Venlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

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

"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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2012

"I have been on 75 mg now for about 3 months. Before, I was completely out of it, did not want to do anything, would stay at home on the computer all day, suicide thoughts every day. Now I'm out every day, going to the gym. All my anger and anxiety, along with the thoughts, are gone. Feels great. I highly recommend this medication. I know it will have withdrawal effects when you are getting off it but it is highly worth it, to better your life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

"I've been on Effexor XR 37.5mg for 2 weeks now for anxiety and depression, and I am seeing good results already. Generally, my mood is never stable, however, this medication has started to even everything out, and I go through my days feeling content. My anxiety is subsiding, and my mood and energy levels have increased. I find myself having tons of energy at times and not knowing what to do with myself, I am hoping that will even itself out. In my first week of Effexor, I had extreme fatigue and irritability that was difficult to deal with. So far, my experience has been good, and I am very hopeful. A lot of people go online to complain about their bad experiences, don't let that scare you away - everyone works differently."

• Gol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2017

"I'm a middle-aged professional that's dealt with depression and anxiety since my teen years. I've tried many different types of medications that target anxiety and depression, albeit with mixed results. My depression, stress, and anxiety levels had gotten worse within the last year (haven't been on any medications for over 10 years), so I went to see my doctor. I've been taking Effexor for about a month now and it's, by far, given me the most relief over any previous med. Stress levels have gone way down as I no longer tend to ruminate on things out of my control. It's much easier to drop the negative thinking and move on to something else. Anxiety and depression have also been greatly reduced. No major side effects for me (at 37.5)"

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

"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

"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."

• Lov...
• February 9, 2017

"Effexor changed my life. I was suffering from bad depression for over two years due to something that happened in my life. I couldn't get the thoughts out of my mind. So daily, I would feel sad and depressed. I started with Wellbutrin, which I liked for depression and energy, but it made my anxiety, which I also have, worse. Anyways, back to Effexor. The first 2 weeks taking Effexor were kinda horrible. I felt weird, tired, and I was thinking of stopping this medication. But I stuck with it. I have to say I feel normal again, and my depression is gone. Even if I think of my past, I don't get sad anymore. So thank you Effexor."

• Tha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2019

"I'm a 53-year-old female and still in perimenopause. Effexor XR 150mg has been a life-changer for me! I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and also bipolar by different psychiatrists. I was depressed, very irritable/angry, and moody. I couldn't function or get out of bed, had no desire to do anything but sleep! Currently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). After being on many other antidepressants (Paxil, Cymbalta, Bupropion, Abilify, Seroquel - very sedating) and some bipolar meds (Lamictal, Risperdal, Depakote - which made my fine thin hair fall out) that didn't help over a 10-year period, I was really losing hope and tired of feeling sad, horrible, and constantly worried. I felt this was no way to live. After 8 months on Venlafaxine 150 mg XR, I feel so much better and much less irritable and anxious."

• hhh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

"Started taking Effexor in the luteal phase of my period (approx. 10 days before menstruation) for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel the best I've felt. I cannot even access the dark and awful thoughts/insecurities/self-loathing that used to be a constant during this period. The only side effects I've felt were a slight bit of nausea/lightheadedness in the first few days and difficulty sleeping (I keep waking up at 6 a.m., but feel pretty refreshed, so it's okay). Will report back on how it feels to go off them at the end of this phase."

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

"Effexor XR really has been working wonders on my life. It has relieved me of a lot of my depression while still giving me my energy, unlike SSRIs. If weight gain is a problem for you and you have depression, definitely try an SNRI first. As you may or may not know, Wellbutrin is another antidepressant that is supposed to encourage weight loss while relieving depression. It affects norepinephrine and dopamine. I tried Wellbutrin a while ago, and failed miserably on it due to the anxiety it brought on. Therefore, I was hesitant at first because I heard that Effexor XR affects norepinephrine as well. However, it has been completely the opposite. I have gone from constantly laying in bed all day long to wanting to get up and exercise."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2008

"Life changing. I was prescribed Effexor XR for depression and anxiety with attacks. I suffered for years until I hit rock bottom and saw a doctor. This was the first medication I was prescribed and after 2 weeks, I saw an improvement, and after a month, I was a completely different person. I actually, for once, feel normal, and I am never sad and cry for no reason. I have energy, I don't feel crappy. I am hardly ever in a bad mood, and the best part is I don't feel like I am taking anything. Best decision of my life."

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

"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."

• Cla...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 21, 2022

"I had several severe depressions in my life — between the ages of 20 until 50 — and only took a drug once at age 24, and it didn't help. At 50 years old, I found a good psychiatrist who recommended Effexor XR. I didn't want to take medication, but he said he couldn't treat me without it. It took about a month for me to respond, but at about the 4-week point, my depression miraculously lifted. I had no bad side effects, although I remember being sleepy at work, so my psychiatrist told me to take it before I went to sleep instead of in the morning. I have been on it for 20 years and, for me, it was a lifesaver."

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

"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."

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

"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!"

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

"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

"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

"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."

• Emo...
• October 27, 2013

"At 56 years old and being raised to 'put on a happy face', I can finally say I feel happy and emotionally alive. Depression had consumed me for 35+ years. I was a hollow shell. Talk therapy did nothing. Once the Dr. discovered the brain had damage to the neurotransmitter/receptors and started me on slowly increasing doses of Effexor XR, the depression cleared. I now take 150mg daily. There have been no negative side effects. It's been 3 years now. People who know me well are extremely supportive; those who don't know my 'history' would be surprised to learn that I take an antidepressant. Only rated as a 9 because long term/lifelong use is still unknown."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

"After trying Celexa (meh) and Aoloft (horrible), I asked my psychiatrist for an SNRI. Effexor has changed my life, depression and anxiety have gone way down. I have the motivation to do the small things that I was never able to before, like making my bed in the morning. No side effects unless I take it without food, in which case, I get little episodes of shaky/wobbly vision."

• Bob...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2019

"I've been weaning off of Venlafaxine for the last month and a half. It's my least favorite medication of all time. Every time I brought this up with my psychiatrist, she said, 'What you need is more.' Then she would raise the dosage. I hate the stuff. July 1, 2019, was my first day of being Venlafaxine-free. In the last 6 days, I've gone through the 'feeling weird' and 'bad dreams' stages of withdrawal. They call it 'discontinuation syndrome,' but it's most certainly withdrawal... extreme withdrawal. Now I'm experiencing the 'involuntary weeping' and 'jitters' stages. I'm most likely going to stay in the bedroom with the dogs today."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

"I thought I would share my experience with Effexor XR. I have been on an antidepressant since 2000. I started with Paxil, then Citalopram, and finally Cymbalta. The Cymbalta stopped working, and I was prescribed Effexor XR and am in the middle of my second week. When I first started taking it, after a couple of days I was feeling very odd, extremely fatigued, and very sleepy, but went with it. I researched this medication and read many reviews. I’m so grateful for the reviews people have posted. I decided to stick it out, at least for a month. I am so happy I did! After sleeping every spare moment the first week, it appears that side effect has alleviated. I’m feeling pretty good and am looking forward to my days now. The website says if you have an improvement in the first week or two, that it’s a good sign the medication is working."

• Edg...
• July 1, 2019

"I thank God for this drug. I've been on it for 18 months now. I'm a 55-year-old woman and have suffered on and off with depression for most of my life. A couple of years ago, I started suffering from diurnal mood variation, also known as morning depression. I'd wake up suicidal but would recover during the day. It was an awful, relentless 24-hour cycle I was stuck in. My doctor prescribed several drugs that made me feel worse, more suicidal, and on the verge of being hospitalized again. Then he prescribed Effexor XR. I felt lethargic and spaced out for 5 days, then fell asleep for almost 48 hours! After that time, I woke up, shook myself off, and felt amazing! I'm so well that I'm happy to stay on this drug for the rest of my life. My side effects have been dry mouth (it went away after a couple of months), a very itchy scalp, weight gain, and vivid dreams. Still, I'm happy to put up with all of that to simply not suffer from depression again."

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

"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."

• No ...
• April 1, 2013

"I suffer from depression and anxiety. For the last 20 years, I've had counseling and been on many antidepressants; Prozac, Wellbutrin, Paxil, etc. Effexor is the first medication that has noticeably helped. I was worried after reading all the negative reviews, but tried it anyway. I noticed a change after the first week, and it has gotten better ever since. Been on it for two years now and all is good in the world. Very rarely get sad, unless there is a reason for it (death, break up, pet dying) also I used to have anxiety talking to more than one person at a time, now I can talk to a room full of people with little to no anxiety."