Venlafaxine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Rui...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took Effexor 150 mg. I had the usual sexual side effects associated with antidepressants. Tapered off under my doctor's guidance. My sex drive never returned, and that was almost 13 years ago. It basically turned me asexual or chemically castrated me."

• B12...
• December 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Was on this med for 5 years. Worked fine but not great. Stopped the panic attacks and gave me relief from everyday nervousness that I was experiencing. Took months for the side effects to diminish when I first started taking it. What did not leave - insomnia, night sweats, lack of sex drive, and poor orgasms (or no orgasms at all)."

• Ven...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2020

For Depression "I had the worst time being on venlafaxine medication. I am a 28-year-old female who has suffered from depression and anxiety for many years. I have been on and off medications. After years of trying to “defeat it” by myself without help, I sought medical guidance. My doctor prescribed this drug. When she upped the dose to 75 mg, I felt like a zombie. I gave this medication a chance, I tried to. I took it for about 2 months. I was in a constant daze, the sexual side effects sucked, and I did not feel like myself at all. I was always tired, and worst of all, my sleep was impacted. I never used to tremble in my sleep until I started this awful medication. My husband would wake me up because of my constant trembling and nightmares. The withdrawal effects are not pleasant. If it helps you and you’ve been on it a while, great. Personally, I feel venlafaxine made my situation worse. I have been off the medication for a week now, and I feel 10 times better, more like myself."

• Anonymous
• September 2, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "This medication changed my life. I'm sorry I waited so long to admit I needed it. It's wonderful to be able to cope with all of the daily challenges of life and yet still feel happy to be alive. If you're feeling out of control, don't waste your life out of fear of asking for help. Side effects like loss of sexual drive are minor compared to the benefits."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 25, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was not satisfied with the SSRI I had been taking (escitalopram) for my OCD. The main side effect I disliked was general fogginess and numbing of emotions. I felt like a zombie. I also had issues with libido related. I told my doc and made the switch to an SNRI. Not only do I not have the fogginess or libido issues, it had the added benefit of making me more social. It does good with anxiety and OCD issues too."

• 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."

• Lar...
• December 1, 2019

For Hot Flashes "Feb 18, started on venlafaxine 37.5 mg & took 2 weeks to decrease the severity of my hot flashes (15-20 a day). Flashes never left but diminished. After 6 months, flashes increased again, so the doctor upped the dosage to 75 mg. Flashes decreased, but side effects became more pronounced. Constipation was horrible. Tickly cough every night, brain zaps, gained 10 lbs & my libido was gone. Oct 19, after 1 1/2 years, stopped cold turkey. Was so tired of constipation & not being myself. 2nd day off the drug, flashes became sweats, and the 3rd day couldn't function. I felt fluish with withdrawal. I didn't care, just wanted this drug out of my body. It's been 4 weeks & flashes are still around but less severe, BUT I have my life back, the constipation is gone, no coughing, no brain zaps, weight is coming off because I am focused & I have my love life back. On the drug, I didn't know if my hot flashes were diminishing or not. The drug is an option but would limit how long & I would wean off for sure."

• Ele...
• March 4, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking this for about half a year now. It's been working great for me. My depression is a bit better, I get fewer suicidal thoughts, and my social anxiety is reduced. However, I still do feel anxious (in non-social situations) most of the time, but at least I haven't had a panic attack in quite a while. I'm taking 75 mg every morning. The first week on it, I had severe headaches and felt really dizzy, but it lasted only a week, so that was fine. As for side effects, like any medication for anxiety and depression, my sex drive became nonexistent. One other thing - it causes you to have wild dreams, but to me, this is more of an advantage."

• Anonymous
• January 4, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started Effexor after the birth of my first child due to postpartum depression. I have never been severely depressed prior to this. My doctor first prescribed Zoloft, which did not help at all. After two weeks, I was put on Effexor and started feeling better within a few days. The only side effect that I ever noticed was having no sex drive at all. I stopped taking it after a year (I tapered so I did not notice any withdrawal symptoms everyone talks about) and was recently put back on it due to some family issues pushing me back into a depression. The first few days are rough, but I've been on it for a week now, and I do feel a difference. My anxiety and mood have improved, and I can actually function. This medicine works great for me."

• Lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 1, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for the past six months after weaning off of Zoloft, which I had been on for years, and it seemed to have lost effectiveness. I’ve had a generally positive response to it - I am a female in my late twenties on 150 MG/day extended release. Dry mouth and decreased libido are side effects I have experienced, but they are mild and aren’t a big enough deterrent to get off the medication. I definitely can notice a huge improvement in my mood overall, even though I was prescribed this for anxiety, it seems to help my depressive symptoms a bit more, with the exception of the week before my period. Just don’t miss your dose for more than 3-4 hours because that’s when I start feeling weird withdrawal side effects! I didn’t get that with Zoloft."

• mr...
• May 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medication has worked amazingly well for me, but the side effects are no joke. My mood is better, I'm less anxious, less angry, and more sociable. It works. It's great, but there are serious drawbacks. My libido and sexual performance are down. I get tired more easily. If I go outside on a hot day, my clothes are quickly drenched in sweat. Physical activity exhausts my muscles more quickly. My mouth is so dry I need to constantly sip water. And finally, if I miss a dose, I get the sensation of electric shocks in my brain. I personally find the benefits outweigh the side effects. Worth a try when more tolerable meds fail."

• mr...
• May 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medication has worked amazingly well for me, but the side effects are no joke. My mood is better, I'm less anxious, less angry, and more sociable. It works. It's great, but there are serious drawbacks. My libido and sexual performance are down. I get tired more easily. If I go outside on a hot day, my clothes are quickly drenched in sweat. Physical activity exhausts my muscles more quickly. My mouth is so dry I need to constantly sip water. And finally, if I miss a dose, I get the sensation of electric shocks in my brain. I personally find the benefits outweigh the side effects. Worth a try when more tolerable meds fail."

• Her...
• July 18, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "Here to only tell you all side effects are temporary. If you experience positive effects for your depression, but can't stand the side effects, don't stop taking it. All side effects will disappear after a maximum of one month! I had tinnitus, problems with libido, but my depression was gone after a few days on 150 mg. I think I will never stop this medication. It works 110%. Make sure you take the right milligrams for you. All other antidepressants just are not working, even the most expensive ones. Good luck to you all."

• You...
• May 20, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I have cPTSD, serious depression, anxiety, and I also suffer from fibromyalgia. I will never get off of Effexor because it works, and the withdrawal symptoms scare me to death. I would only suggest Effexor as a last resort and only for someone with long-term issues because of the withdrawal problems. Effexor is a lifetime commitment, but it works, so that's okay with me. I did try other medications, and honestly, the one thing I have learned to test if an antidepressant is going to work is if, after a week of taking it, there is sexual dysfunction or not. I wish it helped me more with the fibro, but it is so worth it for the anti-anxiety. I can buy 90 days of generic at Costco for under $40, and that is cheaper than my insurance copays."

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Effexor XR since mid-2005 to help me through a major depressive episode in my life. Took it in conjunction with Remeron, which helped me immensely with improving my sleep and improving my mood. Watch for withdrawal symptoms (reduce the drug by taking a few grains out of the capsule each time). Do not go off cold turkey. Would be a 10/10 except that I have the sexual side effect. However, I'd rather be happy/non-suicidal than easily aroused."

• tjw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took it for 2 weeks. Started 75mg first week and went up to 150mg the second. Several days after I increased the dosage, I lost all sex potency and sex drive completely. I'm a 25-year-old man, and I was not able to orgasm at all. After I stopped, I have VERY SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. I had to lose work for several days and was very close to being sent to a hospital. At NO POINT did my doctor warn me of any of these symptoms. It's very important to understand that this drug CAN cause permanent damage and that it is highly addictive even after a short time. I'd rather take a bullet to my head than take this pill ever again."

• tjw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took it for 2 weeks. Started 75mg first week and went up to 150mg the second. Several days after I increased the dosage, I lost all sex potency and sex drive completely. I'm a 25-year-old man, and I was not able to orgasm at all. After I stopped, I have VERY SEVERE withdrawal symptoms. I had to lose work for several days and was very close to being sent to a hospital. At NO POINT did my doctor warn me of any of these symptoms. It's very important to understand that this drug CAN cause permanent damage and that it is highly addictive even after a short time. I'd rather take a bullet to my head than take this pill ever again."

• She...
• November 22, 2019

For Anxiety "This medication works for me! I've had depression on and off for years and found out through therapy that the depression was a side effect of anxiety that was in the driver's seat my whole life! Therapy wasn't enough, so I was put on the generic of Effexor. It has been life-changing!!!! No anti-depression or anti-anxiety med comes without a cost, so you have to decide what side you can live with. My side effects: 1. I yawned a lot at first, but it goes away. 2. I'm a post-menopausal woman, my libido was pretty low before the drug, but non-existent now. I might have felt differently before, but now this is not a deal breaker. 4. CRAZY dreams. That's it. No scary stuff. I have not had any brain zaps if I am late with the meds. It has given me a new lease on life. I'm not tired, and it directly squashes my anxiety in a way that I still feel normal but have a clear perspective. Someday this might change, but right now it works for me."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was first prescribed Effexor 13 years ago and was taking 225 mg. I was on it for a few years and stopped taking it when I was pregnant with my first child. I was put on Paxil (gained so much weight) and then Zoloft. I took the Zoloft off and on for years until it just wasn't working for me anymore. I was then put on Wellbutrin while still taking 25 mg of Zoloft. I quit smoking (had no desire to smoke) but then became suicidal. My doctor then put me back on Effexor, and I currently only take 75 mg. I feel amazing. Yeah, the side effects are bad, I've gained weight (lost weight the first time I was on it), have sexual side effects, and get quite shaky/jittery if I'm late on a dose. But I'm finally the mom I've always wanted to be."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I’ve been on Effexor for 5 months, and I’ve gone from off the charts depressed and anxious to happy and productive. I tried an anxiolytic briefly the first week I started the Effexor but didn’t like it, so I quit, but I’ve found that my negative internal narrative has improved drastically on the Effexor, which has helped my anxiety significantly as well. My family and friends have noticed a huge difference in my mood and energy level. I was increased to 112.5 mg daily over the winter for relapse in some depressive symptoms and just decreased to 75 mg daily - having some side effects of sleep interruption with the dose titration, but otherwise so far, so good. My sleep was always interrupted titrating up as well, which always improved with time. My only complaint is that my sex drive decreased for a while upon starting the drug, and even though I now have it back, it’s still more difficult to orgasm. This side effect is improving over time as well, but it’s an annoyance for sure."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I’ve been on Effexor for 5 months, and I’ve gone from off the charts depressed and anxious to happy and productive. I tried an anxiolytic briefly the first week I started the Effexor but didn’t like it, so I quit, but I’ve found that my negative internal narrative has improved drastically on the Effexor, which has helped my anxiety significantly as well. My family and friends have noticed a huge difference in my mood and energy level. I was increased to 112.5 mg daily over the winter for relapse in some depressive symptoms and just decreased to 75 mg daily - having some side effects of sleep interruption with the dose titration, but otherwise so far, so good. My sleep was always interrupted titrating up as well, which always improved with time. My only complaint is that my sex drive decreased for a while upon starting the drug, and even though I now have it back, it’s still more difficult to orgasm. This side effect is improving over time as well, but it’s an annoyance for sure."

• laf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

Venlafaxine "Prescribed Effexor XR. Started with 37.5 mg, increased to 75 mg 2 weeks ago. Diagnosed with cPTSD, panic in '10. First Celexa caused a rash, Zoloft made me volatile. Then with Effexor, I feel much better, no palpitations, less fear, anxiety, and anger, and haven't punched anyone, so that's good, I only WANT to sometimes. Thoughts are not keeping me hostage so much while awake, nightmares like before. I can say hello to classmates. Sometimes have increased appetite. I do have increased overall energy - helps with getting out of bed with a more positive attitude, going for exercise without much fear, though lack of libido - that part of my body feels numb (boo), but okay. I feel better overall. I sweat a LOT more when sleeping, exercising, definitely more thirsty. I increased water intake. After 4 years of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy), 5 years of CBT, and a mindful lifestyle, grateful to find Effexor helping in ways I need. I felt exhausted for so long, now I feel alive. No need to work so hard to seem okay. I feel HOPE. I hope my little story helps be a light in the darkness for someone."

• Bee...
• January 6, 2020

For Anxiety "Felt no improvement on venlafaxine. When I increased to 112.5 mg, my BP skyrocketed. I was hyper irritable, extreme mood swings, racing thoughts, feeling out of control, rapid pulse, panic-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, and dizziness (for approx. 5 days). Started to taper off. At a dose of 75 mg, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, extreme relationship-damaging mood swings, dark thoughts, isolation, difficulty concentrating, and forming sentences, feeling like I was losing my mind for about 7 days. This is normally not my behavior. I took this drug to help with my work anxiety (I am a nurse). What a mistake. After 7 days, I went down to 37.5 mg, and again I felt so sick. Flu-like symptoms, no sex drive, difficulty having conversations/concentrating at work. It is day 7 on 37.5, and tonight I will not take it. I hate this drug. I have tried citalopram before, which was a way better drug for me. Withdrawal was easy. Effexor withdrawal feels like I've poisoned myself."

• Sar...
• June 26, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "So this drug really helped with my depression, but it also has some bad side effects. Please, please, please never skip a dose of this stuff. You will feel like absolute trash. As long as I take it every 24 hours, it works perfectly for both my anxiety and depression, but if I miss a dose, the side effects are awful. My whole body feels like white noise, my limbs buzz, I'm dizzy and nauseous, and can barely concentrate. Also, I don't know everyone else's experience with the medicine, but I used to be on the 150 mg dose, and let me tell you, I couldn't orgasm no matter how much I wanted to, and it sucked. I know it was the medicine's fault, 'cause when I lowered my dose to 75 mg, I could orgasm again. The medicine ridiculously lowers my libido."

• Jac...
• January 30, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been depressed on and off for years. Tried several other things: Zoloft, Wellbutrin, etc. Nothing worked. Effexor is a miracle. But I will say the first week isn't the greatest. I felt like dead weight, no motivation, etc. I got off of it for a few years because I didn't want to take something my whole life. And my depression came back. So this time I started off with a low dose, breaking my 25 mg pills in half. Then, after a few days, going to 25 mg, etc. And I feel fabulous. Not zombie-like. Two side effects for me: I can drink alcohol, but I puke like crazy if I have one drink. And it takes forever to orgasm. But guess what? My health, for my children and me, is more important. Give Effexor a try if you're depressed. But tell your doctor to start off with a low dose. I can't imagine starting at 75 mg. That's way too high. This is the only med that made me feel me again. I'm back to myself, but I still have emotion, I don't feel like I'm high or loopy."