Effexor XR for Panic Disorder User Reviews

• cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

"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."

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 30, 2016

"Prior to starting this medication, I couldn't drive in the car by myself anymore. I could barely go into the convenience store by myself without having a panic attack. After searching for a doctor that could help me, I landed the best psychiatrist who prescribed me Effexor. I started with a low dose and was also taking Ativan as a crutch to get through until the Effexor worked. Before starting this, I swore that I would never regain control of my life. Effexor changed my life and saved me from the helplessness that I felt. I am now off the Ativan and have not needed any since stopping it. There is freedom beyond panic and anxiety. This may not work for everybody but it worked for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 15, 2020

"Effexor XR is the best drug! I have tried Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac, and none of them helped me. I was nervous to start Effexor because of the reviews and side-effects if you miss a pill. I took a leap of faith and started Effexor, and I have been on it for two years now! I have never felt more like myself. Set a reminder if you are nervous you might miss a pill. Every body reacts differently to every drug, so please, give Effexor a chance! It’s a miracle drug for my panic disorder. Don’t let the reviews scare you!"

• Bal...
• June 24, 2017

"This medication is the only thing that managed to keep me functional as a human being. Panic attacks and severe depression...this seems to do the trick for both problems, and does wonders for my IBS as well! I have started and stopped multiple times (usually just because of the 'I feel fine, why bother with it?' syndrome) but the last time, the doctor told me, 'Consider yourself like a diabetic; they need insulin because their body doesn't regulate it correctly. You need this because your brain doesn't regulate serotonin correctly. Don't feel ashamed! The choice is to lie around and do nothing all day because you hate pills, or take the pills and live your life.' Effexor XR allows me to live normally."

• Cha...
• December 22, 2019

"I am a chemist and worked at a Pharma company when my panic attacks got really bad. My doctor put me on Effexor. The 75mg dose was way too much and I ended up in the ER. I decided to open the capsule and count the pellets. 1 pellet was about 1 mg. I was so desperate to get better (I had tried Xanax, Lexapro, and 1 other SSRI and I had severe reactions to them). I started taking 10 pellets a day and noticed an improvement immediately. I did have a headache in the back of my head at times and also had vivid dreams, but it was working. I only needed 10 mg a day for about a year and weaned off very slowly. Eight years later I developed POTS, and my anxiety, brain fog, panic attacks were terrible. Again I got on 10 mg of Effexor and needed to work up to the 37.5 mg pill. I have no panic or anxiety and can drive on the freeways again. It took 2 years to work up to the 37.5 mg. If you start on a smaller dose, these meds should work."

• Ore...
• December 17, 2017

"I started suffering from panic attacks when I was 26. It started slowly, and within 6 months, it was full-blown. I couldn't do things that were previously non-issues - from going on an airplane, going into public places, closed places, driving too far from home. I went to a few therapists (psychologists) who treated me with biofeedback and talking about it. Only after another 6 months, I agreed to see a psychiatrist who convinced me to try Effexor XR, and boy, I am happy I've listened. From the third or fourth day, ALL MY SYMPTOMS DISAPPEARED! I like to compare it to someone who just turns the light on in a pitch-dark room. All the bad thoughts, shivering at night, stomach aches, and everything just went away. Effexor saved my life!"

• mol...
• February 27, 2010

"I had suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since adolescence (with random social anxiety). In college, it got so bad I was having a hard time functioning. I've been on Effexor XR for 9 years now and it's been 9 years with NO anxiety or 1 single panic attack with no lasting side effects. It is a miracle! At the beginning, I was over-medicated with 225 mg (no sense of time, heart raced, weird brain 'flashes', very hyper), but I am stable on a lower dosage of 75 mg with no side effects. I've even been pregnant/breastfed on 75 mg and have a healthy child. Effexor XR saved my life. It truly is a miracle drug! Before it, I suffered so much, I couldn't imagine life could be this good!"

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2008

"I had crippling anxiety. I couldn't even make it to the grocery store some days. I have been on Paxil and Lexapro prior to taking Effexor. Effexor has changed my life and made me feel like myself again. I have been taking it for about 7 months now and I have had no side effects except that I have had a few vivid dreams. These are happy dreams but I can remember EVERY detail when I normally do not remember dreaming at all."

• Bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 4, 2020

"I took Effexor for 8 years, and it changed my life. I started taking it because I had crippling panic attacks. I could barely eat or enjoy the simple things in life. I had brain zaps when I first started, but they went away completely. I never lost my sexual desire or had any yucky side effects. I weaned myself off this summer due to personal reasons. Weaning off was a nightmare, but I got through it! Slowly taper off, drink a lot of water, and take multiple vitamins."

• cai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2024

"Just wanted to share a positive post about me starting Effexor! I am TERRIFIED when it comes to starting new meds, and I've avoided it for years because I was so scared. When my doctor suggested Effexor, I of course read the bad reviews and didn't want to take it. Well, I am happy to say this was the easiest medication I've ever taken. I started on 37.5, then went up to 75, now I'm on 112.5, and the only side effect I've ever had is dry mouth, lol. I've started to notice a positive impact on my anxiety too, the goal is to get to 150 so the norepinephrine kicks in. Anyways, don't be scared!!!!! I am a nervous wreck all the time, and this was SO easy. Give it a try!"

• Hal...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 25, 2018

"This medication completely changed my life. I had severe PTSD triggered by motor vehicles due to multiple car accidents when I was younger. I also had extreme panic attacks triggered by everyday stressors. I had tried many different medications, mainly Lexapro, up until I was 19, and nothing ever worked for me. Then, 6 months after starting to take Effexor, I was able to get my first job, after a year, I was able to get my license and get my first car, and soon after that, I was able to get my own apartment. It's been a year and a half now, and I have never been so happy in my life. It seems as though every day I get happier and happier. I really am so grateful that my PCP prescribed this medication for me."

• Bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 24, 2016

"I've been on this for 9 years. I take 150 mg 3 times a day. I've missed sometimes up to 2 doses with no side effects. I would be dead today if it weren't for this pill, that's the God's honest truth. The only side effect I can think of is I've gained a few pounds. Love, love this medication."

• Jay...
• December 20, 2015

"I used to have panic attacks every day for three years. I was scared to go to sleep. I've tried so many antidepressants, and Effexor was the only thing that worked with little to no side effects. My doctor started me on 75 mg, then increased it two weeks later to 100 mg. I've been on 100 mg for almost a year, and I still haven't had a panic attack or anxiety."

• Heh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 14, 2019

"I was put on this medication, almost instantly, I noticed a difference. I started at 75 mg, within two weeks, I was up to 150 mg. Now I am up to 200 mg. I’m also on Adderall for ADHD. Both medications do wonders for me. Before Effexor, I was at my lowest with my anxiety and panic. Effexor has made me feel like me again."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

"I'm writing about switching to Effexor from another medication. Started Zoloft 6 years ago for terrible daily panic attacks. I started on a low dose. Alternated between 25 and 50 mg of Zoloft and had some times when I wasn't on it. It always worked until the last time. When I restarted it last year after being off for a year, I got really sick with worse panic attacks than ever before. I tried 25 mg but couldn't keep anything down. After a while, I finally got up the courage to ask for help. My doctor switched me to Effexor XR 37.5 mg. The doctor had me stop the Zoloft one day and start Effexor XR the next. I noticed a difference instantly. No more morning panic or waking up with my mind racing and night sweats. All my symptoms were gone. Still on Effexor XR 37.5 mg and no anxiety or panic. Occasionally, my heart races for a second, but otherwise, no symptoms or side effects. I am so happy to have a medication that really helps."

• Anonymous
• May 13, 2009

"I'm 19 years old and have been on Effexor for about 2 years now. The day before my high school graduation, I went on it after having a huge panic attack and finally being diagnosed with anxiety (surprisingly I never knew I had it). This has given me my life back. I can't remember when my last panic attack was. I'd recommend it."

• jay...
• November 10, 2016

"Had panic attacks and social anxiety starting in adolescence. Powered through until postpartum depression after my second child and began having severe mood swings, irritability, and panic attacks (dizzy spells, heart racing, fainting, chest pain) even when I wasn't feeling stress. Started Effexor on 37.5 mg and had almost immediate success (within a week). Felt a little hyper and would feel like I was getting a low jolt of electricity through my legs, but otherwise fine. Gained a bit of weight, but I think that's only because I was finally able to eat without stomach pain. Increased to 70 mg after two months when panic attacks began again, love this drug! Finally have a normal life."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2017

"The good: tried after 3 years of agoraphobia and relying on diazepam to even go down the road. 7 months later, I'm at university, living a normal life, going to job interviews, socializing with friends, and I'm going abroad (for the first time in 6 years!) next week. Venlafaxine saved my life. The bad: you have to take it twice a day, which is annoying if you're a disorganized student like me! Also, if I forget to take a tablet by even a few hours, ZZZZAP! The brain zaps are so intense it feels like my head is being pounded by a defibrillator, plus dizziness, etc. Other notable side effects for me are excessive night sweats and dry mouth. The good outweighs the bad 100% though... I love venlafaxine for how much it's helped me."

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2019

"When I read the reviews about Effexor XR, I couldn't believe what some people had written, and I took it anyway because I had been on Citalopram for ten years. Wow, now I want to go off of Effexor XR because it makes me feel unfocused, brain zaps happen just before I am to take my next dose. If you miss a dose, OMG.... dizziness, brain zaps, headache, crying spells.... from 1 missed dose. I had a QT heart issue. Took this med with Clarithromycin and had to go to the hospital, it put me into Tachycardia, my heart rate was 190 bpm. Had two shots to slow my heart. Now I am weaning from 150mg to 75mg, wish me luck. I hate this bad boy. Never again."

• Deb...
• March 7, 2018

"Helped me immensely for my panic disorder for over 10 years! No side effects except when increasing or decreasing. One time I was put on too much and had very bad side effects, but once they got the dosage correct, everything was fine. I've used this along with clonazepam, with excellent results for over 10 years!!"

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2012

"I have been on Effexor XR for 8 years. I was on 75 mg once a day for the first 8 months following my first year of college. A couple of months ago, I started exhibiting symptoms of panic disorder again, very severely. I was upped to 150 mg once a day, seemed fine for a couple of weeks, but was upped again to 187.5 mg once a day since I was still having panic attacks. Generally, I feel like it is working - I know that there are some people on much higher dosages, and it is just a matter of finding your right dosage."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2024

"Taking Effexor for panic disorder (agoraphobia), anxiety, and depression. I have tried about 5 other types of antidepressants with no success. Effexor has given me the best results by far! I was prescribed 300 mg daily by my psychiatrist. I was getting severe anxiety in my house, I could barely leave, struggled seeing people, driving, etc. It has been 3 to 4 months since I made the switch, I am now driving alone again, going out to see friends, getting back to work, etc. I have seen a huge improvement in my mood and depression, my anxiety and panic have greatly diminished, energy returning. I do attribute part of this success to my CBT therapy, which was very goal-oriented and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone. The medication definitely helped reduce symptoms to allow me to succeed. The first 3 to 4 weeks were very difficult, I felt worse before I felt better. All side effects eventually went away. I am happy I am finally writing a positive review, your time will come, keep fighting!"

• Lif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2022

"This medication has been an answered prayer for me. I lived in fear for almost 2 years, couldn’t go anywhere. I would think I was dying all the time, I went on countless visits to the ER just for them to tell me it was panic attacks. This medication has turned me to a complete 180. I enjoy life again, I am no longer afraid. I can do the things I love to do again. I feel myself again for the first time in a long time. Effexor has helped set me free. Medicine is not a one-size-fits-all, I definitely went through trial and error with many different meds. SSRIs have a very negative effect on me, so that’s why my doctor suggested an SNRI, and that’s exactly what I needed. This is the one for me and the answer to my prayers. So thankful for it and don’t plan on getting off of it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

"This drug, Effexor, literally saved my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and panic! Side effects weren’t too bad taking 75 mg. Drowsiness, increased heart rate, increased tinnitus, nausea, bad nighttime sweating, increased anxiety at first, head felt a bit spaced out, and crazy bad insomnia. Most of these subsided after about 8 days. Dosage change amped it up again for about another week. If you can work through it, it’s so worth it! After three weeks, basically feeling like myself again. A little more time will tell if my anxiety subsides further."

• Ver...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2017

"I have been taking Effexor for three years now, and I've had good luck with it. I take 150 mg per day. I have panic disorder and depression, and Effexor has been a godsend. I haven't had a panic attack since I started it 3 years ago. The only downside is if you miss a dose, you really feel it."