Effexor XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

• Mickey
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2020

For Depression "I have only been taking Effexor for a little over 2 months and noticed that if I was even an hour late taking my daily dose, I’d feel nauseous and anxious. I also began to notice that I was feeling nauseous anytime I didn’t have a full stomach, so weight gain was inevitable. I decided this drug was making my physical symptoms seriously distressing enough to outweigh any good it may be doing. I was shocked at how awful the withdrawal symptoms have been, even though I was only on it for two months at a dose of 75mg. I’ve been experiencing nausea and 'brain zaps' for two weeks now. My GP put me on Effexor, but after meeting a psychiatrist at a dinner function and casually asking her thoughts on Effexor, she said she doesn’t prescribe it; its withdrawal is so awful. I’m glad I’m getting off it, but alarmed at how nasty the withdrawal is. Can't imagine how bad withdrawal would be for those at a higher dosage and for much longer than my 2 months."

• 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."

• Thank...
• 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!"

• Coookie
• 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."

• nickn...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 17, 2019

For Depression "This medication needs to be illegal. It did not help my depression, it caused significant weight gain, and if a dose was missed by 1+ hours, the side effects were severe. The withdrawal symptoms are more intense than I ever would have imagined and prescribing doctors do not warn patients against this. After beginning to taper off this medication, I experienced really dark thoughts and attempted suicide. I was in the ICU for a week and a psychiatric hospital for 4 weeks. Effexor almost cost me my life. Please don't risk yours by taking it."

• jlady...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 22, 2019

For Depression "This (Effexor XR) is a GREAT drug! For those of you who have had a bad experience, you need to have the swab test done by your Dr (covered by insurance) to find out what drugs work for you. It has been a lifesaver for me! I was switched by a smart NP after taking Paxil for many years with many problems. After I took the mouth swab test & it showed Paxil was a bad fit for me. I have zero side effects aside from a little weight loss, which for me is awesome as I'm 57 & fit but had those nagging extra lbs. Extra lbs gone, mood lifted, don't dwell on stupid things. I'll be on it forever as I'm permanently low in serotonin & NEED the boost. Without it, I just lay in bed & don't want to do anything. Get the swab test done & if this shows up in the left column, try it! Little adjustments with dosage are required - just start at 75mg, which helps a teenie bit & then go up... It's also cheap if you pay cash... GOOD LUCK!!!!!!"

• Interx
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2021

For Depression "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 I noticed a difference . First 8 weeks I had terrible insomnia 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% myself again . I’m not sure if it’s the Effexor or the folate or both but if your not feeling like the meds are helping 100% I would consider adding folate . Don’t give up"

• James...
• 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!"

• reemus
• 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!"

• Mikey
• 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."

• Salam...
• 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."

• Mjano
• 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."

• Kiki
• 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."

• Dingd...
• 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."

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

For Depression "I read a lot before taking this medicine because I heard about his horrible side effects and withdrawal symptoms but finally I decided to take it as I believe in all depression medications has side effects and withdrawal symptoms and for sure it won't be worst than depression . And if its approved by FDA and allowed in most of countries, so for sure it has also positive effects more than negative ones. After I took it I felt it change the depression after the first does! and now after 3 months of it, its the best medication I tried till now. But please know it has different effect form person to person. For me side effects was 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 safe and strong antidepressant."

• foxy...
• 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."

• Prodi...
• 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."

• range
• 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!"

• Uncle...
• September 24, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Was prescribed Effexor 37.5 MG for GAD and Depression. I also Have OCD. Side Effects were as follows; 1st Day: Fuzzy, Lethargic, Unable to focus, Stomach Issues. 2nd Day: Same as First Day with Loss of Appetite. 3rd Day: Same as Second Day 4th /5th Day: Same as Previous Days, except SLIGHTY raised Anxiety and Notably raised Depression. 6th Day: Felt Better, Slept Better, Appetite Still Down. 7th Day: Noticeably Less Anxiety and Depression, No Libido which in my case is good b/c I have a tendency to have lots of unprotected sex with random women. 8th day: Appetite is still not right, but I feel better than I did before I took the meds, and definitely better than I did in the first 5 days of taking it. For some it takes longer but if you are a person with bad anxiety, any physical ailments seem worse than they really are. I'd say the first 7 Days on 37.5 MG are tough, but it eventually got better. By Day 9 I am feeling ok, no anxiety and more of a baselined depression."

• Ginnie
• 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."

• Blake...
• 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."

• Fognu...
• 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!"

• Emily...
• 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."

• MudBug
• 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."

• 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!"