Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

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."

• Lau...
• 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, venlafaxine. 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 didn't 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."

• Son...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have had anxiety and depression for years. I was on all different types of medicines. I 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, I 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."

• Roo...
• April 29, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I had severe hellish, unrelenting 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 antidepressants."

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

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!"

• sad...
• January 17, 2013

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."

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

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've tried many different SSRIs for depression (Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Prozac) and nothing worked. I was apprehensive to take 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 numbness and a lack of emotion, but Effexor has made me feel like me again! This has been my miracle after years of mild to severe depression."

• STE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2019

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 given me my footing."

• Sha...
• 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 doctor didn't seem to care. She is too involved in impressing her colleagues 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 doctor. He prescribed me 37.5 mg Effexor for a couple of 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 doctor 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."

• Mom...
• July 27, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I went to my OB-GYN after experiencing a very emotional year with family and work, then started hot flashes! Thankfully, my OB-GYN 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!"

• mom...
• August 22, 2017

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

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 every day. 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 struggles 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."

• 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, and self-medicating (alcohol, which only made it worse). Venlafaxine is a godsend 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."

• 052...
• January 26, 2015

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 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, there are side effects, but everything you put into your body does. Please try what your doctor recommends before you read all the reviews."

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

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, it started to lose its 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 ❤️"

• Dow...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2014

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 savior for me. Two weeks ago I was in bad shape, today, after a week of Effexor, I feel on top of the world. This medication, with the help of family, friends, and counselor, has without a doubt totally turned my life around. Now, everything in my life is happy and positive. Without this medication, my future would have been bleak, to say the least."

• Cma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "After 15 years of struggling with deep depression, PMDD, and postpartum 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."

• Anonymous
• May 10, 2008

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I take 300 mg of time-released Effexor a day, and it has changed my life 100%. It has helped me to not worry about rejection if things don't go right and to give a speech in front of an audience has always been frightening, as well as being in crowds with others, or being preoccupied with possible rejection every minute. I did not realize how much joy of life I was missing."

• Sas...
• 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 son's 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 venlafaxine. 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 son's dad again. It really has changed my life, push through the side effects."

• Eff...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "Been on Effexor 150 mg for 16 years. Can't remember any side effects that weren't tolerable. I haven't had one problem in 16 years of taking it. I have had three clinical depression episodes (about ten years apart) so I have to stay on an antidepressant for the rest of my life. I like to say... I'm a 'quart low' on serotonin. Effexor has kept the level up. Happy patient!"

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

For Anxiety and Stress "It does make you feel anxious and a bit sick, but only for the first few days. It's good to support yourself with some light meditation for stress. It goes away after a few days, you just need to make it through. After that, you feel really good. I was on a 75 mg dose for 5 years. Now I've lowered it to 37.5mg, but I am not planning to stop taking it. It improved my life and allowed me to use my potential. I can see that the negative comments here are mostly from people who just started taking it. As I said, it's temporary sickness. After 1-2 weeks, it gets better."

• Sti...
• October 14, 2016

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, Strattera; 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."

• SSK...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2014

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."

• New...
• March 27, 2012

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "After having my ovaries removed, the hot flashes were so bad - one every hour or so - that I could not get a decent night's sleep. The doctor had said if the flashes got bad that I could try this antidepressant. I did not need that or so I thought. After a month, I said okay I'll try it. I have been on the lowest dose for about 8 years now. Am I done with the hot flashes - I don't know and don't want to find out. And the side benefit for me is that it also took the edge off of stress and worrying. I recommend every woman who can't take hormones and has hot flashes to try this. I have had no side effects, but I did have a loss of appetite. Just make sure your doctor checks your liver functions yearly."

• Pis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2013

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Effexor Saved Me After Many Failed Medicines. Current Med Combo - Effexor 75 mg, Lamictal 200 mg, Abilify 5 mg. It saved me from wasting any more time locked up in my house 24/7 and avoiding conversations, knocks at the door, people, telephone calls, and anything else involving socializing. I FINALLY LEAVE MY HOUSE. WILLINGLY and REGULARLY. Daily. I NO LONGER FEAR APPLYING FOR JOBS. I NO LONGER FEAR THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A JOB because I would have to deal with people. I am willing and eager to go out with friends, family, acquaintances, meet new people. SIDE EFFECTS - Only Nightmares, which eventually become less and less and then go away after 2 months. Maybe a little unpleasant at first. Definitely bearable. It's not bad for everyone."