Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Fatburd
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

Effexor XR (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 couldn't walk over a bridge. I asked doc to change. He gave me venlaflaxine 37.5mg right away felt better. My doc has wanted me to go up higher dosage but a must say am so happy got a new job going on holidays and just happy happy. I split the pill half morning half about one in the afternoon and I'll stick to that dose but if I need to go higher I will cause a will never want to feel like lifes over again. I've so much energy now and always looking to the future. x"

• NoExc...
• November 4, 2010

Effexor XR (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."

• Jacqu...
• February 6, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I took Effexor for about 2 years for my panic disorder and it was a huge mistake! Effexor caused me to have violent out burst which I never had before the medicine, increased aniexty 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"

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

Effexor XR (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 it effectiveness so my anxiety is back and it's getting hard again. Not sure what to do. Afraid of change and other meds."

• mommy...
• March 25, 2010

"This drug has been a God-send 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!"

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "GP recommended effexor when 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 & now I had become depressed. Effexor 37.5mg worked well at first, was upped to 70mg. 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 very placid person), Withdrawn (usually very social person). Withdrawal if missed dose was torture. Currently tapering off it."

• Geno
• April 18, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I'm 50 suffering from severe panic attacks and anxiety with depression its hereditary in my family started around when I was around 13 years old went to doctor and put me on pamelor did not work, than buspar that did not work, then lithium that made me feel like I was going crazy, than paxil, than zoloft, than prozac and nothing worked. Then I got by with alcohol and it worked better than any of the drugs the dr prescribed and I know it was not good self medicating but it worked for years. Than it came back as my doctor said this will only get worse as you get older now I have not drank any beer in about a year in a half the doctor put me on celexa which did nothing, he than he put me on effexor 37.5 for 7 days than bump it up to 75 and I been on it for little over a year and truthfully it really helped my depression but not for my panic or anxiety now I'm trying to come off of it and its been nothing but a nightmare"

• June
• April 16, 2016

"I have had panic disorder & 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. Worsened anxiety, nausea, you name it- I had it. After a little over a week, it was gone. 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."

• HNG
• September 13, 2020

Effexor XR (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 different ways. However, effexor xr absolutely did not work for me. From day 1, it has caused more problems that 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 different. It was not the drug for me."

• Anna
• February 2, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I'm going to be honest here it's not pretty. My Dr. 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 yr 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 ok Mommy? I said yeah just need to get to the couch. My heart was pounding and I was losing consciousness. Daughter called ambulance anyway and the main EMS gentleman said any later I would've suffered a heart attack. I was in a-fib. My BP was dangerously high. Had no previous issues. This drug was almost the end of me! Kudos to those it works for. But not me, never again."

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

"To be honest been on different medications my whole life. Believe venlafaxine will return your life again no more panic, no more anxiety. I have to say side effect last me like 3 week and they are super hard but it worth it, just try and get through those side effects for couple of weeks"

• Twojoy
• April 19, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Suffer panic disorder, had a depressive episode for over 6 weeks after relationship breakdown, GP put me on Effexor 37.5mg felt better mood instantly; followed by sedated sleepy feeling, couldn't cry at all which was bizarre experience for me as I previously cried all day long. Third day had a migraine by the evening and went to bed at 10pm. At 1am woke up agitated, racing thoughts, eyes wide awake; pupils dilated, panic was not the word I was manic with fear, fluttering in 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."

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

Effexor XR (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 feeling 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 75mg worked wonderfully for keep 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 mask most of the panic symptoms but I can sometimes feel them creeping up, but I am able to sleep soundly now."

• Guita
• May 20, 2015

Effexor XR (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 (specially dizziness and balacing issues), butI have started suffering with huge stomach pains. I thinks those are related to effexor."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2018

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was dx with Panic Disorder after some life changing traumatic events. The panic was daily and crippling. It happened often, everyday for no rhythm or reason. With Effexor , 37.5mg worked great for a couple month's. Flash foward now 8 months later, I'm on 150mg 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 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."

• GKBJ
• August 5, 2008

Effexor XR (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 75mg for 5 years, eventually moving up to 150mg."

• cara
• 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 reoccurring panic attacks and terrified thoughts and feelings. I tried everything for anxiety, even klonipen, 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 worry wart to a content person. I highly recommend it. It is the best anxiety drug I ever had. The benefits definitely out weigh the side effects. The ones I experience is constipation, insomnia and muscle convulsions but it is worth it if you are suffering a lot from anxiety."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Second time trying Effexor (after trying every other SSRI type med), and taking it for 2 years now. Have increased over time to 225mg. For depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. It helped with panic attacks the most. Anxiety also better. Depression 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 75mg 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."

• Laur
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 29, 2021

"I have read a lot on here about how it saved peoples lives, and then reading a lot about side effects. Unlike SSRI's this was the only thing that worked for me at 17. I was on so many SSRI's 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."

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

"Back in 2002 I had severe post partum 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 lowest dose and moved up to 150mg. And all I can say is its 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 too when you're not lacking those neuro transmitters. 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."

• Piggies
• July 13, 2018

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This drug caused the most horrifying experience of my life. 7:30 pm I took one 37.5 mg pill. 11:30 was horrible. I was vomiting and diarrhea. Pupils were dilated. Wasn't sure if I was real or where I was or what was happening. Phoned mom and an ambulance and taken to the hospital. After tests done was sent to the wait area and became tired because I had 1 mg of Ativan. After 6 hours went home to sleep. Then the real nightmare begin. Woke up at noon to complete hallucinations. Didn't know what was real and I was actually hallucinating this time. There were colors everywhere. Like a drug trip and been on those before but this was not the same. This was much more intense. Pupils were dilated so much couldn't see the color of my eyes. Sweating profusely and was getting chills over my entire body. Got to bottom of apartment when I collapsed and I could barely see. Was able to dial 911 on my phone before I could barely see anything at all. Found on concrete outside and taken to hospital."

• South...
• August 15, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "MY EXPERIENCE with Effexor XR vs Prozac 1) EXR eliminates ALL PANIC ATTACKS 2) Prozac eliminates ALL OBSESSIVE THINKING 3) Prozac made me sleep like a fat cat even tho I RARELY ate, and I gained a ton of weight when I was only 106 lbs to start. 4) EXR did not cause me weight gain (or loss) however it made me very irritable and I caught myself clenching my jaw all day, however had a lot more energy than Prozac. 5) BOTH meds I used over 12 weeks to make a fair comparison. 6) I saw a bio-identical hormones therapist to see what's going on. No clear cut answers. So here is my thought. You're a normal person being a normal life with a normal energy level. You take Prozac and Wham! You're sleeping 10 hours a day............................."

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

"I have been stuck in am 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 75mg daily in the morning to 112.5mg’s daily in the morning. I’m only in day six. My anxiety has been quite a bit higher but I know that, 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 had 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 3 times before. I will come back and review in 2 to 3 weeks."

• Still...
• October 29, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Have tried every SSRIs and NSRIs 37.5 Effexor XR should be avoided I just took one dose and I am still on a drug high after being off of it 7 days I take 1mg of Klonopin three times a day 30mg of restoril 10 mg of ambien, it has kicked me in to having fear phobias I am going from laughing to crying I am sickened by being a test rat for the pharmaceutical industry who just give me my benzodiazepines, atypical antipsychotics throw me into hypo mania or no sleep mania. I believe I have taken every mood stabilizer with vyvanse and minimal benzodiazepines I was better off than I am now I wish they would stop playing around with medication"

• Anonymous
• February 21, 2016

"This medication worked wonders for me. I suffer from panic disorder for a long time. I had been under control with Paxil, having no panic attack 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 any more 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 of 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."