Venlafaxine and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Pan...
• March 22, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Since my Middle East deployment, I've dealt with panic attacks. It got to the point where I was severely agoraphobic, not even able to leave my home to drive to the gas station a mile away. VA SSRIs never worked. After being brought to the local ER due to severe brain fogginess, the ER physician suggested norepinephrine might be the issue, not the serotonin. The doctor also took it and said to give Effexor XR a go. Three weeks later, I believe he may be right. I no longer focus on every little beat my heart makes. I can drive again. I can go places. I'm not perfect yet but major improvements have happened. The fogginess is still there a tad bit but not nearly as horrible as it was three weeks ago. It's not even fully in my system yet. If you have taken all the SSRIs there are with no results, try this. It works. I've heard withdrawals are really bad but I'm not worried about that right now. It just feels good to feel a bit more normal again. Praise God. P.S. I'm still able to 'perform' with the wife. Another huge relief."

• Cat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 18, 2020

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Just a friendly PSA: I understand everyone reacts differently to medications, but I feel that Effexor XR is getting an undeserved bad rap. I took 75 mg for 6 months, then down to 37.5 for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). I stayed on the lowest dose for over 10 years. I never looked back. I felt great every day. Tamping down all the anxiety is a HUGE game changer. Anyhow, when I tapered off, I did it EXTREMELY slowly under my doc's supervision. It took almost 10 months, but I NEVER had any withdrawal symptoms... ever. The key here is to not be in a hurry. And honestly... I had some pretty uncomfortable side effects for about 6 weeks when I first started, but nothing compared to the crippling anxiety. Don’t be afraid of it, at least trying this drug if your doctor prescribes it for you. Just give yourself 6-12 full weeks for any relief, and if it's not a good fit, don’t fear tapering off SLOWLY..."

• Fre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I would just like to point out that every single person is different and adjusts to these medications differently. I had 3 suicide attempts before accepting medication and was put on Effexor. Effexor changed my life, until it didn’t. For 2 years it helped me to function normally, I went back to work, the suicidal ideation ceased, and I was able to manage my depression. After a long time though, I felt numb and wanted to get off of it. No one ever warns you about coming off Effexor. There is a whole group on Facebook just for coming off it. The withdrawals are worse than any drug I know. I counted every day. It was 12 days of agony before I felt any sort of relief. It was pure, utter awfulness. But I look back and think of what Effexor did for me when I first started this medication, and it gave me my life back. So despite the horrible effects coming off this drug, it still helped me immensely."

• cas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine turned my life around in the best way. However, it is important to consider the side effects. The side effects in the beginning were not great for me. I realized quickly that my stomach does not handle this med well, and I will throw up if I don’t go to bed right after taking it. However, as long as I take it right before bed it is not a problem. This med also made me feel quite drowsy for a while at first and also gave me night twitches (body twitches when I was trying to sleep), which were annoying. After about 6 months of being on 75mg, my body has completely adjusted to it and I no longer get those side effects (except I do still have to take it right before I go to bed). The withdrawals are also very uncomfortable, and if I miss a day, I am extremely dizzy. On the plus side, I feel extreme relief from my stress, anxious, and depressive symptoms, and I actually feel content with my life. I actually feel happy. Shout out to Effexor!"

• Mis...
• March 3, 2020

For Depression "I was put on venlafaxine in 2001, and soon became functionally narcoleptic and severely depressed. Over the years, doctors kept increasing the dosage, telling me I was simply very ill and needed a high dose of venlafaxine just to make my depression manageable. Finally, after 17 years, and several failed attempts to taper off, I stopped my venlafaxine cold turkey against medical advice. Coming off this drug was possibly the most difficult thing I've ever done, with truly horrific withdrawal symptoms, but once I made it through those months of withdrawal and recalibration, I learned that all those years, it was the venlafaxine that had been making me ill. As a minor effect, I lost 10 pounds within my first month of stopping the venlafaxine. More importantly, I went from needing 12 hours sleep per day to 7.5 hours sleep per day, and my depression lifted. That was over a year ago, and this past year has been my healthiest in two decades. After 17 years, I finally have my life back."

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I originally started on the regular Effexor when I was 16 after a suicide attempt while on Prozac. This was literally a lifesaver for me! Switched to XR when it became available. I was on it for about 3 years before deciding I no longer wanted to be anchored down by antidepressants. The withdrawals sucked, but didn't last long. I'm considering going back on it and am now 37 years old."

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 23, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Update to review below. I have now been on Effexor XR for six months, and I can honestly say that it's worked wonders in eliminating my depression and obsessive thinking. I wasn't able to stay on the low 37.5mg dose, as I discovered that this is a starting dose only. I have been on 150 mg for about four months, and apparently this is the lowest effective dose for achieving a therapeutic effect for most disorders. My depression has gone, and I no longer have obsessive thoughts that were making daily life a living hell. The only drawback with Effexor XR is that it has a low half-life, which means that it doesn't stay in your system for long, and if you miss a dose you will feel withdrawal within a few hours. This medicine has been a lifesaver!"

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2019

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I see a lot of people complaining about the withdrawal of this drug or side effects. I hope this drug never gets discontinued. This drug is the only thing (besides benzos, but try to get prescribed that these days...) that has ever helped me with my major depression, social anxiety, and panic attacks. This drug is not meant for everyone... if you have slight anxiety or depression, you should not be on this drug... Yes, the withdrawal is bad, but for some people with severe issues, we NEED this to function in society or until we are stable enough through therapy to get off. This is the only drug that works for some people like me with severe anxiety issues."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have only been taking Effexor for a little over 2 months and noticed that if I was even an hour late taking my daily dose, I’d feel nauseous and anxious. I also began to notice that I was feeling nauseous anytime I didn’t have a full stomach, so weight gain was inevitable. I decided this drug was making my physical symptoms seriously distressing enough to outweigh any good it may be doing. I was shocked at how awful the withdrawal symptoms have been, even though I was only on it for two months at a dose of 75mg. I’ve been experiencing nausea and 'brain zaps' for two weeks now. My GP put me on Effexor, but after meeting a psychiatrist at a dinner function and casually asking her thoughts on Effexor, she said she doesn’t prescribe it, its withdrawal is so awful. I’m glad I’m getting off it, but alarmed at how nasty the withdrawal is. Can't imagine how bad withdrawal would be for those at a higher dosage and for much longer than my 2 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on 75 mg now for about 3 months. Before, I was completely out of it, did not want to do anything, would stay at home on the computer all day, suicide thoughts every day. Now I'm out every day, going to the gym. All my anger and anxiety, along with the thoughts, are gone. Feels great. I highly recommend this medication. I know it will have withdrawal effects when you are getting off it but it is highly worth it, to better your life!"

• kma...
• December 22, 2014

For Hot Flashes "In 2005, at age 61, I had breast cancer. 32 radiation treatments later, and it was decided not to prescribe a post-cancer med because of continuing menopausal hot spells. The oncologist prescribed Venlafaxine 75mg two times a day. As an RN, I kept a hair dryer in my locker for when my hair would become drippy wet during hot spells. It is now 2014, and I do not experience the hot spells any longer! My moods are totally better and more positive... I know it sounds weird, but if I miss a dose, my mood plummets. Once, while on a trip, I had a terrible reaction when I ran out of my prescription and went without Venlafaxine for 3 days! The doctor knew immediately I was in withdrawals. Yucky spaced-out symptoms."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

Venlafaxine for Autism "I took this about 3 weeks ago. I started on 75 mg. I felt nausea the first day. Then the second day was easier, just a headache and a little nausea and panic. But as the week went on, the symptoms went away and I felt a lot better. The reason why I don't give it a full 10 is that if you take it late, after the 24-hour period since your last dose, you start to experience withdrawal. It is different for everyone, but I was fine. I'm autistic, suffer from acute anxiety, PTSD, and severe depression. It has saved my life so far. I am scared of horror stories, but as an autistic adult, I look at it as an opportunity."

• Gam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor was by far the worst medication I have taken. If you miss even one dose, within hours you are sick and having withdrawal symptoms. It took a good six months before the brain zaps stopped. Run away. It's terrible."

• hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've dealt with depression/anxiety all of my life, or at least as early as I hit puberty. I tried Zoloft and Wellbutrin to their max doses, and neither were effective at all. After dealing with unbearable constant depression, I stopped seeing my psychiatrist and went to a family physician who prescribed me Effexor. It's been maybe 4 months on Effexor XR 75 mg/day, and I've done a 180-degree turn around. I feel so content, so confident, rarely feel sad or bothered by little things. I started dating and met someone, and my friendships with people are stronger than ever. I finally feel like the person I should be, and more importantly, I feel like an optimist. The only bad thing is that withdrawal is bad, and it can make you nauseous. Otherwise, 10/10!"

• Fin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2016

For Hot Flashes "Effexor XR is effective in low dose for hot flashes. Sadly, the doctors follow the guidelines presented by the pharmaceutical companies for dosing and everyone is different. DO NOT take 75 mg a day! Low dose is effective for both hot flashes and mild depression. I mean open up the capsule, count out 10 of the small balls of medicine and take that daily. After 2 weeks, less effective and can increase to 15 to 20 balls a day. Track hot flashes on a calendar. Never stop without tapering down! Counter withdrawal with Valium, Xanax, Ativan, any benzos will do. These will stop brain jolts or vertigo withdrawal symptoms! This med is strong. If this doesn't work for you, you can always increase. With my plan, you can avoid withdrawal completely!"

• Ash...
• September 29, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was prescribed the Effexor XR for acute depression and anxiety after a death in the family, and only took it for a month, but it made me sane and able to face every day as a teacher without crying randomly throughout the day. That was 2 years ago. I was prescribed it again for the same thing when my fiance passed away. I thought I was ready to stop taking it after 3 weeks, but I found myself fighting back tears over small incidents like breaking a pen or a student asking me a simple question about the material. I started taking it again and it's been a lifesaver for me. I can still take the time to reminisce at night and grieve, although the tears seldom come. If you aren't on it long then the withdrawal isn't bad at all. Hope this helps! :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "Effexor saved my life 2 years ago. I was extremely stressed, anxious, and feeling as if suicide would be the only way out. This turned everything around. I have gotten two promotions at my job, my social circle has increased tenfold, and I always feel on top of my game. I have gained 20 lbs but probably because now I actually go out and do stuff. The withdrawals do suck at first if you forget a dose. I was scared to try it at first but I'm glad I did."

• Gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 9, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I've been on venlafaxine for 2 years at 225 mg. Amazing medicine. I don't mind withdrawal because I'll never quit. It's smoother than other SSRIs, has a small half-life, so you can easily sleep at night. Don't read all these horror stories. The side effects for me lasted a maximum of 4 weeks, so take time off your schedule. My advice would be to take 75 mg in the morning and keep one in your pocket to use as needed. Keep in mind that after 150 mg, it works as an SNRI, so you will have a boost of energy."

• Jos...
• June 27, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I am a 60-year-old male who has suffered from depression and panic attacks. In my late 30s, I decided to seek help. Like many others, the list of medications my doctors tried would fill a dictionary. Some worked for a while. I refused to take lithium. In my late 40s, I was also diagnosed with ADD. I now use 4 medications successfully: Effexor XR 450 mg daily, Xanax 1 mg daily, Adderall XR 60 mg daily, and Strattera 25 mg daily. I am now free of both depression and panic attacks for nearly 10 years! I am comfortable in public speaking and find that I love the adrenaline rush! I've tried to stop using Effexor XR but always restarted because of the horrible depression. Withdrawal is like a bad acid trip. Use Effexor to stay alive!"

• Try...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Before anyone agrees to taking Effexor (venlafaxine), please look at the withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms and experience have been likened to heroin or opiate addiction withdrawal. Please do your research and regardless of what your doctor tells you, THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES! I hope this helps someone."

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medication needs to be illegal. It did not help my depression, it caused significant weight gain, and if a dose was missed by 1+ hours, the side effects were severe. The withdrawal symptoms are more intense than I ever would have imagined, and prescribing doctors do not warn patients against this. After beginning to taper off this medication, I experienced really dark thoughts and attempted suicide. I was in the ICU for a week and a psychiatric hospital for 4 weeks. Effexor almost cost me my life. Please don't risk yours by taking it."

• Lit...
• June 28, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I had been on several different meds for depression & anxiety. Starting with Paxil, Prozac and others I can't remember the names of. I started Effexor a year ago and it certainly works for me, for both depression & anxiety. Remember to take it every day. All SSRIs cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If you want to discontinue use, tell your doctor. Cold turkey is not only debilitating, it is dangerous. I am so thankful I have been prescribed Effexor. Finally relief from things that are no big deal! Where as before in my head, it was so exaggerated. Like many others have stated, I wish this was available in my teen years. I am enjoying life and am extremely happy!"

• BC ...
• December 28, 2010

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "Have been on Effexor for 3 years to combat depression and severe hot flashes that are the result of treatment for breast cancer. It definitely does the job, and I plan to stay on it at least until I am done with my 5 years of oral chemo, and then will evaluate staying on it longer. Only drawback is that it will be difficult to get off of it. Will have to work closely with doctor to slowly wean, otherwise there are significant withdrawal symptoms."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was prescribed Effexor XR for anxiety. After taking 75 mg for two weeks, the nightmare begins. Insomnia, night sweats, horrific dreams and visions. I couldn't think or concentrate, I couldn't work or drive, my head was spinning, I couldn't talk properly. The headache was so bad it landed me in the hospital. I was so tired and couldn't stop yawning. I actually thought I was going insane on this drug. Loss of appetite followed by drastic weight loss, diarrhea. I persisted another week, then that's when the electric shocks started through my body. They were horrendous and left me thinking there was something wrong with me neurologically. Against the doctor's advice, I went cold turkey off of this drug. The withdrawal was horrific, but I was determined to get this stuff out of my body. Even seven months off the drug, I still get some of the shocks and feel this drug has permanently damaged me. I would do your research well before considering this drug. I'd never touch it again. Worst experience of my life."

• kam...
• August 8, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I gave this a high score because I got lucky. I went for years struggling with depression, weary of Big Pharma, self-medicating. Finally, a friend took me to a doctor. The first drug she prescribed was Effexor. I was prescribed the 75mg capsules. I found it to be too much for me, so I take one every other day. The only side effects I feel are from withdrawals if I skip a few days, and 'ditziness' if you will. Other than that, managing my depression has changed my life. My weight has even dropped because I used to self-medicate with food. I do recommend taking only the lowest dose possible for your symptoms. I am not a big fan of prescription drugs, but this was a lifesaver for me."