Venlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Fre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2019

Venlafaxine "I would just like to point out that every single person is different and adjusts to these medications differently. I had 3 suicide attempts before accepting medication and was put on Effexor. Effexor changed my life, until it didn’t. For 2 years it helped me to function normally, I went back to work, the suicidal ideation ceased, and I was able to manage my depression. After a long time though, I felt numb and wanted to get off of it. No one ever warns you about coming off Effexor. There is a whole group on Facebook just for coming off it. The withdrawals are worse than any drug I know. I counted every day. It was 12 days of agony before I felt any sort of relief. It was pure, utter awfulness. But I look back and think of what Effexor did for me when I first started this medication, and it gave me my life back. So despite the horrible effects coming off this drug, it still helped me immensely."

• VIR...
• April 11, 2014

Venlafaxine "I've been taking Effexor for 4 weeks. Finally, I feel good. It's a miracle! I was suffering real bad depression and anxiety, and thoughts of giving up on life. Effexor works. This is the best I've felt since I was 23. Now I'm 30, and yes, I feel very happy to know I didn't give up and finally found a miracle pill. It's only been a month. Thanks Effexor, saved my life. Thank you."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2024

Venlafaxine "After 7 years on Zoloft, I tapered to 25 mg from 100 mg. Then depression hit. I tried titrating up, but dealt with sedation and many adverse side effects. I tapered off and quit for 30 days. Depression lingered, so I began 37.5 Effexor. I felt relief on the first day. I switched to taking it in the evening to offset morning sleepiness. Within 2 weeks, I went to 75 mg, and within 2 weeks, depression remitted. After 15 weeks at 75 mg, I'm on a staggered dose of 112.5/75 every other day. Here's the thing for me—I chose to start low and go slow. The Effexor gave a mild but noticeable lift in mood. Within 2 weeks, I felt hope. I didn't have to wait 4 to 6 to 8 weeks to notice nor suffer adverse effects for weeks at a time. Research supports the efficacy of Effexor, especially its ability to give noticeable, if not subtle, improvements within two weeks. Having gone 40 weeks suffering adverse effects of Zoloft, the impact of Effexor for me was, in fact, life-changing. (Male, 62)"

• Mis...
• March 3, 2020

"I was put on venlafaxine in 2001, and soon became functionally narcoleptic and severely depressed. Over the years, doctors kept increasing the dosage, telling me I was simply very ill and needed a high dose of venlafaxine just to make my depression manageable. Finally, after 17 years, and several failed attempts to taper off, I stopped my venlafaxine cold turkey against medical advice. Coming off this drug was possibly the most difficult thing I've ever done, with truly horrific withdrawal symptoms, but once I made it through those months of withdrawal and recalibration, I learned that all those years, it was the venlafaxine that had been making me ill. As a minor effect, I lost 10 pounds within my first month of stopping the venlafaxine. More importantly, I went from needing 12 hours sleep per day to 7.5 hours sleep per day, and my depression lifted. That was over a year ago, and this past year has been my healthiest in two decades. After 17 years, I finally have my life back."

• Nat...
• October 21, 2019

Venlafaxine "I have struggled with eating disorders (Anorexia and Binging) for about 4 years now. It started at 16 and slowly began to follow me into college. I’ve struggled with relationships and often find myself extremely depressed and more anxious than ever. I started Effexor about 2 weeks ago now, and the first few days were much like the experiences listed on here. I have done MDMA before, and it does feel like that for the first two days. However, after I got through that stage, each day has been getting better. Colors seem brighter, and my motivation has started to get better. Before, I had struggled with finding any interest in life, and everything seems a little bit more open each day I wake up. I do have some very vivid dreams and find that during the night, my depression gets a little worse, but it has slowly subsided, and I’m able to push away thoughts that normally frustrate me. I’m excited to see how each day goes moving forward."

• xyz...
• July 31, 2013

Venlafaxine "I have taken Effexor on and off for nearly ten years for depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden traumatic situation. It took a week or so for the side effects to disappear when I first started. I felt so well that I weaned myself off it, which took at least a week with side effects. I have done this twice, thinking I was very well and able to cope when I take the medication. However, I have come to realize that I need to stay on it, and my husband now understands that it keeps me well, happy, and balanced. If I miss a tablet, I feel quite nauseous and a bit unbalanced, even though I only take 75mg once a day. I have come to realize that there are a lot of people out there, including many high-profile people, who need Effexor."

• Heb...
• September 5, 2013

Venlafaxine "I have been on Effexor XR for over 15 years. I take a daily dosage of 300mg. It has been the most significant thing in my life! I am able to function normally, hold down a sometimes stressful job, be a great parent, and most of all be the best me possible. I have a hormonal imbalance which causes my depression, and no amount of psychological intervention was ever going to change that. Effexor XR did. Whilst there are side effects, my body has become accustomed to them, and believe me, they are nothing in comparison to the dreadful depression. I believe that it has saved my life and ensured that the life I lead is a good one. A couple of tablets a day, some minor side effects, and I can get on with a wonderful life."

• Mis...
• September 21, 2013

Venlafaxine "I am 46 years old and have taken Effexor since 2000. It helps me balance myself. It really works, and it calms me down and relaxes. But never miss it for a day or so, it will give you dizziness or nausea. I would like people out there to know that Effexor is the best antidepressant. It helps me focus on my life in every way. Thank you for saving my life, Effexor."

• jla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2019

Venlafaxine "This (Effexor XR) is a GREAT drug! For those of you who have had a bad experience, you need to have the swab test done by your Dr (covered by insurance) to find out what drugs work for you. It has been a lifesaver for me! I was switched by a smart NP after taking Paxil for many years with many problems. After I took the mouth swab test & it showed Paxil was a bad fit for me. I have zero side effects aside from a little weight loss, which for me is awesome as I'm 57 & fit but had those nagging extra lbs. Extra lbs gone, mood lifted, don't dwell on stupid things. I'll be on it forever as I'm permanently low in serotonin & NEED the boost. Without it, I just lay in bed & don't want to do anything. Get the swab test done & if this shows up in the left column, try it! Little adjustments with dosage are required - just start at 75mg, which helps a teenie bit & then go up... It's also cheap if you pay cash... GOOD LUCK!!"

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

Venlafaxine "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."

• ree...
• January 25, 2015

Venlafaxine "I started taking Effexor 3 weeks ago after finding no success with Wellbutrin or Zoloft. It causes some initial bad side effects (nausea, dizziness, tiredness), but I can't emphasize enough how wonderful I feel now! I thought I would never find a solution. Most effective medication I've encountered thus far!"

• Tep...
• August 2, 2014

Venlafaxine "As with all antidepressants, I tend to peak after about 5 years and my medication begins to lose its efficacy. This is the third time I have had Effexor prescribed, and each time the results have been better than with any other antidepressant. I actually enjoy parts of my life and sleep like a baby, which is a true blessing, because I have fibromyalgia and the accompanying insomnia so common with fibromyalgia. Several years ago my brother-in-law was having trouble with his depression medications so I told him to ask his doctor about Effexor. He has gone from suicidal to a fairly happy fellow. This medicine has literally been a lifesaver in our family."

• Fog...
• November 6, 2016

Venlafaxine "Effexor XR saved my life! I had severe clinical depression for one year, and my doctor tried 8 different antidepressants on me, all to no avail. I sought the help of a psychopharmacologist in Palo Alto, CA. He met with me for 90 minutes, did an evaluation, and prescribed Effexor XR for me. He stairstepped me up to 300 mg/day within 12 days, and within 2 weeks I felt like my old self again. It felt miraculous. I may be on it for the rest of my life, but I don't mind one bit. I am enjoying life again!"

• Int...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2021

Venlafaxine "I have tried several different medications and every supplement, including thyroid, kelp, etc., since my three-year battle with depression. Effexor didn’t do much for me for about 12-16 weeks, but I noticed a difference. The first 8 weeks, I had terrible insomnia, and I nearly stopped it. Having looked up treatment-resistant depression, I decided to try taking folate, and 6 weeks later, it’s the first time I’m feeling 90% like myself again. I’m not sure if it’s the Effexor, the folate, or both, but if you're not feeling like the meds are helping 100%, I would consider adding folate. Don’t give up."

• abd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2021

Venlafaxine "I read a lot before taking this medicine because I heard about its horrible side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but finally, I decided to take it as I believe all depression medications have side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and for sure it won't be worse than depression. And if it's approved by the FDA and allowed in most countries, then for sure it has also positive effects more than negative ones. After I took it, I felt it change the depression after the first dose! Now, after 3 months of it, it's the best medication I've tried so far. But please know it has different effects from person to person. For me, the side effects were some nausea and night sweating, and that was only for one day. After that, no side effects happened. So finally, I tell you don't be afraid to take it - it is a safe and strong antidepressant."

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2015

Venlafaxine "I have not been able to stay awake for more than a few hours at a time and so depressed that I couldn't go out in public. But since I have been taking Effexor, I am 100% better. I am a new person. I want to get out and do things, and I have a sense of well-being. I love this feeling!! It's like a new me. I am better than ever."

• Pro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2019

Venlafaxine "31/m. I have been on Effexor XR generics for 5 years after nearly committing suicide at the age of 26. It has completely gotten rid of my suicidal ideation as well as tremendously reducing my depression and anxiety. Without it, I'm quite certain that I would not be alive today. After trying to get off of it a couple of times and having those bad feelings come back, I have become resigned to the fact that I will likely be on this drug for life, but am okay with that to be honest. I don't really have any side effects from the drug, at least not that I am aware of. The reason I give it 8 stars is because if you ever DO want to get off of it, the withdrawal symptoms are absolutely horrendous."

• Tat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2013

Venlafaxine "I've been on this medication only one week but am cautiously very optimistic. Prior to this, I was on citalopram but still feeling very low and sleeping poorly, feeling like I needed to be in bed 12-16 hours a day. Now I am waking naturally after only 8 hours of sleep and finding it much easier to concentrate at work. I can hardly believe it is working so quickly but I feel so much better. I've had no side effects."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2008

Venlafaxine "I've been using 75mg Effexor for 9 weeks now and it has changed my life. I wake up looking forward to the day and can remain focused throughout. I woke up on my 30th birthday feeling very depressed and could not believe that's how I felt every day before taking Effexor. My libido is back to where it was a year ago and the only side effect I experience is an upset stomach during very intense workouts. I see a therapist and that too has helped. My wife says I'm now a different person."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2020

Venlafaxine "Have taken Prozac, Zoloft, bupropion XR on and off over the years. Nothing has snapped me out of a major depression episode quicker than this Effexor. Already take 80mg Strattera for ADD. Venlafaxine kicked in almost immediately and has been tremendously helpful. I have read all the horror stories about going off of it but I was desperate for relief and this really did the trick. I don't want to be on it forever though."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

Venlafaxine "My neurologist prescribed me Effexor XR for nerve pain. I had a head injury from a car accident and have been suffering from facial nerve pain, neck injury, and depression. This drug has improved my quality of life. I highly recommend it for nerve pain. I started out taking 37.5mg for a month. Then, 75mg. The 75mg dose works for me. It took 6 weeks for me to feel the benefits."

• Kin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 4, 2014

Venlafaxine "Great experience on Effexor. Was very anxious, maybe a little depressed. Panic attacks, etc. Effexor gave me a great bump within 3 days at each dose. Ultimately, went up to 225mg (2 years). I was a new person, no worries, loving life. Went down to 150mg (2 years), and then down to 75mg (2 years). No problems. After 7 years, went off. Then I started to feel very badly again, went back on to no avail. But the 7 years I was on it, I felt tremendous. Great med for me."

• may...
• May 18, 2013

Venlafaxine "I have been on Effexor for a couple of months, and I have to say it really works. I am telling you if I wasn't on this medication, I wouldn't know how to function right. There would probably be a lot of crying, not wanting to do anything, and beating myself up, which I hate. Now I feel so much better."

• Gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2023

Venlafaxine "I was taking 37.5 mg Effexor for several years. My depression was pretty much non-existent during that time. Last spring, I got cocky and had my doctor wean me off the drug over a two-month period. For six months, I felt great… until late fall arrived. I suffered with continuous anxiety for the next two months. I denied the heaviness in my chest and the constant worrying that overloaded my brain until I said enough was enough. If this situation was prolonged, I would be in a full-blown depression. I called my doctor, who put me back on 37.5 mg Effexor. I had a few side effects with nausea and headaches, but after four days, I started to feel the anxiety lift. By the fourth week, I was back to my usual happy self. I will never stop taking Effexor again. Lesson learned. My body does not produce enough serotonin. Despite my focus on exercising and other interventions to be mentally healthy, I need Effexor to keep my depression and anxiety away."

• Cot...
• October 12, 2019

Venlafaxine "I will be 60 this year. My first experience with treating my anxiety and depression started around 1968 with a doctor convincing my adoptive mom to put me on Ritalin. In 2004, my doctor placed me on Effexor XR. Within a week, I felt relaxed and human. About a year ago, I had a really bad breakdown. My current doctor suggested I up the Effexor dosage to 150mg per day. It worked, except that I have lost my drive and ambition. I know I have things to do, they just do not seem to interest me enough. I get the things done I have to, then I just kinda slack down. Effexor saved my sanity, so to speak, but I have lost the extreme drive that propelled me in my younger days, and I wish for that back! I just wonder if after 15 years on Effexor, there is something that betters it in the 'drive' and emotion department. Again, wonder drug. Sign me, Depressed from birth."