Effexor User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• vio...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've had depression for 20 years (both chronic/moderate, and 3 previous severe episodes). Tried every class of psych med (30 total), SSRIs all made me sleepy, numb, apathetic. I take Lamictal (150mg), Effexor (75mg), and Ritalin (30mg) which is the best medicine combo for my depression. Pros: Effexor demolishes anxiety and severe episodes (crying spells, suicidal thoughts). Less sedating (compared to SSRIs). I feel calm, no insomnia. Cons: Excessive sweating (at higher doses), some lethargy, and dry eye. ****Do not go cold turkey, ask for the 'Prozac Taper' to avoid the shock of withdrawals*** No drug is a cure-all. Effexor does not cause weight gain or increased appetite (for me). It's prevented severe episodes and I'll stay on it for life, unless something better comes out."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

For Depression "Effexor saved my life! I was so hesitant at first to try this drug because to me, it seemed so powerful compared to Zoloft and Celexa which I've been on in the past. I was also nervous because of the reviews I read with people talking about all the horrible side effects. I'm here to tell you, DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ. Effexor is absolutely amazing! I had no side effects at all. If I had to say I had any, it would be cold sweats for maybe a day but that's it. I take 150mg ER a day and I am back to my old self if not better. My advice is that everyone's body reacts differently to medication and not everyone experiences the same things. This drug is amazing and has helped my depression in every way."

• sfu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2014

For Depression "I'm a 27-year-old female with ADD, generalized anxiety (including morbid thoughts, OCD behaviors, hypochondria, and depression). Effexor has basically fixed me. I used to be irritable, negative, overwhelmed, and chronically fatigued to a disabling capacity, and now I'm evened out and confident, positive, patient, and kinder. My head feels clearer than it ever has. The only issue is that this medication causes some sweating and raises my blood pressure, so I've had to have that stabilized with blood pressure medication."

• lor...
• February 4, 2009

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Effexor XR 4 months ago. My entire life I've struggled with anxiety. I have gone to cognitive behavioral therapy to help me change my responses to anxiety-producing situations, all to no avail. I never wanted to take medication as I thought only weak people do that. About 2 months prior to taking Effexor XR, I began having panic attacks so severe I felt as though I was going to die. I couldn't function and became depressed. As a last resort, I decided to try medication. I take one 75mg capsule every morning. Please note, the first 2 weeks were misery - I could barely lift my head or body, I had neck pain, slept constantly, and still had anxiety. I stuck it out and haven't had an anxiety or panic attack since then."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For Autism "I took this about 3 weeks ago. I started on 75 mg. I felt nausea the first day. Then the second day was easier, just a headache and a little nausea and panic. But as the week went on, the symptoms went away and I felt a lot better. The reason why I don't give it a full 10 is that if you take it late, after the 24-hour period since your last dose, you start to experience withdrawal. It is different for everyone, but I was fine. I'm autistic, suffer from acute anxiety, PTSD, and severe depression. It has saved my life so far. I am scared of horror stories, but as an autistic adult, I look at it as an opportunity."

• Rei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have experienced chronic anxiety, panic attacks, and depression for 20+ years. I've been on several different medications over the years, but none of them worked entirely. My depression increased over the years because I believed nothing could help my problems. I was admitted to a psychiatric unit recently due to suicidal ideations. The attending doctor said he would like to start me on Effexor. I would not allow myself to read the side effects of this medicine due to my anxiety and the possibility of developing psychosomatic symptoms. Within a week, I began feeling hope, excitement for life, and my anxiety was nearly gone! I've been on this medicine now for over a month, and I have never felt this good in my entire life! Try this Med!!!"

• spa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 5, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "If I was not on Effexor (in combination with Lithium & Seroquel), truthfully, I would not be here to write this. With investigation by my psychiatrist into my medical records, we identified I have been bipolar for 40 years. Many of them I was not treated, even though I spent three different times in a 'mental' facility. The only identification for me was that I was a difficult and troubled person. When I finally met the psychiatrist I have today, with his help and his innate understanding of what bipolar is, it only took 3 or 4 different prescriptions to finally arrive at Effexor giving me the best overall help. As I mentioned earlier, this prescription has truly been a lifesaver. No bothersome side effects."

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

For Depression "Effexor changed my way of life completely. I couldn’t get out of bed to do minor housework. I can actually get things done now. I feel happy again, like I used to be. I want to make plans with friends now. I am just a nicer person. My panic attacks have stopped. I am pleasant to my spouse and children now. I feel I am in control of my life again."

• CAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2013

For Depression "I'll start by telling you that I tried both Celexa and Lexapro. Celexa did fairly well, but Lexapro...that's a story for another time. I went to my doctor and told her I couldn't do Lexapro anymore. She prescribed me venlafaxine. In all honesty, I could tell a difference within the first few days. My panic attacks were fewer and further between, and I felt the dark cloud lifting. I've been on it for approximately two months now and haven't had any crazy side effects like I did with the other SSRIs. I suppose I'm still in the trial phase but I have no reason to dislike it yet. A miracle pill? Well, maybe. That's not to say that I don't get depressed again every now and then, but I'm generally content."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

For Depression "I was recently put on Effexor, and I have seen a huge improvement in my motivation and mental clarity. I actually want to get out of bed and do things. I actually want to work out. I don't want to eat all the time anymore. I am severely obese, and now after being on it for almost 2 months, I have lost about 10 lbs, and I feel great. I haven't noticed any detrimental side effects. It has actually increased my libido, too. I will post if I see any bad changes."

• Kim...
• February 24, 2020

For Depression "WORST 48 hours of my entire life. The first day I took Effexor (dose 37.5 mg) with my 300 mg of Wellbutrin, and I got to work and couldn’t even walk in a straight line. I went home and figured maybe I just shocked my system and slept it off. The next day I took the same dosage. First came the spaced-out phase where I couldn’t remember where I was or what I was doing. The tremors? So violent that I couldn’t walk, talk, or hold things. My husband came home to find me in the fetal position on the floor, shaking violently. Let’s not forget hearing and seeing things that weren’t there. Another thing I noticed was that one second I was laughing, then the next crying. It was so scary, and I couldn’t stop it from happening. I stopped taking it. It’s been 2 days now and I still have tremors. I can’t eat. The only thing that will stop the tremors is 1 mg of Ativan. This drug ruined my life in 48 hours. I will never recommend it to anyone. Worst 2 days of my life, and it’s still going."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am delighted with the result of venlafaxine. I had a breakdown and visited my GP in desperation due to panic attacks, depression, crippling anxiety, heavy drinking, and an addiction to codeine. The side effects were initially a bit uncomfortable, but they have settled. I am lacking motivation, but I have only been on it for 2 weeks, and I figure I need some time to recover from my breakdown, so I’m just going with it for now. It has made me feel so much calmer, it has stopped me from drinking and taking codeine, which I was using to self-medicate. This medication has saved my life. I’ve given it a 9, as my libido is suffering."

• Ban...
• October 25, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication, Effexor, in combination with therapy for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. I worked up to 150 mg from 37.5 mg. It has helped me immensely. I’m less irritable, I have energy again, I stopped sleeping 14 hours a day, my anxiety is better, and I feel happier than I have in a long time. I have forgotten to take it for a day and didn’t notice any symptoms at that point. I had a bit of a headache and maybe some nausea at first and with the dosage increase, but it was mild and went away after a day or so."

• BC2...
• June 9, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm writing this review hoping this medication will help someone else. I remember sleepless night looking up reviews on all antidepressant medications and Effexor did really work. Had the worst depression in my short 27 years of life. This medication helped me lift up and get back to work. I went on short-term disability for about two months due to the extreme depression, I had no interest in life whatsoever. Got back to work and even got a promotion several months later. Thank God for this medication and for the strength he gave me through the process."

• Juj...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 11, 2012

For Autism "My son was given this medicine by a developmental pediatrician when he was 8 years old. He became more vocal, more at ease around people. He is now 22 years old and is still on this medicine, he has Asperger's."

• OLo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2014

For Depression "I took this for a few years in my late teens for severe depression and self-harm tendencies. It worked well for me. The only downfall is the effects one experiences if one forgets a dose or stops taking the medicine without approval from one's medical provider. In my opinion, the honest truth is this: it can be a wonderful miracle for severe depression and anxiety. It can make a person more outgoing in their environment and provide someone with more energy. The only downfall I ever experienced with it was the withdrawal effects if I forgot a dose. Brain zaps, nausea, general ill feeling. If one takes it as directed, however, they shouldn't experience these. Never quit this medicine on your own without talking to your doctor."

• lll...
• January 6, 2008

For Depression "I ended up in the hospital after drinking a few glasses of wine, getting my stomach pumped, and feeling extremely out of it. I should have read the side effects of Effexor first, and I would have known that you should not drink alcohol while being on this medication."

• las...
• June 2, 2009

For Depression "I am 24 years old, female, 5'1, 130 lbs. Treated for major depression and anxiety. I have aversions to junk food (I am normally health-conscious unless I am really depressed), weight loss (12 lbs), dry mouth, lighter mood, easier to focus, more motivated, mountains turn into anthills, lower sex drive, sometimes get headaches. For me, the pros overwrite the cons - I went off of this for 6 months with no problems. No addiction or sickness. I am back on it, and boy am I glad to feel happy again."

• 30...
• March 18, 2013

For Depression "I had tried a number of different prescription meds before Effexor, none of which seemed to help. I can honestly say this worked the best, and with it, I was able to get out of bed and begin to function again. It really was one of those medications that did exactly what it was supposed to. I continued to take Effexor for three years, after which time I wanted to stop taking it and begin to manage my life without medicines. This is when the problems began. I can honestly say that it took me almost nine months to wean myself off Effexor. I no longer have to take medication but would warn anyone being prescribed this that it is not an easy medicine to stop taking."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "This medicine has helped me overcome my addiction to alcohol. I was self-medicating for years not knowing I had underlying anxiety and depression. Now that I am taking this combined with regular AA meetings, I no longer have any desire to drink alcohol. It's been a miracle, and I am starting to become the person I once was."

• NDG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2013

For Depression "I went on this medication as a last resort. I was at a point where I couldn't leave my house, I cried all day, and I had anxiety 24/7. I have just started taking the medication. The first day was terrible - cold sweats and brain zaps. I found I could not sleep. Now, 3 days into the medication, I find I am much happier. Perhaps I'm being optimistic, but the constant torture of obsessive thoughts and not being able to let the little things go has decreased. I would recommend this if you are at a last resort. The past 2 days have been reminiscent of how my life was before the year and a half of constant agony."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2014

For Depression "I took Effexor for three years due to depression. I loved the fact that I was no longer depressed, but I was tired all the time. I could sleep for 10 hours, get up, and two hours later I was ready to sleep again. If I missed taking a dose, I would get a horrible headache. The only reason I stopped taking Effexor was due to being tired all the time. Getting off of the medication was awful. I have never been so sick in my life. If you are going to take this medicine the rest of your life, I highly recommend it. It did wonders for my depression."

• Aut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2016

For Depression "I have been on 75mg ER of Venlafaxine HCL for over 3 months now and I really feel wonderful. It's working very well for me. I have plenty of energy, lost about 20 pounds of weight and I do feel very content and calm. I do have vivid dreams that are interesting and long. I socialize and react very well with people now and no longer have any fears of socializing with groups of people. Again, this antidepressant has so far worked very well with me and I am happy that my doctor switched me from 20mg of citalopram, which made me very tired and gained way too much weight, to 75mg Effexor ER (Venlafaxine). Everyone's system is a bit different and what may work well for someone may not work well for someone else. I wish you all the best."

• Bra...
• April 17, 2014

For Depression "I'm 19. I had a terrible abusive childhood full of alcohol and physical and mental abuse. Depression also runs in my father's and my mother's family, and so my head's pretty screwed up. I was first prescribed Lexapro, that medication made me go insane, and now I'm on 75mg of Effexor XR. I probably should take more, but in my experience with depression, it really keeps me grounded. So, I told my doctor this was good enough for me. I've been depressed my whole life, and I just want to be good enough to where I won't be suicidal. This medication is great. The only side effect is that if I sit in weird positions, my feet will go numb really quickly."

• Jos...
• June 27, 2013

For Depression "I am a 60-year-old male who has suffered from depression and panic attacks. In my late 30s, I decided to seek help. Like many others, the list of medications my doctors tried would fill a dictionary. Some worked for a while. I refused to take lithium. In my late 40s, I was also diagnosed with ADD. I now use 4 medications successfully: Effexor XR 450 mg daily, Xanax 1 mg daily, Adderall XR 60 mg daily, and Strattera 25 mg daily. I am now free of both depression and panic attacks for nearly 10 years! I am comfortable in public speaking and find that I love the adrenaline rush! I've tried to stop using Effexor XR but always restarted because of the horrible depression. Withdrawal is like a bad acid trip. Use Effexor to stay alive!"