Venlafaxine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Mee...
• October 9, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been on Effexor now for 2 years after trying Prozac and Celexa (which both had awful side effects). My dose ranged from 37.5 to 112.5. I am now at a point in my life where I feel like I can break through my depression and get off these drugs. I want to start having kids, and Effexor is very anti-baby. Today is day 5, and the only thing I have noticed is all I want to do is sleep, and I have cried every single day since lowering my dose. I still feel like it is worth it to get off them though. They had only minor side effects such as lowered sex drive and nausea if you don't eat, but I feel like I can find a more natural way to feel better! Good luck to everyone out there, it's hard, but you can do it!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Sim...
• April 22, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been on Effexor ER for three years now for anxiety and PTSD, and it truly saved my life. I have had anxiety and depression since I opened my eyes. I got very good at managing my problem until I had a hysterectomy after a cancer diagnosis. I can honestly say I would have ended my life if this hadn’t worked so well for me. I have genuinely way less anxiety, but only on lower doses. On higher ones, I start to have bad side effects. Pros: I feel stable and happy for the first time ever. I don’t have social anxiety to the point where I won’t leave my house anymore. I don’t have terrible nightmares. I lost 40 lbs while on it as my appetite is low. Cons: withdrawal is terrible. Take your doses or you will FEEL it. My libido has suffered. I also tend to have trouble reaching orgasm. I take an herbal supplement called “In the Mood” that helps me with that (I am female). I have been on almost every med known to woman in my 39 years. This one worked well for me."

• Sim...
• April 22, 2021

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have been on Effexor ER for three years now for anxiety and PTSD, and it truly saved my life. I have had anxiety and depression since I opened my eyes. I got very good at managing my problem until I had a hysterectomy after a cancer diagnosis. I can honestly say I would have ended my life if this hadn’t worked so well for me. I have genuinely way less anxiety, but only on lower doses. On higher ones, I start to have bad side effects. Pros: I feel stable and happy for the first time ever. I don’t have social anxiety to the point where I won’t leave my house anymore. I don’t have terrible nightmares. I lost 40 lbs while on it as my appetite is low. Cons: withdrawal is terrible. Take your doses or you will FEEL it. My libido has suffered. I also tend to have trouble reaching orgasm. I take an herbal supplement called “In the Mood” that helps me with that (I am female). I have been on almost every med known to woman in my 39 years. This one worked well for me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cal...
• May 6, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Started Venlafaxine 37.5mg - 150mg over a 6-week period for anxiety and PMDD but had to stop. Previous to this, I was on Mirtazapine 15mg to help with sleep and appetite, but it did nothing for my 'feelings.' VENLAFAXINE - PROs - Slightly more confident, didn't blush, more energy, less body pain. CONs - INSOMNIA, no appetite at all, started losing weight, muted feelings, had no empathy anymore, like a I don't give a shit attitude, NO LIBIDO and couldn't orgasm! I decided to quit this garbage and return to the mild Mirtazapine for good. Some of the weeks I was on venlafaxine, I actually also took the Mirt (the combo known as Californian rocket fuel) so I could get some sleep, although doctors did not allow me to do this! Effects after stopping Venlafaxine - 3 days."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I started this medication 2 weeks ago to help with anxiety, cognitive issues, and hypochondria. I'm currently on 75 mg. The first day I began to feel calmer, but within the next few days, more anxiety symptoms switched to depression. I went from having OCD thoughts and medical worries to wanting to sleep any chance I can get. There's also a complete loss of libido. I've also started having constipation problems."

• Sal...
• January 16, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Was very depressed and couldn't sleep. Started on 37.5 mg twice a day, then doubled. My mood has improved a little, but not my sleep. No interest in sex. Can't eat - have lost two stones. Don't know what to do for the best! Not suicidal anymore, at least."

• PSS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 30, 2018

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Effexor has destroyed my life. It's given me PSSD (Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction). It basically chemically castrated me. I experienced the sexual side effects while on the med. Stopped meds under Dr. advice. Sex drive never returned, and it's been 13 years. This is purely the worst drug that has the potential to destroy a person's life forever. STAY AWAY. DON'T RISK THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS THAT WILL LAST FOREVER WITH NO CURE."

• Dav...
• July 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been using Effexor XR for about 9 months now and have been off it for about 3 weeks. I am still experiencing sexual dysfunction. I understand this to be post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, which can last a few months, to a few years, to permanently. I wanted to let people know of this risk of taking an SSRI."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 8, 2013

Venlafaxine "Started at 37.5 for hot flashes, but also found that my hair-trigger anger and low-grade depression were gone. Oh, did I mention the onset of suicidal ideation I experienced at menopause? Took care of that too. Went up to 150 XR a day, but stomach upset, excessive teeth grinding, loss of libido, and weight gain are making me go back to 37.5 again. Ended up on the 150 because of my wicked hot flashes, but willing to deal with them at 37.5 for the sake of my sex life. I'm afraid to go off of it at 37.5, as it removed the anxiety and despair I realized I have felt most of my life. I encourage many to stay at the lowest dose of any of these drugs; it takes time to figure out which one is good for you. Cheers."

• Joh...
• January 1, 2016

For Depression "I wanted to offer my support and experience with venlafaxine. I have never taken antidepressants. After an accident that altered my lifestyle and enjoyment of life, I talked to my doctor. I did not want to risk going on pain meds (I know myself well enough that I fear possible addiction), and he suggested an antidepressant. I started at 75 for 2 weeks and increased to 150 after. Initially, I had a weird experience of wanting to smile for no reason. I didn't like this as it almost seemed like mental gymnastics to reconcile this induced sense of excessive happiness and smiling at nothing. This has mostly subsided now after 1 month on 150. The only other big side effect is sexual. Other men may understand where I am coming from. My libido is actually slightly higher (may be because I am no longer depressed), and I have no problem at all with arousal. However, actually climaxing is a big effort. When it does finally happen though, it's more intense. Other than that, no side effects. On the major plus side, no more sleeping in and calling in sick to work. I have a renewed zest for life. It's amazing to look forward to waking up and starting my day! I start up conversations with strangers at the coffee shop and have made new friends. If a negative thought enters my mind, it just seems to dissolve as quickly as it came. I am truly thrilled with this antidepressant and recommend."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sna...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 19, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "After trying at least 7 different antidepressants without good results, I just decided to stay on the Effexor XR, lol. I know the discontinuation symptoms would probably kill me trying to wean off of it at this point. I have been taking Effexor XR 300 mg since 12/2014, it keeps me functioning for the most part, although I still have lows associated with MDD. Taking this high of a dose for so long, of course, I have some side effects, such as teeth grinding, abnormal lip and mouth movements, and frequent hand tremors. It does affect libido, but not as bad as some, like Celexa, where you have to have 500 lbs of pressure applied just to try and catch a feel. I know to never miss a dose of medication because you will start having ill effects since it has such a short half-life. Oh, and it has increased my B/P, which continually runs 140/90, although the Dr.'s don't think the medicine caused it."

• ken...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "It was efficient to have no anxiety. Except 2 weeks before my final exams, I 'froze' = I had anxiety attacks. The big side effect was that it was extremely difficult to reach an orgasm/ejaculation + I lost more than 50% of sex pleasure. Not good for couple life. Also, I sweat A LOT during the night + big traumatizing nightmares if you forget your pills + I think I did sleep apnea + sleep paralysis. All those things at 75 mg. Another bad effect was that I became overconfident/maniac. Also, better to use Effexor than generics. The real brand seemed better for me."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2016

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression "Was taking two 37 mg per day, but it made me nauseous, so I kept missing the second dose and it wasn't working. Now taking 75 mg slow release per day. Was completely spaced out for a few days... zoning out! But after 10 days, I feel great. Loads of energy. Depression easing off. Impressed, but hope it lasts. Side effects were dry mouth, but this has now gone. Sex drive has also plummeted, but I do have a baby, so it could be down to that. In any case, I'd rather have my old self back than a sex drive, so not too bothered. Have tried Prozac and citalopram in the past until they stopped working. I'd say this is just as good, if not better. Fingers crossed."

• Ash...
• August 1, 2011

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I started Effexor XR two weeks ago for generalized anxiety disorder. Apparently, it takes at least 4 weeks to work, but I have already noticed a difference. I have had very positive effects on my mood and anxiety problems. There are definitely side effects, though. I have had some trouble sleeping, and my orgasms are very delayed and are very hard to reach. I have noticed, however, that my sex drive has gone through the roof (which isn't a bad thing). Currently taking 75 mg daily. Considering increasing, but I am worried about increasing dependency and side effects. Male, 23 years old."