Comparing Effexor XR vs Venlafaxine

For Depression I started taking effexol 4 years ago to take the edge off my anxiety because my job is stressful and I have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. I am on a daily 75mg dose. Overall, I have found it to be a great leveller, but the consequences of missing one dose is bad... missing 2 or 3 is pretty horrific, with head shocks, disorientation and feeling miserable. Really miserable. It's good medication, but do not forget it if you are travelling.

For Depression Been taking venlafaxine XR for 15 years and all in all found it did what it was intended for, which was to suppress my depression and assist me in coping with life. My dosage amount fluctuated through the years, from 75mg up to 225mg(I think) and I had very little trouble with it, except when I forgot to refill it. I will say that the side effects of stopping Effexor are horrific and a contributor to why I stayed on it for so long. I'm off it now and I don't know if I'll ever get back on it again because I CANNOT go through the withdrawal feeling again, at least not with my sanity intact.

For Depression Was on lexapro for 9 years for anxiety/panic disorder. Right after the holidays I was plagued by OCD intrusive thoughts and depression. I switched to venlafaxine ER in May, it was a direct switch. I did have some stomach upset the first couple of weeks. It helped me function. I still had some obsessive thoughts and anxiety and was definitely lowered but that may be bc I was primarily depressed. Missing a dose will cause horrible withdrawal. Now am switching to Zoloft and has not been easy. I am currently on day 4 of feeling hungover (dizzy, nauseous, brain zaps, stomach upset, sweats). I also wanted to be on something safer for pregnancy. I’d advise you to think long and hard before trying this med.. if you are desperate to feel better and know you will never miss a dose and can be on it for life or don’t mind the horrible withdrawal even when just switching to a different one. Regardless, I hope you find one that helps you. Stay strong. You are loved & worthy of it.

For Depression I just started taking it within the last few days, and I have been so nauseated since then. My head feels a little cloudy, too. I'm really hoping those side effects go away soon.