Venlafaxine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Rob...
• May 29, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "Just changed from Zoloft (10 years) to Effexor. Have tried to get off Zoloft previously but had horrendous anxiety. The doctor merged the Effexor with a low dose of Zoloft for 1 week and now on 150 mg Effexor for the last 2 days. So far, so good. Pretty scary waiting for Zoloft withdrawals, but optimistic."

• 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."

• 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."

• car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 18, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was using Prozac, and my Dr changed me to Effexor XR, started with 75 mg and up to 150 mg, and it's been much better. I still have my moments of anxiety and sleeping, but with other medication helping me with both. Without Effexor, I get too emotional and super depressed."

• Len...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been taking Effexor XR for about 8 weeks now and have noticed a pretty great improvement with my general anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I still have days where I feel like I can’t leave the house or even take care of myself because I’m so focused on my anxiety, but those days come a lot less often and don’t feel so intense compared to how I felt on previous medications (Zoloft and Prozac). I feel like benzodiazepines are what work best for my severe symptoms like panic attacks, but the side effects (like increased anxiety and dependency) are enough to keep me trying SNRIs and other natural remedies to keep my panic attacks and obsessive thoughts at bay. Will definitely keep taking the Effexor as it seems to be helping."

• Rca...
• January 28, 2018

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "Started out taking 75 mg at night and could not sleep at all. Taking 37.5 mg now in the morning and still am dealing with being very jittery at night when trying to relax or sleep. On the positive side, this has been great in dealing with past negative issues and moving past them. Also, much more relaxed in social situations and a much more positive attitude about life in general. Every day more confident and things seem a little better."

• Rid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine was a nightmare for me. Problems started after the first dose. The expected dry mouth, but also severe nausea. After the second dose, the nausea was the most extreme I have ever experienced, and I began to vomit. Completely killed my appetite. Unable to sleep and spent the second night pacing, suffering anxiety attacks and taking Gravol. Day three even worse--another night of no sleep and a day of throwing up. Day four added diarrhea to the mix. Called Dr and said I would rather deal with the anxiety I had before starting. Just a horrible experience."

• 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."

• GHR...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 22, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed venlafaxine in 2008 following a bad depression. I felt the benefit of it within 10 days. I had some side effects, the worst of which was weight gain, but felt it was a small price to pay for literally getting my life back. Stayed at 150 for five years, reducing to 75. Came off it in early 2015, only to have panic and anxiety attacks within two months, so restarted again. Disappointing, but I have lost a stone since March and hope to control my weight. For those it suits, it is a great medication - good luck, everyone."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2011

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've battled with anxiety for 10 plus years, was on medication 6 years ago for it, then stopped. I was having intense TMJ because I was constantly clenching my jaw as a coping mechanism for my anxiety. I finally decided to go on medication. My doctor first put me on Celexa. I felt actually MORE anxious, though it helped with my negative thoughts. I switched to Effexor. I started at 37.5 mg. I definitely feel a positive difference, and my jaw clenching has completely stopped. Now I am up to 75 mg. I just feel very blah, kind of numb, kind of 'dissociative,' like I'm not present in my own body. I feel better, but I want to FEEL. I am not sure if I should up my dosage and then I'll feel 'normal' or wean myself off."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "After having a heart attack, I became very depressed. I have been on Lexapro, Zoloft, Xanax, Ativan, Wellbutrin, and Buspar. None worked, and I attempted suicide. I have major depression and anxiety disorder, so take my comments in stride. The right drug for you is out there, along with intensive therapy. I was switched to Effexor XR while in 'the funny farm.' After the typical waiting period for it to kick in, I can tell you I am a new man, looking at life like I used to. It has saved my life and my family. It hasn't done much for anxiety, so for the first few months after my severe 'episode,' I was on Seroquel. I have now been switched to clonazepam for that issue. Please consult a proper medical person."

• 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."

• Dro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Given venlafaxine at the lowest dose of 37.5 mg for 5 weeks. Very manic feeling followed by very sleepy. After 5 weeks, decided to come off them. VERY, VERY difficult, brain zaps, mania, anxiety through the roof and couldn't settle down. If you are taking this drug, beware: missing a dose is very, very bad on your body. Now a week off it and am taking diazepam to remain calm during bad moments. Would NOT RECOMMEND."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• April 11, 2020

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "The people saying they don’t get side effects maybe they just don’t notice, but there are side effects. I sweat more, sleep less, and have no sex drive, but those are all things I can live with in exchange for the positive effects I get. I started taking Effexor in high school because I was sleeping an average of 16 hours a day, likely had depression because I was anxious so much, and my quality of life was abysmal. I left the house like four or five times a week at the most as a 16-year-old. Once I started Effexor, I started to feel more energized, I didn’t need nearly as much sleep, and my depression has cleared away completely. I still have issues with anxiety attacks, but have recently lowered my Effexor dose and started taking Lexapro as well. This is a medication you cannot miss doses on because you will start to feel serious symptoms of withdrawal if doses are skipped, but it’s a great medication worth trying if you haven’t found what’s worked for you yet."

• 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."

• tig...
• April 8, 2009

Venlafaxine for Bipolar Disorder "It caused a severe reaction for me. I started going into hypermania with racing thoughts, anxiety, trembling, and an upset stomach."

• Bon...
• September 1, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor for over 5 years now, and I cannot imagine life without it. I was crying all the time for no reason. My doctor put me on 75 mg a day, and it made me extremely anxious. He then upped it to 150 mg per day, and I have no side effects and function great! The only side effect I have noticed is that if I forget to take it, I start to feel dizzy after a few hours, and by night, I am crying."

• Can...
• September 23, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "Switched from Paxil 20 mg to Effexor 75 mg. On Paxil, I just couldn't lose weight, and my insurance wanted me to try an SRNI before they would pay for the newer meds like Brintellix. At first, I noticed a decrease in anxiety, THEN I went to work! My job is very stressful, and I have to be SPOT on! First, I noticed anxiety returning, then that I was clumsy...dropping things! I then started noticing numbness and tingling in my fingers and then waking up with numb arms, which would not wake up for up to 7 hrs! I did some research and noticed that numbness/tingling of the extremities is a side effect for 20% of people taking Effexor. The numbness scared me to death! I immediately went to my shrink and got off this damn drug! I'm going to Lexapro! Ugh!"

• Unb...
• January 14, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was started at a low 75 mg. This was a very dark time emotionally for me because I felt like I was taking candy, not medicine. As we slowly increased the dose, the heaviness of depression began to lift, but I also became VERY sleepy. Other early side effects were dizziness, insomnia, minor stupor, vivid dreams, stomach cramps, and worsened anxiety. All these are gone except anxiety. We added a sleep aid and Buspar to take as needed for anxiety and insomnia. But I had to up the venlafaxine XR to my doctor's max outpatient dose of 225 mg to get rid of the unmanageable depression. This dose combined with CBT (therapy) has greatly increased the quality of my life. But NEVER FORGET A PILL! Withdrawal is awful! Sobbing, 'shocks,' lethargy."

• 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."