Effexor and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2014

For Depression "I am a 49-year-old female who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am taking Risperidone 2 mg a day with 75 mg of Effexor. I was severely depressed and suicidal every day. Lexapro made me extremely anxious and nervous. I think 75 mg of Effexor is helping a lot. I am now not as depressed or suicidal. I am now regaining my energy and interest back. For everyone who struggles with depression/bipolar out there: don't give up hope. Things will get better and you will recover. I believe that. Hang in there, seek help, and know that I am rooting for your quick recovery."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2014

For Depression "I am a 49-year-old female who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am taking Risperidone 2 mg a day with 75 mg of Effexor. I was severely depressed and suicidal every day. Lexapro made me extremely anxious and nervous. I think 75 mg of Effexor is helping a lot. I am now not as depressed or suicidal. I am now regaining my energy and interest back. For everyone who struggles with depression/bipolar out there: don't give up hope. Things will get better and you will recover. I believe that. Hang in there, seek help, and know that I am rooting for your quick recovery."

• lor...
• February 4, 2009

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."

• ree...
• March 28, 2015

For Depression "Effexor helped me see the reality of my life when I couldn't. I took Zoloft for a while (up to 150 mg), and I felt more numb than 'happy'. When I switched to a family doctor from my psychiatrist, they recommended Effexor XR; I've been taking 75 mg a day for the past four months, and my life has done a complete 180. No depression, very little anxiety, and I finally have confidence. I have more friends now than I ever did, a wonderful new relationship that I could never have foreseen myself happening, and I'm performing really well academically. The best decision of my life was taking Effexor-I can immediately see a difference in my thought processes when I forget to take it for two days at a time."

• Ace...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2019

"This drug literally gave me my life back. I was at the lowest point ever. I barely made it to work, the thoughts of everyday activities, such as showering and cooking, made me extremely anxious. I was sick to my stomach most days and was unable to sleep well due to waking up through the night with my heart racing in a full-blown panic attack. Currently taking 150 mg daily, and my energy level is back to normal, and I am able to function as a normal human being. So thankful!"

• Ano...
• March 23, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Effexor for about 6 months now. I was prescribed it for anxiety and social anxiety. My social anxiety is basically gone. I still get a little bit of anxiety but it is way better than it used to be. However, if I forget to take it, I get very bad withdrawal symptoms. But, I consider it worth it."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder 10 years ago. I also struggled with panic attacks and depression. I could feel the positive effects of the medicine right away. Because of its immediate fix, I would recommend this to someone who has severe anxiety. The negative things I can say are that it is extremely hard to come off of. The withdrawal made me feel like I was crazy. I took myself off of it too quickly. I had hallucinations, tremors, and anxiety attacks. So make sure you use your doctor to wean off of it."

• Saz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 27, 2018

For Depression "My experience with this drug was horrific. At 150 mg, I hit a new low, I was impulsive, severely anxious, and constantly in tears. I was so desperate to be off this med that I went cold turkey. Huge mistake. Developed discontinuation syndrome: fever, tremors, panic attacks, vertigo, hives, flu-like symptoms, night terrors, constant vomiting. Got to the point I couldn’t even keep down water. By day 6, I was hospitalized with severe dehydration and exhaustion. Was immediately hooked up to an IV to replace fluids and given anti-sickness meds. Doctors introduced a lower dose and I am now tapering. Down to 18 mg, so nearly there. Have to take it slowly as I’m extremely sensitive to this medication. Another 2 weeks and I will be free of it. Can't wait to have my life back!"

• BAC...
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "It changed my life. 48 years of just dealing with anxiety and depression, not wanting to be on medication. With the onset of pre-menopause, the depression was unbearable and more feelings of hopelessness. My doctor prescribed 75 mg, and I feel alive again. The torment of paranoia, anxiety, and the depression are gone."

• InT...
• January 13, 2013

For Depression "My doctor prescribed this for my depression, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks. Within an hour of taking it, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Four hours later, I was wide awake, jittery, nauseous, and having the worst panic attack I had ever had. Needless to say, I didn't try to take another dose, even if my body had to get used to the medication."

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2023

For Depression "I was on 150 mg of Effexor for anxiety, depression, and ADHD for 8 months. It was great at first. I no longer woke up at dawn with anxiety attacks and could finally go to work, it also helped my anxiety when starting Ritalin. After a while, I started to feel very unmotivated and just numb, with no emotions. My sex drive went away, which before was super high, and I also couldn't orgasm, and if I did, it felt not as great. I stopped this medication because after missing just one dose, I had terrible vertigo to the point where I couldn't even stand without feeling like I was going to fall or throw up. I also got nausea and anxiety, along with tremendous fatigue and brain zaps, which I despise so much. Weaning off this medication now, and honestly, it's torture."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "About two to three months ago, I was prescribed Cymbalta for my anxiety problems (extreme nervousness, nervous habits, and constant worrying). I took Cymbalta for about three to four weeks and absolutely hated it! It made me feel horrible, so I asked the doctor to prescribe me something different. He started me off on 35 mg of Effexor. I have to say, this medicine at first wasn't all that great either. For the first four to five days, I was extremely angry and annoyed about everything! I thought it was going to be hopeless, but finally, the Effexor got better, and now I'm on 75 mg a day. My mind is not constantly racing nearly as much as it used to. Every now and then, when I start to have panic attacks, I will have to take either 0.5/1 mg of Ativan to calm me."

• fas...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2024

For Depression "I was on venlafaxine for my dysthymia in combination with major depression for 12 years. I gained a lot of weight and still had some bouts of depression every 4 years, but at one moment, I decided to taper it off after being almost depression-free. Tapering went smoothly, but after 4 weeks, all hell broke loose, and I went into a deep, deep depression like I never had before. I decided to try Celexa, but after 11 weeks, I am still spiraling down, 24/7 anxiety, burning body, and very little sleep...also a lot of suicidal thoughts. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist soon and will go back to Effexor...what a fool I was to quit. I vow that if it works again, I will take it for the rest of my life. I used to take 75 mg, maybe I have to raise that a little to prevent depressive episodes."

• Mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2013

For Depression "I spent several years taking Citalopram, which I found to be very good until it stopped working. I was then prescribed Venlafaxine. I started off on 225 mg daily, but it was not controlling my anxiety and I became depressed on it. I was then told to up the dosage to 300 mg daily by my psychiatrist. Several months on, and I can firmly say this medicine has turned me into the same state I was in prior to ever taking any medication. My anxiety has increased, and I now suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts which I never had before. I have had no appetite, which can be a side effect for some people. I have lost a lot of weight. Food and drink taste strange, my skin has developed pimples."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2012

For Depression "I just started taking Effexor last week for depression, anxiety, and racing thoughts. Seems to be working, but I noticed some side effects, like dry mouth and nervousness, but not a big issue. It works much better than Zoloft, Celexa, and Serzone, which I've taken in the past. So far, so good."

• CPA...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 14, 2015

For Depression "I started taking Effexor in 1995. I had GAD with some depression. For some reason, I let the Dr. continue prescribing for 12 years. I was only on 75 mg, and since it worked, I did not want to tempt fate. Last year, I started to have worse anxiety and went to one of the highly regarded MDs in NYC. He prescribed Remeron and Effexor. Eventually, the dose was increased from 75 mg to 300 mg. It had no beneficial effects. Worse is getting off of it. I'm now down to 37.5 mg over the last two weeks. The brain zaps and anxiety are tough. I think this drug should be illegal. The withdrawal effects are awful. I recommend trying something else unless this is your last resort."

• Fed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

For Depression "I was given a dosage of 75 mg for a month, then up to 150 mg. It has been the worst experience I've had with any medication. After 10 weeks, my new psychologist has started weaning me off. It will take 4 months in order to avoid the worse effects. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, headaches, stomach problems... just a few of my side effects."

• Rob...
• May 29, 2013

For Depression "Just changed from Zoloft (10 years) to Effexor. Have tried to get off Zoloft previously but had horrendous anxiety. The doctor merged the Effexor with a low dose of Zoloft for 1 week and now on 150 mg Effexor for the last 2 days. So far, so good. Pretty scary waiting for Zoloft withdrawals, but optimistic."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2011

For Depression "I started with the 37 mg dose for mild-moderate depression I had experienced this past year. I felt calm and peaceful for the first few weeks. The doctor had me increase the dose to 75 mg. I tried for a month to adjust to it, but all I wanted to do was sleep. It took away my energy and I fought fatigue. I reduced back down to 37 mg and felt pretty good for a couple of months, but started to notice trouble responding to people around me. It felt like being in a daze that took some effort to break. I also started to feel out of sorts and frenzied. I decided to stop the medicine a few weeks ago and feel 100% better. No more confusion or anxiety! This medicine was definitely not a good match for my body chemistry."

• PAU...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 19, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Can...
• September 23, 2014

For Depression "Switched from Paxil 20 mg to Effexor 75 mg. On Paxil, I just couldn't lose weight, and my insurance wanted me to try an SRNI before they would pay for the newer meds like Brintellix. At first, I noticed a decrease in anxiety, THEN I went to work! My job is very stressful, and I have to be SPOT on! First, I noticed anxiety returning, then that I was clumsy...dropping things! I then started noticing numbness and tingling in my fingers and then waking up with numb arms, which would not wake up for up to 7 hrs! I did some research and noticed that numbness/tingling of the extremities is a side effect for 20% of people taking Effexor. The numbness scared me to death! I immediately went to my shrink and got off this damn drug! I'm going to Lexapro! Ugh!"

• Sad...
• October 28, 2016

For Depression "I'm lucky enough to have shown side effects the first day! I started Venlafaxine at 6:00 am before work and experienced so much energy I barely knew what to do with it. This was nice considering I am always tired, but the energy came along with clenched jaw, dilated pupils, and no appetite whatsoever. When I got home to try to sleep at 10 pm, I was not able to. I had so much anxiety from thinking I heard things that weren't there. I was shaking from anxiety and being so abnormally cold. Woke up all night long and at one point was wet from sweat. Thanks to these early side effects and other stories, I only needed to take this drug one day to decide I need to stay away from it."

• Pet...
• February 21, 2017

For Depression "My doctor prescribed 37.5 mg to me. I took one at 3:00 p.m., and by 7:00 p.m., I was feeling dizzy and nauseous. I actually was able to fall asleep but woke up several times during the night with horrible nausea, shaking, anxiety, weird dreams, and a lot of gas! Thank goodness I had Zofran for nausea, or I would have thrown up. I also had to take an Ativan for the anxiety and Imodium for diarrhea. It's now 5:00 p.m. the next day, and I'm just now feeling better. I know others who use Effexor and love it, so it does work for some... just not for me. I called the doc, and she quickly switched me to something else."

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2012

For Depression "While effective in decreasing my depression, I developed almost every side effect listed (including anxiety, muscle soreness, unbearable joint pain, excessive sweating, severe memory loss, GERD, dysuria, brain shivers, hypothyroidism, loss of menstruation) and found myself on medications to treat each of them, ultimately using 19 prescription medications to deal with the side effects. If I could have anticipated the side effects and the expected difficulty of weaning off this, I would have continued to search for a better alternative."