Effexor XR and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jac...
• February 6, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I took Effexor for about 2 years for my panic disorder, and it was a huge mistake! Effexor caused me to have violent outbursts, which I never had before the medicine, increased anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I thought I was doing good on the Effexor, but everyone around me saw a complete change in me, and it was bad. Almost 1 month ago, I was sick for 3 days and was unable to keep my Effexor down from being sick, so without knowing, withdrawal began, which included manic behavior, crying spells, nausea, brain zaps, and a suicide attempt that landed me in a mental hospital, and while there, detoxed from the Effexor and put on new medicine. I know Effexor has worked for a lot of people, but I wanted to share my story so people will research before starting."

• con...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 15, 2019

For Depression "I have been on 300 mg of Effexor XR for 15 years. I have major depression due to a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury). I'm going off them with detoxing by a quarter every month. I'm now down to 150 mg. I have had serious anxiety and anger. Nothing else as of yet."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I took Effexor XR 37.5 mg for 1 month against general anxiety and major depressive episode after big setbacks in business and job. The first week, I had to force myself to take it with daily telephone encouragement from the doctor (GP). Headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety about taking the new drug itself. After 3 weeks, I did feel a bit better but had strong headaches and felt very tired still all day. I decided to reduce and phase it out over 2 weeks by taking out the little balls from the pill. To my surprise, this was much easier to stop than Paxil, which I had discontinued for 8 months (after long-term use). Now, without Effexor since 4 weeks; no more headaches or anxiety, feel more alive and productive without these 'numbing' drugs."

• gra...
• October 20, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Didn't help the depression but caused hypomania, anxiety, and insomnia. Other drugs were added to combat these side effects. Some of the other drugs interacted with the Effexor and caused several mild episodes of serotonin syndrome. After two decades on this drug and all the auxiliary drugs to treat the side effects, I am completely messed up physically and neurologically. Slowly tapering off the drugs one at a time and hoping to find a real person underneath."

• JRa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2018

For Anxiety "I tried Effexor XR 75 mg twice per day some time ago, in 2016 - but didn't like it, so I stopped after a couple of weeks or so. I don't recall any side effects. Lately, I have just been having bad thoughts, sleeplessness, and anxiety, including vertigo and dreamlike states to almost passing out, as well as attacks of sudden depression. I started again on 75 mg once per day, and I feel much more level and like I can deal with things. Still finding my place on it, getting my concentration and focus back, hopefully before my next assignment is due ... sigh, but I am having a positive outcome thus far."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've battled with anxiety for 10 plus years, was on medication 6 years ago for it, then stopped. I was having intense TMJ because I was constantly clenching my jaw as a coping mechanism for my anxiety. I finally decided to go on medication. My doctor first put me on Celexa. I felt actually MORE anxious, though it helped with my negative thoughts. I switched to Effexor. I started at 37.5 mg. I definitely feel a positive difference, and my jaw clenching has completely stopped. Now I am up to 75 mg. I just feel very blah, kind of numb, kind of 'dissociative,' like I'm not present in my own body. I feel better, but I want to FEEL. I am not sure if I should up my dosage and then I'll feel 'normal' or wean myself off."

• Cat...
• February 2, 2017

For Depression "I am ready to start this! I'm nervous about the side effects but so tired of crying all the time for small reasons? I work 11-7 a.m. and don't know when to start this? Mornings or nights? I hope it helps me? 37.5 for one month, then up to 75 mg a day! Any suggestions will help."

• cd8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2016

For Depression "Horrific side effects and incredibly difficult to wean off of as well because of the withdrawal symptoms. When I first started taking it, I felt some relief, but it didn't last very long. I'd taken Lexapro and Zoloft in the past and felt that, over time, they were no longer helpful in treating my depression, which is why my doctor put me on Effexor. It took me a while to realize this medication was worsening my depression symptoms, and I didn't realize it until after a botched suicide attempt. I don't recommend this medication to anyone for any reason. Worst of the worst as far as I'm concerned. It'll trick your brain for a little while into thinking you're improving, but the depression and anxiety will come back and hit you ten times worse!"

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2010

For Depression "After having a heart attack, I became very depressed. I have been on Lexapro, Zoloft, Xanax, Ativan, Wellbutrin, and Buspar. None worked, and I attempted suicide. I have major depression and anxiety disorder, so take my comments in stride. The right drug for you is out there, along with intensive therapy. I was switched to Effexor XR while in 'the funny farm.' After the typical waiting period for it to kick in, I can tell you I am a new man, looking at life like I used to. It has saved my life and my family. It hasn't done much for anxiety, so for the first few months after my severe 'episode,' I was on Seroquel. I have now been switched to clonazepam for that issue. Please consult a proper medical person."

• Nat...
• February 26, 2016

For Anxiety "Been on Effexor XR for approximately 12 years! I regret taking it. Am on 225 mg per day, doctor wants me to taper down to 150 per day! It's a damn nightmare. I'm on day 2 of being on 150 mg, and the withdrawal symptoms are horrible. I feel dizzy, nauseous, feel like my head is hot, feel very tense, very moody, and short-fused. I could go on."

• knu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2016

For Depression "Started on Celexa 8 years ago. It was tremendously successful at 60 mg, so much so that I nicknamed it routine Xanax. Then the FDA directed a lower dose to 40 mg for senior citizens due to a small possibility of dropping dead from altered heart rhythm. So my shrink and I tried Zoloft (I felt zombified). Lost two doctors because they transferred to different departments, then we tried adding Wellbutrin to cover the side effects, but that simulated taking a strong stimulant, shaky and anxious. Was then carefully switched to Effexor SR. Once completely off Wellbutrin and Zoloft, and taking Effexor SR caps 150 mg, I'm now, after a few days, approaching the benefits of Celexa, with side effects decreasing or gone. Will ask for one more slight dose increase."

• Byr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 22, 2017

For Anxiety "I am taking 150 mg. I began at 75 with little effects. At 150... honestly, I feel more anxious, yet medicated. I have been taking Effexor for 6 months. I believe it does more for my depression than for anxiety. My appetite is about the same. I seem to wake up irritated and have to take Seroquel at night to sleep. I am going to give it a few more months, then will talk to my doctor about changing it or adding something for anxiety."

• Zep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2018

For Anxiety "I am a 39-year-old female. I took Effexor XR at 75 mg a day for the first and last time last night. I was prescribed this medicine for anxiety and panic attacks. I took the medicine about 8:30, by 9, I felt very weird and anxious. I went to sleep and woke up for work in a horrible state. I felt like I was coming off hard drugs. I was, and still am, shaky and having a hard time just walking around and functioning. I went to work and can't believe I drove. They sent me straight home and followed me to make sure I made it safely. This medicine is way too intense for me. It's 6 pm the next day, and I still am struggling to get back to normal so I can work tomorrow. This medicine isn't for everyone."

• Lyl...
• June 1, 2016

For Depression "Took first dose of 75 mg before bed. Fell asleep at 10:30 and slept well, actually. Woke up at 5:30 with eyes wide open as if I just had 10 espressos. It's now 6:30 and I don't have to be out of bed until 7. Can't sleep anymore. Feeling jittery with jaw clenching and teeth chattering when I open my mouth a little. Hands are sweating. I feel a little emotionally numb. Slight ringing in ears and slight headache with slight nausea. I feel peaceful but dull. Not sure if I will take again."

• ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 24, 2021

For Anxiety "I have now been on Effexor XR since the beginning of summer. At first, the first 2 months it seemed to calm my anxiety, and I didn't panic as much, but that quickly subsided as quickly as it started, so I went up a dose (from 37.5-75 to 112.5 mg), and it had not changed anything. About 5 or 6 months in, I started noticing spikes in my panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, the depression being the worst. I also got prescribed Adderall, which I take 'as needed,' and it also helps with everything. The Effexor now, I can't tell if it does anything, as my anxiety and depression came back full force. Like it didn't do anything to begin with now, or at least barely. Also, I do see many things about withdrawals. Yeah, it's said you get them, but at least for me, it is super bearable, like not smoking for a day. That being said, it seems to me as useless sugar. I'm really hoping to soon find something that actually does something. These kinds of drugs are sugar pills to me or increase depression and anxiety and irrational thoughts."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Sim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2016

For Depression "Sadly, only lasted 5 days on Effexor XR. The side effects from the 75 mg dose were unlike anything I have experienced before. Within 10 hours of the first dose, I had severe anxiety-something I had never experienced before. Within hours of the second dose, the extreme nausea came on. By day 3, I was practically bed-ridden in cold sweats and feeling completely 'out of it.' I persevered, hoping the effects would begin to subside, but by the 5th day, I had severe nausea, couldn't get out of bed from feeling so sick, horrible tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and felt spaced out to the point that I began to wonder if I would ever feel 'normal' again. Advised by my GP to cease immediately on hearing my side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2016

For Depression "Originally on Seroxat (Paxil) for 17 years. Felt so good on 20 mg that after having my child I thought I would come off it as I was thinking of having a second baby. I was put on Prozac to help with withdrawal. After 4 months on Prozac, I was an absolute mess, so the doctor put me on Effexor. I've been on this now for 6 months. I cry literally every day. It has created obsessional and horrible thoughts, I am constantly tired. I have anxiety and panic. I feel it has actually created new symptoms that I never had. I do not like this drug and am coming off it as soon as I get an appointment with the psychiatrist."

• Kxh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2015

For Anxiety "2.5 years after the birth of my child, I realized I needed help for PPD/PPA. My irritability and anger just kept getting worse, and I would go days without leaving the house. I was put on Effexor XR 75 mg. I only took one dose around 8:30 PM. I was up all night, jittery, restless, vivid dreams. The following day, I was so out of it I feared I couldn't care for my child and had my SO come home. I was incredibly nauseated and jittery with sporadic muscle spasms, my fingers were shaking a bit, and I had heart palpitations. It was awful. Around 6 PM, it started to go away but didn't completely until the following day. I will never take this medication again, it was very scary."

• Jus...
• June 19, 2008

For Depression "In 2003, I had initially tried Remeron to deal with anxiety/insomnia, but after 4 months and going through major depression, I started on Effexor. I took Ativan to get me through the first few weeks for anxiety until the Effexor kicked in. It definitely helped me get my life back. My only problem is the weight gain - about 25 lbs. I have tried to wean myself down from my highest dose of 225 mg/day to as low as 37.5 mg, but had recurring depression and anxiety, so I have gone back up."

• ken...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2017

For Anxiety "It was efficient to have no anxiety. Except 2 weeks before my final exams, I 'froze' = I had anxiety attacks. The big side effect was that it was extremely difficult to reach an orgasm/ejaculation + I lost more than 50% of sex pleasure. Not good for couple life. Also, I sweat A LOT during the night + big traumatizing nightmares if you forget your pills + I think I did sleep apnea + sleep paralysis. All those things at 75 mg. Another bad effect was that I became overconfident/maniac. Also, better to use Effexor than generics. The real brand seemed better for me."

• adr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2022

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor XR stopped my suffering. Before Effexor, I was struggling with depression, anxiety/panic, dissociation, etc. On 225 mg, depression is gone, panic is mostly gone, still get anxiety occasionally, but it’s not even close to how it used to be, and dissociation is not as intense as it once was. This medication lowered the intensity of my anxiety dramatically. It’s honestly a miracle. Thank God for this medicine. If SSRIs aren’t a good fit, try Effexor."

• joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I've been on Klonopin for 27 years, and I tried all sorts of antidepressants along with it. About two years ago, I started Adderall and soon discovered that it worked like any other antidepressant for me. It totally wiped away my social anxieties; however, in May, my doctor also thought it was a good idea to get off Klonopin, which wasn't great news for me. The Adderall alone wasn't enough and he put me on BuSpar, but I ended up in the hospital. The staff refused to listen to me because they don't believe in benzos and controlled substances. I was put on Effexor and realized it wasn't for me, but the doctors kept pumping me full of beta-blockers to reduce my anxiety and had me on Klonopin for several days, then released me without a script for Klonopin. Now I'm struggling to find myself in the midst of all the chaos. I was stuck with Effexor and beta-blockers and told to follow up with my psychiatrist. I wish everyone here doesn't go through the same ordeal as me. Benzos are not worth it."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2019

For Anxiety "DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. I have had very bad anxiety for about 2 years now, and I have been given venlafaxine one time to see if it helps. It was the worst experience ever. I took 1 capsule and experienced problems for 2, maybe more, weeks. I had the worst anxiety ever, the scariest dreams, and my vision on life was completely different. I felt sick for about 3 days, my vision was blurred, and I barely remember anything. It's been about 9 months since then, and I still think about the horrific time I had."