Venlafaxine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• kin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 10, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "If I could, I would give this a 0. I was put on Effexor for anxiety, the little depression that I had, and I was told by my doctor that it would help with nausea. All was fine for a while, but when I ran out of the pills, I would get very violently ill and could barely see straight. Effexor messed with me emotionally, it made me more depressed and had an opposite effect on me. Now getting off the pills was the worst. It took 6 months from 150 mg to 0. Brain zaps, could barely walk in a straight line, walls would be moving and feeling sick 24/7. My advice to anyone is take Effexor with caution and just remember your body will become dependent on Effexor."

• hug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I can't use the explicit language to describe my time with this, IMO, rat poison. Started at 37.5, then 75, eventually 225. Naturally, Drs always say, 'You've got to give it time to work!' SURE DOC! Want you to all know I'm no rookie at this, having battled depression for 23 years and taken over 30 different meds, and certainly, THIS DRUG WAS BY FAR THE WORSTTTTT. I refuse to believe that this drug was allowed to be given to humans. Getting on it, I became practically more dead, spending 20 hours a day in bed, suicidal ideations one after another, crying, not eating, hopeless even more, and every other negative symptom you can name associated with depression. Getting off is YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE - FOR ME? 3 ENTIRE MONTHS! BEWARE!!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 2, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I was diagnosed with hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I had terrible hot flushes, so I was prescribed venlafaxine. I was on 37.5 mg, and it helped a little, but my doctor told me to go on 75 mg. Big mistake. She told me it would upset my stomach but to stay on it. It will get better. I survived 6 months, but stomach issues never went away, I had a terrible constant headache right in the area of my prefrontal cortex or sinuses, I am not sure. I feel faint and dizzy like I am an 'airhead.' I get sweats, I am tired and weak all of the time. Yawn constantly. I never suffered from depression before, but I felt depressed after taking this, and I had memory issues. I am trying to wean myself off now, but my head bothers me. I hope I can recover from the dizziness and 'airhead' feeling. How long do these side effects last after you are off this drug?"

• Nel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "GP recommended Effexor 7 months ago when I was going through some extremely stressful life events. The Seroxat I was on for GAD for the previous 17 years was no longer effective, and now I had become depressed. Effexor 37.5 mg worked well at first, was upped to 70 mg. Benefits: Immediately made me feel less depressed (hooray - no more tears), no panic attacks at all, able to sleep all night. Costs: Felt like a zombie, lost my spark, didn't feel present when talking to people (the lights were on but no one was in), not bothered about anything including if I upset someone; more aggressive verbally (usually a very placid person), withdrawn (usually a very social person). Withdrawal if missed dose was torture. Currently tapering off it."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2020

For Hot Flashes "What a hideous drug. Do not take this for hot flushes EVER. I’d much prefer hot flushes than this wretched feeling of......well, depression! I’ve gained a lot of weight and have not felt settled in life, which was not the case for me before. I had a better time experiencing menopause while having chemotherapy and wish I’d never started on this. I’ve weaned myself off with help from a doctor. It’s only taken a few weeks. I’ve taken 3 extra days off work after the weekend so I could relax and sleep if need be. I’m doing well and won’t be taking them ever again. If it wasn’t for my doctor's kindness one day when I stopped cold turkey, I might not have made it at all."

• NMa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2021

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "My goodness. On Effexor XR for 5 to 6 months, last 6 weeks tapering down. Went from 37.5 mg up to 225 mg, never did much for depression or anxiety, though it did good to rid of any and all NSSI/SI. My main complaint isn't the drug itself, it's stopping it. 6-week taper, feeling fine save for some headache/nausea-until I got to 75 mg. Then: always dizzy, more depressed, feeling physically paralyzed. It got worse at 37.5 mg, brain zaps causing such bad vertigo that I avoided leaving my apartment. Stopping it entirely, depression was worse than it had been in months, felt too sick to eat, moving my head slightly was enough to cause a migraine. I had so little energy that I-no joke-called my pharmacy to tell them the Adderall they gave me was defective. I was cocky because I never get any bad side effects from meds. Stopping this med is dangerous: I almost went to the ER twice, once because I was worried I couldn't keep myself safe, then because the brain zaps and vertigo were so bad I thought I was going to collapse. Weigh your options before STARTING, not after."

• cd8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Horrific side effects and incredibly difficult to wean off of as well because of the withdrawal symptoms. When I first started taking it, I felt some relief, but it didn't last very long. I'd taken Lexapro and Zoloft in the past and felt that, over time, they were no longer helpful in treating my depression, which is why my doctor put me on Effexor. It took me a while to realize this medication was worsening my depression symptoms, and I didn't realize it until after a botched suicide attempt. I don't recommend this medication to anyone for any reason. Worst of the worst as far as I'm concerned. It'll trick your brain for a little while into thinking you're improving, but the depression and anxiety will come back and hit you ten times worse!"

• Amb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've had anxiety since I was 12 and have tried half a dozen different medications, all with a degree of success, but I always built up a tolerance to them, and they would stop working. Effexor was the only medication that continued to work at 225 mg for 16 years until I decided I'd had enough of taking pills and got off them in a week with hardly any side effects at all. I did notice when trying to find the right dosage for me at 150 mg, I felt my mind become numb. I had no empathy, emotions, and felt like a zombie, but increasing the dose took me out of the fog, and I could function like a normal human being. I still have anxiety today and don't go out as much as I used to, but I'm happy with that."

• tdi...
• March 24, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor XR for years. I have been on several other SSRIs through the years that eventually stopped working. Effexor has been the most successful in the long term. I take 150 mg of the XR and 37.5 three times a day of the regular Effexor. The regular was recently added as my depression has worsened due to additional stress at work. I have not had any major side effects, even on this high of a dose. I do agree that withdrawal is serious. If I miss a dose, I have a buzzing feeling, crying, and an increase in depression almost immediately. This is one medication that I do not go without-ever. I am a bit worried about ever going off it for these reasons. I believe that this can be done safely with the help of a physician."

• Sle...
• April 19, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've only been on this medication for about 2 weeks. That said, I've slept almost every day since starting it. I know sleepiness is a common side effect, but this is excessive. Almost no energy throughout the day. Nonstop yawning. My depression is still there, anxiety has been better. I just feel very drained and apathetic. I'll stick with it for a while longer because I know it will take a while for the full effect to kick in, hoping for good results!"

• joj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2024

For Depression "I have been on so many meds after they discontinued my medication that I was on for 20 years. Finally, we thought we would try Effexor. I started out at a low dose, and nothing changed. My panic attacks and depression were raging again, so the meds were increased to 75, and still nothing. I felt like nothing was going to help, and I was getting so low, the lowest I had been in 20 years. So, one more increase to 150. Well, I am feeling better. It took about a week, my head stopped racing, panic attacks have stopped, and the depression has gotten better, even with the holidays coming, which is usually really worse. I am hopeful this will continue. I am so happy that I am not a lost cause. This medication does work, you have to be patient. I might have to have another increase, I am not sure because I have problems with serotonin and seasonal disorder too, and depression, so I know when I feel bad, but so far, it's better."

• Han...
• November 2, 2016

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "The first two months of Effexor XR 37 mg were great, I felt good. But that apparently is just the startup. The first couple of days of taking it, I felt an awesome euphoria and a high like I was on cocaine. I was a little restless, had a hard time getting to sleep, and had diarrhea. The doctor bumped me up to 75 mg one week ago. The first day was awesome, I felt like I was on cocaine again. After that first day, I felt nothing other than an overbearing fact that I wanted to get off of this. I feel like complete trash. I feel emotionless but really down. I don't know if I can make it another week on this medication. I've been on four medications, and none of them have helped so far. This was my last hope for medication."

• Sun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 22, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "It was effective, but not in a way anyone would want. For the very first time in my life, I would go through episodes where I experienced absolute terror, and although I had been experiencing deep depression after losing several people close to me in a short time, I had never before contemplated harming myself. After less than a week on this medication, I was disassociated from everyone around me, largely unaware of anyone or anything outside 'my bubble', and had turned totally inward, to the point of not seeing the changes. I was in such a dark place. Luckily, when the thought flashed through my mind that 'I sure will miss my girls' followed by a second lucid thought hit... WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING>>>??!! Two days after stopping the med, all was back to the comparatively blissful normal depression, which has proven to be MUCH more effectively dealt with through some counseling, a regimen of exercise and outdoor activities, and an intensive hobby."

• sou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 8, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "This medication has saved my life. I’ve been on it for a few years, and I think maybe it might have a slight effect on my immediate short-term memory, but that also just might be me normally, lol. I could not function without Effexor medication, not only has it saved my life, it has given me a life. I am 26, and in the past few years, I’ve become more social and tolerable to be around. I am so thankful I stuck with it. If I miss a dose, I get a wicked headache and the depression and panic ensue so intensely, but I rarely miss a dose. If you cut yourself off of it, you will withdrawal, and it is painful. Only downfalls. I am so happy to feel normal!"

• Gaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2015

For Anxiety "29-year-old male - Quite a bubbly person, really, but suffers from bad periods of anxiety and depression with a lot of self-confidence issues. I have tried all types of SSRIs: fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, propranolol (beta-blocker), and none of them seemed to work or do anything about the anxiety. Suffered from dizziness, lack of motivation, breathing problems, twitches, and emotional problems. Within a week of taking venlafaxine, I felt brilliant with hardly any side effects. A little bit sweaty during the day and a slight headache at first, but they really do make an impact. I have heard a lot about coming off them, but I will take each day as it comes and stay on these for as long as advised. Definitely rate these tablets."

• Dwa...
• January 18, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been having depression for about 10 years. It took a long time to get the right one. Eventually, I was put on Effexor XR. Started from 37.5, then finally 300 mg per day. Effexor gave me a lot of side effects, but I found it to be very good, making me feel like myself again. There was only one major problem, I got addicted to gambling even from the day I started with 37.5. I was in major debt. I am now trying other medicines (Seroquel), but I am not the same anymore, very lazy, no motivation. Since I have stopped Effexor, I have stopped gambling. And as for the depression, I am on trial with Seroquel. Wish me luck!!"

• jul...
• December 17, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on this medication for about a year now. I am very, very pleased with it. It has changed my life at the age of 26. I used to have depression, social disorder, always tired, and some mood swings. Also, a very inattentive person. Now I am happy and can cope a lot better with life. I wish I had this medication way earlier in life. I would have had a better life as a teen. Probably could have accomplished a lot more. Thanks to Effexor XR."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety "I never understood why antidepressants were linked to suicidality until I tried Effexor. I had been on Lexapro for 8 years for anxiety, but got fed up with the apathy and loss of libido, and it just wasn't working well. Switched to Effexor XR, was on 75mg for a total of 6 months. I slowly became more and more depressed, agitated, and began to have suicidal thoughts daily - I've never had any of these problems before - I was taking these drugs for anxiety after all, not depression. I was extremely numb emotionally and lacked any semblance of empathy, compassion, or affection as a result. In a way, this medication numbed me to the idea of death, whereby suicide seemed okay. Tapering off and feeling back to normal. Horrible, horrible drug, for me at least..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety "I never understood why antidepressants were linked to suicidality until I tried Effexor. I had been on Lexapro for 8 years for anxiety, but got fed up with the apathy and loss of libido, and it just wasn't working well. Switched to Effexor XR, was on 75mg for a total of 6 months. I slowly became more and more depressed, agitated, and began to have suicidal thoughts daily - I've never had any of these problems before - I was taking these drugs for anxiety after all, not depression. I was extremely numb emotionally and lacked any semblance of empathy, compassion, or affection as a result. In a way, this medication numbed me to the idea of death, whereby suicide seemed okay. Tapering off and feeling back to normal. Horrible, horrible drug, for me at least..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2020

For Anxiety "I never understood why antidepressants were linked to suicidality until I tried Effexor. I had been on Lexapro for 8 years for anxiety, but got fed up with the apathy and loss of libido, and it just wasn't working well. Switched to Effexor XR, was on 75mg for a total of 6 months. I slowly became more and more depressed, agitated, and began to have suicidal thoughts daily - I've never had any of these problems before - I was taking these drugs for anxiety after all, not depression. I was extremely numb emotionally and lacked any semblance of empathy, compassion, or affection as a result. In a way, this medication numbed me to the idea of death, whereby suicide seemed okay. Tapering off and feeling back to normal. Horrible, horrible drug, for me at least..."

• It...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My story; I hope it gives strength, and even though you feel like shit now, with the right treatment and dose, you will get better. In a nutshell; abusive relationship, court case, and bullying at work, which resulted in me resigning. Venlafaxine was given for 9 months, but felt like a zombie/emotionless. My 'genius' GP thought it would be good for me to stop immediately. Never do this - taper over a month, as I got discontinuation syndrome. I fell into a deep depression and felt mentally unstable, reporting to A&E twice. I was terrified and spent weeks just lying on the floor to stop me from topping myself (totally out of character). Sertraline saved me when the right dose was found. Try mindfulness to help with the tough times. You will recover."

• It...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 27, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My story; I hope it gives strength, and even though you feel like shit now, with the right treatment and dose, you will get better. In a nutshell; abusive relationship, court case, and bullying at work, which resulted in me resigning. Venlafaxine was given for 9 months, but felt like a zombie/emotionless. My 'genius' GP thought it would be good for me to stop immediately. Never do this - taper over a month, as I got discontinuation syndrome. I fell into a deep depression and felt mentally unstable, reporting to A&E twice. I was terrified and spent weeks just lying on the floor to stop me from topping myself (totally out of character). Sertraline saved me when the right dose was found. Try mindfulness to help with the tough times. You will recover."

• tes...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 14, 2022

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Effexor for over 10 years, and it has helped me a lot with my depression. I tried almost all antidepressants that exist, and Effexor was the only one that really helped me. When I started, I almost immediately felt the effect of increased motivation and improved mood. It also helped with my anxiety, especially because I procrastinate a lot less. On the flip side, I feel like the effectiveness of the medication somewhat decreased over the years. But most importantly, there are the terrible withdrawal effects that start only a few hours after forgetting to take it. Plus, now that I want to start a family, I was told that I need to get off of it because it could harm my baby. Which is a problem because even though I only take out one granule from the capsule every day, I still feel extremely tired and sad on bad days. I was also extremely nauseous at some point. I have to taper down even slower now. I still would recommend Effexor because it is the only medication that has helped."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2013

For Anxiety "I suffered with severe anxiety, especially in social situations. I think mine was linked to coming off my pill and my hormones going crazy. I tried sertraline for two days and felt horrid - flu-like symptoms, depression, nausea, fatigue! I then tried venlafaxine and after two weeks, my anxiety had gone. It came back around the time of the month, but this medicine has truly fixed me. I understand that different medicines work for different people, but this saved my life."

• Anonymous
• August 24, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor is risky. The years that I took Effexor were fantastic, but the withdrawal symptoms are just as bad as everyone says. In fact, after about three years, Effexor stopped working for me out of the blue. There was no controlled withdrawal. My symptoms were the 'brain zaps' or an 'electric shock' feeling in my head. My mind felt like a skipping record. I was severely depressed and cried all the time. That said, I am now starting to take it again after taking Prozac for several years. Prozac doesn't make me feel as good as Effexor did, so I'm taking it again. Hopefully, I'll have another few good years on it before I have to push through withdrawal."