Effexor XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Gem...
• February 22, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor gave me my life back. I was so overwhelmed with anxiety for months to the point I would not come out of my room, all I was doing was crying. I thought I was having a breakdown. I'm taking 75mg at night. At first, I felt sick and dizzy, but after about 4 weeks, I started to feel better. I've been taking them now for 8 weeks, and I feel back to normal. I'm back at work full-time. I still get the odd bad day, but that's to be expected. I don't know what I would have done without this medicine. Please be patient with this medication, I know it's hard, but after 4-6 weeks, you will feel better. Good luck with it all. I know it's really hard, but you will get better."

• sta...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2014

For Anxiety "I've suffered severe anxiety/panic attacks my entire life. I've had Xanax, Valium, Prozac, and Edronax over the course of my years. I finally changed doctors, came off everything, to start where I'm at now. I began on 37.5mg over two weeks ago and noticed a difference straight away. Now on 75mg and getting better every single day. My panic attacks could cause me to pass out, so this is a huge leap in health for me. For those concerned about coming off Xanax, it's so worth the effort. I now feel like I'm getting my life back, and I'm truly grateful."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2023

For Depression "This drug saved my life. I've been taking it on and off since 2017 at 225mg. Now, I have struggled with depression for 18 years - constantly crying, feeling hopeless, and wishing I was dead. I've been through several psychiatrists and several different meds. Nothing helped. My anxiety was bad. I couldn't keep friends or maintain relationships. I was on the verge of taking my life because I was in so much pain. Then, I was given Effexor when I was in the mental hospital, and it has helped me a lot and saved my life. It's the best medication I have ever taken. I don't feel anxious or depressed anymore. I got my life back, and I'm happy once again. The people who left bad reviews are overdramatic and sound like lunatics. This drug is amazing. No bad side effects besides drowsiness. It may not work for everyone, but it surely helped me, and I am so grateful I finally found a medication that works tried and true!"

• VIR...
• April 11, 2014

For Depression "I've been taking Effexor for 4 weeks. Finally, I feel good. It's a miracle! I was suffering real bad depression and anxiety, and thoughts of giving up on life. Effexor works. This is the best I've felt since I was 23. Now I'm 30, and yes, I feel very happy to know I didn't give up and finally found a miracle pill. It's only been a month. Thanks Effexor, saved my life. Thank you."

• Add...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After years of suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, I finally decided to start medication. I started with Lexapro, and it made me feel terrible, with horribly low libido. I then tried Buspar with the same side effects. Effexor XR was my next try. I’m writing this because I was nervous about taking this medication after reading reviews. This medication has saved my life. I can finally do things that anxiety stopped me from doing. My panic attacks have decreased to hardly any. I had social anxiety, and I feel like I can have a normal conversation without stuttering due to being anxious. The only “con” I have of this medication is if I skip it one day, I have horrible flu-like symptoms and extreme headaches. However, I don’t plan to skip it regularly, so as long as you take it as prescribed, this shouldn’t be a problem. I 10/10 recommend this medication!"

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

For Anxiety "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."

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

For Panic Disorder "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."

• Cal...
• March 17, 2015

For Anxiety "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."

• JLf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2024

For Depression "After 7 years on Zoloft, I tapered to 25 mg from 100 mg. Then depression hit. I tried titrating up, but dealt with sedation and many adverse side effects. I tapered off and quit for 30 days. Depression lingered, so I began 37.5 Effexor. I felt relief on the first day. I switched to taking it in the evening to offset morning sleepiness. Within 2 weeks, I went to 75 mg, and within 2 weeks, depression remitted. After 15 weeks at 75 mg, I'm on a staggered dose of 112.5/75 every other day. Here's the thing for me—I chose to start low and go slow. The Effexor gave a mild but noticeable lift in mood. Within 2 weeks, I felt hope. I didn't have to wait 4 to 6 to 8 weeks to notice nor suffer adverse effects for weeks at a time. Research supports the efficacy of Effexor, especially its ability to give noticeable, if not subtle, improvements within two weeks. Having gone 40 weeks suffering adverse effects of Zoloft, the impact of Effexor for me was, in fact, life-changing. (Male, 62)"

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

For Panic Disorder "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!"

• OK2...
• October 4, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was started on 75 mg of Effexor and then increased to 150 mg. I felt much better overall. Anxiety was about gone, I could think through my thoughts. However, I was not happy with the sexual dysfunction I experienced on the 150 mg dose. My doctor lowered my dose back to 75 mg and the sexual dysfunction resolved, and my generalized anxiety disorder is within tolerable limits. I recently added Vitamin D and B12 to my daily regimen with my Effexor 75 mg ER dose and noticed a huge lifting of the mental fog that I had known for so long. This combination has been keeping my thoughts from racing, my hope from tanking, and my perspective in a good and positive place. It works for me."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "After 7 years of trial and error, This year I found a fantastic psychiatrist and I was finally told about 'Effexor'. From being tossed on so many different medications in the past and none of them working, I was SO desperate to feel better and also hopeless at the same time because I had felt like I had already tried EVERYTHING, but I gave it a shot. After 3 months, my entire mindset started to change for the better. Little by little, I started getting out of bed again, socializing again, I rarely have nightmares anymore, I feel a lot more calm, I don't overthink little things, and I genuinely look forward to waking up now. Do not give up on this drug if you don't feel better immediately, nothing will make you completely feel better but this is as close as I've ever gotten. Give it about 3 months to work and a year to fully work. I was a drug user and was at rock bottom/completely hopeless and because of Effexor I am alive today."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2016

For Anxiety "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."

• MsS...
• April 1, 2012

For Hot Flashes "I had hot flashes every 2 hours. My face would turn beet red, my glasses would fog up, and always at an inappropriate time. Took my first dose of Effexor 37.5mg, my hot flashes are basically nonexistent. Mood is also awesome now."

• Nat...
• October 21, 2019

For Depression "I have struggled with eating disorders (Anorexia and Binging) for about 4 years now. It started at 16 and slowly began to follow me into college. I’ve struggled with relationships and often find myself extremely depressed and more anxious than ever. I started Effexor about 2 weeks ago now, and the first few days were much like the experiences listed on here. I have done MDMA before, and it does feel like that for the first two days. However, after I got through that stage, each day has been getting better. Colors seem brighter, and my motivation has started to get better. Before, I had struggled with finding any interest in life, and everything seems a little bit more open each day I wake up. I do have some very vivid dreams and find that during the night, my depression gets a little worse, but it has slowly subsided, and I’m able to push away thoughts that normally frustrate me. I’m excited to see how each day goes moving forward."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2015

For Anxiety "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."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2013

For Anxiety "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!"

• Gau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 11, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I see so many reviews here from people that gave up this medication after one day, five days, seven days. Guys, this medicine can take up to a MONTH to work. In the meantime, you might experience side effects like increased anxiety. Stick with it. It works for me - It might not for you, but please try it out properly (i.e. for at least a month) before you knock it."

• Heb...
• September 5, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Effexor XR for over 15 years. I take a daily dosage of 300mg. It has been the most significant thing in my life! I am able to function normally, hold down a sometimes stressful job, be a great parent, and most of all be the best me possible. I have a hormonal imbalance which causes my depression, and no amount of psychological intervention was ever going to change that. Effexor XR did. Whilst there are side effects, my body has become accustomed to them, and believe me, they are nothing in comparison to the dreadful depression. I believe that it has saved my life and ensured that the life I lead is a good one. A couple of tablets a day, some minor side effects, and I can get on with a wonderful life."

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

For Anxiety "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."

• Sal...
• March 3, 2018

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I had anxiety for 20 years and didn't really know the reason for it. I molded my miserable life around my anxiety demands and tried my best to change things but all gone in vain. It was one good day that I saw a neurosurgeon about another issue who prescribed me Effexor along with other medicines. While I was searching the uses and dosages of the medicines, the word 'Social Anxiety Disorder,' for the first time, came to my knowledge. I was amazed that all symptoms and behavioral patterns that were described in this context were almost identical to my situation. I am on Effexor for six months and things are altogether changed. My relations with family, workplace, and friends are quickly restored. I am very happy and really enjoying my life now. The side effects are far less important than the major damages that the disorder itself creates. Effexor works like a magic spell and within days it changes the life and lifestyle."

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

For Anxiety "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."

• Tha...
• January 28, 2010

For Hot Flashes "My ob/gyn recently recommended Effexor to treat my menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, anxiety, mood swings) after having my ovary removed. I was skeptical because I have been treated with antidepressants in the past and the side effects were horrendous. I also suffer from GAD and SADD, but because I am such a wimp about taking pills, I have tried to tough it out. I was willing to try anything to help me get better. It has only been a week at the 37.5 dose, and I already notice a difference. Hot flashes are gone, I don't fly off the handle at everything and everyone, I am laughing, I can concentrate, I worry less, and am generally more calm. Side effects are minimal. A little spacey at times! Loss of appetite (which is good for an overweight woman). LOVE THIS MEDICINE!"

• NoN...
• June 15, 2018

For Anxiety "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."

• ree...
• January 25, 2015

For Depression "I started taking Effexor 3 weeks ago after finding no success with Wellbutrin or Zoloft. It causes some initial bad side effects (nausea, dizziness, tiredness), but I can't emphasize enough how wonderful I feel now! I thought I would never find a solution. Most effective medication I've encountered thus far!"