Effexor XR for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

• ssh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

"Started weaning off Effexor 150mg 1 year ago. Got to 37.5mg with hardly any side effects. Then weaning off 37.5mg was terrible. Headache/head pounding, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, random crying spells, very emotional, etc. Did a lot of research and trusted that it’d get easier with time. 4 wks later, finally feeling physically well again... Then it got bad. Sense of constant dread, horrible anxiety, heart racing, emotional as hell, trouble sleeping, extremely depressed, and felt like a zombie. Missing work, sleeping all day, no motivation to do anything. Went back to doc and she put me back on the 37.5mg. Extremely disappointed not to get off this medication. Been 3 days since getting back on it, starting to feel somewhat normal again, just want my life back. Wish I’d received more info when I was first prescribed it - had no idea it would be such a nightmare to try to get off of it. This experience has shaken up my whole world. BEWARE."

• Lit...
• June 28, 2013

"I had been on several different meds for depression & anxiety. Starting with Paxil, Prozac and others I can't remember the names of. I started Effexor a year ago and it certainly works for me, for both depression & anxiety. Remember to take it every day. All SSRIs cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If you want to discontinue use, tell your doctor. Cold turkey is not only debilitating, it is dangerous. I am so thankful I have been prescribed Effexor. Finally relief from things that are no big deal! Where as before in my head, it was so exaggerated. Like many others have stated, I wish this was available in my teen years. I am enjoying life and am extremely happy!"

• dai...
• July 22, 2013

"I was taking Celexa for 2 years for my depression. It was not working well enough for me. I managed to just live life day by day, and roll with the punches. I suffer extreme anxiety disorder and extreme panic attacks up to 8 times a day. Several caused me to call 911 thinking I was having a heart attack. With all this said, my GP and I talked about changing my medication. I had heard of Effexor, I researched it, and thought why not! I felt that life would not get any better than what I was living at that moment. 2 weeks after Effexor and some major hot flashes, I was looking at things differently. I actually feel really good and hopeful. Now my smile is not fake and the anxiety has subsided to a minimum. No panic attacks. I am happy!"

• Fin...
• September 16, 2019

"Effexor almost ruined my life. When I was 13 and didn't fit in with my peers, my doctor decided that I must need antidepressants. This medication was useless in treating my depression as I was not actually clinically depressed. I was just a teenager going through teenage crap. I tried to go off the medications but would get sick with seizures when I tried. One day at age 26, I decided enough was enough and went off cold turkey. It was rough. I could not go to work, was getting seizures daily, and living with constant nausea. But after 3 months, I started to get better. The seizures became fewer and farther between, and the nausea stopped. Fast forward 10 years and I'm in a good career, am in great physical shape, have a stable mood, good self-esteem, an excellent credit score, and live the life I used to dream of living. Getting off Effexor was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It cleared my mind and allowed me to find myself."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2019

"I found out I was pregnant and was a little surprising as I'm almost 41. Initially, I was okay and happy, but within a week, spiraled into suicidal thoughts and wanting to terminate the pregnancy. Prior to finding out I was pregnant, I was not depressed or anxious-life was great. After almost three weeks of feeling like I was losing my mind and trying all the natural things I could-acupuncture, etc.-I decided to try Effexor. I had been on it once before, 6 years before, I knew it worked, but the last thing you want to be on when pregnant. I started on 75 mg as I was running out of time to make a decision. I endured the worst side effects for 5 days, and on the 6th, they decided to change back to 37.5 mg. I've been on that for almost a month now, and that's the right dose for me. I'm happy and excited about the pregnancy, and I feel like myself again. Full of energy and thinking clearly. My sleep is a little bit interrupted, but it's nothing. The best decision I could have made!"

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2017

"The positive: it has an almost immediate effect. From day one, there's a lift in mood. Effexor XR also gives a feeling of energy, both mental and physical. I've also noticed a significant decrease in my social anxiety, I can talk to anyone without feeling nervous - this 'extra' effect began, again, on day one. The negative: slight feelings of nausea with a definite decrease in appetite. I don't really enjoy my meals as much while on Effexor. I've also noticed a form of insomnia since starting - early awakenings and not being able to get back to sleep."

• Veg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 22, 2020

"I have been on Effexor XR for about ten years. I am moderate bipolar depressive (per two doctors). I went off the medication after about two years-long time ago. Was okay for a while, and then my depression came roaring back. My doctor put me back on with 25 mg first, 50 mg, and then 75 mg per day. Also taking lithium carbonate-three pills per day. I feel better 95% of the time. Some days, I feel the lows, but they are not as bad."

• hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

"After being admitted to the hospital following a panic attack and suicide attempt, I was prescribed Effexor because I had tried four different SSRIs and none worked, so the doctor thought I should try an SNRI. My first dose was 30 mg, and half an hour after taking it, I started to feel really weird-terrible headache, blurred vision, anxious/uneasy, jittery, and kept spacing out. The next day, they moved me up to 75 mg, and the headache went away, but the other symptoms remained. The next few days were awful. It gave me horrible social anxiety (which I don't normally have), and I couldn't get any work done because my eyes wouldn't focus and I would stare off into the distance for minutes at a time, sort of dissociating. Also made me SUPER lazy. It made me just want to sit on my couch and stare into space."

• Mar...
• October 24, 2013

"I entered the beginning stages of menopause, and my mood changed dramatically. I was getting very concerned as I had never felt so sad and hopeless. I could not stop crying, and things that normally I would not let bother me were becoming huge issues. I did not recognize myself. I am known as a glass-half-full kind of person, so the change was dramatic. I was put on 35mg of Effexor, and wow - what a difference. Surprise, surprise, my hot flashes stopped (I have since read it helps with that), my mood back to normal, and strangely my joints don't hurt so much, and I have more energy. The few negatives are I yawn a lot, and though I still enjoy sex, I cannot have an orgasm. I consider both minor due to feeling so much better."

• Wan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 2, 2019

"Effexor ruined my life. After 3 years, I am in complete agony. Pain all over, and it stopped working. I tried to switch to another drug, and the withdrawals are much worse than heroin. My body is crunching all over. Haven't slept in months. Can't use my brain. Stay away from this!!! I can't work, I am on my own and will be homeless soon! The withdrawals are unbearable! Doctors' tapering is wrong!"

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2015

"One of the best responses I have had to any antidepressant medication. At 150mg and I have suffered with depression for over 20 years. Within a week, I noticed a drastic improvement in my mood. Has far surpassed Prozac, Lexapro, and Cymbalta. Definitely recommend trying to someone suffering from depression, MDD, etc."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

"I’ve been on Effexor for about a year. I take 75 mg ER a day for depression associated with bipolar disorder and anxiety/panic attacks, which were at such a high level that it led to pseudo seizures. I have had amazing results. I had my first winter without a major depressive episode, and the episodes that I have now are nowhere near as intense. My anxiety is at all-time lows as well, and I am able to hold a job for the first time. This is all in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. But the withdrawal symptoms from missing a dose are HORRIBLE! You get brain zaps, which are similar to vertigo, and flu-like symptoms such as aches/pains and upset stomach. This is in addition to your depression and anxiety levels skyrocketing. When I first started the med, I had some nausea and dry mouth for a couple of weeks, but it passed quickly. Overall, I have had amazing results."

• pea...
• May 23, 2016

"I suffered depression and anxiety at a very difficult time in my life 5 years ago and have been on Effexor 75 mg since then. It took the edge off highly stressful situations and helped me to cope in a calm and positive way. :) Life has been good since then, even though family problems have endured (thankfully to a lesser extent). The side effect of nausea was to be expected during the first few weeks, but after that, no problems at all. Effexor has been a wonder for me. :) :) :)"

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

"This medicine literally saved my life. I took 75mg and the first day I took it, I noticed a difference in my mood. I woke up in the morning and actually felt like getting out of bed. I smiled and enjoyed being around people and was in a pleasant mood. I was getting my life back! The only side effect I noticed was that I was pretty nauseous the first week and lost my appetite. But, it wasn't bad at all! I stopped taking the medicine suddenly when I found out I was pregnant and the only side effect I noticed when I stopped was being dizzy for about a week. But that could've been because I was pregnant too. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage, and started taking Effexor again. Looking forward to being happy again."

• kra...
• August 19, 2013

"I am a 23-year-old male suffering from extreme MDD and GAD. I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor XR and 15 mg of Remeron for two months. I have tried Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac, and this is by far the best medication! I have been lifted from the darkness and have had no side effects, including sexual dysfunction. Yay!"

• Not...
• September 28, 2015

"After a suicide attempt that landed me in the hospital's psych ward for three weeks, I was put on Effexor XR and Lamotrigine as a mood stabilizer. This combo has changed my life. It took a few months to get the dosage right (yes, MONTHS), but I'm coming up on two years since I've been hospitalized with little to no problems. I'm 21 and finishing my post-secondary education, hold a part-time job, live on my own, and have loving and supportive relationships. I never thought it would get better until Effexor came around."

• Reg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2015

"Effexor has been the most effective antidepressant for me. I've tried 5 SSRIs. Effexor doesn't make me lazy or spaced out. I feel it helps my cognitive functioning, as well as focus, motivation, and memory. I will go off Effexor for periods of time, plenty of time for my brain/body to reset, but I keep finding it better to be on Effexor. It's helped me to not be so negative, irritable, and just miserable overall. I can feel its slight pain-killing effects as well. It keeps me doing things instead of laying in bed ruminating negative thoughts. Side effects for me are constipation and lower libido. Miralax fixes the first one. As for the second one, before Effexor, I wasn't socializing at all anyways, so I can handle that side effect."

• Jax...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2022

"I've tried several different meds for my lifelong depression. None worked. They made me sleep mostly. Effexor has been a miracle for me. Four days after I began taking it, I began to feel hopeful. After one week, I noticed I didn't want to give up anymore. I felt at peace. I'm so grateful for this medication. It's changed my life. Too bad I didn't have it 35 years ago when I was diagnosed. Thank you, Effexor."

• Isa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 21, 2018

"I had suffered for years with anxiety/depression back in the '80s and '90s. Back then, there was very little medication to help. In the late '90s, my doctor put me on Prozac, which helped profoundly until it stopped working after 10 years. Then Effexor XR was introduced, this medication was a godsend, and I still take it daily for the last 18 years. Now, I'm able to concentrate when I read and enjoy a happy and fulfilled life!"

• jan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 26, 2013

"Been on this for over 10 years. I take 2 different doses every morning - 75 mg and 37.5 mg (which was added about 3 years ago). While no drug is perfect, it has saved my life - both figuratively and literally. I've had great success with this medicine. Be forewarned though about missing a day: loopy feeling, lightheaded or a weird feeling in your head (not pain), like a short buzzer effect. Over the years, if I missed a day, I actually did not feel comfortable driving. If you miss 2 days you'll experience heart palpitations and will definitely feel bad. These are the reasons why this medicine should never be suddenly stopped. The dose should gradually be lowered. Conversely, the medicine should be started on a low dose, working up as needed."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2016

"I've been taking Effexor for 5 months now, and I can say it definitely has worked for me. It can take time to actually start working, though, so give it some time. The only downfall is if I forget to take it for a day, I start getting dizzy, brain zaps, and headaches. I am now waiting to refill it, and haven't taken it for about a week, and the symptoms are still occurring. Even with that said, I would recommend this medicine for depression/anxiety. I no longer cry all the time for no reason. Definitely has changed my life (:"

• Sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

"I take the drug in the morning when I wake up. The first thing is eating, then 75 mg with a bottle of water, and I make sure during the day to drink plenty of water because this drug affects your renal and hepatic system. Every three months, or according to your MD, you should do routine labs. Remember, the drug won't take effect fast; it is going to be two weeks to check out how you are tolerating the dose. During these first two weeks, you may feel somnolence, dizziness, tiredness, and an urge to sleep. That's normal, but you can also feel like you can't control your life, not being focused, and unhappy. That can also occur in the starting period, as it did for me. The maximum effect of the drug/dose will take effect in three months. Monitor your suicidal thoughts with any anti-depression medication."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2020

"I was put on a starting dose of 75 mg Effexor XR and worked my way up to a dose of 150 mg. I couldn't sleep, and my mind was racing. I wasn't myself at all. Back on 75 mg now, and I feel better than that, but still depressed. Switching meds soon, I hope."

• Bay...
• May 18, 2017

"I've been taking 75 mg for a little over a month, I've seen a positive difference for sure! There are so many bad reviews on the drug, and it made me worry, but being on it has really changed my life in ways. My depression is so much better, I don't take as many naps as I used to, my headaches are a little better, and it's even helped me with irritable bowel syndrome. It's still hard to focus sometimes, but not bad. I don't have many side effects on 75 mg -- I have crazy dreams sometimes, but it's not bad! And I think I might be a bit more hungry. Although, if I miss a dose by a few hours, I will definitely feel it. I start to get a migraine and have to take the med right away. This really worked for me, and I hope it could help someone else!"

• jco...
• August 19, 2008

"I started taking Effexor XR 3 1/2 years ago while in an eating disorder treatment center. I struggled for years with major depression and took several different antidepressants that never helped. Even after being in a treatment center for 3 months, I could barely deal with my emotional issues because I was so weighed down by the depression. They finally sent me to a new doctor who knew Effexor would be different for me. He started me off on a week of 75mg/day, then the next week he upped it to 150mg, and the next week he ended it at 225mg. It was like a huge dark blob was lifted off of me! I felt clear-headed, stronger, and happy. I never thought I could feel that way again. I still take the 225mg dosage and have no plans of quitting."