Venlafaxine and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine works. With side effects, yes. But IT WORKS. Tips: Start with 37.5 mg every morning for 7 days. Then replace 37.5 with 75 mg every morning for another 7 days. At the end of the 2nd week you will start to feel 'human' again. Add another 37.5 every afternoon for another 7 days, but not too late in order to avoid insomnia. At the end of the month replace the 37.5 with 75 mg and so you have 150 mg every day with minimum side effects. Anxiety will reduce, sentimental reactions will become more curbed and manageable. You will be yourself again. Remember: be patient and persistent. Stick with it, especially the first month, don't give up. Use some diazepams in order to reduce the anxiety produced by the pill the first weeks! Feel free to ask anything! United we stand!!!"

• Taw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I take 150mg time-released Effexor. I am dealing with a head injury for 6 months now. I have been on Effexor since. I have no side effects, and it has really helped me with my anxiety, nervousness, and depression. This medicine is such a lifesaver. I can go to work and be around people. I don’t know where I would be without this medication."

• Taw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I take 150mg time-released Effexor. I am dealing with a head injury for 6 months now. I have been on Effexor since. I have no side effects, and it has really helped me with my anxiety, nervousness, and depression. This medicine is such a lifesaver. I can go to work and be around people. I don’t know where I would be without this medication."

• Mit...
• August 9, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Have suffered from bouts of severe anxiety over the last few years that would leave me bedridden, suicidal, unable to work or eat. Tried Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Luvox, and honestly thought nothing would ever work for me. All made me worse. My psych doctor wanted to try Effexor XR, but I was worried about withdrawing from it - after trying everything else, I finally agreed. It has taken a month to feel a difference. I'm enjoying things again, not chewed up by horrible anxiety. I'm actually HAPPY?! The first month on it was so challenging - very low, anxious, exhausted, nauseous. But now no side effects. I feel like a light has gone on. I am getting my life back. I could sob with relief. I truly believed I'd never get better, but here I am."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Those side effects are all real and horrible but it goes AWAY!! Stick with it people! After 2 plus weeks on venlafaxine, you continue to feel amazing! All that horrible anxiety, stress, all the perimenopausal symptoms women have all go away! You can focus and be able to lead a normal life. That first week or so taking it, yes, I almost quit, but continued on believing what my doctor told me about it, they are right! Best depression anxiety drug on the market."

• ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Those side effects are all real and horrible but it goes AWAY!! Stick with it people! After 2 plus weeks on venlafaxine, you continue to feel amazing! All that horrible anxiety, stress, all the perimenopausal symptoms women have all go away! You can focus and be able to lead a normal life. That first week or so taking it, yes, I almost quit, but continued on believing what my doctor told me about it, they are right! Best depression anxiety drug on the market."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am a 49-year-old female who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am taking Risperidone 2 mg a day with 75 mg of Effexor. I was severely depressed and suicidal every day. Lexapro made me extremely anxious and nervous. I think 75 mg of Effexor is helping a lot. I am now not as depressed or suicidal. I am now regaining my energy and interest back. For everyone who struggles with depression/bipolar out there: don't give up hope. Things will get better and you will recover. I believe that. Hang in there, seek help, and know that I am rooting for your quick recovery."

• Anonymous
• February 16, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am a 49-year-old female who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I am taking Risperidone 2 mg a day with 75 mg of Effexor. I was severely depressed and suicidal every day. Lexapro made me extremely anxious and nervous. I think 75 mg of Effexor is helping a lot. I am now not as depressed or suicidal. I am now regaining my energy and interest back. For everyone who struggles with depression/bipolar out there: don't give up hope. Things will get better and you will recover. I believe that. Hang in there, seek help, and know that I am rooting for your quick recovery."

• Sas...
• January 27, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I’ve suffered depression for the last 11 years after a nasty breakup with the father of my two children. I was quite happily going on with life over the last 10 years, yes it had its ups and downs but eventually my son's father, we split up and bang! I was so depressed I wanted my life to end. Every time before I was due my period, I contemplated suicide and in between it would pop up every other day. I just couldn’t cope anymore so went to my doctor and told her everything. That’s when I started my journey on venlafaxine. I started at 37.5mg and increased it higher the following two weeks, it would work then it didn’t and my anxiety came back so bad, so I then upped it each time I had a bad episode of anxiety and suicidal thoughts. I’m on the highest dose now and can honestly say I’ve never felt better. I can’t even remember the last time I thought about suicide and my relationship is going well with my son's dad again. It really has changed my life, push through the side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 1, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "It does make you feel anxious and a bit sick, but only for the first few days. It's good to support yourself with some light meditation for stress. It goes away after a few days, you just need to make it through. After that, you feel really good. I was on a 75 mg dose for 5 years. Now I've lowered it to 37.5mg, but I am not planning to stop taking it. It improved my life and allowed me to use my potential. I can see that the negative comments here are mostly from people who just started taking it. As I said, it's temporary sickness. After 1-2 weeks, it gets better."

• Ate...
• May 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Started on 37.5mg for a month. First two days were only side effects - I was a little jumpy, couldn't keep legs still, and had insomnia. That went away in 48 hours. Then it shifted to making me sleepy and fairly relaxed. However, I still had breakthrough anxiety crying and didn't feel much change in depression. Decided to up the dose and have been at 75mg for a while now. No side effects. This dose has obliterated my anxiety and helped with depression. All I feel is calm and relaxed. I am more outgoing and happy. Only thing I noticed, like so many others, is that it is tough to miss a dose. But, don't let that dissuade you from trying it. It really has been a miracle for me."

• Ate...
• May 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Started on 37.5mg for a month. First two days were only side effects - I was a little jumpy, couldn't keep legs still, and had insomnia. That went away in 48 hours. Then it shifted to making me sleepy and fairly relaxed. However, I still had breakthrough anxiety crying and didn't feel much change in depression. Decided to up the dose and have been at 75mg for a while now. No side effects. This dose has obliterated my anxiety and helped with depression. All I feel is calm and relaxed. I am more outgoing and happy. Only thing I noticed, like so many others, is that it is tough to miss a dose. But, don't let that dissuade you from trying it. It really has been a miracle for me."

• TeT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I have been on Effexor 37.5 mg for three months for Hot Flashes. After my first bedtime dose, I was feeling lightheaded and a little jittery the next morning, but those symptoms went away after three days. Before Effexor, I would wake up several times a night due to the Hot Flashes. I am a totally different person and a pleasure to be around. I am dating again after a two-year hiatus, and the medication has not affected my sex drive."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Effexor XR is the best drug! I have tried Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac, and none of them helped me. I was nervous to start Effexor because of the reviews and side-effects if you miss a pill. I took a leap of faith and started Effexor, and I have been on it for two years now! I have never felt more like myself. Set a reminder if you are nervous you might miss a pill. Every body reacts differently to every drug, so please, give Effexor a chance! It’s a miracle drug for my panic disorder. Don’t let the reviews scare you!"

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am from Canada, 24-year-old female. I have always been a worrier but first experienced anxiety in my 4th year at University 3 years ago. I had a panic attack which then turned into panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Effexor is a GREAT medication for me. My dose was raised way too quickly at the beginning. I went from 75mg to 150mg to 225mg in a month and a half and got horrible Effexor-induced anxiety. But when my GP realized what was going on, she put me back to 75mg and then very slowly put me up to 112.5mg. I have been there for 2 months now, and I think it is the perfect dose for me. I don't have intrusive thoughts or panic sensations. Be patient, it's worth it!"

• Gau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I see so many reviews here from people that gave up this medication after one day, five days, seven days. Guys, this medicine can take up to a MONTH to work. In the meantime, you might experience side effects like increased anxiety. Stick with it. It works for me - It might not for you, but please try it out properly (i.e. for at least a month) before you knock it."

• Bet...
• July 6, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Venlafaxine for four months and for the first two, I was a mess. Dilated pupils, extreme anxiety, feeling depersonalized, no appetite, still suicidal, terrified of what the future was going to hold. I was switched to modified release around six weeks ago, and the difference within three weeks is utterly incredible. I believe wholeheartedly that this medication has saved my life. Whatever chemical was missing from my brain is almost certainly present and correct now. Nothing else has changed in my life except taking the medication, and it is like I can finally experience it. Antidepressants don't change rubbish circumstances, but I had an awesome life I couldn’t enjoy because I was so anxious and stressed. Now I can relax and am not scared of the future but am excited instead."

• Coo...
• January 20, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I had a nervous breakdown when I was 38. I literally felt as if I was going out of my mind. I had gotten pregnant when I was 21 and had terminated the pregnancy. I had a few years of depression with no meds. I left my husband and two children and went and stayed with my sister. She promptly took me to a psychiatrist who put me on Effexor XR 75 mg twice a day. He also gave me Xanax to help me with the breakdown. Effexor and my doctor saved my life. I have been on Effexor for 22 years. I sometimes feel the depression coming back and I now still have lots of anxiety, but I take my Xanax and it helps. I have switched to Prozac, Brintellix, Lexapro. None of them work. I always go back to Effexor. I pray daily that God will heal me."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "5 years ago I got panic attacks. Thought I was dying! This created non-stop anxiety, insomnia, etc. Couldn’t even function, after this, I was a wreck at 37 years old. This medication got me back into life. In about 3 weeks, I was back on my feet. I bought a house and moved in with my girlfriend. I was on this medication 75mg a day for one year. Off for another year. Back on for the next. Then off again for a year. Today I have anxiety keeping me up for the last few nights. I am starting on this medication again! Without this medication, I would not have had a great last 5 years! Also, currently I am starting to meditate as science shows it will physically change your brain! Wish everyone the best. Please remind yourselves it will get better!"

• Bel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Effexor has been great. I had been on 25-50 mg of Zoloft for panic attacks and high anxiety, and it had worked for a few years. However, after I went off for 4 months and started experiencing them again, I encountered the worst morning panic with nausea, vomiting, and IBS for three months. I didn't want to switch, but it was getting so bad that I would have anxiety for most of the workday and was afraid I might have to miss work. It was fortunate that my cubicle was right next to the bathroom during that time! Finally, I told my PCP I was ready to try something else, and she prescribed Effexor XR. She advised me to stop the Zoloft and start 37.5 mg of XR venlafaxine. It was like night and day. I no longer experienced panic attacks, morning nausea, vomiting, anxiety, or IBS. It's been over a year, and I still like it. Initially, I took it in the morning, but gradually switched to taking it at night because I sleep better that way."

• GAD...
• March 22, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m a 32 y/o female with GAD diagnosed 2 yr ago & ADHD. My doc felt it was more important to treat my severe GAD before ADHD. After trying Zoloft for 6 months, I stopped it. NO libido. Lexapro, same thing!! Plus I was super tired. First two days on Effexor XR were amazing. (Placebo effect?) Then days 3-10 were filled with a little more anxiety than normal. Had vivid weird dreams, would wake up once in the middle of the night to pee then it would be harder than normal to fall asleep. Also, jaw popping like I was grinding the heck out of my teeth for a few nights. Day 11-now, it's wonderful. I don't feel panic attacks or anxiety anymore. I feel normal and relaxed. No more headaches, muscle tension, or sleeping problems. I'm not short-tempered with my kids. I don't worry as much! I'm just chill. Oh, and I can still pour some tears watching my chick flicks. With the sex side effect 'O'... I can still do it, just takes a tad longer. I can live with that!! I can also drink beer with this."

• lor...
• February 4, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Effexor XR 4 months ago. My entire life I've struggled with anxiety. I have gone to cognitive behavioral therapy to help me change my responses to anxiety-producing situations, all to no avail. I never wanted to take medication as I thought only weak people do that. About 2 months prior to taking Effexor XR, I began having panic attacks so severe I felt as though I was going to die. I couldn't function and became depressed. As a last resort, I decided to try medication. I take one 75mg capsule every morning. Please note, the first 2 weeks were misery - I could barely lift my head or body, I had neck pain, slept constantly, and still had anxiety. I stuck it out and haven't had an anxiety or panic attack since then."

• Vin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor XR really has been working wonders on my life. It has relieved me of a lot of my depression while still giving me my energy, unlike SSRIs. If weight gain is a problem for you and you have depression, definitely try an SNRI first. As you may or may not know, Wellbutrin is another antidepressant that is supposed to encourage weight loss while relieving depression. It affects norepinephrine and dopamine. I tried Wellbutrin a while ago, and failed miserably on it due to the anxiety it brought on. Therefore, I was hesitant at first because I heard that Effexor XR affects norepinephrine as well. However, it has been completely the opposite. I have gone from constantly laying in bed all day long to wanting to get up and exercise."

• Xha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2017

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "After years of social anxiety and panic attacks, I had to sort myself out. I did some research into SNRIs/SSRIs and like many, was fearful of the side effects described by others and how bad it made people feel. I went to the GP who prescribed Venlafaxine/Effexor. The first few weeks, I felt a little nausea, increased anxiety and panic attacks, and a delay in ejaculation. It never felt unmanageable. After 6 weeks, all had gone. I feel 80% less anxious in social and all situations. I feel calm and very much unfazed by most things. I feel more confident, my mind is clearer, and it is physically impossible to dwell on negative thoughts. I haven't had a panic attack! Everyone reacts differently. I believed it was a risk worth taking and I feel it has paid off!"

• Sha...
• March 11, 2017

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I'm taking 75 mg of Effexor XR, and my life is changing for the better. I no longer feel stressed when I'm around people. Socializing is not such an ordeal anymore. My social anxiety started when I was 12. I wish Effexor was around back then. I hope Effexor helps everyone. The first 10 days are not easy: anxiety, teeth clenching, nausea, and diarrhea. Hang in there and give it time to work."