Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Che...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2014

Venlafaxine "I started taking Effexor at age 19 after about 2 1/2 years on Prozac. The reason for the switch was that I developed anxiety problems at that age in addition to depression, and the Prozac was not treating the anxiety. Effexor works very well to treat both anxiety and depression, but if I stop taking it for even 1-2 days (which is often because I am very forgetful), I become extremely depressed for the next 1-2 days. Right now, I am in one such downswing after taking my Effexor for the first time in about 5 days. If you avoid doing that, though, you should be fine, the medication does help a lot."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 6, 2022

Venlafaxine "Effexor ruined my life. I had no mood problems before starting. I had stress over hard life circumstances. I started Effexor and was explicitly told there were no side effects or withdrawals. During the use of Effexor, without noticing, I lost myself. I was numb to huge things, like the death of a loved one. I made very out-of-character decisions. I chose a partner that did not fit me. Feelings of connection to self, others, God, nature, and music were gone. When I quit... horror continued. I had horrid physical and psychological withdrawals. My mood was all over the place, from horrid depression to weird euphoria. I did not suffer that ever before. I had grueling anxiety. And I even became psychotic and had to be hospitalized. I never recovered. Effexor changed me from a bright and positive person, full of life, to a depressed, anxious, and chaotic hermit. I wish to die every day since I used this. Avoid this. Psychiatric meds ruin lives."

• Sta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 22, 2020

Venlafaxine "After 10 years of major depression and extreme anxiety-trying several different medication combos, I was offered ECT, but I was hesitant. As a last resort, we tried Effexor 150 mg, Wellbutrin 150 mg, and Abilify 5 mg. Within 3 months, the anxiety and depression started to lift. 3 years later, I have no anxiety or depression. I am stable and feel at peace. For the past 6 months, my dosage has been Venlor 37.5 mg, Wellbutrin 150 mg, and Abilify 2.5 mg. Over the next 6 months, I will try to reduce further-but weaning off Effexor literally means reducing one little bead in the capsule per day, otherwise, withdrawal can be unpleasant. My only negative has been weight gain of 10 kg in 3 years, despite watching my diet and daily exercise. I am 58 years old and have always been slim, now I’m plump. I hope to lose the weight over time. Other side effects are dry mouth and constipation. But they are negligible if it means being happy."

• Fre...
• February 10, 2017

Venlafaxine "I never write reviews, but I figured I had to share how truly life-changing Effexor has been for me. I've suffered with GAD and Major Depressive Disorder for quite some time. I was on and off of Prozac for about five years. When it stopped working, I began taking Effexor XR 37.5 mg. I started feeling better, more calm, less anxious. Last year, someone I had dated for years and had recently broken up with passed away tragically. I was a disaster. My dosage was increased to 75 mg, then 150 mg, and now 225 mg. Honestly, I don't know how I would have made it to where I am today without this medication. It has controlled my anxiety, my panic attacks, and my depression. I still have bad days, I'm still in mourning, but I finally feel normal."

• Hol...
• September 21, 2014

Venlafaxine "The first week of the medication, I felt myself thinking better, no excessive worries, no excessive thoughts of sadness, and no pain. My mind was clear, my thoughts and emotions were where they need to be. I felt focused and alert. The only problem was I suffer from high blood pressure, which became out of control. Effexor even helped with my night sweats. I have been depressed for over two years, so I really struggled to keep things in order. If I could have continued with the medication, I would have stayed on it. It worked for me in a lot of different ways."

• DFV...
• July 28, 2020

Venlafaxine "I have many labels: depression, anxiety, tinnitus, chronic pain, insomnia, dissociation, anorexia ... 16 years ago. I was a single mother and broke. All meds led to weight gain, taking forever to lose. I realized 'you can't medicate a crappy life away.' I moved to the ocean, reconnected with nature, and found a trauma psychologist. EMDR and exposure therapy helped me manage symptoms. I was pharmaceutical-free until a minor relapse and was prescribed Effexor (105 mg/day). In 2 months, I stopped being active, social, had headaches, dry mouth, constipation, and gained 20 pounds! I went off cold turkey. Within a few days, I felt like myself again (minus weight gain depression). Now, a week off Effexor, sleep better, eat less, and returned to beach walks to increase dopamine. I hope that it's not going to take long to lose the weight. I'm more depressed and have lower self-esteem when I lose touch with my body. This was my experience."

• Tab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2020

Venlafaxine "This Effexor XR is the best by far, antidepressant I have been on. Going on about 7 years now. The ONLY thing I HATE is that if I miss 2 doses because I forgot (BPII), it is the worst feeling, I cannot explain it. But I am so grateful for this medication, it has made my life easier."

• Wha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 22, 2015

Venlafaxine "I had a major trauma happen in my life about 11 years ago. Although I have been depressed for most of my life, I went to the doctor for extra help during this stressful time. My doctor prescribed Effexor XR, and I was on 75 milligrams per day and then, within the last 4 years, to 150 milligrams. I truly do not know what I would do without this medicine. It really has improved my life, my mood, and lessens the depression. I too once tried to wean off on my own, and it was a very emotional time. I will never do that again without my doctor's knowledge and help. Effexor XR has changed my life and improved it greatly. I say try it, and if it doesn't work for you, continue to consult with your doctor to find a medicine that helps your depression."

• Lel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2020

Venlafaxine "Effexor has got to be the worst of the worst to try to come off of. I am still trying to come off this completely after taking 225 mg daily for 3 years. I still cannot get through the withdrawal symptoms, they are horrific. If anyone has any suggestions on how to help, please let me know."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

Venlafaxine "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."

• pma...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2019

Venlafaxine "About 15 years ago, I started menopause, had terrible anxiety and depression. Tried talk therapy, did not work. Tried several antidepressants until Effexor. I started out with 37.5, then upped to 75 mg, then eventually upped to 225 mg. I have been on that dose ever since. It has been a lifesaver. Anxiety and depression no more. I do have some side effects. I do get heated quite easily, I have had vomiting on occasion, nausea. I have thought about getting off the Effexor until I heard about the withdrawals. Most antidepressants are addicting and have withdrawals. I am going to talk to my doctor about a change since I have been on this medication for so long. But otherwise, it has been a miracle worker."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2024

"Don’t let reviews put you off! For me, this has been a life changer! I’ve tried many different SSRIs in the past and then gave up for a year. I decided it’s time to feel better. It’s like you don’t know how terrible the outlook on life itself could be! I was worried because of the side effects, but for me personally, I’ve had zero side effects. Just the first week of craving junk food, but the 37.5mg actually didn’t help me at all. I’ve now increased to the 75mg, and it’s only been a few days, but I’m starting to feel more motivated & far less anxious, and not overthinking or having negative thoughts. Everyone reacts differently to any drug, but personally, I’m glad I chose this and hope I can get back to feeling like my normal self again!"

• Man...
• January 7, 2021

Venlafaxine "I was in the hospital for suicidal ideation, and they gave me Effexor. I remember I was sick the first night (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), but after the second day, I magically felt better. The depression felt like it went away, and I was ready to be released and start my life back. Well, this turned into an EXTREME manic episode less than a week later. I left my relationship of four years, I ran off and engaged in dangerous activities, and shut everyone out of my life. But I felt “happy.” I was out of my mind. I don’t have bipolar disorder, but this is exactly what it felt like. Two months later, this all came crashing down, and I ended right back in a psych ward again after trying to commit suicide. My therapist told me she calls it “sideffexor” because it’s a hit or miss medicine, it either really works or makes things worse. If you start this medicine, I highly recommend being closely monitored, it can be dangerous."

• Asi...
• July 8, 2016

Venlafaxine "I've been on Effexor XR for 2 weeks, and it's great. I had been on Zoloft before, and it pooped out on me, so my doc switched me to Effexor XR, and after 2 days, I started feeling good again. I take 37.5 mg per day. I come back to write here because I want to give back to this forum and give hope for anybody that suffers from this like me. Keep trying the med that suits you."

• Cec...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2015

Venlafaxine "Effexor has had an absolutely amazing impact on my life. I have Major Depression Disorder - I have anxiety, fun mix! I started off on 75 mg and after a couple of months went to 150. Been at 150 mg for close to 6 months, and I am an entirely different person. My relationships have improved tenfold because I am no longer moody, irrational, and I can feel emotions other than hopelessness and indescribable sadness. With that said - I am pretty certain I will never be able to come off this medication. I recently had to go 5 days without my Effexor, and it was literally hell. First 2 days, I thought it was the flu - by day 5, I was ready to end it all. 3 days back on, and I am golden. Oh, plus it makes my pupils HUGE. Like I worry people think I am high."

• Tal...
• August 24, 2015

Venlafaxine "Starting off, I was hesitant because nothing really happened. I just felt blah the first two days on 75 mg, then I started feeling the positive effects! It was amazing, I haven't felt like this ever before on an antidepressant! I'm now on 150 mg and just living life, depression-free. If you have tried Prozac, Celexa, Brintellix, and they haven't worked for you, give this a shot... Sometimes the risk is worth it!"

• Ct9...
• January 20, 2016

Venlafaxine "I've had problems with depression off and on for most of my life. The first really severe depression happened when I was 24, and that was also the first time I was prescribed Effexor. I had been off it for several years, until just a few years ago when I had another relapse of major depression, mostly due to things in my life. I have to say that Effexor literally saved my life. There is no such thing as a 'happy pill,' and Effexor won't magically cure you overnight. BUT it takes the edge off the depression so you don't feel quite so hopeless, and you are able to function again and can go to counseling. It just kind of eases the symptoms of the depression. I had NO side effects from it, other than a very slight drowsiness in the beginning."

• Sta...
• April 1, 2021

Venlafaxine "Please research this drug extensively before beginning! 26-year-old female and have been suffering with severe depression since childhood. Have tried various types of medications for my depression over the years, and can honestly say, Effexor was by far and large the worst antidepressant I've ever taken. The side effects were horrible: severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, waking up in pools of sweat, hit my lowest of lows, and had frequent suicidal thoughts. If I forgot to take my medicine within a couple of hours of my dosage time, I couldn't function with work, chores, etc. Tapering off this drug very slowly was an absolute miserable experience. I'm someone that tries to find some good in even bad experiences, however, I have not a single positive thing to say about this drug. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to feel a minute of the side effects I did on this drug. If I could give a '0' rating for this drug, I would. Will never touch this medication another day of my life!"

• zmb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2014

Venlafaxine "I'm taking this and Remeron for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Nothing else has worked. I was on Wellbutrin for 2 years, but it quit doing anything, and after 4 medicine changes, my doctor put me on this. Within a week, I was not sulking around, I had energy to get off the couch and shower, and actually found I could laugh again! My husband has noticed the difference in my mood as well. I am having horrible sweats at night, and a little blurry vision, along with nightmares/weird dreams. But I'm hoping that might fade some as I take it longer. I'm willing to deal with the side effects at this point as I'm getting myself and my life back."

• Mee...
• September 19, 2015

Venlafaxine "17 years ago, I had a breakdown with anxiety and depression - tried Aropax and it was hell on earth. Changed to Effexor, it started working after 3 weeks. I've been on it for 17 years or so on various doses between 150 and 375, and it's been amazing. I worry about health side effects, but it's been a lifesaver, no longer a wreck but can cope."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2021

Venlafaxine "Starting taking Effexor for major depression, anxiety (incl. anxiety attacks). After my second child was born with health issues, my previous conditions worsened. I’d never had much luck with medications anyway, but I went on and off a few of the typical ones. Some had no impact, some made things worse. This is helping. I feel good about taking it as it’s making a difference. Like all meds, there were side effects in the beginning - they ease up after a couple of weeks, and it was worth it for me. I’m not crying every day, I’m not filled with rage, I’m not filled with panic. Things are more manageable. My sleep is better. It’s a journey, of course, but this is helping. I feel a little more like me and the person I am in my head, if that makes sense. I was at risk of losing everything, and now I feel invested in things. I’m glad I’ve given it a go. Hope this helps someone out there figuring out what’s best."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2022

Venlafaxine "Took it for about a week and started feeling great. But within a few days, my blood pressure increased, I started getting migraines, so I had to stop. The withdrawal was horrific. So dizzy I could barely walk. Headache 24/7. And the brain zaps were unbearable; they always came out of nowhere and left me feeling dazed and afraid for my sanity. Not worth trying it, in my opinion. When you try to get off of it, God help you. You’ll regret ever hearing the name. I can’t believe this medication is legal!"

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

Venlafaxine "I have had depression for over 30 years, and during that time, I took Paxil and Citalopram. The Citalopram was not effective anymore, and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor XR. I had gone through withdrawal from Citalopram, which was difficult. However, when I was put on the Effexor XR, I was having side effects from the Effexor XR that were worse than the withdrawal from the Citalopram: severe shaking and nervousness, heavy sweating, and no real relief until 55 days of taking it. Then, all of a sudden, I felt really good for 9 days. After that, I refilled my prescription, and the side effects began again: nervousness, shaking, sweating, and the depression returned. I have to take an additional medication to calm my nerves, and this time, I also have restlessness. I know antidepressants can work well from previous experience, but Effexor XR isn’t the one for me."

• Bea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 7, 2020

Venlafaxine "I've been taking this medication for around five years. It has helped me a lot. I no longer have constant suicidal thoughts or feel as sad and as angry as I did before taking this medication. However, the withdrawal can be terrible. If I miss taking my medication by an hour, I begin to feel dizzy. As time progresses, it becomes a throbbing headache and a feeling of vertigo."

• Zil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2016

Venlafaxine "Effexor has finally made me feel like myself again... Can't remember the last time I was me, it's been at least 7 or 8 years. Tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Zoloft with no relief and bad side effects. Celexa worked so-so. Effexor has given me my motivation and happiness back. Only side effects for me are night sweats and slight headache/dizziness if I forget a dose... worth it, in my opinion, to be me again! Don't forget counseling/therapy too... Didn't feel the most helpful most days (I cried every time I went), but I can tell my maladaptive thought patterns have changed."