Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 4)

• Emm...
• November 4, 2015

"Effexor has helped me so much. I used to self-harm, have suicidal thoughts, no motivation, and a lot of panic attacks. The first couple of weeks taking Effexor is a little weird, but once it's better once you're past the uptake. Ever since I've been on Effexor, I stopped having suicidal thoughts completely and it has helped my anxiety so much. I would never even think of self-harming again. This medication saved my life. But I will say the withdrawal symptoms are terrible, so be careful."

• Kel...
• January 30, 2020

Venlafaxine "Well, I’ve just recently started this medicine, Effexor. I used to be a heroin IV drug user for 7 years. I’ve been clean for 4 years. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. I just finished the Hep C treatment. Now I have random rapid heart palpitations. Also, I just had a baby, a C-section, 2 blood transfusions, and gallbladder surgery, so it was probably a combination of things that messed up my natural balance. I’m terrified and excited all at once about it. I hope it works for me. Seems like it just depends on the person, really? Like any medicine, really. But I’m terrified about the withdrawals. I’ve had my fair share of horrific withdrawals. It’s one of the main reasons I quit heroin and why I won’t go back. So, it’s my first day on it, and I did what someone else suggested, and I took out all the granules (75mg caps) and only took 30 granules. So I will check back in in a week or two. Don’t get discouraged by the bad reviews. Everyone’s different. Stay positive!"

• Hot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2017

Venlafaxine "I have not rated this yet because I have just started on Effexor XR. I am a 48-year-old widow. My husband and stepdaughter died suddenly in 2014. I went spinning out of control. I guess you can say I had a nervous breakdown. In the past 6 months, my moods have been all over the place, from crying to anger. Lashing out in anger with my boyfriend and his son. My doctor is taking me off Seroquel and Lexapro slowly and has put me on Effexor XR. I have been on it for 3 days. I am starting to feel a little change for the better. I will keep everyone up to date on how I feel. It is better than being a royal cow."

• Bun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 27, 2019

"This venlafaxine is the best medicine I’ve ever been on. I’ve had no negative side effects since taking it, and I have tried many other antidepressants/anxiety. I can leave my house, socialize, and create healthy relationships without agonizing fear and panic attacks. I would recommend this medicine to anyone! It’s changed my life."

• Bio...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2018

Venlafaxine "Prior to taking Effexor, I had daily panic attacks, suffered from agoraphobia, and would cry for hours at night without any reason (I was a mess). 35 mg Effexor put me completely back to normal-no more anxiety, but plenty of happiness and typical emotions. I would go as far as saying it cured me. However, the side effects are brutal. The first 2 months were daily dry mouth, dizziness, 'brain zaps,' and constipation so bad it put me in the hospital. If I miss a day, the dizziness hits hard until I take the next pill. Overall, I think it is still worth the trouble because I'm mentally healthier than ever before."

• Rob...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 2, 2018

"I have used venlafaxine for over 10 years after suffering with GAD secretly for 4 years before addressing my problem. The anxiety had become so bad I could not eat, go outside, or function in general. The 37.5 mg daily dose has steadily worked for me. I still get the occasional anxiety flare-up, but nothing compared to before I was medicated. I attempted to come off the drug once, and my GAD returned fully within 5 months of not taking it. I am resigned to the fact that I will probably need this drug until I die. If 1 reasonable dose allows me to live normally, it is worth it."

• Jma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2020

"I'm on week one of venlafaxine 37.5 combined with the lowest dose of clonazepam. I went from nuclear anxiety (literally ER worthy) from trying Zoloft (major fail) after finding out my husband had an affair. All of my symptoms-panic attacks, palpitations, anxiety, depression, feeling like everyone I knew had died, etc.-are gone. I won't go so far as to say I'm feeling joy, but I did enjoy listening to music with my kids in the car today. I can function and don't feel overwhelmed. The fact that it totally took away all my panic/anxiety is relief close enough to joy. I wake up every morning excited to take it. Zero side effects so far. I'm very hopeful that an increased dose might elevate my emotions like a 'happy pill,' but even if it doesn't, this even-keel feeling is good enough!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2016

Venlafaxine "I've been taking venlafaxine 75 mg for about 9 months now. It has helped tremendously with my anxiety, unfortunately, I've gained 50 lbs on this med. I can't keep on this because of the huge weight gain, but I wish I could. I haven't had any other side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2020

Venlafaxine "Switched from a low dose of Prozac that was causing too much fatigue. Effexor XR 75 mg gave me more energy but made me feel crazy. I quit cold turkey (not recommended!) and have been off antidepressants for one year. I struggle with anxiety still. They say you need to try different drugs to see what works for you, but I'm afraid to try another drug."

• SNL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

Venlafaxine "I am taking Effexor 37.5 mg and have been on it for 5 days now. This is for severe anxiety and major depression. I noticed a change the very first day, with the anxiety level going way down. I have had a consistent headache for the full 5 days and throat/neck pain. No appetite and just feeling overall yucky and sick. I am going to hang in there to see how it goes. My Dr. also prescribed Trazodone to take at night for insomnia, and I have been sleeping better. I take the Effexor in the morning. So for now, I will stick it out and hope the side effects will go away."

• ket...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2024

Venlafaxine "Effexor changed my 4 years battle with anxiety. It was rough in the start. I was sick, dizzy, feeling worse... But you have to take benzos in the start so you don't have a horrible time when your body adjusts to it. Now I can finally live normal and work on everything that caused this. And for all people, trauma is. And the only thing that will set you free forever is to find someone to work with you on causes. But you have to be better to work on it."

• GHR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 22, 2015

"I was prescribed venlafaxine in 2008 following a bad depression. I felt the benefit of it within 10 days. I had some side effects, the worst of which was weight gain, but felt it was a small price to pay for literally getting my life back. Stayed at 150 for five years, reducing to 75. Came off it in early 2015, only to have panic and anxiety attacks within two months, so restarted again. Disappointing, but I have lost a stone since March and hope to control my weight. For those it suits, it is a great medication - good luck, everyone."

• Luc...
• August 4, 2016

"In 1997, I was involved in a MV wreck, which cost me 6 years of no memory of my life, not able to return to my Director's position with a major railroad company. I have been on Effexor XR 225 mg (now Venlafaxine XR 225 mg) since then. This has been the worst journey of my life. I am now 71 years of age and will be on it for the rest of my life. I suffered severe head trauma in 1997, two breakdowns, and memory loss. If I don't take this medicine, I am in a great deal of head pain, vertigo, and many other symptoms. I decided not to try to get off of it anymore."

• AJ ...
• November 12, 2017

"My doctor had me try several different meds for my panic disorder and depression, and nothing worked except Lexapro, but I hated being on it because it ruined my sex life, gave me IBS, made me fat, and made me feel zombie-like. The worst part is that the positive effects of the medicine would wear off within a few months and just leave me with all the bad side effects. I was finally about to give up on all medicine and just crawl under a rock for good when she said that there was a new version of Effexor that was extended release and getting good feedback. On just 75 mg a day, my life turned around 360 degrees. No more bad anxiety, and when I get an attack, it's much more manageable. My orgasms have returned, losing weight, and I feel amazing!"

• Mar...
• April 26, 2016

"I was prescribed 37.5 mg daily to deal with the trifecta of anxiety, hot flashes, and sleeplessness. I'm finding that the hot flashes have greatly decreased and that while I still wake up during the night, I am able to get back to sleep. My anxiety is still there but is finally manageable, and I'm okay with that. I am happy to have some relief with this dosage and will not increase it unless absolutely necessary. The side effects that I am experiencing are dry mouth, constipation, and a little weight gain, but I am willing to deal with this in order not to suffer as I had for so long. I take meds with breakfast and did notice that if I forget a dose, I am unable to sleep that night."

• dm_...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 22, 2021

"I am really grateful to everyone who reviews on this page, as it really helped me when I (reluctantly) started Venlafaxine 4 months ago. I was diagnosed with GAD last year and left my work-from-home job. I was experiencing racing thoughts, heart palpitations, and stomach aches daily. My doctor started me on Sertraline, which I stopped as I started experiencing suicidal thoughts. On Venlafaxine XL 75 mg, things feel brighter (the higher dose of 150 mg didn't suit me as it increased my physical anxiety symptoms). I take my Venlafaxine every morning with a Senokot pill (which relieves the constipation). Thanks to CBT (through Anxiety UK), Venlafaxine, and a wonderful audiobook on tackling anxiety, 'DARE' by Barry McDonagh, I am back to feeling more like myself and am interviewing for jobs again. It has been an incredibly tough year, and I had to rely on Diazepam 2-4 mg a day while I adjusted to the medication. Anxiety is a cruel beast, but things can get better!!!"

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2021

Venlafaxine "I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and adjustment disorder, which mimic major depression. I was also diagnosed with glaucoma, which interacts with antidepressants because these medications can raise eye pressure, so my G.P. tried me on Effexor just through desperation due to my suicidal tendencies/thoughts. I didn't think it was humanly possible to feel worse than I could, but Effexor certainly did that. This is the worst of all the antidepressants, it's like hippie crack and angel dust combined. Within 3 hours, I was on the toilet, then constantly sweating, actually dripping in sweat, then the monster panic attacks and brain zaps kicked in. The first three days, I didn't eat a single thing, by day 7, I was wanting to get sectioned. I wasn't going to mess around tapering off this crazy juice, I came off it straight away on the 8th morning and was severely ill. The withdrawals are astonishing, it's not even possible to compare them with anything. I am not anti-antidepressants."

• Dic...
• June 1, 2017

"I've been on antidepressant drugs for 30 years for my anxiety and depression. The last 5 on venlafaxine 150 mg. We all know the side effects: sweating, memory loss, to name a few. However, this is the best drug I personally have ever used."

• sav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2014

Venlafaxine "Been on Effexor 150 mg now for 4 weeks, having good and bad days. Still hoping this medicine is going to work for me and my generalized anxiety disorder. I do know it can take up to 3 months to fully work."

• Ali...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2021

Venlafaxine "I have been on Effexor XR for 6 years. I started it after a severe episode of rumination and anxiety. Began to help in some ways almost immediately. Slowly, I've tapered my dose down from 150 mg to just 37.5 mg (gone up and down some in between through the years). This small amount still makes a significant difference in my anxiety and has caused a big improvement in my overall outlook on life. It is an extremely difficult drug to taper off of. As someone who works in medicine, I wish they would educate healthcare professionals about how crazy the withdrawal can be from drugs like this."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Venlafaxine "I started to take this med one week ago for my GAD. I'm feeling a bit 'lighter' in the head, but I also have a bit more anxiety, and I feel dizzy. I've read that this is totally normal, and I have been a benzo addict, so I had EXTREME anxiety when I was in rehab getting off that stuff. Now my life is looking brighter, and I have a lot of faith in this med. Just went from 37 mg to 75 mg once a day. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience here in one month :)"

• Jad...
• September 18, 2015

"I have suffered with mild depression, severe anxiety, and social phobia for 2 years. I've tried eating healthy, exercising regularly, staying away from alcohol, and taking herbal remedies. This has helped hugely, and I have been a lot better. But I do still suffer from anxiety, and I worry all the time like my head is going 100 mph. I also can't cope with more than a couple of things and get stressed easily. My doctor prescribed me venlafaxine 75 mg XL. Day 1, I had loss of appetite and dry mouth. That went after the 2nd day. The only side effect I'm really having is extreme fatigue, I have been sleeping all week. I'm now on day 6. I've woken up better, no side effects, just no motivation whatsoever, and I feel emotionless. Will this go?"

• Anonymous
• December 5, 2008

"After several years/bouts of physical anxiety, this was like a wonder drug. Felt a difference within days of taking, having tried several different antidepressants. Only side effect was feeling a little warmer."

• Kam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2023

Venlafaxine "I was taking Lexapro for PTSD for 7 years for anxiety. This medication worked so well for me until one day it didn’t. I had a big surgery in 2022, and it was a few weeks after that, the anxiety and panic returned. I was freaking out all the time, racing heart, nausea, felt like passing out constantly, foggy brain, and I couldn’t drive or be by myself (all the symptoms I got 7 years ago, which was the reason I started Lexapro). I signed up to speak with a psychiatric NP, and she told me SSRIs are known to stop working, and she recommended I switch to Zoloft, which has more room to go up on the dose since I was already maxed at 20 mg on Lexapro. I stuck with Zoloft for 2 months, and it was not a good fit at all-my body hurt, I couldn’t focus, and I was still freaking out, so after 8 weeks, she recommended a SNRI and started me on Effexor. She started me on 37.5 mg, and now I'm on 75 mg. I'm not 100% but so much better. It’s been about 5 months, and I am hoping to continue to see positive changes."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2015

Venlafaxine "I took Effexor XR 37.5 mg for 1 month against general anxiety and major depressive episode after big setbacks in business and job. The first week, I had to force myself to take it with daily telephone encouragement from the doctor (GP). Headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety about taking the new drug itself. After 3 weeks, I did feel a bit better but had strong headaches and felt very tired still all day. I decided to reduce and phase it out over 2 weeks by taking out the little balls from the pill. To my surprise, this was much easier to stop than Paxil, which I had discontinued for 8 months (after long-term use). Now, without Effexor since 4 weeks; no more headaches or anxiety, feel more alive and productive without these 'numbing' drugs."