Effexor XR for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Al86
• April 9, 2016

"I took this for six months, I felt great, then my doctor took me off it because he said I shouldn't take it for too long, this was 4 years ago, now for the past year my anxiety is horrible. I wish he hasn't taken me off out and now I'm going to talk to my new doctor about it."

• Anxiety...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

"Started on Zydus Pharm generic Venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg for 1 week, then on to 75mg. Been about 6 weeks on medication. First 3 days I felt amazing, immediate relief of anxiety. After that the side effects were very difficult. Everything in me told me this was not the right medication for me, constant mood swings, anxiety, insomnia. I stuck through after reading positive reviews hoping when side effects cleared up, it would work well for me based on first few days experience. Side effects disappeared suddenly right on the 3 week mark, and medication really started to work. After reading reviews on generic vs. brand name, switched to name brand. Name brand definitely feels cleaner and more effective. Generic side effects went away immediately."

• Betty
• September 18, 2016

"I was diagnosed with GAD with symptoms including general fatigue, anxiety, panic and insomnia. Started off at 35mg but now on 150mg in morning and 75mg at night which seems to be keeping me pretty stable. However the withdrawal is horrendous. If I miss a couple of doses I get brain zaps, I can hear my eyeballs moving in my head, very anxious and panic. It works but this is some seriously messed up stuff...I can see I may have to be on this forever wheras I gave up prozac cold turkey with no problems at all."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2012

"I have been taking Effexor XR for about 3 weeks now for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. For the first three days I felt a little dizzy but continued with the medication and the dizziness went away once my body got used to it. I get a dry mouth and have lost interest in sex and cannot reach orgasm. I do feel a lot more focused at work and can think more clearly. I do find if I don't take the medication right on time around 9am every morning I get a headache and agitated so I try to take it the same time everyday. Despite the dry mouth and loss of sex drive I will continue with it for another month or two and see what happens when I see my doc again."

• savvy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2014

"Been on Effexor 150 mg now for 4 weeks having good and bad days. Still hoping this medicine is going to work for me & my generalized anxiety disorder. I do know it can take up to 3 months to fully work."

• SNL
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

"I am taking Effexor 37.5 mg and have been on it for 5 days now. This is for severe anxiety and major depression. I noticed a change the very first day with the anxiety level going way down. I have had a consistent headache for the full 5 days and throat/neck pain. No appetite and just feeling overall yucky and sick. I am going to hang in there to see how it goes. My Dr also prescribed Trazadone to take at night for insomnia and I have been sleeping better. I take the Effexor in the morning. So for now I will stick it out and hopeful the side effects will go away."

• Anxiety...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 19, 2016

"I've been taking Venlafaxine 75mg for about 9 months now. It has helped tremendously with my anxiety, unfortunately I've gained 50lbs on this med. I can't keep on this bc of the huge weight gain, but I wish I could. I haven't had any other side effects."

• Bio_C...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2018

"Prior to taking Effexor, I was had daily panic attacks, suffered from agoraphobia, and would cry for hours at night without any reason (I was a mess). 35mg Effexor put me completely back to normal-- no more anxiety, but plenty of happiness and typical emotions. I would go as far as saying it cured me. However, the side effects are brutal. First 2 months were daily dry mouth, dizziness, "brain zaps", and constipation so bad it put me in the hospital. If I miss a day, the dizziness hits hard until I take the next pill. Overall, I think it is still worth the trouble because I'm mentally healthier than ever before."

• Hotsie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2017

"I have not rated this yet cause I have just started on Effexor XR. I am 48 years old widow. My husband and stepdaughter died 2014 suddenly. I went spinning out of control. I guess you can say I had a nervous breakdown. In the past 6 months my moods have been all over the place from crying to anger. Lashing out in anger with my boyfriend and his son. My doctor took is taking me off slowly Seraquol and Lexapro and has put me on Effexor XR. I have been on it for 3 days. I am starting to feel a little change-for the better. I will keep everyone up to date on how I feel. It is better than being a royal cow."

• Kam
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2023

"I was taking Lexapro for PTSD for 7 years for anxiety. This medication worked SO well for me until one day it didn’t. I had a big surgery in 2022, and it was a few weeks after that, the anxiety and panic returned. I was freaking out all the time, racing heart, nausea, felt like passing out constantly, foggy brain, and I couldn’t drive or be by myself (all the symptoms I got 7 years ago which was the reason I started Lexapro). I signed up to speak with a Psychiatric NP, and she told me SSRIs are known to stop working, and she recommended I switch to Zoloft which has more room to go up on the dose since I was already maxed at 20mg on Lexapro. I stuck with Zoloft for 2 months and it was NOT a good fit at all- my body hurt, I couldn’t focus, and I was still freaking out so after 8 weeks, she recommended a SNRI and started me on Effexor. She started me on 37.5mg and now I'm on 75mg. I'm not 100% but sooooo much better. It’s been about 5 months, and I am hoping to continue to see positive changes"

• Norwe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

"I started to take this med one week ago for my gad. Im feeling a bit "lighter" in the head but i also have a bit more anxiety and i feel dizzy. I've read that this is totally normal, and i have been an benzo addict so i had EXTREME anxiety when i was in rehab getting off that stuff. Now my life is looking brighter, and I have a lot of faith in this med. Just went from 37mg to 75mg once a day. I'm looking forward to share my experience here in one month :)"

• sugaree
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 30, 2021

"At first I was on the fence about starting this drug after reading the reviews, but I started it anyway…. Biggest mistake ever! Brain zaps, nausea, feeling of floating, tremors, shakiness, agitation, mood changes, and I feel like I’m losing my mind! I’ve been trying to get off of this drug for 4 months and I can’t because of the awful withdrawal symptoms. I remember reading that I will probably have to open the capsule and taper down on the little beads inside to wean off of this awfulness. Totally not worth the trouble and I can’t wait to feel normal again! Please take this post as a sign and don’t start this medicine!!"

• Alice
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2021

"I have been on Effexor XR for 6 years. I started it after a severe episode of rumination and anxiety. Began to help in some ways almost immediately. Slowly, I've tapered my dose down from 150mg to just 37.5mg (gone up and down some in between through the years). This small amount still makes a significant difference in my anxiety and has caused a big improvement in my overall outlook on life. It is an extremely difficult drug to taper off of. As someone who works in medicine, I wish they would educate healthcare professionals about how crazy the withdrawal can be from drugs like this."

• Jo B
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2023

"When I started taking Effexor XR I was in a terribly dark place mentally, barely functioning, not sleeping, etc. I was a mess. When I got diagnosed with anxiety and depression I was very against medication but along with talk therapy, I started 37.5mg of Effexor XR. It honestly gave me my life back during a time when I felt lost. I stayed on the lowest dose of this medication for two years before weaning off them. I guess my only advice with this medication is to just keep remembering to take it and when it's time to stop, wean slowly."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2011

"I've battled with anxiety for 10 plus years, was on medication 6 years ago for it then stopped. I was having intense TMJ because I was constantly clenching my jaw as a coping mechanism for my anxiety. I finally decided to go on medication. My Doctor first put me on Celexa. I felt actually MORE anxious. Though it helped with my negative thoughts. I switched to Effexor. I started at 37.5 mg. I definitely feel a positive difference and my jaw clenching has completely stopped. Now I am up to 75 mg. I just feel very blah. Kind of numb, kind of "dissociative" like I'm not present in my own body. I feel better, but I want to FEEL. I am not sure if I should up my dosage and then I'll feel "normal" or ween myself off."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

"Was prescribed EffexorXR (Venlafaxine ER) after 3+ years of chronic severe insomnia (onset & maintenance) created GAD symptoms. Had been given Cymbalta first but had to stop after 18 days due to facial rash. Same rash continued on EffexorXR and after 23 days tachycardia in night became a problem along with severe brain zaps w/vertigo all day & night. Was on 37.5mg (“starting dose”) total of 25 days and developed what is believed to be a serotonin syndrome. Reading up on it, because I’m also on Gabapentin and a benzodiazepine, the combination with EffexorXR is potentiator for serotonin syndrome (even at 37.5mg) AND discontinuation syndrome (damned if you start, damned if you stop). Am incapacitated by severe ongoing vertigo. Wish I had never let the “very experienced psychiatrist” get me in this situation. Wouldn’t touch this drug with a 10 ft pole."

• taylz
• May 4, 2009

"Was in College when I treated. At high doses (approximately 225mg), I was lethargic, cloudy headed and angry. Drug caused SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. It aggravated stress levels. But for my mom, this medication has given her life back to her, "curing" depression, lowering anxiety, and inspiring creativity."

• Truth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2021

"I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder panic attacks and adjustment disorder which mimic major depression. I was also diagnosed with glaucoma which interacts with antidepressants because these medications can raise eye pressure so my G.P tried me on effexor just through desperation due to my suicidal tendencies/thoughts. I didn't think it was humanly possible to feel worse than I could but effexor certainly did that. This is the worst of all the antidepressants it's like hippie crack and angel dust combine. Within 3 hours I was on the toilet then constantly sweating actually dripping in sweat then the monster panic attacks and brain zaps kicked in. First three days I didn't eat a single thing by day 7 I was wanting to get sectioned. I wasn't going to mess around tapering off this crazy juice I came off it straight away on the 8th morning and was severely ill , the withdrawals are astonishing it's not even possible to compare them with anything. I am not anti antidepressants"

• Mike...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2015

"I took Effexor XR 37.5mg for 1 month against general anxiety & major depressive episode after big setbacks in business and job. The first week I had to force myself to take it with daily telephone encouragement of the Doctor (GP). Headaches, nausea, sweating, and anxiety about taking the new drug itself. After 3 weeks I did feel a bit better but had strong headaches and felt very tiered still all day. I decided to reduce and phase it out over 2 weeks by taking out the little balls from the pill. To my surprise this was much easier to stop than Paxil that I had discontinued for 8 months (after longterm use). Now without Effexor since 4 weeks; no more headaches or anxiety, feel more alive and productive without these "numbing" drugs."

• Jazzy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2021

"Being anxious is not being depressed. I was on lexapro for anxiety after a traumatic event. I have suffered from migraines for years. The doc switched me to Effexor ER 75 mg. a few days ago. I am already noticing a difference in my mood, and haven't had a headache (a miracle for me). Still have a long break in period ahead, but I am hopeful. Will keep you posted."

• Saman...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 29, 2015

"I wouldn't wish this medicine on my worst enemy. There are other major issues with this medicine than the horrific uptake and withdrawal symptoms. If I missed one single dose of this medication, it made me crazy. Mood swings, dizziness, suicidal thoughts, blurry vision, and more. The only reason I gave it a 2 was because if you're PERFECT at taking your medication, then it might work for you. Maybe. But be ready for the withdrawals because it was the worst few weeks of my life."

• Meg
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2017

"I started taking Effexor about 3 days ago. So far, it's been pretty crazy. I'm sweaty all of the time, nauseous yet starving, and cannot stay asleep for the life of me. However, it is really helping with my anxiety. I suffer from dermatilioma, which causes me to pick my skin. I have noticed that I've been picking A LOT LESS in just 3 days! My scabs are clearing up, and I'm not "catching" myself picking nearly as often. I also feel calm and relaxed. The side effects seriously suck though. As I type this, my phone is about to slip out of my hands from sweat. I'm a 95 lb 21 year old and I don't think I've ever sweated so much in my life. It's also been making dizzy. It's worth it to me though. If it will help me stop picking, I'll do anything."

• Megan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2017

"I've been on Effexor for quite a few years now taking 112.5mg. I didn't have any problems with this med but have been wanting to simplify my regime. So 112.5 to 75mg saw no real withdrawal or return of depression or anxiety. But, 75mg to 37.5mg, I cannot bear. I feel awful, irritable, nasty, and even aggressive at times. Imagine waking up every morning for 2 weeks being 50 Shades of Pissed! My personality changed if feels like. Wondering if anyone has experienced this. It would appear that Effexor is effective for my anxiety."

• CjGeo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2018

"I was on generic for Prestiq 50mg for post menopause hot flashes, anxiety and depression. Lost my Insurance so changed to Effexor XR 75. No side affects and actually works better than Prestiq. I'm glad because its a lot cheaper."

• MrTho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2019

"Started Effexor XR in 12/2018. Started with the lowest dose and worked up to 150mg capsule daily. Starting the medicine my BP was normal I just had bad anxiety and at times panic attacks. I thought all was well and didn't think much of it, but each time I went to see the Dr. My BP would raise just slightly higher each visit. My wife told me I wasn't acting myself so I decided to make an appointment and my BP had gone from normal to 175/130. The Dr. Immediately cut my dose to 75mg a day which had brought it down to 140s over 90s. This medicine can make some peoples BP go through the roof, and when you stop taking it the withdrawal effects are terrible. When your coming off Effexor your BP can also run severely high along with dizziness, muscle/joint aches&pains, some chest discomfort, headache and possibly brain zaps. While Effexor does work good for a lot of people it did nothing for me except give me high blood pressure and nearly put me in the hospital. Always monitor or BP on this med. Best of luck to you."