Venlafaxine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Fed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given a dosage of 75 mg for a month, then up to 150 mg. It has been the worst experience I've had with any medication. After 10 weeks, my new psychologist has started weaning me off. It will take 4 months in order to avoid the worse effects. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, headaches, stomach problems... just a few of my side effects."

• Liv...
• September 24, 2018

For Anxiety "I’ve been on 37.5 mg Venlafaxine for 6 years. This prescription truly saved my life! I had such bad anxiety and panic attacks that wouldn’t go away with any form of relaxation or calming methods. This medicine took away my anxiety (which I still get anxiety at stressful times), just not as terrible as before. I like that I still have feelings and am not numb to everything. It changed my life for the better! I hope this review helps someone in need, it truly helped me and brought me back to myself."

• 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!"

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I don’t have any symptoms of anxiety usually - but experienced what feeling anxious was like within the first few days of taking this medication, Effexor XR. For me, this was a good sign early on, and I trusted that the anxious feeling would subside within the coming days. The anxiousness went away quite quickly, however, I began averaging around 13 hours of sleep a day. I persisted despite the extreme lethargy, taking this medication for 4 weeks. I feel like I wasted a month of my life on this medication, I didn’t feel hunger, however, I still needed food to stay awake, so I didn’t enjoy eating as much but ate the same amount - if not more sugar to try and compensate for the tiredness. I was hoping for the opposite effect, so naturally, I was disappointed. It completely got rid of my sex drive. I have since switched back to Lexapro, which has helped slightly in the past. I am hoping to find the best combo for me in the future. I am seriously considering asking for Dexedrine at this point."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication was working at first. But then it stopped working, made my anxiety worse, and had weird episodes where I would dissociate and depersonalize. I decided to do something really stupid and quickly weaned myself off. I've been on so many antidepressants before. DO NOT DO WHAT I DID without letting your psychologist know. The withdrawals were so bad. My mood would crash, I felt like I was falling, and I was the most anxious and depressed I would be in my entire life. My panic attacks were so bad, Klonopin did nothing for them. I weaned off of 112.5 mg. I didn't like this drug... to say the least."

• 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."

• 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."

• gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 10, 2023

For Depression "Caused mania, anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, extreme dry mouth, and eyes. It aggravates Sjögren's syndrome, completely eliminating libido and the ability to orgasm. I am having severe withdrawal symptoms while tapering off over 5 years."

• Vel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2021

For Migraine "Please be very careful before you take this drug. I had severe side effects from the lowest doses, and it got worse and worse! Burning, itching, heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and my headaches got even worse! I had to come off it as fast as I could. I know it works wonders for some people, but not for me! I never write reviews, but I felt like I should share! Good luck to everyone."

• Syd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Took Effexor XR for anxiety and depression. This was not the drug for me, even though trying for months. My anxiety and depression worsened and brought in suicidal thoughts. I couldn’t eat or sleep without taking something to help, I would get brain zaps. It 100% made me so much worse and turned me into a different person. If going on this, make sure you keep a diary of how you feel each day, use family for support to help if you can. If it doesn’t feel right, speak to your doctor. I would hate for anyone to suffer as much as I did because the doctor kept saying, “it’s meant to get worse before it gets better.” Seek second opinions if it doesn’t feel right. I will never touch that again."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• chr...
• July 1, 2024

For Depression "Been on it 3 days for severe depression. I pray to God it works as I'm so unbelievably suicidal and have too many pressures on me with work and home. I started at half a 37 gone up to 1 tablet today and do feel a bit better. I had to take diazepam yesterday though as my anxiety was so out of control. I hope it's not just that leaking into today and it's the venlafaxine starting to work. I pray to God this works. I've tried everything. Depression has ruined my life. I send love to everyone fighting out there, it's so lonely."

• PPD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2020

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression "My doctor told me Effexor is supposed to help with anxiety and depression. It didn’t help with my anxiety. I first started experiencing side effects when I was a little late taking my dose. Turns out that the side effects are actually withdrawal! It feels like I’m being electrocuted briefly, then I immediately get vertigo and a sharp headache until my next “zap,” which can occur every couple of minutes! The only thing that helps is taking more of this drug! I’m trying to come off of it slowly, but it will take at least 3 weeks, and the withdrawal symptoms just keep getting worse and more frequent! Right now I experience the zaps every 45 seconds all day long, and I’m only in my first week of trying to come off of it! I would never recommend anyone take this medication, rather, ask your doctor for an alternative as the side effects are making my anxiety worse since I literally feel like I’m getting “zapped” constantly, and it is a scary feeling!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2018

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I switched to this from Prozac after trying many different SSRIs. Some didn't do anything, some helped quite a bit. Effexor XR, being an SNRI, made a world of difference compared to Prozac. At first, I did get some mild headaches and was a little jittery, but once I got used to it after a few weeks, the side effects abated. Just stick with it and don't let the side effects at first deter you."

• JDH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Find Effexor a little too stimulating compared to SSRI medications. Will stay on it for a few more days and write another review in a few weeks. I'm going back to the original instant release tablet form instead of the capsule extended release (XR). I think taking my med twice daily will be more effective without the additional anxiety that I am experiencing. Also, I find Effexor to be more stimulating than Adderall."

• 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."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2022

For Depression "I only took this drug for 14 days (37.5 mg). I started feeling like I was losing my mind. It was like my mind was racing, I couldn’t think straight. I was having panic attacks, and my anxiety was off the charts! I called my doctor on the 14th day, and she told me to stop taking it. The withdrawals have been unbelievable! I have not felt suicidal, but I would not wish this on anyone! I still can’t sit and watch TV, look on my iPad, or my phone, can’t sit still for any period of time, crying spells, no appetite, no desire to go anywhere or do anything because of the way I feel after being on this drug. My panic attacks and anxiety are still horrible, I’m just praying this medication will be out of my body soon. Doctors should do their homework on this drug, and they should tell their patients about the side effects and the beyond awful side effects of withdrawal from this drug! I’m so glad I only took this drug for 14 days!"

• PAU...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 19, 2024

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Effexor really helps with my depression. I tried going off of it because it makes me extremely tired, but I experienced agitation, increase in anxiety, and could feel my depression. I stayed off for 3 weeks and have now resumed taking it. I just wish I wasn't so tired and could sleep more when taking it. I will say I have less emotion when taking this medication and often feel as though I am observing life, not experiencing it."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started to take this med one week ago for my GAD. I'm feeling a bit 'lighter' in the head, but I also have a bit more anxiety, and I feel dizzy. I've read that this is totally normal, and I have been a benzo addict, so I had EXTREME anxiety when I was in rehab getting off that stuff. Now my life is looking brighter, and I have a lot of faith in this med. Just went from 37 mg to 75 mg once a day. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience here in one month :)"

• Sad...
• October 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I'm lucky enough to have shown side effects the first day! I started Venlafaxine at 6:00 am before work and experienced so much energy I barely knew what to do with it. This was nice considering I am always tired, but the energy came along with clenched jaw, dilated pupils, and no appetite whatsoever. When I got home to try to sleep at 10 pm, I was not able to. I had so much anxiety from thinking I heard things that weren't there. I was shaking from anxiety and being so abnormally cold. Woke up all night long and at one point was wet from sweat. Thanks to these early side effects and other stories, I only needed to take this drug one day to decide I need to stay away from it."

• Dgi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "Worst med I've ever taken! I only took it for 5 days as the side effects were so bad there was no way I was going to even try and continue to see if they stopped. My body would twitch and convulse. Anytime I tried to rest or sleep, I became so restless I had to get up and walk or move. Normal side effects too: dry mouth, extra edginess, and anxiety... it was bad. Stay away from this one! Even two weeks later, my body still twitches on its own. One time it woke me up because of how strong my legs and arms were moving."