Effexor and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Fee...
• September 10, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Venlafaxine for major depression and debilitating anxiety while going through a massive life crisis (business and relationship divorce and resulting bankruptcy) about three years ago. My depression was my own worst enemy as when I needed to be sharp and confident for attorneys, I was a sobbing mess. My anxiety was debilitating and turned into panic attacks. While I don't think I would have taken my life, I certainly wasn't afraid to die. The crisis is finally behind me, and I have tapered from 225mg to 37.5mg over the last 3 months. The only downsides were, for me, cognitive function, apathy, and poor memory. I was unable to orgasm on the 225 mg dosage. It is important to mention that I did not get through this with drugs alone. I had a strong network of friends, family, attorneys, and healthcare professionals. Do not be ashamed of your mental health crisis! Be honest with yourself and your friends and seek professional help!"

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

For Depression "I was recently put on Effexor, and I have seen a huge improvement in my motivation and mental clarity. I actually want to get out of bed and do things. I actually want to work out. I don't want to eat all the time anymore. I am severely obese, and now after being on it for almost 2 months, I have lost about 10 lbs, and I feel great. I haven't noticed any detrimental side effects. It has actually increased my libido, too. I will post if I see any bad changes."

• las...
• June 2, 2009

For Depression "I am 24 years old, female, 5'1, 130 lbs. Treated for major depression and anxiety. I have aversions to junk food (I am normally health-conscious unless I am really depressed), weight loss (12 lbs), dry mouth, lighter mood, easier to focus, more motivated, mountains turn into anthills, lower sex drive, sometimes get headaches. For me, the pros overwrite the cons - I went off of this for 6 months with no problems. No addiction or sickness. I am back on it, and boy am I glad to feel happy again."

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "Before I started taking Effexor, I would get severely depressed, anxious, and my brain wouldn't stop. I have been on Effexor now for 4 weeks, and I feel good. I don't feel so anxious or down on myself. Even people around me have commented, and they don't know I am taking pills. The side effects I do feel are as follows: nausea (went away after 2 weeks), loss of appetite, no sexual desire, and blurred vision. Sounds like a lot, but I'd rather deal with these issues than be on a constant downward spiral."

• 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."

• LGG...
• March 28, 2015

For Depression "I had been on Zoloft (50 mg/day) for depression for 8 years. Following a major chronic health condition, a medical specialist was concerned the Zoloft was no longer effective. Increasing to 100 mg/day was disastrous - head spins, dry, dry mouth, vertigo - so a psychiatrist recommended Effexor. Initial 75 mg/day, then 150 mg/day after a fortnight. Initially, I was unable to orgasm, but this lasted only about a month (same when I started Zoloft). Main concern is weird dreams most nights. The only thing I can tie this to is the Effexor. I have been researching online and it seems I'm not the only one. What a relief to discover - I was becoming quite concerned (and irritated). But hey, I feel so much better that I can live with it. I'm smiling again."

• Rui...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2018

For Depression "I took Effexor 150 mg. I had the usual sexual side effects associated with antidepressants. Tapered off under my doctor's guidance. My sex drive never returned, and that was almost 13 years ago. It basically turned me asexual or chemically castrated me."

• N2H...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2018

For Depression "I dreaded taking Effexor. It put me into a darker mood, outlook was foggy, nausea, headache, loss of libido, incapacitating loss of motivation, and extreme/intolerable drowsiness. I was in an important meeting with engineers, and I couldn't keep my eyes open no matter how desperately hard I tried. For me, there was no upside to the medication. It was an entirely negative experience. Had to discontinue and will never take it again. Yikes!"

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2011

For Depression "I started Effexor after the birth of my first child due to postpartum depression. I have never been severely depressed prior to this. My doctor first prescribed Zoloft, which did not help at all. After two weeks, I was put on Effexor and started feeling better within a few days. The only side effect that I ever noticed was having no sex drive at all. I stopped taking it after a year (I tapered so I did not notice any withdrawal symptoms everyone talks about) and was recently put back on it due to some family issues pushing me back into a depression. The first few days are rough, but I've been on it for a week now, and I do feel a difference. My anxiety and mood have improved, and I can actually function. This medicine works great for me."

• mr...
• May 27, 2016

For Depression "This medication has worked amazingly well for me, but the side effects are no joke. My mood is better, I'm less anxious, less angry, and more sociable. It works. It's great, but there are serious drawbacks. My libido and sexual performance are down. I get tired more easily. If I go outside on a hot day, my clothes are quickly drenched in sweat. Physical activity exhausts my muscles more quickly. My mouth is so dry I need to constantly sip water. And finally, if I miss a dose, I get the sensation of electric shocks in my brain. I personally find the benefits outweigh the side effects. Worth a try when more tolerable meds fail."

• mr...
• May 27, 2016

For Depression "This medication has worked amazingly well for me, but the side effects are no joke. My mood is better, I'm less anxious, less angry, and more sociable. It works. It's great, but there are serious drawbacks. My libido and sexual performance are down. I get tired more easily. If I go outside on a hot day, my clothes are quickly drenched in sweat. Physical activity exhausts my muscles more quickly. My mouth is so dry I need to constantly sip water. And finally, if I miss a dose, I get the sensation of electric shocks in my brain. I personally find the benefits outweigh the side effects. Worth a try when more tolerable meds fail."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

For Depression "I was first prescribed Effexor 13 years ago and was taking 225 mg. I was on it for a few years and stopped taking it when I was pregnant with my first child. I was put on Paxil (gained so much weight) and then Zoloft. I took the Zoloft off and on for years until it just wasn't working for me anymore. I was then put on Wellbutrin while still taking 25 mg of Zoloft. I quit smoking (had no desire to smoke) but then became suicidal. My doctor then put me back on Effexor, and I currently only take 75 mg. I feel amazing. Yeah, the side effects are bad, I've gained weight (lost weight the first time I was on it), have sexual side effects, and get quite shaky/jittery if I'm late on a dose. But I'm finally the mom I've always wanted to be."

• PSS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Effexor has destroyed my life. It's given me PSSD (Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction). It basically chemically castrated me. I experienced the sexual side effects while on the med. Stopped meds under Dr. advice. Sex drive never returned, and it's been 13 years. This is purely the worst drug that has the potential to destroy a person's life forever. STAY AWAY. DON'T RISK THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS THAT WILL LAST FOREVER WITH NO CURE."

• Sar...
• June 26, 2017

For Depression "So this drug really helped with my depression, but it also has some bad side effects. Please, please, please never skip a dose of this stuff. You will feel like absolute trash. As long as I take it every 24 hours, it works perfectly for both my anxiety and depression, but if I miss a dose, the side effects are awful. My whole body feels like white noise, my limbs buzz, I'm dizzy and nauseous, and can barely concentrate. Also, I don't know everyone else's experience with the medicine, but I used to be on the 150 mg dose, and let me tell you, I couldn't orgasm no matter how much I wanted to, and it sucked. I know it was the medicine's fault, 'cause when I lowered my dose to 75 mg, I could orgasm again. The medicine ridiculously lowers my libido."

• JC3...
• June 13, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "If I didn't have side effects from Effexor, I would still be on it right now. I'm currently in the stages of slowly tapering off of it, with instruction from my doctor. I went from 75 mg to 150 mg. Now, I am taking a 75, 37.5 for a week, tapering it off every week from there. You need to be extremely disciplined about taking this medicine every day, and at the same time every day. With my schedule, I was never able to take it at the same time every day. I would get what are called 'brain zaps,' which is the feeling like everything rushed to your head for a split second. I also had sexual side effects on Effexor, though it was more noticeable on lower doses. I've been on Zoloft, Luvox, Prozac, and Effexor. On to Cymbalta now."

• Sal...
• January 16, 2016

For Depression "Was very depressed and couldn't sleep. Started on 37.5 mg twice a day, then doubled. My mood has improved a little, but not my sleep. No interest in sex. Can't eat - have lost two stones. Don't know what to do for the best! Not suicidal anymore, at least."

• she...
• July 16, 2010

For Depression "I began taking Effexor after coming off of Paxil. I did not like the weight gain and sexual side effects from the Paxil. The Effexor does not do either of those to me, even though I have heard some people complain about it. It has also vastly improved my mood and depression. I have been using it combined with Depakote for the past few months, and I feel much better than I have in years. My current dose is 150 mg a day."

• Dav...
• July 26, 2016

For Depression "I have been using Effexor XR for about 9 months now and have been off it for about 3 weeks. I am still experiencing sexual dysfunction. I understand this to be post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, which can last a few months, to a few years, to permanently. I wanted to let people know of this risk of taking an SSRI."

• Ema...
• January 7, 2019

For Depression "I started taking Effexor about 2 years ago now. At first, I started at the lowest dose and found it did nearly nothing for me. However, over time as we slowly increased it, I found my depression did majorly decrease. I had been unable to get out of bed, had suicidal thoughts, and no interest in relationships before beginning the drug. After about 6 months, I found I was managing my depression much better. However, it is still a daily fight. I also found I have a huge drop in sex drive due to the medication."

• Mee...
• October 9, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Effexor now for 2 years after trying Prozac and Celexa (which both had awful side effects). My dose ranged from 37.5 to 112.5. I am now at a point in my life where I feel like I can break through my depression and get off these drugs. I want to start having kids, and Effexor is very anti-baby. Today is day 5, and the only thing I have noticed is all I want to do is sleep, and I have cried every single day since lowering my dose. I still feel like it is worth it to get off them though. They had only minor side effects such as lowered sex drive and nausea if you don't eat, but I feel like I can find a more natural way to feel better! Good luck to everyone out there, it's hard, but you can do it!"

• Joy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 26, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Effexor after taking Prozac for anxiety and depression. Prozac made me more suicidal and depressed, hence why I switched. Effexor 30 mg is by far the worst medicine I have ever taken. I had terrible night terrors, I sweated a lot for no reason, I sleepwalked a lot, I was angry all the time for no reason, no sex drive, and when I did have sex, I could never enjoy it to completion. This medicine made me feel crazy. I'd give it a negative 10 if I could. I ended up back in the mental hospital, and the doctor suggested I take more!! I completely stopped taking it one day cold turkey, and I am finally back to feeling myself. Avoid at all costs!!"

• Mjd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I wanted to share my experience with Effexor (Fluoxetine) for anxiety, panic attack disorder, and depression. I'm a 28-year-old girl. I have been taking Effexor 75 mg for years but no results at all. Then my psychiatrist augmented the dose to 225 mg, which works greatly now with all my disorders. I'm also on 100 mg Sulpiride, which blocks perfectly black persecutive ideas and helps reduce my anxiety too. But here is the problem: I faced an important lack of libido and anorgasmia and a delayed period due to the high dose of Fluoxetine probably. But after months, I'm taking an infusion of Fenugreek seeds. I'm not drinking every day but at least twice in 28 days, and it really helped with the side effects of Effexor."

• Mjd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I wanted to share my experience with Effexor (Fluoxetine) for anxiety, panic attack disorder, and depression. I'm a 28-year-old girl. I have been taking Effexor 75 mg for years but no results at all. Then my psychiatrist augmented the dose to 225 mg, which works greatly now with all my disorders. I'm also on 100 mg Sulpiride, which blocks perfectly black persecutive ideas and helps reduce my anxiety too. But here is the problem: I faced an important lack of libido and anorgasmia and a delayed period due to the high dose of Fluoxetine probably. But after months, I'm taking an infusion of Fenugreek seeds. I'm not drinking every day but at least twice in 28 days, and it really helped with the side effects of Effexor."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2022

For Depression "I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg for comorbid major depressive and panic disorder. It seemed to work well for a good while - was still depressed (I don't think full remission is possible in chronic depressives, it's just something you learn to live with. Had MDD melancholic type with suicidal thoughts and attempts for 20 years now. It sucks. Suicide is still always in the back of my mind and always will be from my experience. It waxes and wanes, whether on ADs or not. Without them, though, it's intolerable. I had previously been on Prozac 40 mg, but it stopped working, had a bad episode, and ended up in the psych ward where they switched me to Effexor. It helps in severe depression but has its side effects like blunted affect, lack of emotion both positive and negative, heavy sweating, weight gain, loss of libido (moderate to extreme - only in the mood about once or twice a month at best). The withdrawal is the main negative. The symptoms are terrible, am in the midst of it now. Using Prozac bridge."

• Anonymous
• February 8, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Effexor 150 mg for about 5 months now. When starting this medication, I had a lot of side effects including insomnia, nausea, and severely dry mouth and very low sex drive. That went away after a couple of weeks, but my anxiety hasn't been controlled as well as I'd like. I've had a couple of panic attacks and a lot of general anxiety (some situational and some not). I would probably like to consider switching to some other medication, but I am scared to because of the horror stories of withdrawal symptoms. I was previously taking Celexa for 10 years, which never worked the same once I restarted it after having a baby."