Effexor for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews

• Monday
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2019

"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. :)"

• violet
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2019

"I've had depression for 20 years (both chronic/moderate, and 3 previous severe episodes). Tried every class of psych med (30 total), SSRIs all made me sleepy, numb, apathetic. I take Lamictal (150mg), Effexor (75mg), and Ritalin (30mg) which is the best medicine combo for my depression. Pros: Effexor demolishes anxiety and severe episodes (crying spells, suicidal thoughts). Less sedating (compared to SSRIs). I feel calm, no insomnia. Cons: Excessive sweating (at higher doses), some lethargy, and dry eye. ****Do not go cold turkey, ask for the 'Prozac Taper' to avoid the shock of withdrawals*** No drug is a cure-all. Effexor does not cause weight gain or increased appetite (for me). It's prevented severe episodes and I'll stay on it for life, unless something better comes out."

• Marie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

"I am delighted with the result of venlafaxine. I had a breakdown and visited my GP in desperation due to panic attacks, depression, crippling anxiety, heavy drinking, and an addiction to codeine. The side effects were initially a bit uncomfortable, but they have settled. I am lacking motivation, but I have only been on it for 2 weeks, and I figure I need some time to recover from my breakdown, so I’m just going with it for now. It has made me feel so much calmer, it has stopped me from drinking and taking codeine, which I was using to self-medicate. This medication has saved my life. I’ve given it a 9, as my libido is suffering."

• Reidee
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2015

"I have experienced chronic anxiety, panic attacks, and depression for 20+ years. I've been on several different medications over the years, but none of them worked entirely. My depression increased over the years because I believed nothing could help my problems. I was admitted to a psychiatric unit recently due to suicidal ideations. The attending doctor said he would like to start me on Effexor. I would not allow myself to read the side effects of this medicine due to my anxiety and the possibility of developing psychosomatic symptoms. Within a week, I began feeling hope, excitement for life, and my anxiety was nearly gone! I've been on this medicine now for over a month, and I have never felt this good in my entire life! Try this Med!!!"

• Bano
• October 25, 2019

"I started this medication, Effexor, in combination with therapy for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. I worked up to 150 mg from 37.5 mg. It has helped me immensely. I’m less irritable, I have energy again, I stopped sleeping 14 hours a day, my anxiety is better, and I feel happier than I have in a long time. I have forgotten to take it for a day and didn’t notice any symptoms at that point. I had a bit of a headache and maybe some nausea at first and with the dosage increase, but it was mild and went away after a day or so."

• BC2015
• June 9, 2015

"I'm writing this review hoping this medication will help someone else. I remember sleepless night looking up reviews on all antidepressant medications and Effexor did really work. Had the worst depression in my short 27 years of life. This medication helped me lift up and get back to work. I went on short-term disability for about two months due to the extreme depression, I had no interest in life whatsoever. Got back to work and even got a promotion several months later. Thank God for this medication and for the strength he gave me through the process."

• Stacy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 9, 2016

"I've been on antidepressants for 16 years. From Celexa, to Prozac, to Paxil with none ever truly taking away my depression and anxiety. I suffer from major depressive disorder, PTSD, anxiety and I'm bipolar as well. Since starting Effexor, my life has dramatically changed for the better. I'm honestly the happiest and calmest I've been since the age of 15. I started with 37.5mg 2x daily and I'm now up to max dosage. I've zero side effects and can function fully without benzodiazepines for my anxiety thanks to this medication. I HIGHLY recommend giving it a try, especially if no other antidepressants have truly made you feel 100%. It's possible to beat depression with the right medication, just keep on trying and hang in there!"

• Mike
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2015

"I'm currently on venlafaxine, 300mg/day, and have been on it for 6 months now. This stuff works beautifully for me. I had/have MDD, GAD, SAD, and took Paxil for 10 years, which worked quite well until 8 months ago. I was scared of switching because of the fact that not all antidepressants work for everyone, and I was terrified of fully reverting back to my suicidal, petrified old self. My psychiatrist was able to convince me after a couple of months to go for it. On the venlafaxine, I feel calm, happy, able to concentrate, mildly euphoric, and better than I did in my early days of taking Paxil. This stuff is hit or miss for different people, but don't be scared to try it if you haven't. And give it time to work."

• DFV
• July 28, 2020

"I have many labels: depression, anxiety, tinnitus, chronic pain, insomnia, dissociation, anorexia ... 16 years ago. I was a single mother and broke. All meds led to weight gain, taking forever to lose. I realized 'you can't medicate a crappy life away.' I moved to the ocean, reconnected with nature, and found a trauma psychologist. EMDR and exposure therapy helped me manage symptoms. I was pharmaceutical-free until a minor relapse and was prescribed Effexor (105 mg/day). In 2 months, I stopped being active, social, had headaches, dry mouth, constipation, and gained 20 pounds! I went off cold turkey. Within a few days, I felt like myself again (minus weight gain depression). Now, a week off Effexor, sleep better, eat less, and returned to beach walks to increase dopamine. I hope that it's not going to take long to lose the weight. I'm more depressed and have lower self-esteem when I lose touch with my body. This was my experience."

• Blueb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 1, 2019

"Having suffered from chronic low mood for years, I was prescribed Venlafaxine (Effexor) by a psychiatrist in the UK. Initially 225 mg, but didn't find that much of a change. Then on 300 mg, I suddenly felt better. That was over 10 years ago. I am now 45 years old and have had no further periods of depression since and have continued taking it. That is despite being almost permanently depressed before taking it. Yes, I have low moods now occasionally, but they are due to situational stress and a normal reaction to rubbish things happening. And I have not suffered from any major side effects, certainly nothing that would stop me from taking it. Night sweats are probably the worst. And I do suffer from withdrawals if I forget to take the medication for 24 hrs. Overall, a very positive and life-changing drug. Btw, I also have done CBT and self-help alongside taking medication, which has helped, but the drug definitely made the main difference."

• Aymie
• May 13, 2014

"I give this a 7 because it does work. BUT be very cautious of the side effects. I was on it for 2 years, first started on the regular dose, then switched to extended release as the medicine would 'wear off' throughout the day. While it helped tremendously with my depression and anxiety (it was almost non-existent) the side effects alone were debilitating. I gained 20 pounds, would fall asleep midday (we're talking I had to pry my eyes open to keep from passing out in the middle of a conversation), I was tired ALL DAY. I sweat PROFUSELY and the dizziness I experienced from missing a dose by only a few minutes, plus the heart palpitations were enough for me to stop."

• Lela
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2020

"Effexor has got to be the worst of the worst to try to come off of. I am still trying to come off this completely after taking 225 mg daily for 3 years. I still cannot get through the withdrawal symptoms, they are horrific. If anyone has any suggestions on how to help, please let me know."

• Happy...
• February 25, 2015

"I switched to Effexor after taking Prozac for years, and it just didn't seem to be working for me anymore. I'm so glad my doctor suggested I switch to Effexor. I've been taking it for about 2 years, and it seems to be working great for me. I very rarely have a down day. You must take it as directed and not miss dosages. I can't miss more than 1 day's dosage, or I will get nauseous and dizzy."

• Alma
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2020

"I am on 150 mg daily of Effexor and have no apparent side effects. Started on 37.5 mg, then went to 75 mg, then 150 mg without major complications. My depression has decreased. I feel like a normal person again since I was having a really debilitating episode that didn't get better with other antidepressants. Currently, this is the only medication I am taking. I have been on it for two months, and it also eased a lot of my PMS symptoms, which used to get quite severe mood-wise. However, PMS/PDD wasn't what it was prescribed for and haven't heard anyone else's experiences regarding this issue."

• Stable
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2020

"After 10 years of major depression and extreme anxiety-trying several different medication combos, I was offered ECT, but I was hesitant. As a last resort, we tried Effexor 150 mg, Wellbutrin 150 mg, and Abilify 5 mg. Within 3 months, the anxiety and depression started to lift. 3 years later, I have no anxiety or depression. I am stable and feel at peace. For the past 6 months, my dosage has been Venlor 37.5 mg, Wellbutrin 150 mg, and Abilify 2.5 mg. Over the next 6 months, I will try to reduce further-but weaning off Effexor literally means reducing one little bead in the capsule per day, otherwise, withdrawal can be unpleasant. My only negative has been weight gain of 10 kg in 3 years, despite watching my diet and daily exercise. I am 58 years old and have always been slim, now I’m plump. I hope to lose the weight over time. Other side effects are dry mouth and constipation. But they are negligible if it means being happy."

• Maria...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2022

"Efexor ruined my life. I had no mood problems before starting. I had stress over hard life circumstances. I started Efexor and was explicitly told there were no side effects or withdrawals. During use of Efexor, without noticing, I lost myself. I was numb to huge things, like the death of a loved one. I made very out of character decisions. I chose a partner that did not fit me. Feelings of connection to self, others, God, nature, music were gone. When I quit...horror continued. I had horrid physical and psychological withdrawals. My mood was allover the place, from horrid depression to weird euphoria. I did not suffer that ever before. I had gruelling anxiety. And I even became psychotic, and had to be hospitalized. I never recovered. Efexor changed me from a bright and positive person, full of life, to a depressed, anxious and chaotic hermit. I wish to die every day since I used this. Avoid this. Psychiatric meds ruin lives."

• pmano
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2019

"About 15 years ago, I started menopause, had terrible anxiety and depression. Tried talk therapy, did not work. Tried several antidepressants until Effexor. I started out with 37.5, then upped to 75 mg, then eventually upped to 225 mg. I have been on that dose ever since. It has been a lifesaver. Anxiety and depression no more. I do have some side effects. I do get heated quite easily, I have had vomiting on occasion, nausea. I have thought about getting off the Effexor until I heard about the withdrawals. Most antidepressants are addicting and have withdrawals. I am going to talk to my doctor about a change since I have been on this medication for so long. But otherwise, it has been a miracle worker."

• Cherno
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2014

"I started taking Effexor at age 19 after about 2 1/2 years on Prozac. The reason for the switch was that I developed anxiety problems at that age in addition to depression, and the Prozac was not treating the anxiety. Effexor works very well to treat both anxiety and depression, but if I stop taking it for even 1-2 days (which is often because I am very forgetful), I become extremely depressed for the next 1-2 days. Right now, I am in one such downswing after taking my Effexor for the first time in about 5 days. If you avoid doing that, though, you should be fine, the medication does help a lot."

• Starry
• April 1, 2021

"PLEASE research this drug extensively before beginning!! 26 year old female and have been suffering with severe depression since childhood. Have tried various types of medications for my depression over the years, and can honestly say, Effexor was by FAR and large the WORST antidepressant I've ever taken. The side-effects were horrible: severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, waking up in pools of sweats, hit my lowest of lows, and had frequent suicidal thoughts. If I forgot to take my medicine within a couple hours of my dosage time, I couldn't function with work, chores, etc. Tapering off this drug very slowly was an absolute miserable experience. I'm someone that tries to find some good in even bad experiences, however, I have not a single positive thing to say about this drug. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to feel a minute of the side-effects I did on this drug. If I could give a "0" rating for this drug, I would. Will never touch this medication another day of my life!"

• Meeee
• September 19, 2015

"17 years ago, I had a breakdown with anxiety and depression - tried Aropax and it was hell on earth. Changed to Effexor, it started working after 3 weeks. I've been on it for 17 years or so on various doses between 150 and 375, and it's been amazing. I worry about health side effects, but it's been a lifesaver, no longer a wreck but can cope."

• Mrs
• August 21, 2020

"I took this Effexor medication for major depression & anxiety for 10 years. When my mother died I was under so much stress, not thinking straight- I decided to go off Effexor and straight onto Zoloft (as I thought it had stopped working) and in turn I ended up with my first panic attack, mania, and later a psychotic break (The whole time I did not understand what was happening to me). It was the scariest experience of my life. It landed me in a psych ward for days where I was almost attacked by another patient twice (you never want to go)..It's dangerous and I was given strange drugs/injections which made my reaction more horrifying. I couldn't communicate that I stopped Effexor because I couldn't remember. I was treated horribly. Once out I was put back on an snri & then my brain started to work again. If I had known this reaction was possible I wouldn't have started it. I nearly died and need therapy due to the trauma."

• PAUSTIN
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 19, 2024

"Effexor really helps with my depression. I tried going off of it because it makes me extremely tired, but I experienced agitation, increase in anxiety, and could feel my depression. I stayed off for 3 weeks and have now resumed taking it. I just wish I wasn't so tired and could sleep more when taking it. I will say I have less emotion when taking this medication and often feel as though I am observing life, not experiencing it."

• Jeff
• October 11, 2018

"Psychiatrist started me at 37.5mg going up to 150mg. Was on that dose for 2 months with no positive effect but a muscle ache which my psych didn't think was the drug (but it turned out to be the drug causing it). He made me go up to a 375mg dose over the next month (despite feeling worse with every increase) which made my muscle ache unbearable. Couldn't get out of bed due to pain, desperately wanted to sleep to get away from it. Tapered down and by 75mg had no muscle ache whatsoever but suffered horrible nausea, brain zaps and shakiness from withdrawal that I am still feeling very strongly after being completely off the drug for 1 and a half weeks. My brain feels like mud. In future, if I think a drug is causing bad side effects over 2 months in I am going to go off it because of this terrible experience. My depression is significantly worse than it was before I started Effexor."

• hugoboy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2016

"I can't use the explicit language to describe my time with this, IMO, rat poison..Started at 37.5 ,then 75,eventually 225.Naturally, Dr's always say-"You've got to give it time to work!"..SURE DOC!..Want you to all know I'm no rookie at this, having battled depression for 23 years, and taken over 30 different meds, and certainly, THIS DRUG WAS BY FAR, THE WORSTTTTT..I refuse to believe that this drug was allowed to be given to humans.Getting on it, I became practically more dead, spending 20 hours a day in bed,, suicidal ideations one after another, crying, not eating, hopeless even more and every other negative symptom you can name associated with depression.Getting off is YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE-FOR ME?.3 ENTIRE MONTHS!=BEWARE!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2016

"I had been off all meds for 10 years when I had a major relapse and knew it was time to medicate again. Effexor is hard to get on, lots of dizziness and exhaustion. Also, if I am late taking it, I feel awful. Headaches, anxiety, mood swings. Don't ever miss a dose! I can't stress this enough. Withdrawal hits hard and fast, even within 12 hours. Sweats, chills, headache, dreams, whole-body pain. HOWEVER, it does help me get through the day. I have suicidal depression and clinical anxiety, so for me, it is worth some struggle to stay with Effexor because it does give me relief. It calms my brain, allows me to get moving with my day, and not have the threat of my own self-destructive tendencies."