Venlafaxine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

• Tip
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I suffer from GAD and I have to say this medication has changed my life. I am much happier and handle situations better. I only take 37.5 once per day, usually in the morning, and that works for me. The only side effect was insomnia in the beginning, but now I feel calm and relaxed, and I have great night's sleep. I wake up energized and wanting to start my day. This medication, with therapy, has done wonders. Ignore the negative and try for yourself. Reading reviews, I was so scared to start this medication, but I thank God I gave it a try."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 12, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I’ve tried many different drugs for anxiety and depression, the last being Lexapro which did nothing to help me. Gave Effexor a try and I’ve noticed a big difference. I’m able to go out in public more without getting anxious, I rarely get depressed, and my mood has improved tremendously. No side effects. Just be careful to take it every single day and don’t miss a dose; my nurse practitioner said people feel terrible if they do"

• Calam...
• March 17, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I started having panic attacks at age 10, always been a struggle, then started having really bad bouts of depression. Things got to a stage where I was just so tired of being scared all the time and finding it hard to function. I've been on many antidepressants through the years. Lexapro I had been on for over 10 years, psychiatrist weaned me off and put me on Effexor. I actually can't believe this. It's only day 2 on 37.5mg to be increased to 75 next week, but I swear I feel a calmness I haven't felt before. Surely after 2 days I'm thinking this can't be right, but after reading some reviews I can see that others have had relief in a short time from this medicine. No side effects. Just feel calm. Feeling hopeful."

• Devon
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I am from Canada, 24-year-old female. I have always been a worrier but first experienced anxiety in my 4th year at University 3 years ago. I had a panic attack which then turned into panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Effexor is a GREAT medication for me. My dose was raised way too quickly at the beginning. I went from 75mg to 150mg to 225mg in a month and a half and got horrible Effexor-induced anxiety. But when my GP realized what was going on, she put me back to 75mg and then very slowly put me up to 112.5mg. I have been there for 2 months now, and I think it is the perfect dose for me. I don't have intrusive thoughts or panic sensations. Be patient, it's worth it!"

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This is by far the most effective antidepressant I have EVER taken. I have tried Prozac, Zoloft, and Celexa, which all caused numerous unwanted side effects. I have been on Effexor XR for a month, and in the beginning, the only side effect I experienced was being sleepy. This went away after about a week. I can tell you that after just one week, my mood lifted, and I have zero anxiety. Thank you, Effexor XR."

• Kano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I knew my IBS was directly affected by my anxiety and depression, so I went to a doctor to be put on meds to help with that. Effexor worked wonders! I was able to put back on the 40lbs. I had lost from being sick ALL the time. And zero panic attacks. It's not as good at helping my depression, but it is noticeably better still. The only issue I have with it is that it absolutely WRECKS my stomach if I miss even a single dose, so I have to be really careful about that. But I mean, it's made my life so much more liveable that I consider that a small issue."

• Angiedt
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've had unmedicated anxiety all my life which seemed to become worse as I got older. Though I lived with it, I also experienced my first migraine followed by almost daily tension headaches. My doctor recommended Effexor. I was very nervous to try it after reading many things online. I also mentioned my concerns about weight gain and sexual dysfunction. I was a newlywed at 40, working hard to lose weight. Despite my concerns, my doctor still recommended it. Within a few weeks, I started to feel better. Over time, I noticed I was calmer, had a clear mind, and slept better. I became more patient and even found improvements in my sex life. Fortunately, I did not gain weight, just experienced a little nausea at first."

• NoName
• June 15, 2018

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I am a 31-year-old female and work as a lawyer. Effexor is the first medication I tried. I took it for 7 years and it worked great. I decided to stop a few years ago because I thought it was affecting my libido. The reality is that I was just in a bad relationship, and I wasn’t attracted to the man I was with. Anyhow, I tried all sorts of medications afterwards, including Buspirone, Zoloft, and Pristiq. I am now back to Effexor, the only medication that ever worked with my anxiety. It is just day 1, but all I can say is that for 7 years, it worked like magic. Most of my anxiety symptoms were gone. When off Effexor, anxiety slowly came back and manifested itself in the sneakiest ways... it just takes over your life to a point where you can’t function anymore. I was at a point where I literally couldn’t function. Now I have hope. Finally, I can go back to normal and enjoy life. I have a wonderful family, boyfriend, and a challenging & interesting job."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 3, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I have been taking Effexor on and off for the past 10 years. There is no better medicine for my anxiety than Effexor. The trick with Effexor XR is that you need to know exactly how to take it and not to take more than what you really need. I am now on a steady 37.5mg (minimum dose) and it works just fine. My doctor tells me that that low dose is hardly therapeutic but it works just fine for me. Of course, I need to practice many anxiety relief techniques, especially the ones that help get you back to sleep, but overall, Effexor XR at 37.5 mg each morning takes the severe edge off my condition. I do the rest. It's a good mix."

• Coookie
• January 20, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I had a nervous breakdown when I was 38. I literally felt as if I was going out of my mind. I had gotten pregnant when I was 21 and had terminated the pregnancy. I had a few years of depression with no meds. I left my husband and two children and went and stayed with my sister. She promptly took me to a psychiatrist who put me on Effexor XR 75 mg twice a day. He also gave me Xanax to help me with the breakdown. Effexor and my doctor saved my life. I have been on Effexor for 22 years. I sometimes feel the depression coming back and I now still have lots of anxiety, but I take my Xanax and it helps. I have switched to Prozac, Brintellix, Lexapro. None of them work. I always go back to Effexor. I pray daily that God will heal me."

• James...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "5 years ago I got panic attacks. Thought I was dying! This created non stop anxiety insomnia etc. Couldn’t even function after this I was a wreck at 37 years old. This medication got me back into life. In about 3 weeks I was back on my feet. I bought a house and moved in with my girlfriend. I was on this medication 75mg a day for one year. Off for another year. Back on for the next. Then off again for a year. Today I have anxiety keeping me up for last few nights. I am starting on this medication again! Without this medication I would have not had a great last 5 years! Also currently I am starting to meditate as science shows it will physically change your brain! Wish everyone the best. Please remind yourselves it will get better!"

• Mjano
• June 22, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was absolutely hysterical, I got so anxious and depressed, I wanted to end my life. I put off taking medication for so long. I was hesitant to take effexor due to the reviews. Now that I’ve been on it for almost a month I already feel better. It changed my life, I’m not anxious and I’m able to go out and do things. I do get dry mouth, insomnia, tiredness, and my appetite decreased."

• Dingd...
• September 12, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I have been on this medication for approximately 3 weeks now. It is a godsend for me. I noticed results on day 2. I have had recurring depressive episodes my entire adult life. This episode, I was unable to get out of bed, sleeping up to 14 hours a day, not going into work (thankfully, I have a very understanding boss). I was not suicidal this time; I actually think that I really didn't care enough to do anything about it. My whole attitude was, 'I just don't care.' I have anxiety as well, but the episodes have always been well controlled with 1mg of Ativan. I had racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, unable to finish almost any task - if I even got as far to start one. 175mg of Effexor, and I can finally function."

• range
• April 24, 2008

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "It gave me my life back. I would have panic attacks that lasted for hours, always anxious, work was crippling. After one year no side effects. Now I feel normal, confident - it's something I've waited on for 26 years!"

• Emily...
• September 11, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "No pill is for everyone, but this medication honestly changed my life. I am 23 and have been on it since I was 17. Before it, I was miserable, couldn't focus, and constantly wanted to die. I struggle with GAD and Depression, and this medication has honestly been the only thing to make it bearable. My life feels manageable, and I know I can conquer anything. I interact with people in a way that represents who I really am, not in a way that reflects my anxieties and insecurities. I almost didn't finish high school before Effexor and I now have a BA in Political Science and am heading off to law school. Like I said, this medication isn't for everyone, but it honestly changed my life and I will forever be grateful."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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!"

• Belie...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor has been great. I had been on 25-50 mg of zoloft for panic attacks and high anxiety and it had worked for a few years but then after I went off for 4 months and started getting them again, when I got back on it I got the worst morning panic with nausea, vomiting and IBS for three months. I didn't want to switch but it was getting so bad I'd have anxiety for most of the work day and was afraid I might have to miss work. It was a good thing my cubicle was right next to the bathroom during that time! Finally I told my pcp I was ready to try something else and she prescribed this Effexor ER. She told me to stop the zoloft and start 37.5 MG of ER venlafexine. It was night and day. No more panic attacks and no more morning nausea and vomiting and anxiety and IBS. It's been over a year and I still like it. I took it in the morning at first but switched it gradually to night because I sleep better that way."

• MudBug
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor has been a Godsend for me. I went through every med out there to control my depression and anxiety attacks. I have been on it now for 11 years, and it's still working just fine. I'm not saying every day is roses and rainbows, but, if I can have 6 out of 7 days positive, it's a far cry better than 7 out of 7 horrible."

• Back...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 25, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I have been on Effexor XR (now the generic) for 18 years! I suffer with anxiety and panic. I went as high as 150mg and then stayed at 37.5mg for years. When breakthrough panic comes in, I up my dosage to 75mg, then taper down again. I have tried to go off this medication but my panic just comes back. I thank my lucky stars that there was a medication out there to help me with functioning in the world. I am 54, and I plan on staying on this medication until I am 104!"

• JenJen
• September 29, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I wanted to leave my experience on here because this drug has changed my life!! I read all the bad experiences people have had and was worried this would happen to me too. Back in December 2016 for some reason I just lost it. Heart racing constant (although most my life I have had heart racing at times...anxiety) panicking over nothing, crying, depressed, lost interest in hanging out with my friends, wanted to just lay in bed all day, expecting the worst to happen, scared to drive anywhere past my town, dreading my husband coming home from work...etc...No logical reason for any of this. My doctor started me out on Zoloft and it helped a little at first. The side effects for Zoloft were awful for me the first week. 7 months in my doctor had me on 100 mg and at that point it felt like it wasn't working at all anymore. In August he switched me to Effexor (generic) The only side effects was an occasional dizzy feeling a couple times the first few days. I literally felt a change by the 2 day. Heart started beating normal, happy, lots of energy, driving everywhere!!! The best part, other then my heart not racing, is wanting to hang out with friends again and talking to complete strangers without sweating and panicking thinking they are judging me!! I did have to raise my dosage to 150 mg because 75 mg was only working half the day. I do hear when you do want to come off of these it is not fun but at this point I hope I never have to."

• sara
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I came to be on this drug in January 2018. I suffered from panic attacks and GAD. I felt horrible, I lost all my motivation and I was scared being crazy. I started with Effexor XR 37.5 mg for a week. Then I switch to 75 mg XR. The first month was the worst. Dizziness, akathisia, more panic attacks, sleepiness, my nerves were cracking. After 3 weeks all the side effects were gone and I started to feel better. Every day a little better. Now I am a new person! My husband is happier than me! Psychotherapy improved the effect of the drug. I really suggest to complement the drug treatment with psychotherapy. What I suggest is to resist quitting in the first month...it's always darkest before the dawn!"

• Whats...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've suffered from severe panic disorder since I was 10. I am 45 now. I was on 200mg of Zoloft for 18 years. It took away my anxiety, but also took away any motivation. I was a zombie for all of those years and slept all the time. My new Dr. suggested switching to Effexor. I was afraid that it wouldn't work and my panic would come back. I was so wrong. After a week on 37.5 mg, my energy was back and anxiety still gone. I'm on 75mg. I can't believe I stayed on Zoloft so long! I can think and do things again! I don't sleep all the time. Everyone reacts differently. If this med doesn't work for you, I'm sure there is one that will. Wish I would've switched sooner. No side effects at all!"

• carto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "In my 25 years of being put on various medications, this is, by far, the best. I suffered from anxiety and PTSD, which of course, would lead to depression. I'd contend with crying spells and outbursts of anger. The first few days of taking 75 mg/day, I did have some side effects (such as racing thoughts, sleeplessness, etc.), but my body adjusted quickly. I now wake up every day feeling more hopeful, and with ZERO crying spells. I am still ME, and never feel like a zombie. I am still aware of my surroundings and what annoys me, yes, but my RECOVERY from processing those things is much faster, and I bounce right back. In other words, my perspective of things is normalized, and my days aren't ruined. Wonderful stuff!"

• Blond...
• August 13, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Started taking Venlafaxine ER a year ago for anxiety. Started at 75mg daily and am currently on 150mg per day, and have been for about 8 months. It has helped a ton with the anxiety! While I am not completely clear from anxiety, it is much better to handle. I did not gain any weight whatsoever. I do notice that if I forget to take it, I feel a bit nauseous and lightheaded, so I have set an alarm on my phone. I take both 75mg pills at one time so that it's done for the day. All in all, I would recommend!"

• MrPat...
• August 16, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I tried Paroxetine, Prozac, and Celexa and had no positive results. So, my doctor advised I try Effexor XR, given it is an SNRI or a different class of drug. Almost immediately (less than 1 week), I felt a positive mood change, my social anxiety and mild stuttering seemed to dissipate, and I felt balanced. I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a month now, and my anxiety has dropped right off that I feel like my normal self again. I am a lot more social, and I hardly stutter. I also think more logically. The only downsides are that I sleep more, find it harder to get up in the mornings for work, and have noticed fluid retention around my abdomen. I do not mind these small side effects because this drug has really helped me get my life together. :)"