Effexor XR and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Effexor XR for about 3 weeks now for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. For the first three days, I felt a little dizzy but continued with the medication, and the dizziness went away once my body got used to it. I get a dry mouth and have lost interest in sex and cannot reach orgasm. I do feel a lot more focused at work and can think more clearly. I do find if I don't take the medication right on time around 9 a.m. every morning, I get a headache and agitated, so I try to take it at the same time every day. Despite the dry mouth and loss of sex drive, I will continue with it for another month or two and see what happens when I see my doc again."

• Loz...
• November 9, 2019

For Depression "This medication has helped my depression heaps. I'm on 225 mg Effexor XR, however, I am worried that when I eventually stop the medication, the withdrawals will be insane. Effexor has helped settle my depression, and the only issue I have is that my sex drive is at an all-time low because of it."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2008

For Depression "I've been taking Effexor XR since 2004. The side effects that I experience are loss of appetite/weight loss and sexual side effects. However, every time I try another medicine or try to 'get off' my medicines, I crash, and I always go back to Effexor, and it works really well. So, it is a consistently reliable drug for me, and I am very thankful for it."

• B12...
• December 27, 2016

For Anxiety "Was on this med for 5 years. Worked fine but not great. Stopped the panic attacks and gave me relief from everyday nervousness that I was experiencing. Took months for the side effects to diminish when I first started taking it. What did not leave - insomnia, night sweats, lack of sex drive, and poor orgasms (or no orgasms at all)."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "This medication changed my life. I'm sorry I waited so long to admit I needed it. It's wonderful to be able to cope with all of the daily challenges of life and yet still feel happy to be alive. If you're feeling out of control, don't waste your life out of fear of asking for help. Side effects like loss of sexual drive are minor compared to the benefits."

• 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."

• Ele...
• March 4, 2019

For Depression "I've been taking this for about half a year now. It's been working great for me. My depression is a bit better, I get fewer suicidal thoughts, and my social anxiety is reduced. However, I still do feel anxious (in non-social situations) most of the time, but at least I haven't had a panic attack in quite a while. I'm taking 75 mg every morning. The first week on it, I had severe headaches and felt really dizzy, but it lasted only a week, so that was fine. As for side effects, like any medication for anxiety and depression, my sex drive became nonexistent. One other thing - it causes you to have wild dreams, but to me, this is more of an advantage."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for the past six months after weaning off of Zoloft, which I had been on for years, and it seemed to have lost effectiveness. I’ve had a generally positive response to it - I am a female in my late twenties on 150 MG/day extended release. Dry mouth and decreased libido are side effects I have experienced, but they are mild and aren’t a big enough deterrent to get off the medication. I definitely can notice a huge improvement in my mood overall, even though I was prescribed this for anxiety, it seems to help my depressive symptoms a bit more, with the exception of the week before my period. Just don’t miss your dose for more than 3-4 hours because that’s when I start feeling weird withdrawal side effects! I didn’t get that with Zoloft."

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2009

For Depression "I've been taking Effexor XR since mid-2005 to help me through a major depressive episode in my life. Took it in conjunction with Remeron, which helped me immensely with improving my sleep and improving my mood. Watch for withdrawal symptoms (reduce the drug by taking a few grains out of the capsule each time). Do not go off cold turkey. Would be a 10/10 except that I have the sexual side effect. However, I'd rather be happy/non-suicidal than easily aroused."

• tjw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

For Depression "I took it for 2 weeks. Started 75mg first week and went up to 150mg the second. Several days after I increased the dosage, I lost all sex potency and sex drive completely. I'm a 25-year-old man, and I was not able to orgasm at all. After I stopped, I have VERY SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. I had to lose work for several days and was very close to being sent to a hospital. At NO POINT did my doctor warn me of any of these symptoms. It's very important to understand that this drug CAN cause permanent damage and that it is highly addictive even after a short time. I'd rather take a bullet to my head than take this pill ever again."

• tjw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

For Depression "I took it for 2 weeks. Started 75mg first week and went up to 150mg the second. Several days after I increased the dosage, I lost all sex potency and sex drive completely. I'm a 25-year-old man, and I was not able to orgasm at all. After I stopped, I have VERY SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. I had to lose work for several days and was very close to being sent to a hospital. At NO POINT did my doctor warn me of any of these symptoms. It's very important to understand that this drug CAN cause permanent damage and that it is highly addictive even after a short time. I'd rather take a bullet to my head than take this pill ever again."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

For Depression "I’ve been on Effexor for 5 months, and I’ve gone from off the charts depressed and anxious to happy and productive. I tried an anxiolytic briefly the first week I started the Effexor but didn’t like it, so I quit, but I’ve found that my negative internal narrative has improved drastically on the Effexor, which has helped my anxiety significantly as well. My family and friends have noticed a huge difference in my mood and energy level. I was increased to 112.5 mg daily over the winter for relapse in some depressive symptoms and just decreased to 75 mg daily - having some side effects of sleep interruption with the dose titration, but otherwise so far, so good. My sleep was always interrupted titrating up as well, which always improved with time. My only complaint is that my sex drive decreased for a while upon starting the drug, and even though I now have it back, it’s still more difficult to orgasm. This side effect is improving over time as well, but it’s an annoyance for sure."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

For Depression "I’ve been on Effexor for 5 months, and I’ve gone from off the charts depressed and anxious to happy and productive. I tried an anxiolytic briefly the first week I started the Effexor but didn’t like it, so I quit, but I’ve found that my negative internal narrative has improved drastically on the Effexor, which has helped my anxiety significantly as well. My family and friends have noticed a huge difference in my mood and energy level. I was increased to 112.5 mg daily over the winter for relapse in some depressive symptoms and just decreased to 75 mg daily - having some side effects of sleep interruption with the dose titration, but otherwise so far, so good. My sleep was always interrupted titrating up as well, which always improved with time. My only complaint is that my sex drive decreased for a while upon starting the drug, and even though I now have it back, it’s still more difficult to orgasm. This side effect is improving over time as well, but it’s an annoyance for sure."

• laf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

"Prescribed Effexor XR. Started with 37.5 mg, increased to 75 mg 2 weeks ago. Diagnosed with cPTSD, panic in '10. First Celexa caused a rash, Zoloft made me volatile. Then with Effexor, I feel much better, no palpitations, less fear, anxiety, and anger, and haven't punched anyone, so that's good, I only WANT to sometimes. Thoughts are not keeping me hostage so much while awake, nightmares like before. I can say hello to classmates. Sometimes have increased appetite. I do have increased overall energy - helps with getting out of bed with a more positive attitude, going for exercise without much fear, though lack of libido - that part of my body feels numb (boo), but okay. I feel better overall. I sweat a LOT more when sleeping, exercising, definitely more thirsty. I increased water intake. After 4 years of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy), 5 years of CBT, and a mindful lifestyle, grateful to find Effexor helping in ways I need. I felt exhausted for so long, now I feel alive. No need to work so hard to seem okay. I feel HOPE. I hope my little story helps be a light in the darkness for someone."

• tay...
• May 4, 2009

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was in college when I treated. At high doses (approximately 225 mg), I was lethargic, cloudy-headed, and angry. The drug caused SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. It aggravated stress levels. But for my mom, this medication has given her life back to her, 'curing' depression, lowering anxiety, and inspiring creativity."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2011

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "It really does work. Made me feel mentally sharp again. I was previously always anxious, but Effexor completely stopped my anxiety. Unfortunately for me, it came with severe sexual side effects: loss of sex drive, unable to climax, impotence. Male - taking 75 mg daily. Off to try Wellbutrin instead."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Effexor XR for about 9 years now (150 mg once a day). I originally started taking it for A.D.D. and mild depression. It has worked incredibly for me. I went from no attention span to extremely focused. I also went through some events that increased my depression, and by upping the dosage, I was fine. The only side effects I've had are extreme withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose (severe headaches and jitters) and a decreased sex drive. I would strongly recommend this drug."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2009

For Depression "I've been on tons of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications throughout the years. When I started taking Effexor XR, I was thrilled, I felt so much better... minus all of the side effects. The side effects are just awful. I sweat constantly, I have awful headaches, no sex drive, and I gained 15 pounds. And now the medication has stopped working, sort of... I don't feel sad or happy... I just kind of feel here. I've tried to get off of Effexor, but I get those brain zaps/vertigo feelings and vomit, so I stop and keep taking it. I guess it helps some people, but if I can ever get off of it, I will be going back to another medication."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2023

For Panic Disorder "Second time trying Effexor (after trying every other SSRI-type med) and taking it for 2 years now. Have increased over time to 225 mg. For depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. It helped with panic attacks the most. Anxiety is also better. Depression is mildly better. I am now wanting to taper down as some side effects have become more noticeable in the last 6 months: no sex drive, can’t reach orgasm, excessive sweating (especially face and hands), tiredness, and lack of motivation to do things, emotional flatness. Will try to taper down by 75 mg to start. Last time I went off Effexor, I tapered down really slowly and that helped with the withdrawal symptoms a lot. Fingers crossed I can get through it again, and things improve after discontinuing. I’m hopeful."

• 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."

• tls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2019

For Depression "My health issues are PTSD, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I spent 3 total days on this medication. The first 2 days, this medication seemed to work okay but made me quite moody. By the 3rd day, I felt horrible. I woke up from a nap feeling extremely spacey, foggy, and my memory was horrible. It was almost as if I never woke up fully. By losing my memory temporarily, I immediately panicked and started crying. This medication scared me, and I no longer used it after the 3rd day. I would’ve rather stayed on Lexapro, which lowered my libido significantly, than this medication. Absolutely horrible for my body."

• Ry3...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with GAD, MDD, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Before being diagnosed, I was very nervous about taking any antidepressants. However, Effexor was amazing for me, overall. Almost all anxiety and depression vanished. The only negative for me (and it’s a big one) was that I lost my libido, it was very hard to maintain an erection, and orgasms became next to impossible. Trying a different medication now."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2013

"Started at 37.5 for hot flashes, but also found that my hair-trigger anger and low-grade depression were gone. Oh, did I mention the onset of suicidal ideation I experienced at menopause? Took care of that too. Went up to 150 XR a day, but stomach upset, excessive teeth grinding, loss of libido, and weight gain are making me go back to 37.5 again. Ended up on the 150 because of my wicked hot flashes, but willing to deal with them at 37.5 for the sake of my sex life. I'm afraid to go off of it at 37.5, as it removed the anxiety and despair I realized I have felt most of my life. I encourage many to stay at the lowest dose of any of these drugs; it takes time to figure out which one is good for you. Cheers."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2016

For Postpartum Depression "Was taking two 37 mg per day, but it made me nauseous, so I kept missing the second dose and it wasn't working. Now taking 75 mg slow release per day. Was completely spaced out for a few days... zoning out! But after 10 days, I feel great. Loads of energy. Depression easing off. Impressed, but hope it lasts. Side effects were dry mouth, but this has now gone. Sex drive has also plummeted, but I do have a baby, so it could be down to that. In any case, I'd rather have my old self back than a sex drive, so not too bothered. Have tried Prozac and citalopram in the past until they stopped working. I'd say this is just as good, if not better. Fingers crossed."