Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• 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."

• lav...
• December 16, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "This stopped my depression the second day! It felt like a hole in my heart mended! Literally! I seem to be able to skip days here and there in the spring and summertime with no effects, but never have plans to wean off. It has been too great a miracle prescription for me! Seven years!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 9, 2021

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."

• Ate...
• May 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Started on 37.5mg for a month. First two days were only side effects - I was a little jumpy, couldn't keep legs still, and had insomnia. That went away in 48 hours. Then it shifted to making me sleepy and fairly relaxed. However, I still had breakthrough anxiety crying and didn't feel much change in depression. Decided to up the dose and have been at 75mg for a while now. No side effects. This dose has obliterated my anxiety and helped with depression. All I feel is calm and relaxed. I am more outgoing and happy. Only thing I noticed, like so many others, is that it is tough to miss a dose. But, don't let that dissuade you from trying it. It really has been a miracle for me."

• Gem...
• February 22, 2012

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor gave me my life back. I was so overwhelmed with anxiety for months to the point I would not come out of my room, all I was doing was crying. I thought I was having a breakdown. I'm taking 75mg at night. At first, I felt sick and dizzy, but after about 4 weeks, I started to feel better. I've been taking them now for 8 weeks, and I feel back to normal. I'm back at work full-time. I still get the odd bad day, but that's to be expected. I don't know what I would have done without this medicine. Please be patient with this medication, I know it's hard, but after 4-6 weeks, you will feel better. Good luck with it all. I know it's really hard, but you will get better."

• sle...
• January 28, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor XR for about 8 years now. I am currently taking 300 mg per day. I tried to commit suicide several times before starting 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."

• Jan...
• July 25, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking venlafaxine for almost a year now and my life has changed for the better in so many ways. I have BPD, and the mood swings, constant anxiety, depression, anger, stressing over the smallest things, and overthinking everything always got in the way of living a normal life. I also struggled with an eating disorder due to comfort eating and weight gain with other antidepressants. I have lost weight, don't binge anymore, have much more energy, sleep well, am less stressed, and my moods are much calmer and less irrational. I didn't score it a ten as the first few weeks of side effects were pretty rough - constant dry mouth, excessive sweating, nausea, dilated pupils, but didn't last long! Everyone's experience is different."

• sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I've suffered severe anxiety/panic attacks my entire life. I've had Xanax, Valium, Prozac, and Edronax over the course of my years. I finally changed doctors, came off everything, to start where I'm at now. I began on 37.5mg over two weeks ago and noticed a difference straight away. Now on 75mg and getting better every single day. My panic attacks could cause me to pass out, so this is a huge leap in health for me. For those concerned about coming off Xanax, it's so worth the effort. I now feel like I'm getting my life back, and I'm truly grateful."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2023

Venlafaxine for Depression "This drug saved my life. I've been taking it on and off since 2017 at 225mg. Now, I have struggled with depression for 18 years - constantly crying, feeling hopeless, and wishing I was dead. I've been through several psychiatrists and several different meds. Nothing helped. My anxiety was bad. I couldn't keep friends or maintain relationships. I was on the verge of taking my life because I was in so much pain. Then, I was given Effexor when I was in the mental hospital, and it has helped me a lot and saved my life. It's the best medication I have ever taken. I don't feel anxious or depressed anymore. I got my life back, and I'm happy once again. The people who left bad reviews are overdramatic and sound like lunatics. This drug is amazing. No bad side effects besides drowsiness. It may not work for everyone, but it surely helped me, and I am so grateful I finally found a medication that works tried and true!"

• Fre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I would just like to point out that every single person is different and adjusts to these medications differently. I had 3 suicide attempts before accepting medication and was put on Effexor. Effexor changed my life, until it didn’t. For 2 years it helped me to function normally, I went back to work, the suicidal ideation ceased, and I was able to manage my depression. After a long time though, I felt numb and wanted to get off of it. No one ever warns you about coming off Effexor. There is a whole group on Facebook just for coming off it. The withdrawals are worse than any drug I know. I counted every day. It was 12 days of agony before I felt any sort of relief. It was pure, utter awfulness. But I look back and think of what Effexor did for me when I first started this medication, and it gave me my life back. So despite the horrible effects coming off this drug, it still helped me immensely."

• tut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2014

For Hot Flashes "After suffering from extreme hot flashes, night sweats, and overwhelming anxiety that I really thought was just me and my lot in life, my cousin told me about her doctor giving her Effexor. I made an appointment and now take 75mg. I am a different person! Sometimes I have to look in the mirror to be sure it is me. It took me years to discover I can feel good!"

• Pan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 17, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Effexor (venlafaxine) for around 10 years, and I could not have survived without it. It helped me to feel 'normal' and allowed me to go out of the house without getting panic attacks. I did sweat profusely for some time, and once I did not take it for 3 days, that was really bad. I had shakes, shivers, lightheadedness, and nausea... I would say this medication saved me from years of mental nightmare."

• Add...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After years of suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, I finally decided to start medication. I started with Lexapro, and it made me feel terrible, with horribly low libido. I then tried Buspar with the same side effects. Effexor XR was my next try. I’m writing this because I was nervous about taking this medication after reading reviews. This medication has saved my life. I can finally do things that anxiety stopped me from doing. My panic attacks have decreased to hardly any. I had social anxiety, and I feel like I can have a normal conversation without stuttering due to being anxious. The only “con” I have of this medication is if I skip it one day, I have horrible flu-like symptoms and extreme headaches. However, I don’t plan to skip it regularly, so as long as you take it as prescribed, this shouldn’t be a problem. I 10/10 recommend this medication!"

• cas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine turned my life around in the best way. However, it is important to consider the side effects. The side effects in the beginning were not great for me. I realized quickly that my stomach does not handle this med well, and I will throw up if I don’t go to bed right after taking it. However, as long as I take it right before bed it is not a problem. This med also made me feel quite drowsy for a while at first and also gave me night twitches (body twitches when I was trying to sleep), which were annoying. After about 6 months of being on 75mg, my body has completely adjusted to it and I no longer get those side effects (except I do still have to take it right before I go to bed). The withdrawals are also very uncomfortable, and if I miss a day, I am extremely dizzy. On the plus side, I feel extreme relief from my stress, anxious, and depressive symptoms, and I actually feel content with my life. I actually feel happy. Shout out to Effexor!"

• VIR...
• April 11, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Effexor for 4 weeks. Finally, I feel good. It's a miracle! I was suffering real bad depression and anxiety, and thoughts of giving up on life. Effexor works. This is the best I've felt since I was 23. Now I'm 30, and yes, I feel very happy to know I didn't give up and finally found a miracle pill. It's only been a month. Thanks Effexor, saved my life. Thank you."

• TeT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I have been on Effexor 37.5 mg for three months for Hot Flashes. After my first bedtime dose, I was feeling lightheaded and a little jittery the next morning, but those symptoms went away after three days. Before Effexor, I would wake up several times a night due to the Hot Flashes. I am a totally different person and a pleasure to be around. I am dating again after a two-year hiatus, and the medication has not affected my sex drive."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2023

Venlafaxine for Autism "I have autism, which is very exhausting keeping up with everyday life. I usually prefer my own company and a dark room. My autism affects my emotions, anxiety, and panic on a day-to-day basis. Effexor has begun to make me more extraverted, focused better at work, calmed my anxiety, and stopped my panic attacks. It's hard starting any type of drug when you are very sensitive to life in general, so be prepared to have everything intensify for approximately 4 weeks: sleep disturbances, fast heart rate, anxious, tense, panicky. If you don't see an improvement by the 4-5 week mark, make sure you report back to your doctor. Remember to start low and slow to minimize the side effects. I hope you find this information helpful, don't forget there are other options out there if Effexor is not for you. I also have done well on Paxil previously."

• Tip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I suffer from GAD and I have to say this medication has changed my life. I am much happier and handle situations better. I only take 37.5 once per day, usually in the morning, and that works for me. The only side effect was insomnia in the beginning, but now I feel calm and relaxed, and I have great night's sleep. I wake up energized and wanting to start my day. This medication, with therapy, has done wonders. Ignore the negative and try for yourself. Reading reviews, I was so scared to start this medication, but I thank God I gave it a try."

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2016

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Prior to starting this medication, I couldn't drive in the car by myself anymore. I could barely go into the convenience store by myself without having a panic attack. After searching for a doctor that could help me, I landed the best psychiatrist who prescribed me Effexor. I started with a low dose and was also taking Ativan as a crutch to get through until the Effexor worked. Before starting this, I swore that I would never regain control of my life. Effexor changed my life and saved me from the helplessness that I felt. I am now off the Ativan and have not needed any since stopping it. There is freedom beyond panic and anxiety. This may not work for everybody but it worked for me."

• Cal...
• March 17, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I started having panic attacks at age 10, always been a struggle, then started having really bad bouts of depression. Things got to a stage where I was just so tired of being scared all the time and finding it hard to function. I've been on many antidepressants through the years. Lexapro I had been on for over 10 years, psychiatrist weaned me off and put me on Effexor. I actually can't believe this. It's only day 2 on 37.5mg to be increased to 75 next week, but I swear I feel a calmness I haven't felt before. Surely after 2 days I'm thinking this can't be right, but after reading some reviews I can see that others have had relief in a short time from this medicine. No side effects. Just feel calm. Feeling hopeful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Effexor XR is the best drug! I have tried Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac, and none of them helped me. I was nervous to start Effexor because of the reviews and side-effects if you miss a pill. I took a leap of faith and started Effexor, and I have been on it for two years now! I have never felt more like myself. Set a reminder if you are nervous you might miss a pill. Every body reacts differently to every drug, so please, give Effexor a chance! It’s a miracle drug for my panic disorder. Don’t let the reviews scare you!"

• Mis...
• 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."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2024

Venlafaxine for Depression "After 7 years on Zoloft, I tapered to 25 mg from 100 mg. Then depression hit. I tried titrating up, but dealt with sedation and many adverse side effects. I tapered off and quit for 30 days. Depression lingered, so I began 37.5 Effexor. I felt relief on the first day. I switched to taking it in the evening to offset morning sleepiness. Within 2 weeks, I went to 75 mg, and within 2 weeks, depression remitted. After 15 weeks at 75 mg, I'm on a staggered dose of 112.5/75 every other day. Here's the thing for me—I chose to start low and go slow. The Effexor gave a mild but noticeable lift in mood. Within 2 weeks, I felt hope. I didn't have to wait 4 to 6 to 8 weeks to notice nor suffer adverse effects for weeks at a time. Research supports the efficacy of Effexor, especially its ability to give noticeable, if not subtle, improvements within two weeks. Having gone 40 weeks suffering adverse effects of Zoloft, the impact of Effexor for me was, in fact, life-changing. (Male, 62)"

• OK2...
• October 4, 2013

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was started on 75 mg of Effexor and then increased to 150 mg. I felt much better overall. Anxiety was about gone, I could think through my thoughts. However, I was not happy with the sexual dysfunction I experienced on the 150 mg dose. My doctor lowered my dose back to 75 mg and the sexual dysfunction resolved, and my generalized anxiety disorder is within tolerable limits. I recently added Vitamin D and B12 to my daily regimen with my Effexor 75 mg ER dose and noticed a huge lifting of the mental fog that I had known for so long. This combination has been keeping my thoughts from racing, my hope from tanking, and my perspective in a good and positive place. It works for me."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "After 7 years of trial and error, This year I found a fantastic psychiatrist and I was finally told about 'Effexor'. From being tossed on so many different medications in the past and none of them working, I was SO desperate to feel better and also hopeless at the same time because I had felt like I had already tried EVERYTHING, but I gave it a shot. After 3 months, my entire mindset started to change for the better. Little by little, I started getting out of bed again, socializing again, I rarely have nightmares anymore, I feel a lot more calm, I don't overthink little things, and I genuinely look forward to waking up now. Do not give up on this drug if you don't feel better immediately, nothing will make you completely feel better but this is as close as I've ever gotten. Give it about 3 months to work and a year to fully work. I was a drug user and was at rock bottom/completely hopeless and because of Effexor I am alive today."