Venlafaxine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• SLi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 10, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Please, please, please take my advice. If Effexor is working for you, don't quit! I took Effexor for 8 great years (anxiety and depression). Tapered and quit. Started again two months later to be on the safe side while going through a stressful period at work. Within 24 hours, my life fell totally apart. Anxiety and depression through the roof. 18 months and 4 AD's later, I am still a wreck. Losing hope."

• ODa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I was on the estradiol 25 patch for nine years after a complete hysterectomy. Concerned about breast cancer, my doctor put me on venlafaxine 37.5 mg to help with hot flashes plus anxiety after my son passed away. The effect was unbelievable. Minimal hot flashes, and my grief and sadness were not nearly as bad as before. It was immediate. I was nauseated for a couple of weeks at first, which passed. I also had anxiety for about two weeks, which has passed. It has done wonders for me. I suggest that you not give up on it at the beginning because after about a month it really calmed me and helped with both situations that I needed help with. Hope this helps. Did not increase my dose as of yet... four months."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2020

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have suffered with GAD and panic disorder since age 6. Effexor XR has been a miracle for me since I began taking it 2 years ago. I was having such bad anxiety I could no longer function normally and had thoughts of not being here almost daily. I felt like I was going to die and had been to the emergency room with my entire body shaking uncontrollably and not having slept for 5 days in a row. Amazing medication is all I can say for me. I have been increased to 225 mg from 150 mg during a difficult time recently, and again it was wonderful."

• hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "After being admitted to the hospital following a panic attack and suicide attempt, I was prescribed Effexor because I had tried four different SSRIs and none worked, so the doctor thought I should try an SNRI. My first dose was 30 mg, and half an hour after taking it, I started to feel really weird-terrible headache, blurred vision, anxious/uneasy, jittery, and kept spacing out. The next day, they moved me up to 75 mg, and the headache went away, but the other symptoms remained. The next few days were awful. It gave me horrible social anxiety (which I don't normally have), and I couldn't get any work done because my eyes wouldn't focus and I would stare off into the distance for minutes at a time, sort of dissociating. Also made me SUPER lazy. It made me just want to sit on my couch and stare into space."

• hol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "After being admitted to the hospital following a panic attack and suicide attempt, I was prescribed Effexor because I had tried four different SSRIs and none worked, so the doctor thought I should try an SNRI. My first dose was 30 mg, and half an hour after taking it, I started to feel really weird-terrible headache, blurred vision, anxious/uneasy, jittery, and kept spacing out. The next day, they moved me up to 75 mg, and the headache went away, but the other symptoms remained. The next few days were awful. It gave me horrible social anxiety (which I don't normally have), and I couldn't get any work done because my eyes wouldn't focus and I would stare off into the distance for minutes at a time, sort of dissociating. Also made me SUPER lazy. It made me just want to sit on my couch and stare into space."

• T L...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 12, 2018

For Migraine "I have been using Effexor XR 75 mg for over 1 year. I suffer from migraines, hot flashes, and anxiety. It has helped with all of these issues. It dulls the pain of the migraines and has made it to where I can function pretty close to normal. Hot flashes are less. It is the best med I have ever used for anxiety as well. And I have lost 25 lbs. I love this medication. It has changed my life!"

• Laz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication Effexor was a lifesaver for me. I took Prozac 20 mg. It worked for a week or two, and then I had to raise the dosage until I got to 60 mg. My depression was treated, but my anxiety was not. I kept having anxiety attacks every now and then. It depends on what form of anxiety you have. Prozac helped with not panicking in stressful situations but did not help with my fear thoughts. With norepinephrine, things drastically changed. Though, when I raised from 37.5 to 75 mg, my anxiety went way up. If you want to start at 75 mg, make sure you take half and the other half at least after four hours until you build up tolerance. Hope it helps you too!!!"

• BAC...
• April 19, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "It changed my life. 48 years of just dealing with anxiety and depression, not wanting to be on medication. With the onset of pre-menopause, the depression was unbearable and more feelings of hopelessness. My doctor prescribed 75 mg, and I feel alive again. The torment of paranoia, anxiety, and the depression are gone."

• Gra...
• August 18, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Great feeling so far. Been on it almost two weeks for anxiety. Other than feeling a little jittery, it's been the best experience on meds thus far. I started being treated for major depression and was put on Celexa, which had horrible side effects and eventually stopped working. Then came Lexapro, which was considerably better, but I gained 45 lbs while taking it and had very low energy. Effexor makes me feel like I have energy again! So far, I'm in love."

• goo...
• April 10, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I started Effexor XR for hot flashes. As a side effect, I found a marked decrease in my anxiety level. I have a stepdaughter who has bipolar. When she last visited and again had a rage attack, I didn't experience my usual anxiety attack. This is a big help in trying to deal with such a hard person in my life."

• Mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I spent several years taking Citalopram, which I found to be very good until it stopped working. I was then prescribed Venlafaxine. I started off on 225 mg daily, but it was not controlling my anxiety and I became depressed on it. I was then told to up the dosage to 300 mg daily by my psychiatrist. Several months on, and I can firmly say this medicine has turned me into the same state I was in prior to ever taking any medication. My anxiety has increased, and I now suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts which I never had before. I have had no appetite, which can be a side effect for some people. I have lost a lot of weight. Food and drink taste strange, my skin has developed pimples."

• sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I just started taking Effexor last week for depression, anxiety, and racing thoughts. Seems to be working, but I noticed some side effects, like dry mouth and nervousness, but not a big issue. It works much better than Zoloft, Celexa, and Serzone, which I've taken in the past. So far, so good."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking Effexor XR for almost two years, and I love it. I take it for anxiety, stress, and depression. I have taken Wellbutrin and Paxil and found a little relief, but nothing compared to Effexor. After 10 years of emotional eating, I have started losing that weight-40 lbs in the past year-and I haven't dieted. I still eat the foods I love, but now I stop when I'm no longer hungry, and I feel no guilt when I eat a cookie or two or go out for an indulgent dinner. Another plus: I actually want sex now. For years, my anxiety kept me from having any desire, but now I can't get enough. YAY!"

• Osg...
• January 6, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I used Effexor XR for depression and anxiety for almost two years. Effexor has terrible anxiety and nausea the first several days. I started at 37.5 mg with .5 Clonazepam in the morning and before night, then upped to 75 mg. Clonazepam was removed once my sleep was restored. Great drug, gave me life and energy. Side effects: lowered erection, sex drive, and orgasm. Kept me going well, gave much more energy compared to Lexapro. Getting off after 2 years was not a problem. I was slowly reducing the dose every 2-3 weeks."

• mom...
• March 25, 2010

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• Oce...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 7, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "While this medication calmed my stress, I wish I had never gone on it. I have been trying to go off it for two years. The withdrawal symptoms are horrendous. Brain zaps, anxiety ten times worse than before meds, isolation, low energy, extreme irritability, very quick to anger. No joy. I used to be a very happy and caring person. No more. I would never wish this on anyone else..."

• ind...
• March 29, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "It took the drug company 11 years to get this approved. This drug should not be allowed on the market. I have been on SSRIs for 15 years and was switched to this pill, which is the worst. I was constantly dizzy on this, also anxious and brain-zapped. If you take this medication an hour late, you are sick. It has a very short half-life. Going off of it, if you can, is like one bad trip. I had breathing issues, my whole body ached so painfully, vertigo, so dizzy, vomiting, and I tapered off slowly. It will take you 6 months to a year to taper off and get ready for the issues you will continue to have. Don't take it. When I read the reviews, I thought it would be different for me because of the lies from my doctor. These reviews aren't lying, or they haven't tried going off. The XR is the only one that is approved??? The other Effexor is banned now. Please go on something else. Not an SNRI, it will bring you to your knees to pray you never took it."

• Ace...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2019

Venlafaxine "This drug literally gave me my life back. I was at the lowest point ever. I barely made it to work, the thoughts of everyday activities, such as showering and cooking, made me extremely anxious. I was sick to my stomach most days and was unable to sleep well due to waking up through the night with my heart racing in a full-blown panic attack. Currently taking 150 mg daily, and my energy level is back to normal, and I am able to function as a normal human being. So thankful!"

• Saz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 27, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "My experience with this drug was horrific. At 150 mg, I hit a new low, I was impulsive, severely anxious, and constantly in tears. I was so desperate to be off this med that I went cold turkey. Huge mistake. Developed discontinuation syndrome: fever, tremors, panic attacks, vertigo, hives, flu-like symptoms, night terrors, constant vomiting. Got to the point I couldn’t even keep down water. By day 6, I was hospitalized with severe dehydration and exhaustion. Was immediately hooked up to an IV to replace fluids and given anti-sickness meds. Doctors introduced a lower dose and I am now tapering. Down to 18 mg, so nearly there. Have to take it slowly as I’m extremely sensitive to this medication. Another 2 weeks and I will be free of it. Can't wait to have my life back!"

• Wor...
• September 25, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was prescribed Effexor 37.5 mg ER by my doctor to help with menopause symptoms (mood swings, hot flashes, etc.), and I have mild generalized anxiety disorder. She said it would help also. I took one pill at 10 pm. By 11 pm, I had the worst anxiety I've ever experienced: shaking, hot/cold flashes, nausea, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, and complete loss of appetite. I tried to ride it out. By day 4, I still had the symptoms and ended up inpatient psychiatric. It's been 9 days now since I took just the one pill, and I'm still dealing with these side effects. My anxiety is higher than I've ever felt it. I feel like I'm in a constant fight or flight state. I'm having multiple panic attacks a day. I still can't eat or drink much. I've lost 12 lbs in a week. The psychiatrist at the hospital said this drug at this dose can induce an 'anxiety episode' in some people. How long this episode is going to last, no idea, but I hope it goes away soon."

• Anonymous
• October 18, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started with the 37 mg dose for mild-moderate depression I had experienced this past year. I felt calm and peaceful for the first few weeks. The doctor had me increase the dose to 75 mg. I tried for a month to adjust to it, but all I wanted to do was sleep. It took away my energy and I fought fatigue. I reduced back down to 37 mg and felt pretty good for a couple of months, but started to notice trouble responding to people around me. It felt like being in a daze that took some effort to break. I also started to feel out of sorts and frenzied. I decided to stop the medicine a few weeks ago and feel 100% better. No more confusion or anxiety! This medicine was definitely not a good match for my body chemistry."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started on Zydus Pharm generic venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg for 1 week, then on to 75 mg. Been about 6 weeks on medication. First 3 days I felt amazing, immediate relief of anxiety. After that, the side effects were very difficult. Everything in me told me this was not the right medication for me: constant mood swings, anxiety, insomnia. I stuck through after reading positive reviews, hoping when side effects cleared up, it would work well for me based on first few days' experience. Side effects disappeared suddenly right on the 3-week mark, and the medication really started to work. After reading reviews on generic vs. brand name, I switched to the name brand. Name brand definitely feels cleaner and more effective. Generic side effects went away immediately."

• Bet...
• September 18, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with GAD, with symptoms including general fatigue, anxiety, panic, and insomnia. Started off at 35 mg, but now on 150 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night, which seems to be keeping me pretty stable. However, the withdrawal is horrendous. If I miss a couple of doses, I get brain zaps, I can hear my eyeballs moving in my head, very anxious and panic. It works, but this is some seriously messed up stuff... I can see I may have to be on this forever, whereas I gave up Prozac cold turkey with no problems at all."

• sol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2016

For Hot Flashes "My PCP put me on 37.5 venlafaxine for hot flashes and anxiety. She did not want to give me the estrogen patch, which is what I hoped for, because she was concerned about my anxiety. The drug worked in 2 days on the hot flashes, eliminating them completely. Also, my appetite dropped, and I lost 20 pounds in the five weeks I was on it. My anxiety improved a bit, but unfortunately, the drug caused me to feel jittery and disassociated from my body. I decided to dump the drug and get the patch from my OB-GYN -- best thing I ever did. I feel AMAZING and NORMAL and haven't gained an ounce back three weeks later. I do not have my uterus anymore, so my risk is low. So glad I listened to my body!!!"

• loo...
• October 22, 2007

Venlafaxine for Depression "I noticed when I took Effexor and Adderall together, I got extreme anxiety attacks or panic attacks where my heart would just start randomly racing."