Venlafaxine and Withdrawal: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking this pill for about four months, and it was working, and I felt a little better, not so many panic attacks, but it didn't help as much as I thought. Be careful when going off Effexor, the withdrawals are horrible. Most pain I have ever felt in my head. Do not just stop taking it. Effexor just wasn't the right one for me."

• Jad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "In response to Natalie-why didn't your doctor wean you off this medication? By just cutting your dose by half-if that's what he/she did here-no wonder you're experiencing such horrific side effects-speak up! My daughter just started taking this for panic disorder brought about by M. If the RX only comes in capsule form at those two doses-then there needs to be advocacy to change this so there is a way to wean off this med! So many people report negative side effects-withdrawal shouldn't be torture, and you might need to find a more compassionate doctor. It astonishes me the lack of empathy some professionals have-considering their career choice. If they can't be compassionate, they should stay away from patients and stick to research!"

• Anonymous
• December 2, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have had to take this medication for years. Not because I need to, but because of the withdrawal symptoms. My doctor and I have been working on this for so long. My doctor even said it's too bad we didn't know then what we know now, he would have prescribed me anything but this."

• JD3...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 8, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "Taking Effexor in the beginning was hard to get used to, but after 6 months I felt great. Downside is I have headaches and sweat a lot. If I miss more than 4 days, then I have withdrawal symptoms. I'm taking 150 mg a day, and despite the side effects, I wouldn't change a thing. Oh yeah, I have also lost weight while taking Effexor."

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication was working at first. But then it stopped working, made my anxiety worse, and had weird episodes where I would dissociate and depersonalize. I decided to do something really stupid and quickly weaned myself off. I've been on so many antidepressants before. DO NOT DO WHAT I DID without letting your psychologist know. The withdrawals were so bad. My mood would crash, I felt like I was falling, and I was the most anxious and depressed I would be in my entire life. My panic attacks were so bad, Klonopin did nothing for them. I weaned off of 112.5 mg. I didn't like this drug... to say the least."

• Son...
• November 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor is a powerful drug that is extremely destructive. I was slowly losing sanity after only a couple of months of taking it. Unfortunately, there is a choice from 1 to 10, not -10, that would be my rating. Effexor withdrawal, as bad as it can be, is more desirable than ever taking one more tablet. I noticed that they don't come with any instructions and warnings. If I had read it, I would never take one. Lucky, I guess I wasn't using them for long."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor XR has worked very well for me in combating my depression. I have been very diligent in taking the medicine properly and on schedule every day at near the same time. This past weekend, due to an oops at the doctor's office, a refill was not called in properly to the pharmacy before I went out of town for the weekend, and I left town without any Effexor. Needless to say, I experienced Effexor withdrawal symptoms. Heed my warning! It's not a good idea to miss a dose, and you DEFINITELY DO NOT want to miss any doses. It was awful. Don't let the script run out."

• Kay...
• July 31, 2017

For Hot Flashes "Took 75 mg approximately 2 years. Began to have hair loss and decided to stop the medication. Titrated dose over 2-week period. Severe withdrawal symptoms but determined to come off the medication. Had extreme headaches, walked on tiptoes almost 2 weeks because my brain felt like it was bouncing against my skull with every step I took. Got better with time, but now 6 months without the medication and I am having headaches and phantom smells. Smelling cigarette smoke, and we are a smoke-free family. The smell wakes me sometimes, and yesterday during church service I was smelling smoke. It seems more noticeable when the air conditioning is running. The doctor wanted to have a head MRI done, but insurance denied. Anyone else experience this? Wish I had never swallowed the first capsule."

• SHB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 20, 2022

For Social Anxiety Disorder "This medication has been a game-changer for me. After 15+ years of social anxiety, generalized anxiety, bulimia, and “pure O” OCD symptoms, I finally have freedom from obsessive, anxious thinking. I tried SSRIs and Wellbutrin with no significant reduction in symptoms, but 150 mg daily of this really, truly helps. I haven’t tried to wean off, so I cannot speak to the withdrawal, but if you are considering trying this med, please don’t scare yourself with horror stories. Those exist for all psychiatric meds, but you and your doctor CAN find something that works for you, and you owe it to yourself to keep trying! Good luck :)"

• Anonymous
• February 13, 2010

Venlafaxine for Bipolar Disorder "I love this medication for the positive effects as far as helping my depression and such. I have been on it for over 10 years. I thought about getting off of it a few years ago and had horrible withdrawal symptoms. It is almost like electricity running through your head and face. If I miss two doses, I am flat on my back sick. I can't keep my eyes open because of the visual disturbances. It's like all of my senses are heightened, and when I move my head, it almost feels like everything kind of moves with a short shift. Needless to say, I didn't get off of it. It is really strange. The withdrawal symptoms lasted more than a week and didn't improve until I started taking it again."

• Rob...
• May 29, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "Just changed from Zoloft (10 years) to Effexor. Have tried to get off Zoloft previously but had horrendous anxiety. The doctor merged the Effexor with a low dose of Zoloft for 1 week and now on 150 mg Effexor for the last 2 days. So far, so good. Pretty scary waiting for Zoloft withdrawals, but optimistic."

• Reg...
• April 2, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I struggled with depression, mood swings, and incredibly severe anxiety at a very young age. Effexor is the only drug that worked for me. I went up to 150 mg, and that really helped me control my anxiety and depression. I became more outgoing and was able to enjoy life in a way I hadn't been able to before. The one con with this medication is the withdrawal, which is severe. If I miss a dose, I experience fatigue, powerful electrical shocks throughout my body, and I become very withdrawn and 'out of it.' I switched to taking 2 doses: one 75 mg at night and one in the morning. I switched recently to Pristiq to see if it wouldn't have this side effect, but it does (although, less severe) and it isn't as effective. I will be going back to Effexor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 12, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "If you want to live life on a drug, this worked! But beware for when you come off! Best bet is to supplement naturally. Your body is lacking something that you can get in a better-for-you form. Withdrawal symptoms are terrible!"

• 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."

• Dus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2019

For Depression "I have had depression for 15+ years and have been on and off several antidepressants; venlafaxine is the only one that has helped me cope. It's hard getting on and off it. The withdrawal is bad for me if I forget to take it, but I am on 350 mg, so I guess it would be. Like with all meds, go see your doctor. I had liver function problems, so I had to come off it for a time, and they stepped withdrew it (25 mg reduction every few days), and it wasn't really that bad except for worsening mood. Once sorted, I went back on it. Again, starting on venlafaxine isn't great; every increase of meds gives me a headache/nausea/sleeplessness/jitters, but this stops after a day or two. I'm still depressed on it, but I rarely cut myself anymore (used to be several times a month). I can get up for work and cope pretty well. I only get really dark a couple of times a month, and I can usually ride it. For me, it's like an umbrella; the rain is still pouring, but I'm not as wet through."

• 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."

• AB9...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Only take Effexor if you want to be on it for life. The withdrawal lasted 3 months for me. I think my body and mind are permanently damaged from this drug. It helped anxiety by numbing me, but at the same time, made me more depressed at times."

• gra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 10, 2023

For Depression "Caused mania, anxiety, insomnia, hand tremors, extreme dry mouth, and eyes. It aggravates Sjögren's syndrome, completely eliminating libido and the ability to orgasm. I am having severe withdrawal symptoms while tapering off over 5 years."

• las...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been through the gamut of antidepressant meds. Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Zoloft, Fetzima, and several others over the last 13 years. My doctor kept leading me away from Effexor because of the bad withdrawals it has. This drug is working pretty well so far. My insurance lapsed, though, once. I went without meds for 4 days, and I was on a high dose. She was right about those withdrawals. The worst I've ever had. Severe nightmares, sweats, extremely low energy, brain zaps, every noise would set my head in a tailspin. I've had pain med withdrawal and benzo withdrawal, and nothing compares to coming off this med. Thankfully, my insurance kicked back in, and after a day and a half, I was starting to feel better again. It works. But not without risks."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "This was the worst of all the antidepressants I've been on. One day without taking it, and I would immediately start to withdraw. I quit this cold turkey, disregarding my doctor's request because I just wanted it out of my system. I basically went manic for about a week, but I felt so much better when it was cleared from my system. Hated this drug. 0 stars if I could. My new doctor even refuses to prescribe this."

• PPD...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2020

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression "My doctor told me Effexor is supposed to help with anxiety and depression. It didn’t help with my anxiety. I first started experiencing side effects when I was a little late taking my dose. Turns out that the side effects are actually withdrawal! It feels like I’m being electrocuted briefly, then I immediately get vertigo and a sharp headache until my next “zap,” which can occur every couple of minutes! The only thing that helps is taking more of this drug! I’m trying to come off of it slowly, but it will take at least 3 weeks, and the withdrawal symptoms just keep getting worse and more frequent! Right now I experience the zaps every 45 seconds all day long, and I’m only in my first week of trying to come off of it! I would never recommend anyone take this medication, rather, ask your doctor for an alternative as the side effects are making my anxiety worse since I literally feel like I’m getting “zapped” constantly, and it is a scary feeling!"

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2011

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor XR 75 mg for almost 4 years now. It really has been the best thing for me. I tried almost everything, and this has definitely been the best. On the downside, if you begin taking Effexor, just plan on taking it the rest of your life. Doctors fail to tell you about the withdrawals and horrible discontinuation syndrome. I am pregnant now and having an extremely hard time getting off."

• 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."

• DRa...
• May 6, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Effexor for just over a year for comorbid depression and anxiety. My doctor tried several medications to address my depression and anxiety, and Effexor proved to be the most effective. I started on 25 mgs and went to 50 mgs, which basically did nothing. It was when it was increased to 75 mgs that I really noticed a difference. The trouble was that my motivation and energy levels dropped incredibly. I really struggled with foggy brain and forgetting everything. Also, rapid weight gain. I gained 6 kilos in less than a month and continued to gain over the next several months a total of 9 kilos. I was careful with what I ate and when I ate, but I still gained. We are switching the meds currently, and the detox is brutal. I have been tapering for over a month, and I am on day 3 of being completely off of it, and I am still experiencing horrible withdrawal symptoms. The electric-like surges are painful and scary. The side effects just don't seem worth it, and I will be happy when it is out of my system."

• Tru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and adjustment disorder, which mimic major depression. I was also diagnosed with glaucoma, which interacts with antidepressants because these medications can raise eye pressure, so my G.P. tried me on Effexor just through desperation due to my suicidal tendencies/thoughts. I didn't think it was humanly possible to feel worse than I could, but Effexor certainly did that. This is the worst of all the antidepressants, it's like hippie crack and angel dust combined. Within 3 hours, I was on the toilet, then constantly sweating, actually dripping in sweat, then the monster panic attacks and brain zaps kicked in. The first three days, I didn't eat a single thing, by day 7, I was wanting to get sectioned. I wasn't going to mess around tapering off this crazy juice, I came off it straight away on the 8th morning and was severely ill. The withdrawals are astonishing, it's not even possible to compare them with anything. I am not anti-antidepressants."