Venlafaxine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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!!!"

• Aus...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Effexor 150 mg about ten years ago for anxiety and depression. I was experiencing a difficult time in my work life as a high school teacher, single parent, and also started drinking heavily. I gave up work and went to AA, and worked on improving my circumstances. With medication, CBT, and AA, my anxiety disappeared. In that time, I blindly took Effexor, nobody said to get off it. I took Effexor for the next ten years, going off once in 2009 by the suggested methods but eventually went back on because of anxiety. I decided to go off completely using suggested methods and was free of all meds in September 2015. I could cope with physical side effects, but mood, anger, and anxiety lasted another 9 months before I was free. I did this alone."

• Cin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2022

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "After reading so many mixed reviews, I want to share my experience, because if I would have listened to the reviews on here, I would’ve stopped taking the medication. I was put on this medication for anxiety and panic attacks and mild depression. The side effects I had were awful. I felt anxious, my panic attacks were completely heightened, and I didn’t start getting used to the medication for the full six weeks. They say that it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your body to get used to the medication, because if you think about it, it’s basically reprogramming your brain. I experienced feelings of almost being on speed, like my body couldn’t calm down, my skin felt weird. I was lucky enough to have an aunt that also took it, and she experienced the same things, but said that all the side effects are worth it, and one day you just wake up and feel normal, which is exactly what happened to me."

• 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."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor XR with breakfast in the middle of December for my depression after being on Celexa for many years. I'm a 44-year-old female, and I was told to just switch over. I was dizzy, spacey, and sleepy for a couple of weeks, a lot of gas, bouts of stomach upset/poops. I struggled with bad anxiety during the first 10 days, and then that leveled out. I lacked motivation, although I knew what I wanted to WANT to do, just had no focus. My PMS was worsened at the beginning of February and again in March. Completely drained, like fighting a tranquilizer. In April, mind wandering between past and present sadness. I was then bumped to 75 mg daily, and I'm at day 7, it's been a long week. Day 5, I had really bad anxiety-fearful, I felt paranoid for a few hours for no reason. Then at 7 pm, a surge of energy for a couple of hours, sleep wasn't good. Day 6, I was teary and felt hopeless. Today, I feel chill, not so spacey. Probably my best day, my appetite is okay, smaller, frequent meals plus a few snacks. I feel that this medication is good."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor XR with breakfast in the middle of December for my depression after being on Celexa for many years. I'm a 44-year-old female, and I was told to just switch over. I was dizzy, spacey, and sleepy for a couple of weeks, a lot of gas, bouts of stomach upset/poops. I struggled with bad anxiety during the first 10 days, and then that leveled out. I lacked motivation, although I knew what I wanted to WANT to do, just had no focus. My PMS was worsened at the beginning of February and again in March. Completely drained, like fighting a tranquilizer. In April, mind wandering between past and present sadness. I was then bumped to 75 mg daily, and I'm at day 7, it's been a long week. Day 5, I had really bad anxiety-fearful, I felt paranoid for a few hours for no reason. Then at 7 pm, a surge of energy for a couple of hours, sleep wasn't good. Day 6, I was teary and felt hopeless. Today, I feel chill, not so spacey. Probably my best day, my appetite is okay, smaller, frequent meals plus a few snacks. I feel that this medication is good."

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have had depression for over 30 years, and during that time, I took Paxil and Citalopram. The Citalopram was not effective anymore, and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor XR. I had gone through withdrawal from Citalopram, which was difficult. However, when I was put on the Effexor XR, I was having side effects from the Effexor XR that were worse than the withdrawal from the Citalopram: severe shaking and nervousness, heavy sweating, and no real relief until 55 days of taking it. Then, all of a sudden, I felt really good for 9 days. After that, I refilled my prescription, and the side effects began again: nervousness, shaking, sweating, and the depression returned. I have to take an additional medication to calm my nerves, and this time, I also have restlessness. I know antidepressants can work well from previous experience, but Effexor XR isn’t the one for me."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Low...
• December 7, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for 3 years, it was a godsend. My life was at its darkest and had many sad events happening at the same time: the death of my mother, mother-in-law, and beloved dog within a year. I was transferred from my job and felt a great amount of anxiety and stress. Feelings of fear and dread on a daily basis, and feeling like I was having a heart attack many different times, including at a family Christmas dinner. I was a 54-year-old male, father of two, that could not be weak, I was counted on by many loved ones, but felt like there was nothing I could do. So I met with my doctor, she was very open to what I was feeling and asked me what I thought was happening. I told her my symptoms and what I needed to do. Putting me on Effexor."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor XR for a few months and ended up stopping it around 1 year ago because the only thing it did was barely keeping me alive, that's about it. I have C-PTSD, MDD, and ASD. Feeling nauseous all the time, no emotions at all except vague sadness. Then I started taking it again a few months ago because I had another MDD episode. This time the side effects were even worse. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months, I spent my entire days in bed completely numb. I had nightmares, and at some point, it got so bad that I was sleeping 20 hours a day. I didn't have anxiety attacks in years and started to have them again. It's a pretty rough price to pay not to feel suicidal. A doctor switched me to Fetzima 2 weeks ago, and I already feel so much better. Better than I've been in years, in fact. I know Venlafaxine works for some people, but for me, it was the worst antidepressant I've ever had in my life. The 2/10 is for keeping me alive for a few weeks, otherwise, I'd give it 1/10."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Taking Effexor for panic disorder (agoraphobia), anxiety, and depression. I have tried about 5 other types of antidepressants with no success. Effexor has given me the best results by far! I was prescribed 300 mg daily by my psychiatrist. I was getting severe anxiety in my house, I could barely leave, struggled seeing people, driving, etc. It has been 3 to 4 months since I made the switch, I am now driving alone again, going out to see friends, getting back to work, etc. I have seen a huge improvement in my mood and depression, my anxiety and panic have greatly diminished, energy returning. I do attribute part of this success to my CBT therapy, which was very goal-oriented and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. The medication definitely helped reduce symptoms to allow me to succeed. The first 3 to 4 weeks were very difficult, I felt worse before I felt better. All side effects eventually went away. I am happy I am finally writing a positive review, your time will come, keep fighting!"

• tea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "Lasted 4 days on this, far worse than any depression, anxiety, or stress. Extremely confused, no attention span, couldn't concentrate, lost all motivation, and even with the tiredness and life sucked out of me, I never slept once during the 4 days. Time practically disappeared and felt like a robot. Decided to stop yesterday and feel far worse than I did taking it. Headaches and even more anxious than before and sweating a lot, feel like I'm going crazy during this withdrawal, and it was only 37.5 mg. Research into the medication before starting this because the withdrawal is even worse than the side effects on the medication."

• Kel...
• July 25, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Trigger warning... So I have taken a lot of medications for my depression, such as Wellbutrin, fluoxetine, Lexapro, escitalopram, etc. None of them really worked, or I just attempted suicide before they even started working. Who knows, really. I have attempted suicide four serious times in my life. I've been in three different mental hospitals and even had to go to a juvenile facility. I was put there against my will after my last suicide attempt of stabbing myself. I self-mutilate. I have well over 5,000 scars on my body, big ones that needed stitches, but I never got stitches. I have a huge one down my arm from another suicide attempt (which did get stitches). I also have anxiety and dissociation disorder, etc. I am overall a very insecure, jealous person as well. Ever since this medication kicked in, I've been a lot better. I've only cut maybe twice since starting it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "Let’s just start by saying, these pills were the worst!!! I could only take them for 7 days. Before I started them, I had a small amount of anxiety, after the 3rd day on them, I had full-blown anxiety attacks. I tried them at night at first but found out about 11 hours in that’s when the attacks started, so I tried in the morning, huge mistake. I was angry, freaking out, anxiety all day. Felt like I was crawling out of my skin. I’ve read some of these reviews, glad they worked for the few. My advice: do not take them, ask the doctor for something else, they were my worst nightmare."

• 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."

• fas...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 23, 2024

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on venlafaxine for my dysthymia in combination with major depression for 12 years. I gained a lot of weight and still had some bouts of depression every 4 years, but at one moment, I decided to taper it off after being almost depression-free. Tapering went smoothly, but after 4 weeks, all hell broke loose, and I went into a deep, deep depression like I never had before. I decided to try Celexa, but after 11 weeks, I am still spiraling down, 24/7 anxiety, burning body, and very little sleep...also a lot of suicidal thoughts. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist soon and will go back to Effexor...what a fool I was to quit. I vow that if it works again, I will take it for the rest of my life. I used to take 75 mg, maybe I have to raise that a little to prevent depressive episodes."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I had been off all meds for 10 years when I had a major relapse and knew it was time to medicate again. Effexor is hard to get on, lots of dizziness and exhaustion. Also, if I am late taking it, I feel awful. Headaches, anxiety, mood swings. Don't ever miss a dose! I can't stress this enough. Withdrawal hits hard and fast, even within 12 hours. Sweats, chills, headache, dreams, whole-body pain. HOWEVER, it does help me get through the day. I have suicidal depression and clinical anxiety, so for me, it is worth some struggle to stay with Effexor because it does give me relief. It calms my brain, allows me to get moving with my day, and not have the threat of my own self-destructive tendencies."

• blo...
• June 18, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Effexor for about six months. Within the first month, I was up to 150 mg. Since then, I no longer have depression. I do have some moments of depression, but not days or weeks. I do not have any panic attacks anymore! I'm not nearly as nervous as I was before Effexor. However, my first week on Effexor was hell. I was extremely anxious, teeth chattering, night sweats, buzzing headache. After months on Effexor, if I miss one dose, I get brain zaps. I'm also having vivid dreams-good dreams and bad ones. This medicine takes time."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "This drug, Effexor, literally saved my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and panic! Side effects weren’t too bad taking 75 mg. Drowsiness, increased heart rate, increased tinnitus, nausea, bad nighttime sweating, increased anxiety at first, head felt a bit spaced out, and crazy bad insomnia. Most of these subsided after about 8 days. Dosage change amped it up again for about another week. If you can work through it, it’s so worth it! After three weeks, basically feeling like myself again. A little more time will tell if my anxiety subsides further."

• 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."

• Mer...
• April 24, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Male, 32 y. I was suffering from stomach complex pains, terrible headaches, and depression. 16 months ago, I was prescribed Venlafaxine up to 225 mg/day and Trimipramine for sleeping. It was very complicated, with ups and downs, but I finally got to a normal life. Since then, I have gained ~10 kg, but I think it's not bad for me since I was underweight before. My doctor suggested I decrease it gradually and cut it off. I was on 75 mg until yesterday, and today I didn't take it. In the afternoon, I was very irritated and anxious, but it could be the short-term withdrawal. I will update you if I can stay off medication. I wish you all strength and happiness."

• CPA...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 14, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started taking Effexor in 1995. I had GAD with some depression. For some reason, I let the Dr. continue prescribing for 12 years. I was only on 75 mg, and since it worked, I did not want to tempt fate. Last year, I started to have worse anxiety and went to one of the highly regarded MDs in NYC. He prescribed Remeron and Effexor. Eventually, the dose was increased from 75 mg to 300 mg. It had no beneficial effects. Worse is getting off of it. I'm now down to 37.5 mg over the last two weeks. The brain zaps and anxiety are tough. I think this drug should be illegal. The withdrawal effects are awful. I recommend trying something else unless this is your last resort."