Venlafaxine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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in), not bothered about anything including if I upset someone; more aggressive verbally (usually a very placid person), withdrawn (usually a very social person).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."

• 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!!"

• JRN...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I'm a 43-year-old man going through a painful divorce. Until I started on Effexor (75 mg) last week, I couldn't sleep at night, was obsessing over my ex, feeling absolute despair and hopelessness with bouts of furious rage. I was a wreck. Now all those symptoms are gone... But so is everything else! I am currently unemployed and had been hustling like crazy to find a new job, but since Effexor, my motivation is completely gone -- I have zero sense of urgency when I know that I should be freaking out a little because I have bills to pay and I need a job. I binged 3 hours of Netflix in the middle of the day for no reason! I've never been a procrastinator -- but that's all I'm about all of a sudden, and I could not care less! I was on Effexor years ago for my quick temper and depression, but went off it after two years because the apathy came to be too much. Looks like I am going to have to do it again -- because I need my hustle back!!!"

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Lll...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Effexor has given me depression and suicidal thoughts. I tapered down over 2 months, and I’m still experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms after 4 weeks of stopping. It’s horrendous."

• 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."

• Doo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 17, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started on 150 mg of Effexor after Zoloft didn’t work, then went up to 225 mg, and this medicine, after 6 months, made me more depressed. All I wanted to do was eat, sleep, and do nothing. I had outbursts of crying, had nightmares. I have PTSD and MDD. My doctor is changing me over to Wellbutrin. Hopefully, it will work."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Zoloft for 8 years, and my doctor first tried to wean me off that and put me on Effexor. It was miserable. I am sure some of it was related to the withdrawal from Zoloft, but I was eventually able to transition to Lexapro without the same problems. This medicine made me extremely nauseous. I had a horrible headache and was so depressed my family cried from being around me."

• 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."

• rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "Barely took the edge off of my anxiety and made me severely depressed. After a week of trying to consult a doctor about the depression, I gave up and quit cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms were bad. Never again."

• Ano...
• February 19, 2020

Venlafaxine "I was prescribed Effexor to treat mood swings from extreme PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). This drug worked to control the mood swings but slowly ruined my life as my doctor increased my dosages over the span of a year and a half. I became so apathetic and uninterested in everything in my life, I lost friendships. I gave up almost all activity, stopped walking my dog due to my low energy, and the worst was not caring about my finances anymore, which I used to be super diligent about. I lost my car after I got behind on the payments, and I almost didn't care. Previously to Effexor, I had my life together 10/10. I never suffered from depression before, I just had debilitating mood swings due to hormone imbalance. I went cold turkey off my 150 mg dose. The withdrawals were horrible, but well worth it. It's been 6 weeks since I've been off Effexor, and I am feeling like my old self again. This medication, if not prescribed appropriately, can have devastating effects."

• Dan...
• August 19, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Increase dose more slowly than the doctor says. I was convinced I was actually in hell for a week after increasing my dose for one single day. It helps my situation, but it ruins my memory, kills motivation, kills desire or will to do anything. A cool and crisp morning loses that good feeling, and your sleep sucks, causing you to be tired all day. I would recommend taking a dose only on days you feel awful. Maybe 15 mg. I regret taking this every day. The withdrawal is worse than alcohol, tobacco, and other SSRIs combined."

• Dan...
• August 19, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Increase dose more slowly than the doctor says. I was convinced I was actually in hell for a week after increasing my dose for one single day. It helps my situation, but it ruins my memory, kills motivation, kills desire or will to do anything. A cool and crisp morning loses that good feeling, and your sleep sucks, causing you to be tired all day. I would recommend taking a dose only on days you feel awful. Maybe 15 mg. I regret taking this every day. The withdrawal is worse than alcohol, tobacco, and other SSRIs combined."

• 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?"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2022

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I used to be a person with extreme anxiety. For over a decade, I always had to rely on Xanax bars and/or Klonopin. Until my Dr. prescribed me Effexor 37.5 mgs, now almost four months later, I'm on 150 mgs, and Effexor has almost completely taken away my anxiety while at the same time has helped control my stress, agitation, and depression. I thank my Dr. for prescribing me Effexor, it has changed my life for the better."

• 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."

• Lyl...
• June 1, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Took first dose of 75 mg before bed. Fell asleep at 10:30 and slept well, actually. Woke up at 5:30 with eyes wide open as if I just had 10 espressos. It's now 6:30 and I don't have to be out of bed until 7. Can't sleep anymore. Feeling jittery with jaw clenching and teeth chattering when I open my mouth a little. Hands are sweating. I feel a little emotionally numb. Slight ringing in ears and slight headache with slight nausea. I feel peaceful but dull. Not sure if I will take again."

• 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."

• sad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Never knew how powerful this drug is until I tried to replace it with Cymbalta. Within 2 days of switching, my anxiety was sky-high, and my depression was so severe that I literally was suicidal. Went back on it, and these symptoms subsided quickly. By no means is this the perfect drug, but it seems to be a bit better than others. I wish it would control anxiety better. I have to take lorazepam to control anxiety fully."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2016

For Depression "Started at 25 mg a day and eventually got up to 75 mg a day. Rather than make me feel more expansive and energized, this drug made me feel super lethargic and even more depressed. I also experienced loss of appetite on this drug. 1/10, would punch Pfizer CEO in the face."