Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• cricket
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks for many years along with agoraphobia. In August the attacks were unbearable and my NP put me on Sertraline. I was so ill and after three weeks said I would not take it anymore. He then put me on Effexor which I was really uneasy taking because of the side effects I had read about. Well I am here to say it has been a miracle drug for me. I had no side effects starting it and noticed a major improvement the second week. Now I am almost a month in and no panic attacks or anxiety at all! This is major for me. Now I am working on getting out more and driving. Please if you have major panic then this medication may be for you. Please Please give it a try. I am so very happy I did."

• Charl...
• November 3, 2011

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "My boyfriend passed away...very unexpectantly.We had a wonderful, beautiful relationship...I simply adored him and overnight he's gone. The next day my little brother had open heart surgery, my sister passed away last March after living and taking care of my father with dementia, my mother passed away after a 3 year long battle with cancer. I wanted to stay in bed all day curled up in the fetal position and pray that death would take me just so the pain would stop. But I didn't have that luxury...someone had to pay the bills. I hated to go out in public because I never knew what would trigger a crying jag...I had a true sense of hopelessness. 75 mgs of Effexor saved my life. I'm happy again and laughing and going out and celebrating my life."

• saddled
• January 17, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor XR changed my life. With Effexor, the anxiety is gone and I am able to stay calm in any situation and sleep well every night. My doctor has told me I can NEVER get off this medication because it changes something in the brain having to do with serotonin. No hope of functioning without this in my system. Well, I can live with that. I've got my life back."

• Roola...
• April 29, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I had severe hellish, unrelentless depression and did not want to live, I started taking Effexor and it worked the same day. I never thought something could work so well. I have few side effects. My life changed 100%. I am so happy now that the doctor put me on this. People should not be afraid to try anti-depressants."

• STEEL
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I owe a great thank you to Effexor. My cons are vivid dreaming and minor sleep difficulties. But the pros for myself, outweigh the bad. For the first time in 10+ years my anxious thoughts and sweats are almost nonexistent. I enjoy the taste of food again. And I feel like I have more purpose, I don’t walk around with the “I’m just here, useless” cloud over me. I will continue to fight to feel right, Effexor has definitely gave me my footing."

• Jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I told myself I'd come back and write a review if I liked Effexor, because people tend to only write reviews if they don't like it, and that's scary for someone who is trying to figure out whether to try it or not. This was the first medication I've tried to treat my chronic GAD. Before Effexor, I was living in a state of constant panic and anxiety. It was really awful, and I felt like I couldn't continue much longer without completely breaking down. I'm now 3 months in, and it has helped so much. I am still myself and I have anxious thoughts, but there is no longer that sense of panic and overwhelming fear. I feel like I did pre-anxiety and its wonderful. Everyone reacts differently, but have hope! Medication can work!"

• Sass
• January 27, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve suffered depression for the last 11 years after a nasty breakup with the father of my two children. I was quite happily going on with life over the last 10 years, yes it had its ups and downs but eventually my sons father, we split up and bang! I was so depressed I wanted my life to end. Every time before I was due my period I contemplated suicide and in between it would pop up every other day. I just couldn’t cope anymore so went to my doctor and told her everything. That’s when I started my journey on venlaxfine. I started at 37.5mg and increased it higher the following two weeks,it would work then it didn’t and my anxiety came back so bad so I then upped it each time I had a bad episode of anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I’m on the highest dose now and can honestly say I’ve never felt better. I can’t even remember the last time I thought about suicide and my relationship is going well with my sons dad again. It really has changed my life, push through the side effects."

• Lauren
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I had been through every depression med there is and finally, finally one worked for me,v enlafaxine. It is not an immediate miracle pill, it takes weeks to work into your system, so give it a chance because it could change your life, it did mine. Also,I didnt have all those negative side effects everyone is talking about, guess it just depends on your body. But trust me stick with this one, you'll be better soon!!! Hope this helps someone keep on keeping on there is a light at the end of the tunnel"

• Shareen
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "My OCD intrusive thoughts were destroying me. I felt the only way out was suicide. My dr didn’t seem to care. She is too involved in impressing her collegues with her talks and presentations . Her psychiatric patients pay the bills . so I went to a walk in clinic and discussed my OCD and situation with this new dr. He prescribed me 37.5 mg Effexor for a couple weeks and then he suggested I increase it up to 75 mg. My mind slowed down from repetitive negative intrusive thoughts pretty much in the first week My life will never be perfect but I feel so much better and I’m no longer tormented by intrusive thoughts. I no longer see that psychiatrist anymore My new dr is thorough and I appreciate him. Please be careful in choosing the right mental health care professional and all the best to those of you still suffering"

• Spouse...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "Please never allow anyone you love to take this drug! Effexor XR has been the worst experience for my husband the past 4 years! He has gone through so many changes, mentally he doesn’t know what is real anymore. What I mean is life, love, emotions, etc. Our marriage was the ideal marriage before he started taken it, but now it has crumbled! He has been to a mental facility twice on this drug, gone through so many personally changes, it’s unreal! Please do your research before taking this because coming off of it is a living nightmare! I know 2 people who committed suicide on this drug and Thank God I have not lost my husband on it!"

• Mommy...
• July 27, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I went to my obgyn after experiencing a very emotional year with family and work then started hot flashes!! Thankfully, my obgyn was wonderful and didn't think I was crazy! She prescribed 75 mg Effexor -generic venlafaxine -much cheaper too. I saw improvement in hot flashes and mood within 2 days. I am on week 2 and feel more like my old self, minor hot flash symptoms, lost 4 pounds and I don't feel the need to eat everything in sight! First week I did experience sleepiness and yawning but that has gone away and I am alert and feeling good!"

• NLDIS
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "I've tried many different SSRI's for depression (Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Prozac) and nothing worked. I was apprehensive to take the Effexor because of online reviews but I'm so glad I did! The only side effect I've had is tiredness the first few weeks but that has since subsided. I not only feel more energy but I actually can feel happiness. On the other medicines I just felt a numbness and lack of emotion but Effexor has made me feel like me again! This has been my miracle after years of mild-severe depression."

• Sonjatx
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have had anxiety and depression for years. Was on all different types of medicines. Even got so badly depressed and anxious that I was bedridden for almost 1 year. I got switched to Effexor and in a few days felt great! I cannot believe I spent all these years in darkness! This is the best medicine ever for me! I am not depressed and zero anxiety! I just wish I would have been on it earlier."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "It does makes you feel anxious and a bit sick but only for first few days. It's good to support yourself with some light med for stress. It goes away after few days you just need to make it through. After that you feel really good. I was on 750 dose for 5 years. Now I lowered it to 37.5mg but I am not planning to stop taking it. It improved my life and allowed to use my potential. I can see that negative comments here are mostly from people who just started taking it. As I said its temporary sickness. After 1-2 weeks maximum gets better."

• 0521j...
• January 26, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor XR for about a year, after switching from Paxil. It is a scary thing to read all these reviews, and question about whether you should or should not take it. I personally started for anxiety, and it has helped tremendously. To me having panic attacks is not a fun task, yes are there side effects but everything you put into your body does. Please try what your doctor recommends before you read all the reviews."

• Downout
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have suffered with major depression my whole adult life. Have been on several types of antidepressants all of which left me feeling like a zombie. The first time I took Effexor I noticed a major swing in my moods it has been a total saviour for me. Two weeks ago I was in bad shape, today a week of Effexor I feel on top of the world . This medication with the help of family friends and councilor had without a doubt totally turned my life around now everything in my life is happy and positive. Without this medication my future would've been bleak to say the least."

• Kate
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 9, 2021

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I'm glad to read these positive reviews because I've been on generic venlafaxine 150mg per day for 8 years. I was on 7 different antidepressants prior to that a year or two each time then the poop out and in to a different one. Venlafaxine has not stopped working. I'm on the highest dose per day slowly increased over a year. My most frustrating side effect is insomnia and some tinnitus. I will also say when my pharmacy changes the pharmaceutical brand of venlafaxine, I have a noticeable couple of days discomfort until I adjust. People understandably tend to be angry about failure or side effect but nothing is worse to me than being disabled by depression."

• So...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was at the end of my rope...I tried everything to control my anxiety...other medications (zyban)...nutrition choices...self medicating (alcohol-which only made it worse). Venlafaxine is a God's send for me...it has given me my quality of life back. No more waking up scared to face the day...no more fear of driving or feeling of fainting in a social situation. I can't praise this medication enough."

• ATTOR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for just over a month and I can say that I'm rather surprised. I am a 25 year old male, who has been on antidepressants for almost 12 years (unfortunately I was diagnosed with depression and a social anxiety disorder at a very young age). Prior to being prescribed Effexor - I was on zoloft for a few years. Zoloft worked, but as time went on, started to loose it's effectiveness. With Effexor I have more energy and feel that I can get through the day. I hope this medicine continues to work for anyone suffering <3"

• momof...
• August 22, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I started Effexor XR (generic version) about 3 weeks ago. I will admit, the bottle sat on my counter for a week before I took my first one, because the negative reviews terrified me. I finally took one and I am so glad I did! I have been on practically every anxiety/ depression med there is and had kind of lost hope with them working. I have also tried several different natural methods and they helped a little bit, but not nearly enough. I struggle mainly with anxiety and have for about 15 years now. By day 3, I had already noticed a difference. It's been 3 weeks & not only is my anxiety significantly better, I no longer have swollen joints or numbness in my hands & feet, I'm so much happier & way less stressed. Life changing!!"

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I am a 49 year old female who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am taking Risperidone 2 mg a day with 75 mg of Effexor. I was severely depressed and suicidal everyday. Lexapro made me extremely anxious and nervous. I think 75 mg of Effexor is helping a lot. I am now not as depressed or suicidal. I am now regaining my energy and interest back. For everyone who struggle with depression/bipolar out there: don't give up HOPE. Things will get better and you will recover. I believe that. Hang in there, seek help and know that I am rooting for your quick recovery. Best wishes to all of you."

• Cmano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "After 15 years of struggling with deep depression, pmdd, and post partum depression, 1 suicide attempt and 1 hospitalization, I have found the medicine Effexor that has worked for me. It's been a long road but now I'm at peace and living life to the fullest."

• Mistake
• March 3, 2020

For Depression "I was put on venlafaxine in 2001, and soon became functionally narcoleptic and severely depressed. Over the years, doctors kept increasing the dosage, telling me I was simply very ill and needed a high dose of venlafaxine just to make my depression manageable. Finally, after 17 years, and several failed attempts to taper off, I stopped my venlafaxine cold turkey against medical advice. Coming off this drug was possibly the most difficult thing I've ever done, with truly horrific withdrawal symptoms, but once I made it through those months of withdrawal and recalibration, I learned that all those years, it was the venlafaxine that had been making me ill. As a minor effect, I lost 10 pounds within my first month of stopping the venlafaxine. More importantly, I went from needing 12 hours sleep per day to 7.5 hours sleep per day, and my depression lifted. That was over a year ago, and this past year has been my healthiest in two decades. After 17 years, I finally have my life back."

• SSKirby
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for two months now, after previously being on Zoloft and Celexa. The two other medications were not effective for my anxiety and depression, and they tended to make me either tired or foggy regardless of the time of day that I took them. I expected the tiredness to wear off, but the foggy feeling never did. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR, and it has been very effective for both my depression and anxiety symptoms. I am not 100% perfect, and I still have anxiety, but in the appropriate moments. The moments of unreasonable anxiety attacks are fewer and far between since starting the medicine. I had no negative side effects, and I take it every morning at 9am."

• Stixie...
• October 14, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I cannot describe how life changing this medication has been for me. I've been suffering from anxiety/depression, specifically social anxiety and low self esteem, my whole life. It was at a point where I thought it was normal to be negative, pessimistic, anxious and depressed all the time. I tried EVERYTHING including therapy, exercise, diet and an array of medicines and nothing worked. I nearly developed an addiction to Xanax just trying to combat the anxiety. Prozac, lexapro, Concerta, stratera; Nothing worked. Finally got introduced to Effexor XR. Started on 75mg for 2 months, I wasn't that satisfied. I got put on 150mg for 2 months then. CANNOT BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE. I'm happy, confident and positive. AMAZING. Long may it last."