Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Reading reviews online will freak you out about this drug, and as someone who used it for panic disorder and extreme anxiety (as well as depression), these reviews on here definitely terrified me. First off, relax. Taking any new drug for the first time can be scary because your body's adjusting, but freaking out about any little symptom will only make your experience worse. Now on to my experience: The first couple of weeks, I experienced nausea and maybe a bit of sleeplessness, but nothing too crazy. Lost a bit of weight too as it suppressed my appetite. I really do believe this drug helped calm my nervous system enough so that I was able to function normally again, and so far after the first month, I don't experience side effects at all. Don't be scared about all the wacky reviews, people can psych themselves out when influenced by others' opinions."

• Dor...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 3, 2021

Venlafaxine for Depression "In a few paragraphs, I can gladly proclaim this medication saved my life in so many ways! I had never felt content until I took Effexor. The grass was greener, the music was even more beautiful, I am now kind and patient again; I am simply happy! I don't need to constantly seek out pleasurable things to make life more exciting anymore. I’m not so emotionally vulnerable. For the first time in my life, I can READ! My ADHD has diminished 70% - 90%! Whether it be from ADHD, anhedonia or both, I can FINALLY enjoy the simple things in life. Lastly and miraculously, my IQ went up 15 - 20 points! My thought process is much more clear, and I LOVE reading and learning! My newfound curiosity fuels my joy for living and learning. I want to thank the people who created this drug. I am not only myself again, but I’m someone I never even knew I was capable of being!"

• Joe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 10, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am a 43-year-old man. I take Effexor XR 150mg since 2000 (yes, I know it is long, but it is better than death). Okay, every 2-3 years I try to be 'med-free', 'normal', and 'out of the stigma', and each time it is the same. I crash. Hard. Each time, I play with my life. From the outside, I look successful, brilliant, intelligent, normal, etc. But I am sick as hell. Sick, but in treatment. I take care of me as I could, and I really don't care about what people think about Venlafaxine now. I don't want to die. Believe me, noradrenaline and serotonin recapture is no garbage. You may need a little help for your brain. Refuse it if you like, but do something about depression before it will do something about you."

• Sar...
• January 28, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have severe anxiety and regular depression from time to time. I've taken Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft. They eventually quit working for me. I had so much anxiety after work that I would like to have an alcoholic drink and sometimes a cigarette to calm my nerves. The problem with this is because alcohol makes anxiety worse if you drink more than two drinks. So it was an endless cycle. I was also getting to the point where I couldn't get off the couch and had no motivation to do anything. Taking a shower was hard for me. I was sleeping a lot! Start out on the Effexor XR 37.5mg dose for about a week or two before moving up to 75 mg. At first, it made me feel really weird, my mind would race, and I was having a hard time sleeping. I stuck it out! I am now taking 75 mg, and I'm so much better! I get up at 6:00 am when I used to sleep until 9:00. I go to the gym 3 days a week, I get dressed up, and now I have a part-time job. Effexor has literally changed my life!"

• lin...
• August 1, 2018

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Miracle Drug! I advise everyone to stick to it through the first week. For me personally, the first week was awful. Honestly terrible. I was nauseous, disoriented, had short-term memory loss - I felt high/disconnected to reality the first couple of days. After one week, I woke up and was completely fine. I felt like my old normal self (without anxiety/depression). Now I feel very happy, motivated, calm, and most importantly stable! No more mood swings, irritability; as soon as something dark creeps into my mind, I can dismiss it in a moment. I've been on Venlafaxine XR for two months (150mg now) and I feel fantastic. I'm so glad I gave it a go. Although it was my last resort, it was my best resort. I used to be a professional athlete, been vegan for a while, I would meditate, do yoga, and none of that would help at all with my condition. Now, these actions are starting to pay off with the help of this drug. Lots of love to everyone going through hard times. Hope my review helps you ❤️"

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine works. With side effects, yes. But IT WORKS. Tips: Start with 37.5 mg every morning for 7 days. Then replace 37.5 with 75 mg every morning for another 7 days. At the end of the 2nd week you will start to feel 'human' again. Add another 37.5 every afternoon for another 7 days, but not too late in order to avoid insomnia. At the end of the month replace the 37.5 with 75 mg and so you have 150 mg every day with minimum side effects. Anxiety will reduce, sentimental reactions will become more curbed and manageable. You will be yourself again. Remember: be patient and persistent. Stick with it, especially the first month, don't give up. Use some diazepams in order to reduce the anxiety produced by the pill the first weeks! Feel free to ask anything! United we stand!!!"

• Ale...
• October 13, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Please remember to give Effexor XR a couple of months to work. The first month or even two are going to suck. Why? Remember that the chemicals in your brain are adjusting. We have a chemical imbalance. Be patient and kind to yourself. I was on Lexapro and it worked, but I gained so much weight, so I got off. Not a good idea. Never just go cold turkey! So, after speaking to my doctor, he put me on Effexor, and it has been such a blessing. I’m on 225mg for over 3 years, and while I do have good and bad days because it’s not a miracle pill, you still have to fight the depression and anxiety, but it helps you fight it. Stay strong! It works. Be patient. Don’t be scared."

• My ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2014

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor has changed my life. I have always had bad anxiety, but it got out of control after a traumatic event 3 years ago. Finally decided I needed some help and was prescribed Effexor. I doubted it would help - I tried Lexapro a few years before and had awful panic attacks. I am so glad I was wrong and gave Effexor a chance! My anxiety has greatly decreased, and I'm now able to function and think about things other than worries. I had some unexpected benefits too, including reduced social anxiety, I'm more motivated, increased confidence, and a general feeling of happiness and well-being. No real negative side effects - I have lost about 15 pounds and I was a normal weight. I feel like this is how I should have been feeling all my life."

• Smi...
• October 23, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "13 years ago, I was started on the usual citalopram, mirtazapine, etc. My son is very ill and immunocompromised, with lots of hospital visits. I was the lowest I've ever been, no interest in anything, and even contemplated walking away from my life (I was very ill mentally) until I started to take venlafaxine. I started in January, and it's now October. I'm a new woman. I can deal with things, I don't overreact, or let my mood affect the household. It's greatly improved my anxiety too, I still have the same fears, but can rationalize things better and more healthily. A bit worried about coming off in the future, but trying to just live in the now. Also lost 5 stone very easily without trying. In my humble opinion, this drug transformed my life. I no longer idolize death as the easier option, as I can actually deal with my emotions now. I feel mentally healthier and enjoy life again instead of just existing."

• Mit...
• August 9, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Have suffered from bouts of severe anxiety over the last few years that would leave me bedridden, suicidal, unable to work or eat. Tried Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Luvox, and honestly thought nothing would ever work for me. All made me worse. My psych doctor wanted to try Effexor XR, but I was worried about withdrawing from it - after trying everything else, I finally agreed. It has taken a month to feel a difference. I'm enjoying things again, not chewed up by horrible anxiety. I'm actually HAPPY?! The first month on it was so challenging - very low, anxious, exhausted, nauseous. But now no side effects. I feel like a light has gone on. I am getting my life back. I could sob with relief. I truly believed I'd never get better, but here I am."

• hba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medicine saved my life. I was at my wits' end with antidepressants and was ready to give up. My doctor finally prescribed me this after many failed medications. I am so glad she did. I honestly do not know where I would be without Effexor XR. Side effects were very mild compared to other antidepressants I tried. I was drowsy for the first couple of days, but it was tolerable. I highly recommend this for severe depression. I would also like to mention for people to realize there is light at the end of the tunnel and YOU WILL GET BETTER, and to never give up."

• Ypi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2018

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I posted on May 19, and this is my update. So, I stopped sertraline and started taking Effexor 75 mg capsules. The doctor advised to stop sertraline slowly, so the first week I took Effexor 75 mg and half of sertraline, which is 50 mg. The second week I took Effexor 75 mg and sertraline 25 mg. And now just Effexor, 75 mg of Effexor (venlafaxine). I feel so much better. My anxiety has almost stopped, and I remind myself to take deep breaths. I'm sleeping better, and I’m pushing myself a lot more. I refuse to sleep during the day, and all that is helping me. I’m posting this because I know how it feels to feel helpless. So everyone, keep pushing through this. Keep your head up, keep praying, and stay positive. Love you all and good luck!"

• Tol...
• August 29, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on many antidepressants over the years. I have had depression and anxiety since I was 21 years old, and am in my late 40s now. Other antidepressants caused horrible cravings for sweets and carbs. Plus, the medications didn't work that well for me. I have been on Effexor for 8 months, 150 mg. It works wonders for me. I actually like to be around people now. I go places, etc. I have a life again and noticed that I get excited about life. Also, I have lost weight on it. My cravings are gone, I feel full after a meal, and full a lot longer after the meal. I am gaining back my energy. I am a woman who was so severely depressed, I couldn't even get out of my recliner and didn't get dressed most days. What a difference!"

• don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After trying Lexapro and Zoloft for depression and anxiety, I decided to give Effexor a try. Effexor was so much easier to start for me, with very few side effects (mild headache, some shakiness, some mild chest tightness). I started at 37.5 mg then bumped up to 75 mg. Once I went to 75 mg, something just clicked and so much fogginess went away. My anxiety improved and my mood is much more stable. This is definitely a much better drug for my chemistry. That being said, don’t be afraid to try it, and don’t take the negative reviews to heart, people are much more likely to leave negative reviews for bad experiences. Best of luck!"

• KEK...
• January 21, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I had a total hysterectomy last year, and I hadn't felt like myself since February 2013. My doctor suggested that I try Venlafaxine, and all I have to say is, this drug has saved my life! I was having severe hot flashes and mood swings. I was at a point where I didn't know how I was going to continue living like this. I felt like I was losing my mind, and no one could help me. Venlafaxine has stopped all my menopausal symptoms. This drug has saved my marriage, my sanity, my life! I thought I was all alone until my doctor said I was not alone, and she put me on a 2-week trial of Venlafaxine 37.5mg. And as I said before, I finally feel like myself again! :-)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Have been on Effexor XR 75mg for about 1 year now for anxiety & panic attacks. I had a constant odd pain in my stomach (like butterflies and hunger). I would sweat uncontrollably & get dizzy & faint if I was put in a situation I wasn't comfortable with. I went to a Dr. who diagnosed me with anxiety and put me on to Effexor. The first 3 days were hell, every bad review I read on Google I could relate to, I even ended up going to the ER one night as I felt so nauseous and felt like I was losing control and could not stop freaking out. The Dr. told me to stick to it, and promised it would get better. I'm so glad I did. I feel that this medication has saved me. I can almost live a normal life again."

• Cha...
• November 3, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "My boyfriend passed away very unexpectedly. 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 mg of Effexor saved my life. I'm happy again, laughing, and going out and celebrating my life."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2020

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Effexor is helping me calm down and it’s helping my relationship with my boyfriend. I got put on it for my agitation, irritability, anxiety, social anxiety. I am no longer snappy and argumentative. I know people say it’s hard to withdraw from but it’s saving my life and I plan to stay on it for a long time. Thumbs up."

• Mus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor for 18 years. Yes, that's right: 18 YEARS. It saved my life and then some. I had very severe clinical depression back in 1995. I was suicidal and anxious to the nth degree. Effexor has brought joy back to my life and has enhanced my creativity and sexual desire. I have been blessed with this medication. It was the first antidepressant my doctor prescribed and most likely the last. A match made in Paradise: Effexor and I."

• Tep...
• June 4, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I had severe anxiety in 2016. It was truly crippling. Along with panic attacks and thinking I was dying all the time, I experienced depersonalization/derealization every day. Effexor XR truly saved my life. I take my pills at night, and if I miss one dose, I know immediately the next day by how I feel. It’s a horrible feeling. I also described it as my head was skipping, but I see others describe it as brain zaps. That’s truly what it feels like. Besides that though, this medication changed everything for me."

• rjb...
• December 31, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I'm on Effexor for depression, anxiety, ADHD. 1-4 weeks. The medication the first few weeks is going to make you excessively sleepy. It is just the nature of the beast. During the first few weeks, ensure that you are taking the time to get a workout in a few times a week and supplement any lethargy with a bit of caffeine. Weeks 5-8. This is where the medication really starts to shine. If you are a male, this drug is ideal for you because it has a less likely chance of causing erectile dysfunction as it is an SNRI and not an SSRI. Your reaction to negative events, to include stressful situations, begins to dramatically change. Instead of having fast-paced thoughts, you have a true sense of peace, less worry, and a newfound sense of overall well-being. I highly recommend this medication if your SSRI is causing you ED, you suffer from anxiety, ADHD, OCD, or depression."

• Mon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I know the reviews are scary, and hey, this medication is not for everyone. Our bodies will all react differently. Prior to Effexor, I took Lexapro, but it didn't help me whatsoever. The only thing it helped me with is yawning awkwardly every other minute. My doctor suggested Effexor, and it completely helped me get out of the hole I was in. I was able to think clearly, feel joy, laugh, and really be present. My anxiety went down tremendously, and this, with the combination of therapy, helped me lose 70 lbs. I got off Effexor, and did it the healthy way, I did it slowly...and I was fine! No crazy withdrawals. So yes, people, it's possible to be on it and off of it, and still be okay. :)"

• Sta...
• September 20, 2020

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have always been a more anxious person, but in college, I experienced sensations of extreme anxiety (detached from reality, drenched, sweating, shaking) and almost passed out. This lasted for days. I went to the ER and was told it was a result of extreme stress and was given an Ativan. This continued for a year anytime I felt mildly stressed and went to the doctor. I had a horrible reaction to Celexa, it sedated me. Zoloft helped some, but not great, and Effexor. Effexor was difficult at first, I was fatigued and dizzy for about 2 weeks. In the fourth week, the good effects of the medication hit me, and it felt like I could breathe again. I am an even better version of myself, by that I mean happier and calmer. I don’t experience the physical symptoms on a daily basis. I’m more confident and worry less about stressful situations. It took me trying 3 different meds to feel this way. Please have hope and keep pushing through."

• 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."

• ksa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 23, 2020

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "If you are reading these reviews and having anxiety about taking a medicine, I get it. The best advice I can offer is to go into it with a mindset that this is going to help you. In the scariest time of my life when I had panic disorder, was having trouble eating and sleeping, Effexor saved me. I took Lexapro, terrified to take it, and had horrible reactions. This drug makes me feel like myself minus panicking. I didn't feel like it kicked in until about 3 months. The only thing is it does make you feel a bit more 'flat', but I was a little over-emotional so it helped with this. I've been on this for almost a year and would recommend trying it."