Effexor XR - How is Effexor better then Lexapro or Zoloft?

Been on Effexor XR 75mg at least 10 years and for the rest of my life. More recently its generic: Venlafaxine ER 75mg, much less expensive. I take it for a physical condition called Cataplexy, a step child of the sleep disorder Narcolepsy. It has perfectly solved my problems there. I also experienced a genuine 'smoothing out' of my type A personality as well. I would often over-react to things in daily life but had no real depression. It has evened out my rough edges and I'm lost without it. Absolutely zero side effects experienced which I am most thankful for. All I can say is it's perfect for me, hope you find the same.

I've been on almost every medication there is for depression and I've gone back to effexor because it really works with less side effects . I take 5mg of abilify and 300 effexor er.Its important to remind yourself too that no medicine can cure it but only relieve symptoms good luck

Unfortunatley there is no 'better' antidepressant, however some antidepressents are more effective for anxiety than others, they are more anxiolytic. These are Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluoxamine and Esciralopram. Paxil in particular is very effective for GAD in studies whilst Zoloft is for SAnD. Effexor is an incredibly good antidepressant but not really a good anxiolytic in a lot of people.

For Anxiety I'd rather Paxil or Zoloft. Zoloft is actually partially a SDRI AT HIGH DOSES.

I have been taking Effexor for a number of years. Not only did it get rid of my depression but also my anxiety and panics. Some anti depressants suit some people and not others, so it is a matter of trying until you find one that suits you. Now Effexor suits me, but might not suit you.

Also bear in mind Effexor is very difficult to withdraw from.

As Kiasmama has explained Effexor does affect two brain chemical were as Lexapro and Zoloft only one. Unfortunately, finding the right medication is a trail and error sort of ordeal as what works for one won't for another. Not one size fits all. Also, quite often the side effects in the beginning are discouraging to say the least, but if you can push through they will subside within the first couple of weeks and the medication will begin to work and reach maximum effectiveness around the one month mark. We can't guarantee that Effexor will not make you feel like the Lexapro made you feel. There are other antidepressants for anxiety that are possibilities which I would remember if the Effexor isn't the one. In particular Paxil and Celexa are often prescribed for anxiety disorder. You may also benefit from short-term use of a benzodiazepine. Just be aware they are addictive and can cause rebound anxiety when discontinued. You must taper off when you stop taking any of these medication so to avoid withdrawal effects.

Hello kjrobertson13. Its not really. To add a word of caution that Effexor can cause high blood pressure. Regards pledge

Zoloft is an ssri, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. That means it increases one of the chemicals in your brain that keeps you from being depressed and/or anxious. Effexor is an snri, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, meaning it increases both the chemicals in the brain that do this.