Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

Venlafaxine "I have been taking Effexor for three years now, and I've had good luck with it. I take 150 mg per day. I have panic disorder and depression, and Effexor has been a godsend. I haven't had a panic attack since I started it 3 years ago. The only downside is if you miss a dose, you really feel it."

• NoE...
• November 4, 2010

Venlafaxine "I have been taking Effexor XR for several years, alternating between 37.5 mg and 75 mg when needed. I feel better, but it still does not keep me from having attacks. I have to take an Ativan when I have an attack to get it to stop. I have been dealing with this for about 12 years, and Effexor XR is the most effective out of Celexa and Zoloft."

• Fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

Venlafaxine "I was on citalopram and propranolol after a breakdown, as I couldn't go out for 6 months. Totally given up on myself. Citalopram helped, although I gained weight, but I was always tired, everything was an effort. Another few breakdowns, and I couldn't walk over a bridge. I asked the doc to change. He gave me venlafaxine 37.5 mg, right away felt better. My doc has wanted me to go up a higher dosage, but I must say I am so happy, got a new job, going on holidays, and just happy, happy. I split the pill half in the morning, half about one in the afternoon, and I'll stick to that dose, but if I need to go higher, I will, because I will never want to feel like life’s over again. I've so much energy now and am always looking to the future."

• mom...
• March 25, 2010

"This drug has been a godsend for me! I have had depression since the birth of my second child, 7 years ago. I was on Zoloft for years, which worked well. However, after a series of troubling situations, I developed anxiety and panic. The panic attacks were so bad that I kept ending up in the hospital thinking I was having heart attacks, even though my heart is completely healthy. I went to an amazing doctor who worked with me to find the right medication, and since starting venlafaxine, I have been panic-free! For those who suffer from panic attacks, you know what an amazing feeling this is. I didn't know I could have my life back, but I do! I feel more like myself now than I have in years!"

• Wet...
• September 30, 2020

Venlafaxine "I started Venlafaxine in July 2020 after having a series of terrible panic attacks. I eventually increased the dose to 150 mg. The panic attacks were less severe since being on the medication, and I only had them after increasing doses. Two reasons I got off of it: sex life diminished horribly, and it increased my blood pressure. I was given Metoprolol to help with that, and it just made me gain weight while still having high blood pressure. I was put on Prozac (Fluoxetine), and I’ve got my sex life back and no more high blood pressure. I didn’t have withdrawal symptoms because my doctor had me take Prozac while tapering off Venlafaxine. I only tapered down to 75 mg from 150 mg, I had forgotten a dose and just quit taking it altogether (while still on the Prozac). I was only on Venlafaxine a total of 2 1/2 months. The meds do work, every person is different. I just switched meds because of my own personal reasons. I’ll never forget that it made me feel good for the first time in 10 years."

• Ran...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2021

Venlafaxine "Effexor XR saved my life for years! When I was going through a rough time with panic disorder! It took time to work, but when it fully kicked in, I had my life back. I really had no side effects from this medication that I can remember. But this can really help for you for a while. Only thing that I don't like is you need an increase like once a year, and I'm on the max dose, and my anxiety came back!!! But now, currently I'm on the max dose, 300 mg, and it lost its effectiveness, so my anxiety is back, and it's getting hard again. Not sure what to do. Afraid of change and other meds."

• Jun...
• April 16, 2016

"I have had panic disorder and depression for years, with suicidal ideation. Wouldn't leave my house! My new doctor started me on 37.5. The side effects were awful, and I almost quit taking it. Worsened anxiety, nausea, you name it-I had it. After a little over a week, it was gone. The doctor put me on 75mg. I noticed a difference on day two! Less anxiety, less depression. Weird sensation in my veins like I need to go run or something. After a month, I was on 150mg. I was almost living a normal life by then and actually leaving my house. Side effects are gone. Now I'm on 225mg. I'm a different person! I feel alive! Haven't felt normal in years! I'll always have a little anxiety, but it's manageable with coping mechanisms. This med saved my life."

• Nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2016

Venlafaxine "GP recommended Effexor 7 months ago when I was going through some extremely stressful life events. The Seroxat I was on for GAD for the previous 17 years was no longer effective, and now I had become depressed. Effexor 37.5 mg worked well at first, was upped to 70 mg. Benefits: Immediately made me feel less depressed (hooray - no more tears), no panic attacks at all, able to sleep all night. Costs: Felt like a zombie, lost my spark, didn't feel present when talking to people (the lights were on but no one was in), not bothered about anything including if I upset someone; more aggressive verbally (usually a very placid person), withdrawn (usually a very social person). Withdrawal if missed dose was torture. Currently tapering off it."

• Sjp...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 1, 2024

"Effexor 37.5mg worked amazing for me. In fact, it worked so well that I had convinced myself that I was making it up in my head, and I really didn’t need the medicine after all. When I got off of it for a short time, I was quickly met with social anxiety and panic attacks again. Effexor has been my savior."

• Jac...
• February 6, 2017

Venlafaxine "I took Effexor for about 2 years for my panic disorder, and it was a huge mistake! Effexor caused me to have violent outbursts, which I never had before the medicine, increased anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. I thought I was doing good on the Effexor, but everyone around me saw a complete change in me, and it was bad. Almost 1 month ago, I was sick for 3 days and was unable to keep my Effexor down from being sick, so without knowing, withdrawal began, which included manic behavior, crying spells, nausea, brain zaps, and a suicide attempt that landed me in a mental hospital, and while there, detoxed from the Effexor and put on new medicine. I know Effexor has worked for a lot of people, but I wanted to share my story so people will research before starting."

• HNG...
• September 13, 2020

Venlafaxine "I’m not going to come on here and be dramatic and tell you to absolutely stay away from Effexor XR because it’s “the drug from nightmares.” Every person’s body is unique, and everybody responds to medicine in different ways. However, Effexor XR absolutely did not work for me. From day 1, it has caused more problems than it solved. Not only did it not help with my panic/anxiety disorder, but it made me get my period 3 times in 6 weeks, and I only know this because every time my dosage was switched, I would get my period again, which was also awful because I have PMDD. I’ve tried several medications. Last but not least, I’m currently coming off of it, and the withdrawal is awful. I’ve been sick and throwing up for 2 days straight with HORRIBLE panic attacks and headaches. I’m super lethargic and honestly just feel like I have the flu and was told by my primary that it was all from stopping this medicine. Like I said, everybody is going to react differently. It was not the drug for me."

• Two...
• April 19, 2019

Venlafaxine "Suffer panic disorder, had a depressive episode for over 6 weeks after relationship breakdown. GP put me on Effexor 37.5 mg, felt better mood instantly; followed by a sedated, sleepy feeling. Couldn't cry at all, which was a bizarre experience for me, as I previously cried all day long. On the third day, had a migraine by the evening and went to bed at 10 pm. At 1 am, woke up agitated, racing thoughts, eyes wide awake; pupils dilated. Panic was not the word; I was manic with fear, fluttering in my chest and sweating. Started pacing in my lounge, and after ten minutes, was on the floor grabbing my head and screaming, rocking back and forth, and called 999, begging for an ambulance as I felt unsafe, paranoid, and was worried for the safety of my pets. I have never suffered from mania, only panic attacks and depression. I will never touch this med again. Awful."

• Gui...
• May 20, 2015

Venlafaxine "After very unsuccessful attempts with Lexapro and Prozac, I started on Effexor XR 2 months ago. Really suffered a lot to have my system adapted to it in the first 5 days. After that, I had 2 wonderful weeks. It has helped me a lot with panic attacks I used to have (especially dizziness and balancing issues), but I have started suffering with huge stomach pains. I think those are related to Effexor."

• Gen...
• April 18, 2020

Venlafaxine "I'm 50, suffering from severe panic attacks and anxiety with depression, it's hereditary in my family. Started around when I was around 13 years old. Went to the doctor, and he put me on Pamelor, did not work. Then Buspar, that did not work. Then Lithium, that made me feel like I was going crazy. Then Paxil, then Zoloft, then Prozac, and nothing worked. Then I got by with alcohol, and it worked better than any of the drugs the doctor prescribed. I know it was not good self-medicating, but it worked for years. Then it came back, as my doctor said this will only get worse as you get older. Now I have not drunk any beer in about a year and a half. The doctor put me on Celexa, which did nothing, then he put me on Effexor 37.5 for 7 days, then bumped it up to 75, and I've been on it for a little over a year. Truthfully, it really helped my depression, but not for my panic or anxiety. Now I'm trying to come off of it, and it's been nothing but a nightmare."

• car...
• January 1, 2016

"Effexor was a miracle drug for me. Before taking it, I had horrid panic attacks and acute distress. I was at my wits' end. I felt hopeless and tormented by recurring panic attacks and terrified thoughts and feelings. I tried everything for anxiety, even Klonopin, having nothing worked. After taking Effexor for 2 weeks, my anxiety decreased by about 60%. I felt happier and more in control of my life. I went from a terrified worrywart to a content person. I highly recommend it. It is the best anxiety drug I ever had. The benefits definitely outweigh the side effects. The ones I experience are constipation, insomnia, and muscle convulsions, but it is worth it if you are suffering a lot from anxiety."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2018

Venlafaxine "I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder after some life-changing traumatic events. The panic was daily and crippling. It happened often, every day for no rhythm or reason. With Effexor, 37.5 mg worked great for a couple of months. Flash forward now, 8 months later, I'm on 150 mg now, experiencing no anxiety, BUT instead, depression, excessive weight gain, horrible night sweats, lack of motivation, and feeling withdrawn. I used to be a very outgoing person, but now all I do is work, eat, and sleep. I'm currently seeking other alternatives to get off this medication. Just isn't working out for me. Wish me luck."

• Mam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2019

Venlafaxine "I have had a pretty good experience with Effexor. I tried numerous SSRIs before and had terrible side effects with most of them for treating panic disorder. I was very nervous starting Effexor and the only starting side effect I had was feeling like a slight buzz in my head and a little bit of muscle tension in my jaw and shoulders. Those went away in about 10 days. I'm a smaller woman and 75 mg worked wonderfully for keeping all panic symptoms at bay, the only negative is after about 6 months, I started having incredibly vivid dreams due to the medication. So much so that I didn't feel like I was getting any rest at night, so I cut down to 37.5 mg. It masked most of the panic symptoms, but I can sometimes feel them creeping up, but I am able to sleep soundly now."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2023

Venlafaxine "Second time trying Effexor (after trying every other SSRI-type med) and taking it for 2 years now. Have increased over time to 225 mg. For depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. It helped with panic attacks the most. Anxiety is also better. Depression is mildly better. I am now wanting to taper down as some side effects have become more noticeable in the last 6 months: no sex drive, can’t reach orgasm, excessive sweating (especially face and hands), tiredness, and lack of motivation to do things, emotional flatness. Will try to taper down by 75 mg to start. Last time I went off Effexor, I tapered down really slowly and that helped with the withdrawal symptoms a lot. Fingers crossed I can get through it again, and things improve after discontinuing. I’m hopeful."

• Ray...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2022

"To be honest, I've been on different medications my whole life. I believe venlafaxine will return your life again: no more panic, no more anxiety. I have to say, the side effects lasted me like 3 weeks, and they were super hard, but it's worth it, just try and get through those side effects for a couple of weeks."

• Cry...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 8, 2021

"Back in 2002, I had severe postpartum depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I thought I was never coming out of it. I was so scared. And a hot mess. I was first prescribed Celexa. Didn't touch me, I felt no difference. I was then prescribed Effexor XR. Started at the lowest dose and moved up to 150 mg. And all I can say is it's 2021, and I'll never forget the way I felt. It was like the gates of heaven opened. Everything was lifted. Everything seemed beautiful again. Colors were vibrant, the air smelled beautiful, the world looked the way it was supposed to when you're not lacking those neurotransmitters. I was saved. Completely and utterly saved. I took care of my baby, stayed off work for 2 years with him, and then went back to work. Did everything fun and exciting without any anxiety or panic. Things changed in my life in 2012. Huge stressors on my plate that were life-altering, and the lights went off again. Had to change meds. But I am going to try Effexor again after being off it."

• Lau...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 29, 2021

"I have read a lot on here about how it saved people's lives, and then reading a lot about side effects. Unlike SSRIs, this was the only thing that worked for me at 17. I was on so many SSRIs, and none of them had worked. My anxiety/panic became so terrible that I refused to even leave my house, and I could barely even eat because I felt sick to my stomach on a constant basis. When I first started, yes, I felt worse, my anxiety went through the roof. I am so happy I listened and stuck with it because it saved my life. Withdrawal is bad, but you're supposed to take it daily, not skipping doses. My advice is to keep on it after the first trial. Although scary, your body gets used to it, and it really can work its magic and help you."

• GKB...
• August 5, 2008

Venlafaxine "I found Effexor to be a good medication for my symptoms, which were anxiety, panic, slight depression. I forced myself to get off of this medication because all it really does is mask the problem. It took me two tries to get off it. I had been taking 75 mg for 5 years, eventually moving up to 150 mg."

• Ann...
• February 2, 2020

Venlafaxine "I'm going to be honest here, it's not pretty. My doctor prescribed this to me for anxiety after a death in the family. Two hours after taking it, I was trying to get from the bathroom (felt like puking and diarrhea at the same time) to the couch, crawling on the floor. Needless to say, after being asked by a family member (7-year-old daughter), 'Should I call an ambulance?' I kept saying no. I just need to get to the couch. Remember, I'm crawling. Finally, she said, 'You look so pale, are you sure you're okay, Mommy?' I said, 'Yeah, I just need to get to the couch.' My heart was pounding, and I was losing consciousness. Daughter called the ambulance anyway, and the main EMS gentleman said any later I would have suffered a heart attack. I was in a-fib. My blood pressure was dangerously high. I had no previous issues. This drug was almost the end of me! Kudos to those it works for. But not me, never again."

• Anonymous
• February 21, 2016

"This medication worked wonders for me. I have suffered from panic disorder for a long time. I had been under control with Paxil, having no panic attacks for over 8 years. Though I was cured, suddenly it started to hit again and it was hell. My doctor said Paxil was not working anymore and tried another medication. For 2 months, the attacks wouldn't stop. I thought I was going to die. She decided to change the medication again and prescribed me Effexor 75. In less than a week, the attacks were gone and I was back to normal. Now I'm slowly quitting Paxil. She says it will be at least 6 months until I'm totally off Paxil. The protocol I follow to quit Paxil is that I alternate dosages, one day I take 12.5 and the other day I take 25. Working fine."

• Hon...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 16, 2022

"I have been stuck in an anxiety/panic/psychosis episode since January 3, 2022. I have yet to see a psychiatrist. I’m on a waiting list. My doctor advised me to up my dose of Venlafaxine XR from 75 mg daily in the morning to 112.5 mg daily in the morning. I’m only in day six. My anxiety has been quite a bit higher, but I know that is pretty normal when upping the dose. I have been in denial about having an anxiety/panic/psychosis disorder for 11 years. Each time I have an episode, as soon as I’m better, I wean myself off all of the meds. This episode has made me realize that I need the medication to prevent these episodes. I’m in the worst part of taking this med. I was told to give it at least a month. It has pulled me out of a very dark place with God’s mercy as well, three times before. I will come back and review in 2 to 3 weeks."