Effexor XR and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have had depression for over 30 years, and during that time, I took Paxil and Citalopram. The Citalopram was not effective anymore, and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor XR. I had gone through withdrawal from Citalopram, which was difficult. However, when I was put on the Effexor XR, I was having side effects from the Effexor XR that were worse than the withdrawal from the Citalopram: severe shaking and nervousness, heavy sweating, and no real relief until 55 days of taking it. Then, all of a sudden, I felt really good for 9 days. After that, I refilled my prescription, and the side effects began again: nervousness, shaking, sweating, and the depression returned. I have to take an additional medication to calm my nerves, and this time, I also have restlessness. I know antidepressants can work well from previous experience, but Effexor XR isn’t the one for me."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2020

For Depression "I was on Effexor XR for a few months and ended up stopping it around 1 year ago because the only thing it did was barely keeping me alive, that's about it. I have C-PTSD, MDD, and ASD. Feeling nauseous all the time, no emotions at all except vague sadness. Then I started taking it again a few months ago because I had another MDD episode. This time the side effects were even worse. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months, I spent my entire days in bed completely numb. I had nightmares, and at some point, it got so bad that I was sleeping 20 hours a day. I didn't have anxiety attacks in years and started to have them again. It's a pretty rough price to pay not to feel suicidal. A doctor switched me to Fetzima 2 weeks ago, and I already feel so much better. Better than I've been in years, in fact. I know Venlafaxine works for some people, but for me, it was the worst antidepressant I've ever had in my life. The 2/10 is for keeping me alive for a few weeks, otherwise, I'd give it 1/10."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

For Panic Disorder "Taking Effexor for panic disorder (agoraphobia), anxiety, and depression. I have tried about 5 other types of antidepressants with no success. Effexor has given me the best results by far! I was prescribed 300 mg daily by my psychiatrist. I was getting severe anxiety in my house, I could barely leave, struggled seeing people, driving, etc. It has been 3 to 4 months since I made the switch, I am now driving alone again, going out to see friends, getting back to work, etc. I have seen a huge improvement in my mood and depression, my anxiety and panic have greatly diminished, energy returning. I do attribute part of this success to my CBT therapy, which was very goal-oriented and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. The medication definitely helped reduce symptoms to allow me to succeed. The first 3 to 4 weeks were very difficult, I felt worse before I felt better. All side effects eventually went away. I am happy I am finally writing a positive review, your time will come, keep fighting!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2018

For Depression "Let’s just start by saying, these pills were the worst!!! I could only take them for 7 days. Before I started them, I had a small amount of anxiety, after the 3rd day on them, I had full-blown anxiety attacks. I tried them at night at first but found out about 11 hours in that’s when the attacks started, so I tried in the morning, huge mistake. I was angry, freaking out, anxiety all day. Felt like I was crawling out of my skin. I’ve read some of these reviews, glad they worked for the few. My advice: do not take them, ask the doctor for something else, they were my worst nightmare."

• goo...
• April 10, 2012

For Anxiety "I started Effexor XR for hot flashes. As a side effect, I found a marked decrease in my anxiety level. I have a stepdaughter who has bipolar. When she last visited and again had a rage attack, I didn't experience my usual anxiety attack. This is a big help in trying to deal with such a hard person in my life."

• blo...
• June 18, 2016

For Depression "I've been taking Effexor for about six months. Within the first month, I was up to 150 mg. Since then, I no longer have depression. I do have some moments of depression, but not days or weeks. I do not have any panic attacks anymore! I'm not nearly as nervous as I was before Effexor. However, my first week on Effexor was hell. I was extremely anxious, teeth chattering, night sweats, buzzing headache. After months on Effexor, if I miss one dose, I get brain zaps. I'm also having vivid dreams-good dreams and bad ones. This medicine takes time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

For Panic Disorder "This drug, Effexor, literally saved my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and panic! Side effects weren’t too bad taking 75 mg. Drowsiness, increased heart rate, increased tinnitus, nausea, bad nighttime sweating, increased anxiety at first, head felt a bit spaced out, and crazy bad insomnia. Most of these subsided after about 8 days. Dosage change amped it up again for about another week. If you can work through it, it’s so worth it! After three weeks, basically feeling like myself again. A little more time will tell if my anxiety subsides further."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Switched from a low dose of Prozac that was causing too much fatigue. Effexor XR 75 mg gave me more energy but made me feel crazy. I quit cold turkey (not recommended!) and have been off antidepressants for one year. I struggle with anxiety still. They say you need to try different drugs to see what works for you, but I'm afraid to try another drug."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

For Anxiety "This medication was working at first. But then it stopped working, made my anxiety worse, and had weird episodes where I would dissociate and depersonalize. I decided to do something really stupid and quickly weaned myself off. I've been on so many antidepressants before. DO NOT DO WHAT I DID without letting your psychologist know. The withdrawals were so bad. My mood would crash, I felt like I was falling, and I was the most anxious and depressed I would be in my entire life. My panic attacks were so bad, Klonopin did nothing for them. I weaned off of 112.5 mg. I didn't like this drug... to say the least."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

For Depression "I don’t have any symptoms of anxiety usually - but experienced what feeling anxious was like within the first few days of taking this medication, Effexor XR. For me, this was a good sign early on, and I trusted that the anxious feeling would subside within the coming days. The anxiousness went away quite quickly, however, I began averaging around 13 hours of sleep a day. I persisted despite the extreme lethargy, taking this medication for 4 weeks. I feel like I wasted a month of my life on this medication, I didn’t feel hunger, however, I still needed food to stay awake, so I didn’t enjoy eating as much but ate the same amount - if not more sugar to try and compensate for the tiredness. I was hoping for the opposite effect, so naturally, I was disappointed. It completely got rid of my sex drive. I have since switched back to Lexapro, which has helped slightly in the past. I am hoping to find the best combo for me in the future. I am seriously considering asking for Dexedrine at this point."

• Bon...
• September 1, 2016

For Depression "I have been on Effexor for over 5 years now, and I cannot imagine life without it. I was crying all the time for no reason. My doctor put me on 75 mg a day, and it made me extremely anxious. He then upped it to 150 mg per day, and I have no side effects and function great! The only side effect I have noticed is that if I forget to take it, I start to feel dizzy after a few hours, and by night, I am crying."

• Syd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2021

For Anxiety "Took Effexor XR for anxiety and depression. This was not the drug for me, even though trying for months. My anxiety and depression worsened and brought in suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t eat or sleep without taking something to help, I would get brain zaps. It 100% made me so much worse and turned me into a different person. If going on this, make sure you keep a diary of how you feel each day, use family for support to help if you can. If it doesn’t feel right, speak to your doctor. I would hate for anyone to suffer as much as I did because the doctor kept saying, “it’s meant to get worse before it gets better.” Seek second opinions if it doesn’t feel right. I will never touch that again."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Effexor XR for almost two years, and I love it. I take it for anxiety, stress, and depression. I have taken Wellbutrin and Paxil and found a little relief, but nothing compared to Effexor. After 10 years of emotional eating, I have started losing that weight-40 lbs in the past year-and I haven't dieted. I still eat the foods I love, but now I stop when I'm no longer hungry, and I feel no guilt when I eat a cookie or two or go out for an indulgent dinner. Another plus: I actually want sex now. For years, my anxiety kept me from having any desire, but now I can't get enough. YAY!"

• PPD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2020

For Postpartum Depression "My doctor told me Effexor is supposed to help with anxiety and depression. It didn’t help with my anxiety. I first started experiencing side effects when I was a little late taking my dose. Turns out that the side effects are actually withdrawal! It feels like I’m being electrocuted briefly, then I immediately get vertigo and a sharp headache until my next “zap,” which can occur every couple of minutes! The only thing that helps is taking more of this drug! I’m trying to come off of it slowly, but it will take at least 3 weeks, and the withdrawal symptoms just keep getting worse and more frequent! Right now I experience the zaps every 45 seconds all day long, and I’m only in my first week of trying to come off of it! I would never recommend anyone take this medication, rather, ask your doctor for an alternative as the side effects are making my anxiety worse since I literally feel like I’m getting “zapped” constantly, and it is a scary feeling!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I switched to this from Prozac after trying many different SSRIs. Some didn't do anything, some helped quite a bit. Effexor XR, being an SNRI, made a world of difference compared to Prozac. At first, I did get some mild headaches and was a little jittery, but once I got used to it after a few weeks, the side effects abated. Just stick with it and don't let the side effects at first deter you."

• JDH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

For Depression "Find Effexor a little too stimulating compared to SSRI medications. Will stay on it for a few more days and write another review in a few weeks. I'm going back to the original instant release tablet form instead of the capsule extended release (XR). I think taking my med twice daily will be more effective without the additional anxiety that I am experiencing. Also, I find Effexor to be more stimulating than Adderall."

• Unb...
• January 14, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was started at a low 75 mg. This was a very dark time emotionally for me because I felt like I was taking candy, not medicine. As we slowly increased the dose, the heaviness of depression began to lift, but I also became VERY sleepy. Other early side effects were dizziness, insomnia, minor stupor, vivid dreams, stomach cramps, and worsened anxiety. All these are gone except anxiety. We added a sleep aid and Buspar to take as needed for anxiety and insomnia. But I had to up the venlafaxine XR to my doctor's max outpatient dose of 225 mg to get rid of the unmanageable depression. This dose combined with CBT (therapy) has greatly increased the quality of my life. But NEVER FORGET A PILL! Withdrawal is awful! Sobbing, 'shocks,' lethargy."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started to take this med one week ago for my GAD. I'm feeling a bit 'lighter' in the head, but I also have a bit more anxiety, and I feel dizzy. I've read that this is totally normal, and I have been a benzo addict, so I had EXTREME anxiety when I was in rehab getting off that stuff. Now my life is looking brighter, and I have a lot of faith in this med. Just went from 37 mg to 75 mg once a day. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience here in one month :)"

• Dgi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2018

For Depression "Worst med I've ever taken! I only took it for 5 days as the side effects were so bad there was no way I was going to even try and continue to see if they stopped. My body would twitch and convulse. Anytime I tried to rest or sleep, I became so restless I had to get up and walk or move. Normal side effects too: dry mouth, extra edginess, and anxiety... it was bad. Stay away from this one! Even two weeks later, my body still twitches on its own. One time it woke me up because of how strong my legs and arms were moving."

• KE1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

For Depression "I was on Effexor for almost 4 weeks to treat dissociation/derealization that was caused by too high of dosages of Zoloft and Celexa. I went from 12.5 mg twice a day to 37.5 mg twice a day over 3 weeks. I had horrible headaches and blurry vision the entire time. By the third week, the dissociation was MOSTLY gone, but then I was having random panic episodes where I thought I was losing my mind and just didn't want to live anymore. The psychiatrist thought the extended release would ease that symptom, and it made it worse. I went from not wanting to live with dissociation to not wanting to live at all. I've been tapering off over the past few days, and I was awakened at 5 am this morning with HORRIBLE anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and my husband tried calming me down, but I barely felt like I knew or recognized him. Both my psychologist and the head of psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic agreed I need to stop taking it immediately (take 1/2 of 25 mg if I experience 'brain zaps' or any horrible side effects), but this medication is NOT for me, and they're thinking no SSRI or SNRI chemically reacts well with me after trying 3 and having worse side effects than what I was taking it for. I haven't been out to eat with my husband in 4 months. Everything in the world now looks different, and I still have anxiety and blurry vision. As this medication leaves my system in the next few days, I pray my mind will get back to the way it was 4 months ago. Thank you, and I hope everyone going through anything horrible with Effexor finds relief soon."

• Ard...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 14, 2021

For Anxiety "This medication saved my life. I got fibromyalgia. Xanax with 1 mg in the morning and 0.5 mg stopped anxiety. After trying many antidepressants for energy for a month, only Effexor managed to give me energy."