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..."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• jfb...
• August 14, 2007

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor for 3 years. I recently was weaned off. The withdrawal from the drug is indescribable."

• 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."

• 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!"

• her...
• September 8, 2007

Venlafaxine for Depression "My girlfriend has been on Effexor XR for almost seven years now. We just found out two weeks ago she is pregnant. The doctor told her to lower doses from the 300mg she has been on to 150mg, then three days later drop to 75mg, then three days to 37.5mg, then you're done. The doctor said that there might not even be any withdrawals if it is done this way. I wouldn't wish these bad withdrawals on anyone."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 22, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor XR for 8 years and I recently went off. I gave the drug 8 out of 10 because overall my anxiety and depression were greatly improved. I didn't have any sexual side effects and only felt dizzy when I did not take the medication at exactly the same time every night. I did lose a lot of my energy and was prescribed Wellbutrin to help out with that. However, the withdrawal, as others have mentioned, is terrible. My doctor prescribed a low dose of Prozac (20mg) to ease the withdrawal, and it really helped. If you are going off Effexor, do it with Prozac. I tried without it twice before, and it was such a horrible experience that I went right back on."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• ind...
• October 24, 2011

Venlafaxine for Hot Flashes "I was having extreme hot flashes and started taking Effexor 75 mg, and it almost immediately stopped 95% of them. I am up to 150 mg per day now, and the only issue I have with the medication is the horrible withdrawal symptoms. I was without insurance for a month, and within 2 days of not taking it, I was at the hospital with what I thought was the flu. My Doctor had warned me not to stop cold turkey, but I had no idea it would be that severe. But if you take as directed and discontinue with your Doctor's help, there should be no problem. The pros definitely outweigh the cons."

• 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."

• Gio...
• September 15, 2010

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I took Effexor for 10 years and found it highly effective controlling anxiety/panic attacks. After deciding to stop (with Doctor's approval), I reduced my dosage gradually, and am discontinuing it. Withdrawal has been rough - like the worst hangover - and I'm into the 5th day but getting better. However, my mood is still good compared to 10 years ago, and I would like to be medication-free. Effexor allowed me to control my anxiety/moods through some tough times and through it, I learned new ways to deal with such. I highly recommend it."

• 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."

• Dis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 28, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on this medication for over 15 years. I can tell you that this is the absolute best medication for panic attacks. The problem is that I never had any panic attacks until I quit taking the pill after a year of use. I was prescribed this when I was 18 after being hospitalized as a result of several traumatic events. I started on 32 mg and eventually was bumped up to 150 mg and then 225 mg. I weaned off and survived the withdrawals and felt amazing. Seriously, it felt like the best moment of my life, but about a year after I stopped taking it, the depression came back twice as bad."

• jdo...
• June 24, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor might have saved my life because at the time I was given it, I had damn near given up hope. Paxil and Zoloft did nothing. Depakote attacked my liver. Lexapro made me numb. Then Effexor was given to me. Two weeks after taking it, I felt better. Four weeks later, I was back doing things again. Within a year, I had all my interests and hobbies back. Cons: 1. Withdrawal is terrible. When I miss a dose, I feel it. Neck pain. Headache. 2. I've found that I had to increase the dose after two years of usage. Seventy-five mg three times a day holds me. 3. Not really a con, but when more stress than usual, I relapse for a few days with depression, but it goes back to normal if you increase the dose for a while."