Venlafaxine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2015

"Coming off of it is one of the worst things I've gone through. I wish I could go back in time and never start using it. I've recently decided medication isn't the right path for me. I was on Celexa before this. When I missed a day on Celexa, I could deal with the pain, but when I miss a dose of Effexor, I feel awful for at least the next two days. This led me to the decision to come off of it, and I'm almost ready to go back on just to make the withdrawals stop. My doctor always tried to encourage me to go up to the 100s as well, and I was headstrong about staying on the 75mg. I'm glad I chose to stay that low, as I can't imagine trying to come off anything higher. I would not recommend taking this medication."

• dai...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2020

"A complete miss for treating OCD. Effexor helped my mood, did not help my OCD, and made me feel awful physically. More days than not, Effexor made me suffer terrible nausea, even throwing up on my way to work on multiple occasions. Eating two eggs with my meds helped the nausea some days, did not help other days. I'm now weaning off Effexor, and I already feel even worse physically - my doctor had warned me that Effexor was notorious for being difficult to come off. After so many awful experiences with meds, Effexor felt like a waste of my life. I'm not looking forward to the next couple of months."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2022

"On it for two months. My first treatment after years-long invasive disturbing thoughts (sudden strong apprehensions about committing immoral/dangerous acts, tormenting, never-ending feelings of guilt, endless questioning/checking about doing things right) that had evolved to a general state of lethargy and distress by late November. I get slow-release Venlafaxine (37.5 mg for the first 7 days, 75 mg ever since). A week into the treatment, I experienced a few extremely vivid/disturbing nightmares where I struggled to distinguish dream/awakeness and two suspected sleep paralyses. Ever since, no significant side effects, except initially stomach burns (eliminated via Omeprazole). Positive effect kicked in after 3 weeks: instead of being near-constant before, severe invasive thoughts are now episodic and better manageable. Episodic attacks are being treated with Prazepam (not a lasting solution though...) Constant anxiety state is gone."

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2023

"Minimal effect on OCD and general anxiety. It helped a bit with depression once I tried a mid-range dose, but then the headaches kicked in. I had to try another medication after 4 months - duloxetine, which was a bit more practical."

• Jud...
• March 4, 2024

"I was on Effexor for 8 years. I was a caregiver for my mom and under stress. I found myself crying at the drop of a hat. My doctor suggested Effexor. It was originally a great relief. After 8 years of use, I found myself unfeeling and cold. I slowly weaned myself off, and I actually laugh again and cry again. I also had some obsessive and compulsive behavior that I can control better without that med. Short-term use works."

• Tro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 10, 2017

"Disclaimer: This is only general information. Consult a doctor before making any changes to your medications. If you're trying to get off antidepressants, it may be easier to first switch to an antidepressant other than venlafaxine. A different antidepressant may be easier to withdraw from. Some doctors will allow you to switch antidepressants in a process that does not require a full withdrawal from the first drug before starting the next one. My doctor allowed this, and it was relatively easy, but it can be dangerous if not done properly. I'm currently giving venlafaxine a second try. It worked well, but I switched drugs because of side effects."

• Ela...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 30, 2020

"I was put on this for obsessive disorder. I became apathetic, lost interest in others' concerns, tired, experienced loss of sleep, inability to release tension, and lack of tact with others. I was on 37.5 extended release Effexor for 5 years and slowly decreased my dose myself. Side effects were minimal due to a gradual reduction over months of time. I do NOT recommend taking this medication at all! Period. No exceptions."

• Jon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2023

"After 2 years of use, being told by doctors to take it all at once, 225 mg, and that I could crush extended-release pills. I've realized my mental health has continued to get worse. I don't believe anyone with swallowing issues should ever take these pills. Having to take them day and evening is a hassle I simply cannot abide. Do yourself a favor and only stick to antidepressants available in liquid form and with long half-lives. Trying to achieve a steady state is impossible on this, and you will end up in a state of withdrawal daily."

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2010

Venlafaxine "Effexor XR is the ONLY antidepressant I can take. It works so well, and honestly saves my life. It makes me a happier, nicer person. I couldn't function without this medication."

• Mom...
• September 8, 2019

"Venlafaxine is a life changer. With my OCD, I feel like a new person."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2009

Venlafaxine "This drug saved my life. No side effects, and I can now move on with my life."

• Des...
• July 31, 2024

"It is really very effective for OCD. It's off-label, but I feel it's effective for myself."

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2016

"Less obsessional thoughts on this!"

• Shm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 13, 2017

"Been on Effexor for five years, really helped me get over suicidal thoughts. Should be more prescribed than it is."

• Cap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2020

"Been taking 150 mg venlafaxine for a month, no improvement. How long should I give it?"

• Mal...
• January 25, 2021

"Venlafaxine is the best tablet for treating depression, such as OCD, anxiety, etc."

• unk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 2, 2023

"I have struggled with intrusive thoughts that will stay for days or even weeks. I have been on Effexor for 2 years, and I will say it helps 100% of my thoughts and my GAD."

• van...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2021

"I used it for about one and a half or two months. I think it is a good med for some people, but I had really bad constipation, so I stopped it."

• Mik...
• March 18, 2022

"Good medicine. Though raised my b/p and cholesterol. No sexual side effects. 375 mg max dose."