Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• MsS...
• April 1, 2012

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "I had hot flashes every 2 hours. My face would turn beet red, my glasses would fog up, and always at an inappropriate time. Took my first dose of Effexor 37.5mg, my hot flashes are basically nonexistent. Mood is also awesome now."

• 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."

• 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."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I've been taking antidepressants for about 15 years, due to panic attacks, general anxiety, and situational depression, and they have worked well. Additionally, for 10 years I have had very severe leg pain, seeming to be sciatica/nerve pain and muscle pain, from hips to feet. I was told by two orthopedists, 'You're just old (59) so live with it.' It's been only a month since I changed to SNRIs-namely Venlafaxine-and since the very first day, I have been pain-free. I can walk again with long strides and quickly. I can stand for long periods. I can take hikes. I hadn't been able to do that for 10 years. My life is no longer dictated by how much pain I can endure. I don't know how it works, but I wish I'd known about it years ago."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am from Canada, 24-year-old female. I have always been a worrier but first experienced anxiety in my 4th year at University 3 years ago. I had a panic attack which then turned into panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Effexor is a GREAT medication for me. My dose was raised way too quickly at the beginning. I went from 75mg to 150mg to 225mg in a month and a half and got horrible Effexor-induced anxiety. But when my GP realized what was going on, she put me back to 75mg and then very slowly put me up to 112.5mg. I have been there for 2 months now, and I think it is the perfect dose for me. I don't have intrusive thoughts or panic sensations. Be patient, it's worth it!"

• Gau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I see so many reviews here from people that gave up this medication after one day, five days, seven days. Guys, this medicine can take up to a MONTH to work. In the meantime, you might experience side effects like increased anxiety. Stick with it. It works for me - It might not for you, but please try it out properly (i.e. for at least a month) before you knock it."

• Nat...
• October 21, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have struggled with eating disorders (Anorexia and Binging) for about 4 years now. It started at 16 and slowly began to follow me into college. I’ve struggled with relationships and often find myself extremely depressed and more anxious than ever. I started Effexor about 2 weeks ago now, and the first few days were much like the experiences listed on here. I have done MDMA before, and it does feel like that for the first two days. However, after I got through that stage, each day has been getting better. Colors seem brighter, and my motivation has started to get better. Before, I had struggled with finding any interest in life, and everything seems a little bit more open each day I wake up. I do have some very vivid dreams and find that during the night, my depression gets a little worse, but it has slowly subsided, and I’m able to push away thoughts that normally frustrate me. I’m excited to see how each day goes moving forward."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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)"

• 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..."

• Bet...
• July 6, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Venlafaxine for four months and for the first two, I was a mess. Dilated pupils, extreme anxiety, feeling depersonalized, no appetite, still suicidal, terrified of what the future was going to hold. I was switched to modified release around six weeks ago, and the difference within three weeks is utterly incredible. I believe wholeheartedly that this medication has saved my life. Whatever chemical was missing from my brain is almost certainly present and correct now. Nothing else has changed in my life except taking the medication, and it is like I can finally experience it. Antidepressants don't change rubbish circumstances, but I had an awesome life I couldn’t enjoy because I was so anxious and stressed. Now I can relax and am not scared of the future but am excited instead."

• Sal...
• March 3, 2018

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I had anxiety for 20 years and didn't really know the reason for it. I molded my miserable life around my anxiety demands and tried my best to change things but all gone in vain. It was one good day that I saw a neurosurgeon about another issue who prescribed me Effexor along with other medicines. While I was searching the uses and dosages of the medicines, the word 'Social Anxiety Disorder,' for the first time, came to my knowledge. I was amazed that all symptoms and behavioral patterns that were described in this context were almost identical to my situation. I am on Effexor for six months and things are altogether changed. My relations with family, workplace, and friends are quickly restored. I am very happy and really enjoying my life now. The side effects are far less important than the major damages that the disorder itself creates. Effexor works like a magic spell and within days it changes the life and lifestyle."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 3, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been taking Effexor on and off for the past 10 years. There is no better medicine for my anxiety than Effexor. The trick with Effexor XR is that you need to know exactly how to take it and not to take more than what you really need. I am now on a steady 37.5mg (minimum dose) and it works just fine. My doctor tells me that that low dose is hardly therapeutic but it works just fine for me. Of course, I need to practice many anxiety relief techniques, especially the ones that help get you back to sleep, but overall, Effexor XR at 37.5 mg each morning takes the severe edge off my condition. I do the rest. It's a good mix."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I’ve tried many different drugs for anxiety and depression, the last being Lexapro which did nothing to help me. Gave Effexor a try and I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m able to go out in public more without getting anxious, I rarely get depressed, and my mood has improved tremendously. No side effects. Just be careful to take it every single day and don’t miss a dose; my nurse practitioner said people feel terrible if they do."

• Tha...
• January 28, 2010

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "My ob/gyn recently recommended Effexor to treat my menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings) after having my ovary removed. I was skeptical because I have been treated with antidepressants in the past and the side effects were horrendous. I also suffer from GAD and SADD, but because I am such a wimp about taking pills, I have tried to tough it out. I was willing to try anything to help me get better. It has only been a week at the 37.5 dose, and I already notice a difference. Hot flashes are gone, I don't fly off the handle at everything and everyone, I am laughing, I can concentrate, I worry less, and am generally more calm. Side effects are minimal. A little spacey at times! Loss of appetite (which is good for an overweight woman). LOVE THIS MEDICINE!"

• NoN...
• June 15, 2018

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am a 31-year-old female and work as a lawyer. Effexor is the first medication I tried. I took it for 7 years and it worked great. I decided to stop a few years ago because I thought it was affecting my libido. The reality is that I was just in a bad relationship, and I wasn’t attracted to the man I was with. Anyhow, I tried all sorts of medications afterwards, including Buspirone, Zoloft, and Pristiq. I am now back to Effexor, the only medication that ever worked with my anxiety. It is just day 1, but all I can say is that for 7 years, it worked like magic. Most of my anxiety symptoms were gone. When off Effexor, anxiety slowly came back and manifested itself in the sneakiest ways... it just takes over your life to a point where you can’t function anymore. I was at a point where I literally couldn’t function. Now I have hope. Finally, I can go back to normal and enjoy life. I have a wonderful family, boyfriend, and a challenging & interesting job."

• 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!"

• jla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "This (Effexor XR) is a GREAT drug! For those of you who have had a bad experience, you need to have the swab test done by your Dr (covered by insurance) to find out what drugs work for you. It has been a lifesaver for me! I was switched by a smart NP after taking Paxil for many years with many problems. After I took the mouth swab test & it showed Paxil was a bad fit for me. I have zero side effects aside from a little weight loss, which for me is awesome as I'm 57 & fit but had those nagging extra lbs. Extra lbs gone, mood lifted, don't dwell on stupid things. I'll be on it forever as I'm permanently low in serotonin & NEED the boost. Without it, I just lay in bed & don't want to do anything. Get the swab test done & if this shows up in the left column, try it! Little adjustments with dosage are required - just start at 75mg, which helps a teenie bit & then go up... It's also cheap if you pay cash... GOOD LUCK!!"

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I originally started on the regular Effexor when I was 16 after a suicide attempt while on Prozac. This was literally a lifesaver for me! Switched to XR when it became available. I was on it for about 3 years before deciding I no longer wanted to be anchored down by antidepressants. The withdrawals sucked, but didn't last long. I'm considering going back on it and am now 37 years old."

• Ell...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2020

For Social Anxiety Disorder "This medication Effexor saved my life. As soon as I hit my 20s, my social anxiety got ridiculously worse. I became depressed, was abusing drugs, and eventually suicide felt like the only option. I failed out of uni, which made things worse. But despite all of this, I remembered that my social anxiety is a mental illness and that my brain needed help. 'I am a good person and I deserve to be happy.' This affirmation allowed me to finally go see a doctor to discuss medication. I started Effexor immediately and took it every day. 6 months later, I completely changed in the best way possible! I am finally happy, confident, in control of my thoughts, social, and at peace. I highly recommend this medication, be patient with it as it does take a while to fully work. Worth the wait though let me tell you! Stay strong my friends and please never give up. ❤️"

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2020

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I knew my IBS was directly affected by my anxiety and depression, so I went to a doctor to be put on meds to help with that. Effexor worked wonders! I was able to put back on the 40 lbs. I had lost from being sick all the time. And zero panic attacks. It's not as good at helping my depression, but it is noticeably better still. The only issue I have with it is that it absolutely WRECKS my stomach if I miss even a single dose, so I have to be really careful about that. But I mean, it's made my life so much more liveable that I consider that a small issue."

• 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."

• Fog...
• November 6, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor XR saved my life! I had severe clinical depression for one year, and my doctor tried 8 different antidepressants on me, all to no avail. I sought the help of a psychopharmacologist in Palo Alto, CA. He met with me for 90 minutes, did an evaluation, and prescribed Effexor XR for me. He stairstepped me up to 300 mg/day within 12 days, and within 2 weeks I felt like my old self again. It felt miraculous. I may be on it for the rest of my life, but I don't mind one bit. I am enjoying life again!"