Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Heb...
• September 5, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor XR for over 15 years. I take a daily dosage of 300mg. It has been the most significant thing in my life! I am able to function normally, hold down a sometimes stressful job, be a great parent, and most of all be the best me possible. I have a hormonal imbalance which causes my depression, and no amount of psychological intervention was ever going to change that. Effexor XR did. Whilst there are side effects, my body has become accustomed to them, and believe me, they are nothing in comparison to the dreadful depression. I believe that it has saved my life and ensured that the life I lead is a good one. A couple of tablets a day, some minor side effects, and I can get on with a wonderful life."

• Mis...
• September 21, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am 46 years old and have taken Effexor since 2000. It helps me balance myself. It really works, and it calms me down and relaxes. But never miss it for a day or so, it will give you dizziness or nausea. I would like people out there to know that Effexor is the best antidepressant. It helps me focus on my life in every way. Thank you for saving my life, Effexor."

• 120...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression, an eating disorder, and anxiety. I have struggled for years on and off multiple antidepressants. I just started Effexor 2.5 weeks ago. Already, I am so shocked at the absolute change. I wake up happy. I regained interest in things. I no longer have thoughts of suicide and am not crying every day. I honestly feel like it has given me my life back."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 25, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I had suffered from extreme anxiety and depression for a few years and countless prescribed antidepressants prior to trying Effexor. I suffered anxiety so bad that it was hard to do daily tasks such as driving and going to the grocery store. I went through countless jobs because a panic attack would strike at work, and I would have to rush out of the situation and never return because the fear of it happening again would haunt me. The very first day being on Effexor, I felt like a different person. For the first time in years, I wanted to venture out into the world and be around people. After a week of being on 75 mg, I landed a job, and now, two years later, I am still symptom-free and off the medicines. I give this medicine a big 10!"

• 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."

• tjr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Was given this for depression and had no idea it would transform my life. After taking for just 1 day, I noticed my pain was almost gone after suffering for years. I can't believe that only the day before I started venlafaxine I had to use crutches to go shopping because the pain in my legs and back when walking was excruciating. I've noticed I feel so much more relaxed than I have in years, my mood has improved, I feel almost excited that I can now get my life back. I am 45, have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and fibromyalgia, and wish I had known about venlafaxine years ago."

• Fla...
• June 20, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I've had intense hot flashes for 12 years. In addition to HRT (which worked fabulously during the 5 years I was on it), I tried Zoloft, Prozac, Remifemin, and Estroven with varying degrees of unspectacular success. So didn't expect much from Effexor, but within days of starting daily 37.5 dose, my hot flashes all but disappeared. Really, it's amazing. I've only been on it two weeks, so here's hoping it'll be effective for the long haul, which at this point, after 12 years, is looking like it will be the rest of my life. Geez, thanks, mom..."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This is by far the most effective antidepressant I have EVER taken. I have tried Prozac, Zoloft, and Celexa, which all caused numerous unwanted side effects. I have been on Effexor XR for a month, and in the beginning, the only side effect I experienced was being sleepy. This went away after about a week. I can tell you that after just one week, my mood lifted, and I have zero anxiety. Thank you, Effexor XR."

• Anonymous
• June 2, 2008

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've used Paxil to treat what was panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. SSRIs in general are a miracle and gave me my life back. But, neither Paxil nor Lexapro treated the depression that replaced my anxiety. I used to sleep a lot and felt overwhelmed. With Effexor XR, my self-esteem has returned. I'm back in control, accomplishing things, and have a very positive outlook for my future. No side effects."

• Cas...
• January 4, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I have been taking 37.5 venlafaxine for almost 2 years. I was put on it as I was having terrible night sweats. They ended almost immediately. I have never been depressed so I don't know how that works. It helped with my dieting as I am not as hungry as I used to be. I take it in the morning and have no side effects. I am in my 70s."

• fox...
• February 13, 2013

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "I have been on Effexor 37.5 for 2 weeks now. It immediately stopped ALL hot flashes for 2 days. Since then, I have occasional, very mild hot flashes. My doctor told me to check in with her after 3 weeks. I may ask about increasing the dosage to 75. I was a little drowsy at first, then realized I was also taking an allergy medicine with a side effect of drowsiness so I stopped the allergy medicine. I agree with others, my mood is better, and also, my hair has more body and not so limp anymore. It must be a result of not sweating so frequently and severely from the hot flashes. I haven't noticed any other side effects. I wish I would experience a loss of appetite, that would be nice."

• lor...
• February 4, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Effexor XR 4 months ago. My entire life I've struggled with anxiety. I have gone to cognitive behavioral therapy to help me change my responses to anxiety-producing situations, all to no avail. I never wanted to take medication as I thought only weak people do that. About 2 months prior to taking Effexor XR, I began having panic attacks so severe I felt as though I was going to die. I couldn't function and became depressed. As a last resort, I decided to try medication. I take one 75mg capsule every morning. Please note, the first 2 weeks were misery - I could barely lift my head or body, I had neck pain, slept constantly, and still had anxiety. I stuck it out and haven't had an anxiety or panic attack since then."

• 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."

• 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."

• Tep...
• August 2, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "As with all antidepressants, I tend to peak after about 5 years and my medication begins to lose its efficacy. This is the third time I have had Effexor prescribed, and each time the results have been better than with any other antidepressant. I actually enjoy parts of my life and sleep like a baby, which is a true blessing, because I have fibromyalgia and the accompanying insomnia so common with fibromyalgia. Several years ago my brother-in-law was having trouble with his depression medications so I told him to ask his doctor about Effexor. He has gone from suicidal to a fairly happy fellow. This medicine has literally been a lifesaver in our family."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "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 improvement, 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 don't 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."

• Din...
• September 12, 2013

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on this medication for approximately 3 weeks now. It is a godsend for me. I noticed results on day 2. I have had recurring depressive episodes my entire adult life. This episode, I was unable to get out of bed, sleeping up to 14 hours a day, not going into work (thankfully, I have a very understanding boss). I was not suicidal this time, I actually think that I really didn't care enough to do anything about it. My whole attitude was, 'I just don't care.' I have anxiety as well, but the episodes have always been well controlled with 1mg of Ativan. I had racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, unable to finish almost any task - if I even got as far to start one. 175mg of Effexor, and I can finally function."

• Gra...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 4, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Everyone's different, for me this one's a LIFE SAVER! My depression began 15 years ago. In 2014, I hit my lowest point. Previous doctor had me on several meds that didn't mix well together. That whole year is a blur, I don't remember any of it except for the few grand mal seizures they caused. Eventually, I attempted suicide with one of the meds and ended up in a mental hospital twice within a month. My new psychiatrist took me off everything and started me on this, topped out at 150mg (which I am to this day, 6 years later, still taking). I can't thank that psychiatrist and this miracle drug enough. Taking with Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I'm not sure which one, but I believe one of them has got rid of my sex drive. I prefer no sex drive over that really dark place I was in. Also, if I miss taking them a couple of days in a row (again, not sure which one is causing it), I experience extreme vertigo... not fun. Other than that, I have no other complaints, just absolute gratefulness. LOVE IT!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I've had unmedicated anxiety all my life which seemed to become worse as I got older. Though I lived with it, I also experienced my first migraine followed by almost daily tension headaches. My doctor recommended Effexor. I was very nervous to try it after reading many things online. I also mentioned my concerns about weight gain and sexual dysfunction. I was a newlywed at 40, working hard to lose weight. Despite my concerns, my doctor still recommended it. Within a few weeks, I started to feel better. Over time, I noticed I was calmer, had a clear mind, and slept better. I became more patient and even found improvements in my sex life. Fortunately, I did not gain weight, just experienced a little nausea at first."

• Glt...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 26, 2013

Venlafaxine for Fibromyalgia "They'll have to pry my Effexor out of my cold, dead hands! It helps so much with my fibromyalgia pain as well as my anxiety."

• Tat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been on this medication only one week but am cautiously very optimistic. Prior to this, I was on citalopram but still feeling very low and sleeping poorly, feeling like I needed to be in bed 12-16 hours a day. Now I am waking naturally after only 8 hours of sleep and finding it much easier to concentrate at work. I can hardly believe it is working so quickly but I feel so much better. I've had no side effects."

• ree...
• January 25, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started taking Effexor 3 weeks ago after finding no success with Wellbutrin or Zoloft. It causes some initial bad side effects (nausea, dizziness, tiredness), but I can't emphasize enough how wonderful I feel now! I thought I would never find a solution. Most effective medication I've encountered thus far!"

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2008

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I had crippling anxiety. I couldn't even make it to the grocery store some days. I have been on Paxil and Lexapro prior to taking Effexor. Effexor has changed my life and made me feel like myself again. I have been taking it for about 7 months now and I have had no side effects except that I have had a few vivid dreams. These are happy dreams but I can remember EVERY detail when I normally do not remember dreaming at all."