Effexor XR and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Pan...
• March 22, 2021

For Anxiety "Since my Middle East deployment, I've dealt with panic attacks. It got to the point where I was severely agoraphobic, not even able to leave my home to drive to the gas station a mile away. VA SSRIs never worked. After being brought to the local ER due to severe brain fogginess, the ER physician suggested norepinephrine might be the issue, not the serotonin. The doctor also took it and said to give Effexor XR a go. Three weeks later, I believe he may be right. I no longer focus on every little beat my heart makes. I can drive again. I can go places. I'm not perfect yet but major improvements have happened. The fogginess is still there a tad bit but not nearly as horrible as it was three weeks ago. It's not even fully in my system yet. If you have taken all the SSRIs there are with no results, try this. It works. I've heard withdrawals are really bad but I'm not worried about that right now. It just feels good to feel a bit more normal again. Praise God. P.S. I'm still able to 'perform' with the wife. Another huge relief."

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 18, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Just a friendly PSA: I understand everyone reacts differently to medications, but I feel that Effexor XR is getting an undeserved bad rap. I took 75 mg for 6 months, then down to 37.5 for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). I stayed on the lowest dose for over 10 years. I never looked back. I felt great every day. Tamping down all the anxiety is a HUGE game changer. Anyhow, when I tapered off, I did it EXTREMELY slowly under my doc's supervision. It took almost 10 months, but I NEVER had any withdrawal symptoms... ever. The key here is to not be in a hurry. And honestly... I had some pretty uncomfortable side effects for about 6 weeks when I first started, but nothing compared to the crippling anxiety. Don’t be afraid of it, at least trying this drug if your doctor prescribes it for you. Just give yourself 6-12 full weeks for any relief, and if it's not a good fit, don’t fear tapering off SLOWLY..."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

For Depression "I originally started on the regular Effexor when I was 16 after a suicide attempt while on Prozac. This was literally a lifesaver for me! Switched to XR when it became available. I was on it for about 3 years before deciding I no longer wanted to be anchored down by antidepressants. The withdrawals sucked, but didn't last long. I'm considering going back on it and am now 37 years old."

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2014

For Anxiety "Update to review below. I have now been on Effexor XR for six months, and I can honestly say that it's worked wonders in eliminating my depression and obsessive thinking. I wasn't able to stay on the low 37.5mg dose, as I discovered that this is a starting dose only. I have been on 150 mg for about four months, and apparently this is the lowest effective dose for achieving a therapeutic effect for most disorders. My depression has gone, and I no longer have obsessive thoughts that were making daily life a living hell. The only drawback with Effexor XR is that it has a low half-life, which means that it doesn't stay in your system for long, and if you miss a dose you will feel withdrawal within a few hours. This medicine has been a lifesaver!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I see a lot of people complaining about the withdrawal of this drug or side effects. I hope this drug never gets discontinued. This drug is the only thing (besides benzos, but try to get prescribed that these days...) that has ever helped me with my major depression, social anxiety, and panic attacks. This drug is not meant for everyone... if you have slight anxiety or depression, you should not be on this drug... Yes, the withdrawal is bad, but for some people with severe issues, we NEED this to function in society or until we are stable enough through therapy to get off. This is the only drug that works for some people like me with severe anxiety issues."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Depression "I have only been taking Effexor for a little over 2 months and noticed that if I was even an hour late taking my daily dose, I’d feel nauseous and anxious. I also began to notice that I was feeling nauseous anytime I didn’t have a full stomach, so weight gain was inevitable. I decided this drug was making my physical symptoms seriously distressing enough to outweigh any good it may be doing. I was shocked at how awful the withdrawal symptoms have been, even though I was only on it for two months at a dose of 75mg. I’ve been experiencing nausea and 'brain zaps' for two weeks now. My GP put me on Effexor, but after meeting a psychiatrist at a dinner function and casually asking her thoughts on Effexor, she said she doesn’t prescribe it, its withdrawal is so awful. I’m glad I’m getting off it, but alarmed at how nasty the withdrawal is. Can't imagine how bad withdrawal would be for those at a higher dosage and for much longer than my 2 months."

• Gam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2020

For Depression "Effexor was by far the worst medication I have taken. If you miss even one dose, within hours you are sick and having withdrawal symptoms. It took a good six months before the brain zaps stopped. Run away. It's terrible."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

For Depression "I've dealt with depression/anxiety all of my life, or at least as early as I hit puberty. I tried Zoloft and Wellbutrin to their max doses, and neither were effective at all. After dealing with unbearable constant depression, I stopped seeing my psychiatrist and went to a family physician who prescribed me Effexor. It's been maybe 4 months on Effexor XR 75 mg/day, and I've done a 180-degree turn around. I feel so content, so confident, rarely feel sad or bothered by little things. I started dating and met someone, and my friendships with people are stronger than ever. I finally feel like the person I should be, and more importantly, I feel like an optimist. The only bad thing is that withdrawal is bad, and it can make you nauseous. Otherwise, 10/10!"

• Ash...
• September 29, 2017

For Anxiety "I was prescribed the Effexor XR for acute depression and anxiety after a death in the family, and only took it for a month, but it made me sane and able to face every day as a teacher without crying randomly throughout the day. That was 2 years ago. I was prescribed it again for the same thing when my fiance passed away. I thought I was ready to stop taking it after 3 weeks, but I found myself fighting back tears over small incidents like breaking a pen or a student asking me a simple question about the material. I started taking it again and it's been a lifesaver for me. I can still take the time to reminisce at night and grieve, although the tears seldom come. If you aren't on it long then the withdrawal isn't bad at all. Hope this helps! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "Effexor saved my life 2 years ago. I was extremely stressed, anxious, and feeling as if suicide would be the only way out. This turned everything around. I have gotten two promotions at my job, my social circle has increased tenfold, and I always feel on top of my game. I have gained 20 lbs but probably because now I actually go out and do stuff. The withdrawals do suck at first if you forget a dose. I was scared to try it at first but I'm glad I did."

• Try...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2017

For Anxiety "Before anyone agrees to taking Effexor (venlafaxine), please look at the withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms and experience have been likened to heroin or opiate addiction withdrawal. Please do your research and regardless of what your doctor tells you, THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES! I hope this helps someone."

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2019

For Depression "This medication needs to be illegal. It did not help my depression, it caused significant weight gain, and if a dose was missed by 1+ hours, the side effects were severe. The withdrawal symptoms are more intense than I ever would have imagined, and prescribing doctors do not warn patients against this. After beginning to taper off this medication, I experienced really dark thoughts and attempted suicide. I was in the ICU for a week and a psychiatric hospital for 4 weeks. Effexor almost cost me my life. Please don't risk yours by taking it."

• Lit...
• June 28, 2013

For Depression "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!"

• BC ...
• December 28, 2010

For Hot Flashes "Have been on Effexor for 3 years to combat depression and severe hot flashes that are the result of treatment for breast cancer. It definitely does the job, and I plan to stay on it at least until I am done with my 5 years of oral chemo, and then will evaluate staying on it longer. Only drawback is that it will be difficult to get off of it. Will have to work closely with doctor to slowly wean, otherwise there are significant withdrawal symptoms."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Effexor XR for anxiety. After taking 75 mg for two weeks, the nightmare begins. Insomnia, night sweats, horrific dreams and visions. I couldn't think or concentrate, I couldn't work or drive, my head was spinning, I couldn't talk properly. The headache was so bad it landed me in the hospital. I was so tired and couldn't stop yawning. I actually thought I was going insane on this drug. Loss of appetite followed by drastic weight loss, diarrhea. I persisted another week, then that's when the electric shocks started through my body. They were horrendous and left me thinking there was something wrong with me neurologically. Against the doctor's advice, I went cold turkey off of this drug. The withdrawal was horrific, but I was determined to get this stuff out of my body. Even seven months off the drug, I still get some of the shocks and feel this drug has permanently damaged me. I would do your research well before considering this drug. I'd never touch it again. Worst experience of my life."

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

For Depression "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!"

• ind...
• October 24, 2011

For Hot Flashes "I was having extreme hot flashes and started taking Effexor 75 mg, and it almost immediately stopped 95% of them. I am up to 150 mg per day now, and the only issue I have with the medication is the horrible withdrawal symptoms. I was without insurance for a month, and within 2 days of not taking it, I was at the hospital with what I thought was the flu. My Doctor had warned me not to stop cold turkey, but I had no idea it would be that severe. But if you take as directed and discontinue with your Doctor's help, there should be no problem. The pros definitely outweigh the cons."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve had a real go with anxiety since I was 12. I thought everyone felt like me. I wish I would have known there was help back then, but at that age, you cannot explain it to someone. So, since 5 months ago, I started 37.5 mg Effexor XR and now I’m up to 75 mg. I find I don’t worry as much, and when I’m in a social situation, I’m not as stressed. I read horror stories about withdrawal that make me a bit nervous, but I’ve also been told by my doctor that Prozac helps with the withdrawal if you want to come off it. Apparently, it has a very long half-life. I will report back on how 75 mg is helping. Take care."

• Bug...
• March 15, 2016

For Anxiety "I have very bad anxiety, moderate panic attacks, and horrible night terrors. I just couldn't take it anymore. This was the first medication I tried. It has helped me so much, I can't even explain it to you. Yes, I still have anxiety, but it is mild now. I almost never have nightmares anymore. As soon as I miss a dose, I get lightheaded, dizzy, and feel like crap. It has very bad withdrawals. I have almost no side effects. This medicine has been great for me. I've been on it for almost a year. I am at 150 mg."

• Ell...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2024

For Anxiety "It does work extremely well. I take it two times a day (150mg in the morning and 75mg in the afternoon). I also take it with 75mg of Buspar. This medication works so well but if you miss a dose even by 5+ hours, you get physical withdrawals. And it gets worse from there. While it works, withdrawals are horrible and quick to set in. So be very cautious. Best thing, don’t start this medicine unless it’s your last option. I’ll be on it for the rest of my life, mainly because it works but also because the withdrawals are so incredibly bad."

• Dis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 28, 2012

For Anxiety "I have been on this medication for over 15 years. I can tell you that this is the absolute best medication for panic attacks. The problem is that I never had any panic attacks until I quit taking the pill after a year of use. I was prescribed this when I was 18 after being hospitalized as a result of several traumatic events. I started on 32 mg and eventually was bumped up to 150 mg and then 225 mg. I weaned off and survived the withdrawals and felt amazing. Seriously, it felt like the best moment of my life, but about a year after I stopped taking it, the depression came back twice as bad."

• mag...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 10, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "Initially, 20 years ago, Effexor XR pulled me out of despair and intrusive thoughts. Twenty years on, and for some time before I realized, I have had no motivation or energy while on this drug. I have tried to come off it with my doctor monitoring me, but the withdrawals are so debilitating that I had to go back on them each time. They have sucked the life out of me. While I am not depressed, I have no energy, no motivation, and I don't enjoy life fully or love fully. I am a completely different person now. I used to be full of life, energetic, and on top of my daily chores, but now I have trouble getting out of bed. I've dealt with all my issues through counseling, and they don't bother me anymore, but the tablets have taken a lot from me. I am determined to get off them, even if it means going through severe withdrawal to get my life back."

• Gio...
• September 15, 2010

For Anxiety "I took Effexor for 10 years and found it highly effective controlling anxiety/panic attacks. After deciding to stop (with Doctor's approval), I reduced my dosage gradually, and am discontinuing it. Withdrawal has been rough - like the worst hangover - and I'm into the 5th day but getting better. However, my mood is still good compared to 10 years ago, and I would like to be medication-free. Effexor allowed me to control my anxiety/moods through some tough times and through it, I learned new ways to deal with such. I highly recommend it."

• Sue...
• October 1, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking the generic, venlafaxine for about 6 years. My doctor settled on 75 mg once daily, as increasing the dosage makes my hands tremble. It is not nearly as effective as it once was. Withdrawals for this medication are hellish. I ran out of pills on a few occasions and felt like I was losing my mind. I really would like to slowly taper off and eventually be free of this medicine."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started at 75, then gradually increased to 300 mg over the course of about a year. Has worked so well for me. 300 mg is optimal for me. If I drop below that, my symptoms return within a few days. It has horrible withdrawal effects, though: nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. It's worth it to me, though. I can think clearly, focus on work, not irritated, not depressed, or having horrible thoughts on repeat all day. Have not had thoughts of harming myself since I've been on it. Also, I have social anxiety. Now I can go places without fear and heart pounding. I've tried Paxil and Wellbutrin, but this is it for me. Hope this helped."