Venlafaxine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Mitra
• August 9, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "Have suffered from bouts of severe anxiety over the last few years that would leave me bedridden, suicidal, unable to work or eat. Tried Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Luvox, and honestly thought nothing would ever work for me. All made me worse. My psych doctor wanted to try Effexor XR, but I was worried about withdrawing from it - after trying everything else, I finally agreed. It has taken a month to feel a difference. I'm enjoying things again, not chewed up by horrible anxiety. I'm actually HAPPY?! The first month on it was so challenging - very low, anxious, exhausted, nauseous. But now no side effects. I feel like a light has gone on. I am getting my life back. I could sob with relief. I truly believed I'd never get better, but here I am."

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

Effexor XR (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..."

• Andrea
• January 23, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Social Anxiety Disorder "This drug has been amazing for me. My NP first started me on Zoloft 50mg and I felt no difference, and then bumped me up to 100 mg. My anxiety got super bad, which I didn’t even know was possible because I have severe social anxiety. I got prescribed 75 mg of Effexor, and the side effects were really bad the first 2 weeks. I was ready to tell my NP that this wasn’t the drug for me, but I gave it about 2 more weeks and noticed a HUGE difference. Before taking this, when I would walk into class, my heart would be beating so fast that I thought I would have a heart attack. I would be shaking so much and would feel like I can’t even walk or function at all. But with this drug, I was able to walk into class calmly, no shaking, and didn’t even mind asking a question in front of the class. I never in a million years thought I would have the courage to do that. I know everybody is different, but this drug really has saved my life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Was on a downward spiral with anxiety and stress for years. Tried everything: counseling, acupuncture, hypnotherapy. Nothing worked with my anxiety. Then 37.5mg of venlafaxine. For 6 years, I haven't looked back. Saved my life."

• Ryan
• January 23, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "This drug is by far the best antidepressant I've taken, and I've been on it since age 17 (now 34). If you miss a day, you will be very emotional, but other than that, I haven't noticed many bad side effects. My depression is great now and has been for years. The only negative is my lack of sex drive and sleeping a lot. Not sure if that's all due to the medication or just my lazy arse. Heard a lot of bad reviews, but honestly, I've been on it for 7 years and I think it's great."

• Tol
• August 29, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "I have been on many antidepressants over the years. I have had depression and anxiety since I was 21 years old, and am in my late 40s now. Other antidepressants caused horrible cravings for sweets and carbs. Plus, the medications didn't work that well for me. I have been on Effexor for 8 months, 150 mg. It works wonders for me. I actually like to be around people now. I go places, etc. I have a life again and noticed that I get excited about life. Also, I have lost weight on it. My cravings are gone, I feel full after a meal, and full a lot longer after the meal. I am gaining back my energy. I am a woman who was so severely depressed; I couldn't even get out of my recliner and didn't get dressed most days. What a difference!"

• hbaby
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "This medicine saved my life. I was at my wits' end with antidepressants and was ready to give up. My doctor finally prescribed me this after many failed medications. I am so glad she did. I honestly do not know where I would be without Effexor XR. Side effects were very mild compared to other antidepressants I tried. I was drowsy for the first couple of days, but it was tolerable. I highly recommend this for severe depression. I would also like to mention for people to realize there is light at the end of the tunnel and YOU WILL GET BETTER, and to never give up."

• aimee...
• February 25, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I'm a 27 y/o female, good health but have GAD and MDD. I began taking Effexor XR when I began having panic attacks while driving. I began with 37.5mg for 4 weeks, then upped to 75mg after that. After 3 months, I began to sweat in my sleep despite not feeling overheated. I began to suffer from sexual dysfunction, lost my libido and had difficulty reaching an orgasm (neither had been an issue previously). My appetite increased and I gained 25 lbs in 1 year. I also noticed I felt very 'flat' emotionally. I wrote this because I feel like positive reviews are lacking. Effexor absolutely improved my anxiety. The side effects were unpleasant but not severe. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so when I switched to a new one, I slowly tapered off it by opening the capsule and counting the granules, reducing them by about 4 per day. I did not suffer from any 'brain zaps' or any withdrawal symptoms."

• Feeling...
• September 10, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I was prescribed Venlafaxine for major depression and debilitating anxiety while going through a massive life crisis (business and relationship divorce and resulting bankruptcy) about three years ago. My depression was my own worst enemy as when I needed to be sharp and confident for attorneys, I was a sobbing mess. My anxiety was debilitating and turned into panic attacks. While I don't think I would have taken my life, I certainly wasn't afraid to die. The crisis is finally behind me, and I have tapered from 225mg to 37.5mg over the last 3 months. The only downsides were, for me, cognitive function, apathy, and poor memory. I was unable to orgasm on the 225 mg dosage. It is important to mention that I did not get through this with drugs alone. I had a strong network of friends, family, attorneys, and healthcare professionals. Do not be ashamed of your mental health crisis! Be honest with yourself and your friends and seek professional help!"

• starg...
• October 2, 2020

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "From my experience, Effexor is a very effective treatment for depression and anxiety. I took it for 10 years at a dose of 150mg and felt great. I stopped 3 months ago and already depression is returning, so today I'm going back on! Yes, the side effects can be grim, but for me, it was only when being late with dose or quitting. But overall, I think it's worth it for not having to suffer depression and anxiety every day!"

• beaches
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "Venlafaxine has allowed me to live an almost 'normal' life. 8 weeks ago, I was honestly on the verge of suicide. It has now enabled me to be a mum to my kids and be 'present' with them, rather than in my spiralling hell. It has helped me with major anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. I can now think more clearly during the day and have the energy to go to the gym... several months ago I could barely walk upstairs. It has, therefore, also helped me become motivated to be healthier, and I've lost 12 lbs in 8 weeks. I hated the first few days as I felt very sick and drowsy, but I persevered. I had a few night sweats in the beginning and dilated pupils, but began to notice an improvement about a week into it. This is the only antidepressant that has ever worked for me... citalopram had no effect. If this is recommended to you, I would definitely consider it. It has changed my life and my family's life because my kids have their mama back xx"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "Have been on Effexor XR 75mg for about 1 year now for anxiety & panic attacks. I had a constant odd pain in my stomach (like butterflies and hunger). I would sweat uncontrollably & get dizzy & faint if I was put in a situation I wasn't comfortable with. I went to a Dr. who diagnosed me with anxiety and put me on to Effexor. The first 3 days were hell, every bad review I read on Google I could relate to, I even ended up going to the ER one night as I felt so nauseous and felt like I was losing control and could not stop freaking out. The Dr. told me to stick to it, and promised it would get better. I'm so glad I did. I feel that this medication has saved me. I can almost live a normal life again."

• 1204
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depression, an eating disorder, and anxiety. I have struggled for years on and off multiple antidepressants. I just started Effexor 2.5 weeks ago. Already, I am so shocked at the absolute change. I wake up happy. I regained interest in things. I no longer have thoughts of suicide and am not crying every day. I honestly feel like it has given me my life back."

• Jay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I would like to share something positive about venlafaxine because when I was prescribed it initially, I was so scared about the withdrawal symptoms I read about that I nearly decided not to even start taking it. So I have now been taking 75mg daily for 6 weeks. I purposely take it at different times of the day just to test the waters and even missed an evening dose accidentally one time. Well, thankfully I have not noticed any side effects whatsoever. Granted, I am on a low dose and not been taking it very long, but still I thought something may have happened... well, it didn’t. So please feel encouraged by this review that all these horror stories may not necessarily be true for your own experience and remain open-minded."

• indig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 5, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Before I was to start this medication I searched and thought I better not take this medication because of all the people who said it was very bad. I have been on Celexa since 2000 with Ativan 3 mg per day if needed. I had to get off of Celexa because I started having panic attacks and it wasn't working for me. It didn't really work that great for the past six years. I was terrified to take Effexor XR. Well, I couldn't live with panic and anxiety anymore so I took it. I focus better, I don't dwell on things. I can sit and watch a movie without my mind wandering or worrying. I have lost 15 lbs. My husband notices a difference, being more outgoing. Don't listen to what has been written. I wish I started this a long time ago. Best of Luck"

• Anony...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2022

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I was in the deepest, darkest valley of suicidal ideation. I had it all in life and one day, I stopped sleeping, eating, smiling, and functioning. I was miserable. I was scared. I was paralyzed by depression and anxiety. Imagine having an 8-hour panic attack but having such deep depression that you couldn’t move off the couch. I literally just sat and watched the sun come up and go down. Day after day, night after night. After a while, I lost the ability to cry. I thought death was the only solution so I thought about it all the time. Luckily, I gave the doctor a try first and after trying two other medications, we finally tried this one and it completely turned it around for me. Game changer. I started sleeping a little bit longer, eating a few more nibbles, cracking a smile here and there. Started to hear music again. Started to feel like life mattered again. Venlafaxine saved my life. Two years in and I am better than ever. Don’t be afraid! This might be the one for you too!"

• KEKEN...
• January 21, 2014

For Hot Flashes "I had a total hysterectomy last year, and I hadn't felt like myself since February 2013. My doctor suggested that I try Venlafaxine, and all I have to say is, this drug has saved my life! I was having severe hot flashes and mood swings. I was at a point where I didn't know how I was going to continue living like this. I felt like I was losing my mind, and no one could help me. Venlafaxine has stopped all my menopausal symptoms. This drug has saved my marriage, my sanity, my life! I thought I was all alone until my doctor said I was not alone, and she put me on a 2-week trial of Venlafaxine 37.5mg. And as I said before, I finally feel like myself again! :-)"

• THISC...
• July 27, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "First off, I want to say I never take the time to write reviews; however, I do end up myself reading everyone else's, so I hope this helps someone! I'm a 22-year-old female, and for about 4 years, I suffered from anxiety. First, it started off as panic anxiety, then with the failure of trying medications like Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, my head was just so much worse. I could feel the chemical imbalance; I began getting daily depression and anxiety to the point I'd worry 24/7. It ruined relationships and made me seem crazy. I finally got on Effexor last month. It CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel NORMAL again. Happy, no anxiety, and energetic. The only side effects were yawning, vivid dreams, and at first, jaw pain. I highly suggest this for those with panic/daily anxiety/depression mix! My fears are gone."

• anony...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Those side effects are all real and horrible but it goes AWAY!! Stick with it people! After 2 plus weeks on venlafaxine, you continue to feel amazing! All that horrible anxiety, stress, all the perimenopausal symptoms women have all go away! You can focus and be able to lead a normal life. That first week or so taking it, yes, I almost quit, but continued on believing what my doctor told me about it, they are right! Best depression anxiety drug on the market."

• The...
• June 23, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "Sure saved the quality of my life. I was not suicidal; I was more like the guy who didn't care if the plane crashed. I took Effexor for 8 years. After that time period, it had been a long, long time since I had felt depressed, so I began to taper off. I think it probably took me a couple of months to get completely off. I have been off for 5 years. I learned a lot about clinical depression and how to treat it. If my depression ever returns, I will not hesitate to go back to Effexor."

• Mustang...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 21, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) for Depression "I have been on Effexor for 18 years. Yes, that's right: 18 YEARS. It saved my life and then some. I had very severe clinical depression back in 1995. I was suicidal and anxious to the nth degree. Effexor has brought joy back to my life and has enhanced my creativity and sexual desire. I have been blessed with this medication. It was the first antidepressant my doctor prescribed and most likely the last. A match made in Paradise: Effexor and I."

• Happy...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 10, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Anxiety "I have been on Effexor for the past 10 years. I started having panic attacks as a child, although I didn't know at the time what was going on. When I was 17, the doctor prescribed Valium that I took periodically when my anxiety got really bad. Finally, when I was 40, the doctor suggested I go on a very low dosage of Effexor (37.5mg) because he was sure I had generalized anxiety disorder. What a difference this has made in my life. I felt 'weird' the first few weeks, but now I have very little anxiety and really no side effects except maybe lower libido. I had no idea how much anxiety I had been living with all my life."

• Casper
• January 4, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I have been taking 37.5 venlafaxine for almost 2 years. I was put on it as I was having terrible night sweats. They ended almost immediately. I have never been depressed so I don't know how that works. It helped with my dieting as I am not as hungry as I used to be. I take it in the morning and have no side effects. I am in my 70s."

• Grate...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 4, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Depression "Everyone's different, for me this one's a LIFE SAVER! My depression began 15 years ago. In 2014, I hit my lowest point. Previous doctor had me on several meds that didn't mix well together. That whole year is a blur; I don't remember any of it except for the few grand mal seizures they caused. Eventually, I attempted suicide with one of the meds and ended up in a mental hospital twice within a month. My new psychiatrist took me off everything and started me on this, topped out at 150mg (which I am to this day, 6 years later, still taking). I can't thank that psychiatrist and this miracle drug enough. Taking with Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and I'm not sure which one, but I believe one of them has got rid of my sex drive. I prefer no sex drive over that really dark place I was in. Also, if I miss taking them a couple of days in a row (again, not sure which one is causing it), I experience extreme vertigo... not fun. Other than that, I have no other complaints, just absolute gratefulness. LOVE IT!"

• cricket
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) for Panic Disorder "I have had panic attacks for many years along with agoraphobia. In August the attacks were unbearable and my NP put me on Sertraline. I was so ill and after three weeks said I would not take it anymore. He then put me on Effexor which I was really uneasy taking because of the side effects I had read about. Well I am here to say it has been a miracle drug for me. I had no side effects starting it and noticed a major improvement the second week. Now I am almost a month in and no panic attacks or anxiety at all! This is major for me. Now I am working on getting out more and driving. Please if you have major panic then this medication may be for you. Please Please give it a try. I am so very happy I did."