Effexor XR for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2019

"Completely lost myself, I complained that it made me not feel right. My wife told me I needed to give it long enough to work, she was sure it was just my body getting used to it. I was completely shut down, was numb, no emotion, didn’t care about anything but myself and was completely in my own head, left my family. Had zero emotion, none at all. Alienated myself from family. I have always had an addictive personality, but I started drinking again and smoking (pot and cigarettes). Had horrible insomnia, compulsive lies about even simple things. Blew through money. Tons of anxiety, my blood pressure went through the roof, cholesterol climbed like crazy, headaches, nausea, and restlessness. Restless legs were horrible. Vivid dreams. Bouts of anger and rage. Brain snaps and blurry vision. Worst med of my life. I was spiraling out of control. Withdrawal was horrendous but so worth it."

• Kan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2020

"The best ad for my depression. Only thing was that it made me a little bit numb, and I didn’t have many emotions. But otherwise, my suicidal thoughts were gone. Also helped a lot with my insomnia, although I had strange dreams quite often. Have tried taking other antidepressants, I think I have tried every SSRI and SNRI, but Effexor was the only one that didn't give me intolerable side effects. I CANNOT tolerate any other medication. Didn’t work well with my social anxiety and GAD, but helped a lot with my depression. The withdrawal was so bad, though, I struggled for almost a year to get off of this medication, and now I have to get back on it."

• Duh...
• October 16, 2015

"I took 200 mg of amitriptyline for 40 years for clinical depression. I decided to find a safer medication with fewer side effects. I started Effexor and was weaned off amitriptyline at the same time. Within 2 days, my depression lifted, repetitive/unwanted thoughts discontinued. Down to 50 mg of amitriptyline and at 75 mg of Effexor. It's working amazingly well and amitriptyline withdrawal is minimal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 18, 2023

"Been off and on Effexor XR for 7 years. Every time I come off this drug - which takes me 3 months to fully come off at 112.5mg - I crash and burn hard after 6 months off. Then once again, I find myself having to go back on and fight through all the physiological setbacks and side effects again that come with coming off and starting back on again. I've tried eating healthy, coupled with exercise and keeping myself busy, but honestly it wasn't enough. When something's not working right in your brain chemistry, no matter how many things you try aside from medication, you know it's time to recognize that medication is the only way to cope fully with the debilitating effects depression has on a person. Even though there are side effects initially, most go away. For me, I still have restless legs at night, urinary retention, lack of libido, and some off days here and there, but I know now that I need to stay on this drug for the rest of my life because it's better than misery and death."

• wan...
• September 6, 2016

"I've been taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg for 8 days, and the worse side effects are horrible fatigue and sweats. The first day I was light-headed, but that went away. I skipped today to see if I got withdrawal symptoms, and I did. Tomorrow I will go back on it. If the chronic fatigue continues, I will have to figure out which med to try next. For my depression to subside, I would probably need a higher dosage, but I don't think I could handle the side effects. I know for some people it works well at 150 mg, but I could never tolerate that dose."

• BPG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2017

"After an escalating two-year psychotic depression, I finally sought help. I was suicidal and believed I was beyond help. Olanzapine eased the psychosis, but the deep, dark depression I was in was relentless. It took a year of finding the right fit, Prozac and citalopram didn't help me at all. Finally, I was put on Effexor at 225 mg and have been on it for 3 months. It has made a massive difference in a short amount of time. Don't take as long as I did to find the right combo. I assumed these drugs were more or less the same, so I thought they just couldn't help me. Effexor saved the day, and with olanzapine, my life!"

• Lac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 30, 2023

"I also have social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.... I took the drug, however, for severe (bipolar, it was later found out) depression. It gave me my life back, and in a better form - seeing the world for the first time without being heavily compromised by (mostly social, at the time) anxiety. For years, I was much better. Then I was drinking heavily, and in combo with this intense drug (Effexor), I had some mania. I still was kept on it for years but with a mood stabilizer added in. Effexor still really helped me live my life. Then I built up a tolerance to it; I no longer use it. What it did also seem to do, the Effexor, is ruin my memory. I've had memory problems ever since I first started taking it, and they haven't gone away since stopping it (they seem to be permanent). So it was a very double-edged sword. In very severe cases of depression or social anxiety, I think it's a potential wonder drug, that the benefits outweigh the risks. :)"

• Sna...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 19, 2019

"After trying at least 7 different antidepressants without good results, I just decided to stay on the Effexor XR, lol. I know the discontinuation symptoms would probably kill me trying to wean off of it at this point. I have been taking Effexor XR 300 mg since 12/2014, it keeps me functioning for the most part, although I still have lows associated with MDD. Taking this high of a dose for so long, of course, I have some side effects, such as teeth grinding, abnormal lip and mouth movements, and frequent hand tremors. It does affect libido, but not as bad as some, like Celexa, where you have to have 500 lbs of pressure applied just to try and catch a feel. I know to never miss a dose of medication because you will start having ill effects since it has such a short half-life. Oh, and it has increased my B/P, which continually runs 140/90, although the Dr.'s don't think the medicine caused it."

• Con...
• August 17, 2016

"I just wanted to let you all know my current situation in regards to this medication. I have taken Effexor XR for 12-13 years. The overall results have been good. I just wanted to share this experience. I had an MRI for chronic abdominal pain 18 months ago. The MRI discovered a shadowing on my lungs. This shadow was caused by the Effexor XR. This shadow is what we experience while on this medication as shortness of breath. I did further research, and the Effexor XR does contribute to lung conditions that cause shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing while exerting yourself. I have undergone several MRIs showing different levels of this lung shadow. I am currently seeking other treatments for my depression."

• maj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2016

"I've started taking Effexor XR recently at the lowest dose, 37.5 mg, and the first day you get very nauseous even if you do eat beforehand. I felt so foggy. After a few days, the side effects subsided, so I upped my dosage to 75 mg, and the same thing happened. So I'd recommend when starting this medication you also have an anti-nausea medication with it, otherwise you'll have a few crappy days. This medication has benefited me the most out of all the others I tried because it brought back my focus."

• sou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2019

"This medication has saved my life. I’ve been on it for a few years, and I think maybe it might have a slight effect on my immediate short-term memory, but that also just might be me normally, lol. I could not function without Effexor medication, not only has it saved my life, it has given me a life. I am 26, and in the past few years, I’ve become more social and tolerable to be around. I am so thankful I stuck with it. If I miss a dose, I get a wicked headache and the depression and panic ensue so intensely, but I rarely miss a dose. If you cut yourself off of it, you will withdrawal, and it is painful. Only downfalls. I am so happy to feel normal!"

• Lit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2015

"Year 1 no effect on my weight, years 2 & 3 I experienced steady weight gain (15 kg / 33 pounds). Other main side effects were: somnolence, swearing, electric-shock sensations in my brain and my body, twitching. However, SSRIs had never worked well for me, and venlafaxine was a fantastic alternative. I became very complacent in general on this drug. The withdrawal symptoms I had were horrendous - it was like coming off narcotics. Vomiting, shaking, muscle spasms, everything hurt. At one point, drifting in and out of consciousness. But if I hadn't taken venlafaxine, I probably wouldn't be here today. I would take it again if I had to. Dose 150 mg. Female, I was 27 when I went on Effexor XR and 30 when I stopped. I turn 31 next week."

• Dia...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 26, 2021

"I was on Effexor XR for 3 years and have done wonderfully on it. I plateaued out, so I went off of it with no issues. Tried many other meds over the next year and a half, but nothing worked. Just recently went back on Effexor XR and am doing well with it. Not had any issues as far as side effects."

• Jim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2024

"I was switched to venlafaxine after unsuccessfully trialing various SSRIs. Initially, I strongly disliked venlafaxine. The first couple of months were rough in terms of side effects, but my psychiatrist encouraged me to persist with it, and things rapidly improved soon thereafter. I found the 150 mg dose to be too low. It was better than any SSRI at 150 mg, but not sufficient to reach remission. My psych tried a few different doses, and we settled on 300 mg daily. What a difference compared to Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro. Strongly recommend trying the higher doses if 150-225 mg is insufficient for you. At 300 mg, it becomes a little activating, similar to a weak stimulant like caffeine. The side effects I've encountered are increased sweating, decreased appetite/weight loss, a mild tremor, and slightly increased blood pressure. None of the usual 'male' side effects I had previously experienced with SSRIs."

• Ven...
• January 13, 2017

"This med was given to me to replace Lexapro and Klonopin. I took the med as directed and had the worst week of my life. The vivid dreams caused me to believe my sister and friends were sneaking around trying to take my house, or shooting me and burning it down. It was so real to me. The tremors were uncontrollable, I didn't know what day it was. I was living a nightmare. I'm 55, with two adult children. I couldn't drive, walk, or work, it made me a zombie. I wouldn't give this med to my worst enemy. Every side effect I had."

• Aft...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2017

"I've been on 75 mg of venlafaxine for 6 or 7 years. It is good for me. Before Effexor, my emotions felt like being hit by a truck. After Effexor, it gives me a moment to THINK about things, rather than just disintegrating into a puddle on the floor. I still have feelings, but they're not as overwhelming, and I don't feel like I HAVE to react to them. Side effects: sweating and tiredness. I take a lot of naps! Missing a dose: about an hour or two after my time to take my pill, if I forget to, I'd get tingly and dizzy. Withdrawal: I recently tried to stop taking Effexor cold turkey. I lasted 6 days. Intense anger, bursting into tears, a static feeling in my head, like a TV set on no channel, and a tingly feeling in my lips."

• Eye...
• August 17, 2018

"Stay away! Run! For the years I was on this, I was told by this new psychiatrist that I had schizophrenia, when my other psychiatrist had diagnosed me with major depression, which is what I have. I was just going through a lot, but Effexor made me hear voices and gave me the worst side effects. I couldn't even walk, and I was so scared. It was the most traumatic experience in my life. I am still trying to get back to normal, I feel very disconnected."

• mik...
• September 3, 2021

"I was truly in a deep, dark hole when my doctor put me on this. At first, I filled the prescription but refused to take it due to all the negative side effects of getting off the drug. However, I was feeling so bad I didn’t care and decided to take it anyway. Almost immediately… well, at least that day, I started to feel relief. Effexor actually works. My depression improved significantly, and I was able to get on with life. I stayed on it for a full year. There were side effects, however, they were minimal. I did notice I tensed up a lot and clenched my teeth. Yes, getting off of this stuff sucks to get off of. This is temporary! I would recommend taking a week off of work. Discontinuing this drug is not the end of the world. It is indeed uncomfortable. Hopefully, I never go down that dark road again with depression. I would not hesitate to use this drug again if I needed it. It was a lifesaver."

• Rea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2016

"I was prescribed Effexor after a really bad anxiety attack about 3 years ago. At first, it was really great. Less suicidal thoughts, my anxiety wasn't as bad, but I wasn't eating. I had absolutely no appetite whatsoever; I starved myself until I lost 20 lbs, and they increased my dosage from 37.5 to 150 mg. It's years later, and I now suffer from an eating disorder that I didn't have before. The side effects: dizziness, bad coordination, insomnia, headaches, lightheadedness, and especially the fatigue, all impacted my life to the point where I dropped out of high school. The withdrawals, which occur after 24 hours of not taking the pill, make you feel inhuman. I was better before."

• Ots...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 9, 2019

"I have major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and ASD. It didn't do anything for my anxiety, it did minimal for my depression, but it did drastically decrease my irritability, which is good. The reason I can only give Effexor XR a 1, though, is because of the horrible withdrawal symptoms I had coming off of it. And no, I was not abusing it, I was taking it as prescribed. I have been on other drugs, such as Adderall and Xanax, which are known to cause bad withdrawal symptoms, but neither of those drugs caused a withdrawal anywhere near as severe as Effexor XR did to me."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2016

"Never knew how powerful this drug is until I tried to replace it with Cymbalta. Within 2 days of switching, my anxiety was sky-high, and my depression was so severe that I literally was suicidal. Went back on it, and these symptoms subsided quickly. By no means is this the perfect drug, but it seems to be a bit better than others. I wish it would control anxiety better. I have to take lorazepam to control anxiety fully."

• JOd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2023

"I have been taken off Zoloft and put on Effexor for major depression. Oh my God, do the side effects go away? I feel so dizzy that my head spins all day, and I'm so sleepy all day. This is terrible. It's only been one week so far. Why does it have to be like this to get rid of depression? These pills make me so sedated that you would sleep your entire life away, and you feel dizzy all day. I'm not sure if I'm going to stick this out or not. It has been a terrible six days!"

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2018

"This has worked really well for me. I'd recommend it, but I think with any of these types of drugs, everybody is different. There's some trial and error involved. Took about 2 years and a trip to a psych ward before I found the right medication. I take this, buspirone, and Remeron, and it works for me. My only advice is if you take Effexor, don't ever run out of it. I went 5 days without it, and it's a pretty freaky withdrawal."

• Tas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 17, 2015

"Effexor works reasonably well for me. I'm on 150 mg, and for the most part, it controls my depression. I do find it better to take this med in the morning, firstly because I think it lessens the depression for me when I take it at that time. Also, it stops the side effect of dizziness for me. If I miss the meds, I know about it, as the dizziness does not go away otherwise. That's really the only side effect that I find that's negative about this med."

• Anonymous
• October 5, 2017

"I have been battling with major depression/anxiety since I was 12. I’ve been admitted to a mental institution twice. I’m now 18 years old, I’ve literally been on every med you can name. I was put on a type of B/P med to calm me down. It has, but I’ve still been so utterly depressed I can’t even function correctly. I saw my doctor yesterday, and he put me on Effexor 37.5 mg once a day. I took it around 4:00 pm (I couldn’t wait, things have to get better), and now here I am lying on the couch at 5:09 am, I’ve been up since 11, with a little bit of nausea. Cannot go back to sleep... BUT I already feel better, the heaviness and sad dwelling feeling is gone. It hasn’t even been 24 hours, and I can breathe again... Taking it in the morning instead."