Venlafaxine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2019

For Hot Flashes "My doctor prescribed venlafaxine for severe day and night hot flashes. It almost eliminated the hot flashes completely, which was great, however, I constantly felt bloated, have gained a lot of weight, have become lazy/lethargic, I've become forgetful, and I feel like my muscles have become weak. I couldn't take the weight gain side effect (my doctor said it shouldn't cause weight gain??) and the general overall feeling of blah, so I stopped taking it. The hot flashes started back up almost immediately. Going back to the doctor to hopefully get something that won't cause weight gain."

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2019

For Hot Flashes "My doctor prescribed venlafaxine for severe day and night hot flashes. It almost eliminated the hot flashes completely, which was great, however, I constantly felt bloated, have gained a lot of weight, have become lazy/lethargic, I've become forgetful, and I feel like my muscles have become weak. I couldn't take the weight gain side effect (my doctor said it shouldn't cause weight gain??) and the general overall feeling of blah, so I stopped taking it. The hot flashes started back up almost immediately. Going back to the doctor to hopefully get something that won't cause weight gain."

• HNG...
• September 13, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I’m not going to come on here and be dramatic and tell you to absolutely stay away from Effexor XR because it’s “the drug from nightmares.” Every person’s body is unique, and everybody responds to medicine in different ways. However, Effexor XR absolutely did not work for me. From day 1, it has caused more problems than it solved. Not only did it not help with my panic/anxiety disorder, but it made me get my period 3 times in 6 weeks, and I only know this because every time my dosage was switched, I would get my period again, which was also awful because I have PMDD. I’ve tried several medications. Last but not least, I’m currently coming off of it, and the withdrawal is awful. I’ve been sick and throwing up for 2 days straight with HORRIBLE panic attacks and headaches. I’m super lethargic and honestly just feel like I have the flu and was told by my primary that it was all from stopping this medicine. Like I said, everybody is going to react differently. It was not the drug for me."

• Tin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 22, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I took Effexor for many years. I believe I was becoming resistant to it because it wasn't addressing my depression anymore. I tapered off as slowly as possible, and I can safely say it is the worst withdrawal I have ever had in my life. Nausea, dizziness, sickly feeling, huge brain zaps, lethargy, headaches. It was horrible. I am so glad to be off of it. My new medication, Wellbutrin and Lexapro, are much better at controlling my chronic major depression. I will never be off drugs, but I would never take this drug again."

• Lui...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Please remember that everyone is different and their bodies respond differently. Don't always take negative reviews as gospel, as you never know how the drug will work out for you unless you try it. I started off using Prozac (Fluoxetine) but didn't get on with the drug. I then tried Zoloft (Sertraline), but I didn't get on with this either, as it increased my anxiety. I then tried a different class of medication, Venlafaxine (Effexor). I started off on the low side with 37.5 mg instant-release tabs. I had a small positive response, so my doctor upped my dosage to the 75 mg slow-release tabs. I felt the effect after a few weeks, but this was short-lived, so my dosage was then upped to 150 mg and then upped again to 225 mg, where I stayed for about 6 months. I was in a stable place, not bad but not fantastic, more stable. Then it stopped working. Back down to 150 mg and added 15 mg Mirtazapine at night. On the second day, and I've had no crazy withdrawals like some people experience, just a bit tired."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking the generic venlafaxine XR about one month ago for anxiety attacks and feelings of being overwhelmed. It started working within a few days. I have had a positive experience, although my sex drive is depleted, and I'm having much more difficulty reaching orgasm (I'm female). I am now waking 3-4 times a night, and although I can go right back to sleep, I feel tired every morning. I already take 1 mg Klonopin at night and 350 mg of Soma as I have degenerative neck disease. I am still waking up. I hope my doctor can give me some pointers on sleeping through the night, but other than that (oh, and increased sweating at night), I do feel great. We'll see how the sweating goes and the sleep disturbance."

• 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!!"

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Please everyone make sure you are emailing Pfizer. They need to be making increments of 5 mg so that people can wean themselves off easier. They are aware of the withdrawal from Effexor yet have not made smaller increments, so people have to figure out ways to do it themselves. I was on 150 mg for 4 years. I attempted to go off by decreasing by 37.5 mg every 2 weeks. I was suicidal, exhausted, dizzy, and felt like my brain was being electrocuted. Within 2 days of taking my previous dose, the symptoms went away. My next attempt to get off was much slower. I decreased by 5 mg every month. I had to take my pills out of the capsule, shave a little off the pill, and put it back in the capsule. To get any kind of accuracy, you have to buy a scale."

• Smo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2019

For Dissociative Identity Disorder "I started on citalopram for my anxiety, depression, and OCD. It simply did not work for me. I switched to regular venlafaxine at 75 mg. It worked really well for almost a year, until recently I started getting withdrawal towards the end of the day (was taking it with breakfast). The doctor changed me to extended-release capsules. It has only been a few days, and I am terribly tired and overall just don’t feel great. I am waiting another week or so until I decide if I am going to stay on extended or go back to regular with a different dosage."

• JTW...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2024

For Anxiety "Prescribed 75 mg daily for anxiety. Works wonders after a settling-in period of 3-4 weeks. Got to a point now where I don't worry about what the world throws at me. I feel more energetic and don't overthink scenarios at work and life in general. It's almost like I've relaxed my way of thinking and I couldn't give a hoot what people may think, etc. The initial period of taking the medicine is a slow process. I felt a bit weird and tired for the first couple of weeks while my brain was adjusting, but now it's like a huge weight has lifted off me. I realize this drug doesn't work for everyone, and there are some horror stories which nearly put me off, but I would definitely recommend giving it a go. If it doesn't work, then try something different. What I can say is it works for me, and I'm happy so far. May go up to 150 mg eventually, but definitely not any higher. No libido issues either, which was often talked about. Usually take in the evening after dinner as it can make you a bit tired."

• Bel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2020

For Depression "After trying many antidepressants, this one, venlafaxine, had the biggest impact and least nasty side effects, such as tiredness, weight gain, acne, bloating, which I have had on other medication. Stick with it, though nothing is gonna happen overnight."

• MAD...
• August 23, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Effexor for 4 weeks. The side effects have been miserable. I have tried taking it in the morning and at night, but I'm always tired and dizzy. Sometimes I even feel like a zombie. I must say, the only good thing about Effexor (for me) is it has decreased my anxiety, unless I skip a day... then watch out and get out of my way. The comments regarding withdrawal scare me. Please tell me this gets better."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2017

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed this medication when Celexa wasn't working. My doctor put me on 75 mg to start, and that night I took my first dose at 9:30 pm, and by 11 pm, I was a total wreck. I became super nauseous and began throwing up quite a bit. My body was restless, and my arms and neck were numb and tingly. I managed to get a bit of sleep, but the next morning was a write-off - I felt completely disabled and lethargic. I was so weak, I could hardly hold my cell phone. I could hardly walk, I was so dizzy, and the brain zaps were fierce. I immediately visited my doctor, and he prescribed me something else. 75 mg to start was way too strong for me. I can't believe the side effects I've suffered after one dose. My advice would be to please try another option."

• 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."

• Gud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 10, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was diagnosed with IBS 15 years ago with no relief except by a prescription of a mild muscle relaxer, which made me tired and didn't always help. Recently, I hit a major depression and asked for help and was prescribed venlafaxine and haven't had a single episode in two weeks. That in itself is a miracle to me. Not sad or sick... finally!!"

• zzz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 4, 2024

Venlafaxine "I started taking this drug at 150 mg when I had to have my ovaries removed at age 41...that was 9 years ago. I did not have any anxiety or depression problems. Overall, I would say that the drug is very effective for hot flashes, even after I decreased the dosage to 75mg. My only side effect is that it makes me extremely tired. I routinely get 9-10 hours of sleep on the weekends, and then drink so much caffeine to keep myself awake. I also feel more chill on this drug, but also feel like it makes me flat and unable to feel emotions at times. That can be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view."

• Aft...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2017

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on 75 mg of venlafaxine for 6 or 7 years. It is good for me. Before Effexor, my emotions felt like being hit by a truck. After Effexor, it gives me a moment to THINK about things, rather than just disintegrating into a puddle on the floor. I still have feelings, but they're not as overwhelming, and I don't feel like I HAVE to react to them. Side effects: sweating and tiredness. I take a lot of naps! Missing a dose: about an hour or two after my time to take my pill, if I forget to, I'd get tingly and dizzy. Withdrawal: I recently tried to stop taking Effexor cold turkey. I lasted 6 days. Intense anger, bursting into tears, a static feeling in my head, like a TV set on no channel, and a tingly feeling in my lips."

• You...
• October 6, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "Worked quickly (or it was in my head), lots of yawning. By week 4, very drowsy in the morning on my 90-minute drive to work, so started taking it after I got to work, which is better for society in general. Sometimes restless sleep. Having said that, I had a lot of negative thoughts about my life that I don't notice or dwell on now, so I am really good with these minor side effects. I'm much happier, less irritable, and family recognized it easily. I'm genuinely happy with it, and thankfully no nasty side effects (thus far)."

• xfr...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 11, 2022

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was put on Effexor in the hospital after having a complete nervous breakdown. I had never been on an antidepressant before, it was my first. I gained 90 pounds in 6 months. I was so exhausted that I would sleep all day and all night, waking only to eat. I had no motivation at all. I was having the most bizarre and disturbing nightmares every single night. I didn't even want to go to sleep because I was so terrified of the nightmares. I started getting rashes on my arms every time I went out in the sun, like a sun allergy. I've had depression for a long time, and I've had a lot of feelings like 'I just don't want to be here anymore,' but on the Effexor, I was having extreme suicidal ideation, like actually planning it out and thinking about it vividly every day and night. I stopped after 6 months because my doctor said none of those were side effects of Effexor, and it was all in my head, but I did a ton of research, and there were a lot of others having the exact same side effects."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medicine is the only one that I can sleep on and don't have sexual side effects. I've tried numerous medications, but this one has really helped my anxiety/mood. I'm on 75 mgs for about 3 months and already can tell a difference. No panic attacks, can concentrate on daily tasks without worry. I know some people had side effects, but the only side effect I had was some tiredness. I love this medicine and would recommend it to anyone with anxiety/worry."

• Aly...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2023

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Second time trying Effexor (after trying every other SSRI-type med) and taking it for 2 years now. Have increased over time to 225 mg. For depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. It helped with panic attacks the most. Anxiety is also better. Depression is mildly better. I am now wanting to taper down as some side effects have become more noticeable in the last 6 months: no sex drive, can’t reach orgasm, excessive sweating (especially face and hands), tiredness, and lack of motivation to do things, emotional flatness. Will try to taper down by 75 mg to start. Last time I went off Effexor, I tapered down really slowly and that helped with the withdrawal symptoms a lot. Fingers crossed I can get through it again, and things improve after discontinuing. I’m hopeful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 31, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Originally on Seroxat (Paxil) for 17 years. Felt so good on 20 mg that after having my child I thought I would come off it as I was thinking of having a second baby. I was put on Prozac to help with withdrawal. After 4 months on Prozac, I was an absolute mess, so the doctor put me on Effexor. I've been on this now for 6 months. I cry literally every day. It has created obsessional and horrible thoughts, I am constantly tired. I have anxiety and panic. I feel it has actually created new symptoms that I never had. I do not like this drug and am coming off it as soon as I get an appointment with the psychiatrist."

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've used tricyclics and SSRIs before. Both caused huge weight gain and were only moderately effective. Effexor XR worked very well for me at 150 mg for several years. I was able to lose a small amount of weight and stopped having late-night cravings for sugary stuff, and it was very effective in combating the depression symptoms. I slept well but was not lethargic during the day; I took it at night. Later on, I needed to increase my dose. I am now on 300 mg and started losing weight again (a good thing in my case) and have more energy. It takes longer to have an orgasm, but other than that, I've been very lucky in having few to no side effects. The one thing I hate is that if I miss a dose, side effects are awful!"

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was having moderate anxiety and dealing with a lot of stress in my life. I began seeing a psychiatrist and was started on Effexor. Around my 3rd month of being on Effexor, I was increasingly paranoid and tired. My doctor's response was to increase the dose. I began to become very nervous and started pacing and having trouble sleeping. He put me on trazodone for sleep, which made me feel incredibly tired the next day. His response to the sleepiness was to increase my dose again. I started to have severe depression then and became incredibly moody and volatile. I no longer had a fuse for my anger and became very withdrawn from everyone. This, of course, sent me on a downward spiral, ending with me being hospitalized."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "After I started taking this medicine, I got Restless Leg Syndrome - when I went off of the medicine, it went away. I was always tired while taking the medicine. When I quit, I got dizzy twice and fell within the first week after I stopped taking it."