it was very emotional time. I will never do that again without my Drs knowledge and help. Effexor xr has changed my life and improved it greatly. I say try it and if it doesn't work for you, continue to consult with your Dr to find a medicine that helps your depression. Best wishes."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Started at 75 then gradually increased to 300 mg over the course of about a year. Has worked so well for me. 300 mg is optimal for me. If I drop below that my symptoms return within a few days. It has horrible withdrawal effects though. Nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. It's worth it to me though. I can think clearly, focus on work, not irritated , not depressed or having horrible thoughts on repeat all day. Have not had thoughts of harming myself since I've been on it. Also I have social anxiety. Now I can go places without fear and heart pounding. I've tried paxil, and wellbutrin, but this is it for me. Hope this helped."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2023

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Been off and on Effexor XR for 7 years. Every time I come off this drug – which takes me 3 months to fully come off at 112.5mg – I crash and burn hard after 6 months off. Then once again, I find myself having to go back on and fight through all the physiological setbacks and side effects again that come with coming off and starting back on again. I've tried eating healthy, coupled with exercise and keeping myself busy, but honestly it wasn't enough. When something's not working right in your brain chemistry, no matter how many things you try aside from medication, you know it's time to recognize that medication is the only way to cope fully with the debilitating effects depression has on a person. Even though there are side effects initially, most go away. For me, I still have restless legs at night, urinary retention, lack of libido, and some off days here and there, but I know now that I need to stay on this drug for the rest of my life because it's better than misery and death."

• Holly...
• September 21, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "The first week of the medication I felt myself thinking better, no excessive worries, no excessive thoughts of sadness and no pain. My mind was clear, my thoughts and emotions was where they need to be. I felt focused and alert. The only problem was I suffer from high blood pressure, which became out of control. Effexor even help with my night sweats. I have been depressed for over two years so I really struggled to keep things in order. If I could have continued with the medication I would have stayed on it. It worked for me in a lot of different ways. "

• Cecie...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor has had an absolutely amazing impact on my life. I have Major Depression Disorder - I have Anxiety, fun mix! I started off on 75mg and after a couple of months went to 150. Been at 150mg for close to 6 months and I am an entirely different person. My relationships have improved ten fold because I am no longer moody, irrational and I can feel emotions other than hopelessness and indescribable sadness. With that said - I am pretty certain I will never be able to come off this medication. I recently had to go 5 days without my Effexor and it was literally hell. First 2 days, I thought it was the flu - by day 5, I was ready to end it all. 3 days back on and I am golden. Oh plus it makes my pupils HUGE. Like I worry people think I am high."

• Manic
• January 7, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was in the hospital for suicidal ideation and they gave me Effexor. I remember I was sick the first night (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain) but after the second day I magically felt better. The depression felt like it went away and I was ready to be released and start my life back. Well this turned into an EXTREME manic episode less than a week later. I left my relationship of 4 years, I ran off and engaged in dangerous activities, shut everyone out of my life. But I felt “happy” I was out of my mind. I don’t have bipolar disorder but this is exactly what it felt like. 2 months later this all came crashing down and I ended right back in a psych ward again after trying to commit suicide. My therapist told me she calls it “sideffexor” because it’s a hit or miss medicine, it either really works or makes things worse. If you start this medicine I highly recommended being closely monitored, it can be dangerous."

• Asian
• July 8, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've been on Effexor xr for 2 weeks and it's great. I had been on Zoloft before and it pooped out on me so my doc switched me to Effexor xr and after 2 days I started feeling good again. I take 37.5 mg per day. I come back to write here because I wanna give back to this forum and give hope for anybody that suffer from this like me. keep to try the med that suit for you. best wish!"

• Talld...
• August 24, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Starting of i was hesitant because nothing really happened i just felt blah the first two days on 75mg, than i started feeling the posotive effects! It was amazing, i havent felt like this ever before on an antidepressant! Im now on 150mg and just livin life depression free. If you have tried prozac, celexa, brintellix, and they havent worked for you give this a shot... Sometimes the risk is worth it!"

• Ct92404
• January 20, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've had problems with depression off and on for most of my life. The first really severe depression happened when I was 24, and that was also the first time I was prescribed Effexor. I had been off it for several years, until just a few years ago when I had another relapse of major depression, mostly due to things in my life. I have to say that Effexor literally saved my life. There is no such thing as a "happy pill," and Effexor won't magically cure you overnight. BUT it takes the edge off the depression so you don't feel quite so hopeless, and you are able to function again and can go to counselling. It just kind of eases the symptoms of the depression. I had NO side effects from it, other than a very slight drowsiness in the beginning."

• Tazzy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I have had depression for over 30 years and during that time I took Paxil and Citalopram. The Citalopram was not effective anymore and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor XR. I had went through withdrawal from Citalopram which was difficult. However, when I was put on the Effexor XR I was having side effects from the Effexor XR that were worse than the withdrawal from the Citalopram. Severe shaking and nervousness. Heavy sweating and no real relief until 55 days taking it then all of a sudden I felt really good for 9 days. After that I refilled my prescription and the side effects began again...nervousness, shaking, sweating and the depression returned. I have to take an additional medication to calm my nerves and this time I also have restlessness. I know antidepressants can work well from previous experience, but Effexor XR isn’t the one for me."

• Maria...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2022

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Efexor ruined my life. I had no mood problems before starting. I had stress over hard life circumstances. I started Efexor and was explicitly told there were no side effects or withdrawals. During use of Efexor, without noticing, I lost myself. I was numb to huge things, like the death of a loved one. I made very out of character decisions. I chose a partner that did not fit me. Feelings of connection to self, others, God, nature, music were gone. When I quit...horror continued. I had horrid physical and psychological withdrawals. My mood was allover the place, from horrid depression to weird euphoria. I did not suffer that ever before. I had gruelling anxiety. And I even became psychotic, and had to be hospitalized. I never recovered. Efexor changed me from a bright and positive person, full of life, to a depressed, anxious and chaotic hermit. I wish to die every day since I used this. Avoid this. Psychiatric meds ruin lives."

• sadgal
• June 11, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I am a 19 year old female who has been dealing with severe depression and anxiety for years now, trying out several different medications. (Sertraline, Abilify, Trintellix) I couldn't keep taking Trintellix due to extreme nausea, so my doctor suggested Effexor XR. That's the last time I listen to my doctor. I am currently in a 12 day process of weaning myself off of this medication, after taking it for a little over a month. I had an extreme loss of appetite, to the point where I felt sick after a small fries from Mcdonalds or even a piece of fruit. I have found myself to be very anxious about death/illness/accidents and find myself wanting to spend the least amount of time sober as possible. I have no motivation, and have a hard time staying focused at work. Not to mention, I have had so much trouble with climaxing that it is affecting my relationship. Although I am not nearly as sad as I used to be and don't cry nearly as often, I feel like a numb zombie and not like myself at all."

• Starry
• April 1, 2021

Effexor (venlafaxine) "PLEASE research this drug extensively before beginning!! 26 year old female and have been suffering with severe depression since childhood. Have tried various types of medications for my depression over the years, and can honestly say, Effexor was by FAR and large the WORST antidepressant I've ever taken. The side-effects were horrible: severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, waking up in pools of sweats, hit my lowest of lows, and had frequent suicidal thoughts. If I forgot to take my medicine within a couple hours of my dosage time, I couldn't function with work, chores, etc. Tapering off this drug very slowly was an absolute miserable experience. I'm someone that tries to find some good in even bad experiences, however, I have not a single positive thing to say about this drug. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to feel a minute of the side-effects I did on this drug. If I could give a "0" rating for this drug, I would. Will never touch this medication another day of my life!"

• Bea
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 7, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've been taking this medication for around five years. It has helped me a lot. I no longer have constant suicidal thoughts or feel as sad and as angry like I did before taking this medication. However, the withdrawal can be terrible. If I miss taking my medication by an hour, I begin to feel dizzy. As time progresses, it becomes a throbbing headache and a feeling of vertigo."

• Kels
• July 25, 2020

"Trigger warning....So I have taken a lot of medications for my depression such as wellbutrin, fluoxetine, lexapro, escitalopram, etc. None of them really worked or I just attempted suicide before they even started working. Who knows really. I have attempted suicide 4 serious times in my life. I've been in 3 different mental hospitals and even had to go to a juvenile facility. I was put there against my will after my last suicide attempt of stabbing myself. I self mutilate. I have well over 5000 scars on my body. Big ones that needed stitches but I never got stitches. I have a huge one down my arm from another suicide attempt (which did get stitches) I also have anxiety and disassociation disorder, etc. I am overall a very insecure jealous person as well. Ever since this medication kicked in I've been a lot better. I've only cut maybe twice since starting it"

• Jimjam
• April 19, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "While Effexor has worked great for me over the last couple years it does have its downfalls just like I’m sure anything else. I’ve tried at least five other variations of antidepressants and this has worked best. I was on 150mg for over a year and a few months ago we increased to 225mg as the 150mg didn’t seem like it was cutting it anymore. Well, make sure you don’t miss a dose even by a couple hours. It will mess up the rest of your day, personally I’m nauseous and turn into an emotional wreck. My mental illness and this quarantine got in the way and I unintentionally didn’t take for two days. I’ve never felt this bad in my life. I’m beyond nauseous. my stomach is killing me, my head is killing me, I can’t sleep to distract myself from it. I don’t want to even think about what would happen if I waited anymore time to take another dose. I’m sick to my stomach. (21, f)"

• Meeee
• September 19, 2015

Effexor (venlafaxine) "17 years ago I had a breakdown with anxiety and depression - tried aropax and it was hell on earth. Changed to efexor, it started working after 3 weeks. I've been on it for 17 years or so on various doses between 150 and 375 and it's been amazing. I worry about health side effects but it's been a life saver, no longer a wreck but can cope."

• Anon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Starting taking Effexor for major depression, anxiety (incl anxiety attacks). After my second child was born with health issues my previous conditions worsened. I’d never had much luck with medications anyway but I went on and off a few of the typical ones. Some had no impact, some made things worse. This is helping. I feel good about taking it as it’s making a difference. Like all meds there were side effects in the beginning - they ease up after a couple weeks and it was worth it for me. I’m not crying every day, I’m not filled with rage, I’m not filled with panic. Things are more manageable. My sleep is better. It’s a journey of course but this is helping. I feel a little more like me and the person I am in my head if that makes sense. I was at risk of losing everything and now I feel invested in things. I’m glad I’ve given it a go. Hope this helps someone out there figuring out what’s best."