Effexor XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• 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!"

• Cra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 11, 2020

For Depression "I originally started on the regular Effexor when I was 16 after a suicide attempt while on Prozac. This was literally a lifesaver for me! Switched to XR when it became available. I was on it for about 3 years before deciding I no longer wanted to be anchored down by antidepressants. The withdrawals sucked, but didn't last long. I'm considering going back on it and am now 37 years old."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2020

For Anxiety "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 40 lbs. 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."

• Fog...
• November 6, 2016

For Depression "Effexor XR saved my life! I had severe clinical depression for one year, and my doctor tried 8 different antidepressants on me, all to no avail. I sought the help of a psychopharmacologist in Palo Alto, CA. He met with me for 90 minutes, did an evaluation, and prescribed Effexor XR for me. He stairstepped me up to 300 mg/day within 12 days, and within 2 weeks I felt like my old self again. It felt miraculous. I may be on it for the rest of my life, but I don't mind one bit. I am enjoying life again!"

• ran...
• April 24, 2008

For Anxiety "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!"

• Coo...
• January 20, 2017

For Anxiety "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."

• Int...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2021

For Depression "I have tried several different medications and every supplement, including thyroid, kelp, etc., since my three-year battle with depression. Effexor didn’t do much for me for about 12-16 weeks, but I noticed a difference. The first 8 weeks, I had terrible insomnia, and I nearly stopped it. Having looked up treatment-resistant depression, I decided to try taking folate, and 6 weeks later, it’s the first time I’m feeling 90% like myself again. I’m not sure if it’s the Effexor, the folate, or both, but if you're not feeling like the meds are helping 100%, I would consider adding folate. Don’t give up."

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2015

For Depression "I have not been able to stay awake for more than a few hours at a time and so depressed that I couldn't go out in public. But since I have been taking Effexor, I am 100% better. I am a new person. I want to get out and do things, and I have a sense of well-being. I love this feeling!! It's like a new me. I am better than ever."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After reading a lot of reviews, YES, this drug sucks if you do not slowly taper off. Some people will have a bad reaction when stopping this suddenly or with too fast tapering - I feel like those are misleading not everyone has this. I have been on practically every SSRI (Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa) and I know you do not have to taper off with those but they also didn’t work for me. Nothing has worked for my GAD like Effexor has. OCD almost gone and I’ve had it bad for 20 years, anxiety gone, depression much better. I have energy, I want to do things, I feel like myself. So, this drug works wonders for lots of people, but it is one you will need to slowly taper off of."

• Pro...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 19, 2019

For Depression "31/m. I have been on Effexor XR generics for 5 years after nearly committing suicide at the age of 26. It has completely gotten rid of my suicidal ideation as well as tremendously reducing my depression and anxiety. Without it, I'm quite certain that I would not be alive today. After trying to get off of it a couple of times and having those bad feelings come back, I have become resigned to the fact that I will likely be on this drug for life, but am okay with that to be honest. I don't really have any side effects from the drug, at least not that I am aware of. The reason I give it 8 stars is because if you ever DO want to get off of it, the withdrawal symptoms are absolutely horrendous."

• abd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2021

For Depression "I read a lot before taking this medicine because I heard about its horrible side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but finally, I decided to take it as I believe all depression medications have side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and for sure it won't be worse than depression. And if it's approved by the FDA and allowed in most countries, then for sure it has also positive effects more than negative ones. After I took it, I felt it change the depression after the first dose! Now, after 3 months of it, it's the best medication I've tried so far. But please know it has different effects from person to person. For me, the side effects were some nausea and night sweating, and that was only for one day. After that, no side effects happened. So finally, I tell you don't be afraid to take it - it is a safe and strong antidepressant."

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

For Anxiety "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 the last few nights. I am starting on this medication again! Without this medication, I would not have 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!"

• Din...
• September 12, 2013

For Anxiety "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."

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

For Anxiety "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!"

• fox...
• February 13, 2013

For Hot Flashes "I have been on Effexor 37.5 for 2 weeks now. It immediately stopped ALL hot flashes for 2 days. Since then, I have occasional, very mild hot flashes. My doctor told me to check in with her after 3 weeks. I may ask about increasing the dosage to 75. I was a little drowsy at first, then realized I was also taking an allergy medicine with a side effect of drowsiness so I stopped the allergy medicine. I agree with others, my mood is better, and also, my hair has more body and not so limp anymore. It must be a result of not sweating so frequently and severely from the hot flashes. I haven't noticed any other side effects. I wish I would experience a loss of appetite, that would be nice."

• Bal...
• June 24, 2017

For Panic Disorder "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."

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

For Anxiety "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!"

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2020

For Depression "Have taken Prozac, Zoloft, bupropion XR on and off over the years. Nothing has snapped me out of a major depression episode quicker than this Effexor. Already take 80mg Strattera for ADD. Venlafaxine kicked in almost immediately and has been tremendously helpful. I have read all the horror stories about going off of it but I was desperate for relief and this really did the trick. I don't want to be on it forever though."

• Emi...
• September 11, 2016

For Anxiety "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."

• Gin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

For Depression "My neurologist prescribed me Effexor XR for nerve pain. I had a head injury from a car accident and have been suffering from facial nerve pain, neck injury, and depression. This drug has improved my quality of life. I highly recommend it for nerve pain. I started out taking 37.5mg for a month. Then, 75mg. The 75mg dose works for me. It took 6 weeks for me to feel the benefits."

• Mud...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 18, 2017

For Anxiety "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."

• Mja...
• June 22, 2019

For Anxiety "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."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 22, 2019

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I see a lot of people complaining about the withdrawal of this drug or side effects. I hope this drug never gets discontinued. This drug is the only thing (besides benzos, but try to get prescribed that these days...) that has ever helped me with my major depression, social anxiety, and panic attacks. This drug is not meant for everyone... if you have slight anxiety or depression, you should not be on this drug... Yes, the withdrawal is bad, but for some people with severe issues, we NEED this to function in society or until we are stable enough through therapy to get off. This is the only drug that works for some people like me with severe anxiety issues."

• Cot...
• October 12, 2019

For Depression "I will be 60 this year. My first experience with treating my anxiety and depression started around 1968 with a doctor convincing my adoptive mom to put me on Ritalin. In 2004, my doctor placed me on Effexor XR. Within a week, I felt relaxed and human. About a year ago, I had a really bad breakdown. My current doctor suggested I up the Effexor dosage to 150mg per day. It worked, except that I have lost my drive and ambition. I know I have things to do, they just do not seem to interest me enough. I get the things done I have to, then I just kinda slack down. Effexor saved my sanity, so to speak, but I have lost the extreme drive that propelled me in my younger days, and I wish for that back! I just wonder if after 15 years on Effexor, there is something that betters it in the 'drive' and emotion department. Again, wonder drug. Sign me, Depressed from birth."

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

For Anxiety "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. However, after I went off for 4 months and started experiencing them again, I encountered the worst morning panic with nausea, vomiting, and IBS for three months. I didn't want to switch, but it was getting so bad that I would have anxiety for most of the workday and was afraid I might have to miss work. It was fortunate that 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 Effexor XR. She advised me to stop the Zoloft and start 37.5 mg of XR venlafaxine. It was like night and day. I no longer experienced panic attacks, morning nausea, vomiting, anxiety, or IBS. It's been over a year, and I still like it. Initially, I took it in the morning, but gradually switched to taking it at night because I sleep better that way."