Effexor XR User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Balan...
• 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."

• Belie...
• 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."

• Sal
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug Effexor XR saved my life. I had previously been on Effexor 75 mg for 30 years and thought I would try something else for OCD. Bad mistake. Other medications made me really anxious, depressed and suicidal. I couldn’t sleep and had lost 20 kgs. Doctor put me back on Effexor 150 mg and within weeks I was a different person. Back to my usual happy self and busy social life. Anxiety was way down. It saved my life. Only side effect is night sweats but I can deal with that just happy to be me again."

• Back...
• 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!"

• Cotinga
• 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."

• JenJen
• September 29, 2016

For Anxiety "I wanted to leave my experience on here because this drug has changed my life!! I read all the bad experiences people have had and was worried this would happen to me too. Back in December 2016 for some reason I just lost it. Heart racing constant (although most of my life I have had heart racing at times due to anxiety), panicking over nothing, crying, depressed, lost interest in hanging out with my friends, wanted to just lay in bed all day, expecting the worst to happen, scared to drive anywhere past my town, dreading my husband coming home from work, etc. No logical reason for any of this. My doctor started me out on Zoloft and it helped a little at first. The side effects for Zoloft were awful for me the first week. 7 months in my doctor had me on 100 mg and at that point it felt like it wasn't working at all anymore. In August, he switched me to Effexor (generic). The only side effect was an occasional dizzy feeling a couple of times the first few days. I literally felt a change by the 2nd day. My heart started beating normally, I was happy, had lots of energy, and could drive everywhere!!! The best part, other than my heart not racing, is wanting to hang out with friends again and talking to complete strangers without sweating and panicking thinking they are judging me!! I did have to raise my dosage to 150 mg because 75 mg was only working half the day. I do hear when you do want to come off of these it is not fun, but at this point I hope I never have to."

• sara
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 22, 2019

For Anxiety "I came to be on this drug in January 2018. I suffered from panic attacks and GAD. I felt horrible. I lost all my motivation, and I was scared of being crazy. I started with Effexor XR 37.5 mg for a week. Then I switched to 75 mg XR. The first month was the worst. Dizziness, akathisia, more panic attacks, sleepiness, my nerves were cracking. After 3 weeks, all the side effects were gone, and I started to feel better. Every day a little better. Now I am a new person! My husband is happier than me! Psychotherapy improved the effect of the drug. I really suggest complementing the drug treatment with psychotherapy. What I suggest is to resist quitting in the first month... it's always darkest before the dawn!"

• 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."

• carto...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2016

For Anxiety "In my 25 years of being put on various medications, this is, by far, the best. I suffered from anxiety and PTSD, which of course, would lead to depression. I'd contend with crying spells and outbursts of anger. The first few days of taking 75 mg/day, I did have some side effects (such as racing thoughts, sleeplessness, etc.), but my body adjusted quickly. I now wake up every day feeling more hopeful, and with ZERO crying spells. I am still ME, and never feel like a zombie. I am still aware of my surroundings and what annoys me, yes, but my RECOVERY from processing those things is much faster, and I bounce right back. In other words, my perspective of things is normalized, and my days aren't ruined. Wonderful stuff!"

• Whats...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2016

For Anxiety "I've suffered from severe panic disorder since I was 10. I am 45 now. I was on 200mg of Zoloft for 18 years. It took away my anxiety, but also took away any motivation. I was a zombie for all of those years and slept all the time. My new Dr. suggested switching to Effexor. I was afraid that it wouldn't work and my panic would come back. I was so wrong. After a week on 37.5 mg, my energy was back and anxiety still gone. I'm on 75mg. I can't believe I stayed on Zoloft so long! I can think and do things again! I don't sleep all the time. Everyone reacts differently. If this med doesn't work for you, I'm sure there is one that will. Wish I would've switched sooner. No side effects at all!"

• DennyY
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2012

For Hot Flashes "I was put on Effexor 37.5 for hot flashes. I had uterine cancer and went into very fast menopause. After trying to live with the hot flashes for about 6 months, I asked for help. Effexor has been wonderful. I am now able to sleep through the night. I really only have a hot flash when I forget to take my medicine."

• Chamo...
• December 22, 2019

For Panic Disorder "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."

• EIRE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Effexor XR 75mg for the past 4 months now for social anxiety/GAD. A sense of calm and relaxation has come over me. I have days where nothing seems to faze me and I couldn't care less attitude. For me, this is a good thing as I used to worry constantly about small, stupid things. I think this is called 'emotional blunting'. I also seem to look people in the eye and maybe give them a smile. This drug takes a while to kick in so I would suggest maybe sticking with it. I also take Mirtazapine 15mg at night."

• Blond...
• August 13, 2014

For Anxiety "Started taking Venlafaxine ER a year ago for anxiety. Started at 75mg daily and am currently on 150mg per day, and have been for about 8 months. It has helped a ton with the anxiety! While I am not completely clear from anxiety, it is much better to handle. I did not gain any weight whatsoever. I do notice that if I forget to take it, I feel a bit nauseous and lightheaded, so I have set an alarm on my phone. I take both 75mg pills at one time so that it's done for the day. All in all, I would recommend!"

• MrPat...
• August 16, 2015

For Anxiety "I tried Paroxetine, Prozac, and Celexa and had no positive results. So, my doctor advised I try Effexor XR, given it is an SNRI or a different class of drug. Almost immediately (less than 1 week), I felt a positive mood change, my social anxiety and mild stuttering seemed to dissipate, and I felt balanced. I have been taking Effexor XR for almost a month now, and my anxiety has dropped right off that I feel like my normal self again. I am a lot more social, and I hardly stutter. I also think more logically. The only downsides are that I sleep more, find it harder to get up in the mornings for work, and have noticed fluid retention around my abdomen. I do not mind these small side effects because this drug has really helped me get my life together. :)"

• Thank...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 18, 2019

For Depression "I'm a 53-year-old female and still in perimenopause. Effexor XR 150mg has been a life-changer for me! I have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and also bipolar by different psychiatrists. I was depressed, very irritable/angry, and moody. I couldn't function or get out of bed, had no desire to do anything but sleep! Currently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). After being on many other antidepressants (Paxil, Cymbalta, Bupropion, Abilify, Seroquel - very sedating) and some bipolar meds (Lamictal, Risperdal, Depakote - which made my fine thin hair fall out) that didn't help over a 10-year period, I was really losing hope and tired of feeling sad, horrible, and constantly worried. I felt this was no way to live. After 8 months on Venlafaxine 150 mg XR, I feel so much better and much less irritable and anxious."

• Fitzy
• April 16, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "At first, I read all the reviews, positive and negative, and was like, oh hell no! I would leave work early, wouldn't want to leave the house, or even go to the store. So, my doctor started me on 37.5 mg XR a few months ago. The only side effect was feeling sick to my stomach, but that went away after a while. I know people are different, but WOW, has it changed my life and thinking. I felt like the old me again, not worrying like a nervous Nelly about things, not in my head thinking about the what-ifs, stayed at work, and went to stores, and people around me noticed the change in me. I was more upbeat and less nervous. Today, I started the 75mg XR because my doctor said let's make you feel even better. Hopefully, this works; if not, I'll just go back down to 37.5mg."

• Sha
• February 15, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started this drug in Jan 2018. I started on 37.5 and went up to 75mg after 3 weeks. I have a history of severe anxiety with panic. I can tell you this drug is the only thing I have taken that completely erases negative thoughts and any and all thoughts of panic. I was never really depressed, but I can tell it has lifted my mood as well. I have tried every SSRI under the sun and Effexor is the only thing that worked for the anxiety AND panic. I encourage you to at least try it, if I made decisions based on the reviews I have read from this drug I would have never tried it. We are all different and react differently to each drug. I viewed the med as a nothing to lose situation so I gave it a shot and it worked for me."

• GAD-G...
• March 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m a 32 y/o female with GAD diagnosed 2 yr ago & ADHD. My doc felt it was more important to treat my severe GAD before ADHD. After trying Zoloft for 6 months, I stopped it. NO libido. Lexapro, same thing!! Plus I was super tired. First two days on Effexor XR were amazing. (Placebo effect?) Then days 3-10 were filled with a little more anxiety than normal. Had vivid weird dreams, would wake up once in the middle of the night to pee then it would be harder than normal to fall asleep. Also, jaw popping like I was grinding the heck out of my teeth for a few nights. Day 11-now, it's wonderful. I don't feel panic attacks or anxiety anymore. I feel normal and relaxed. No more headaches, muscle tension, or sleeping problems. I'm not short-tempered with my kids. I don't worry as much! I'm just chill. Oh, and I can still pour some tears watching my chick flicks. With the sex side effect 'O'... I can still do it, just takes a tad longer. I can live with that!! I can also drink beer with this."

• angmc
• February 4, 2012

For Hot Flashes "Effexor XR works great for hot flashes, not to mention it elevates your mood as a bonus. I do recommend the extended release as the side effects are fewer. I have no hot flashes now at all. I recommend it to anyone who does not want to take hormones."

• Cat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started 75mg Effexor about three months ago for GAD and Major Depression . It has done wonders for me . The first month I did yawn a lot and seemed to be experiencing the emotional blunting that they described . And at one point I was scared that I had lost all empathy . But realized that being overzealous about others opinions and worries was destroying me . I am a lot more care free and I haven't cried for no reason in over three months . The low dose is working and I am much happier overall. I do sleep a lot, almost 9 hours a night and I am slow to rise . But my day carries on well after that . I would consider this a success ."

• indig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 6, 2018

For Anxiety "I am a long-time generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic sufferer. I went on Effexor XR since Celexa stopped working for me. I love it. I feel better, I feel more motivated. I've lost 25 lbs because I am now out walking and just living my life with no worry or anxiety anymore. I still have a little, but nothing like it was. My husband says I am so different for the better. We are so happy since I took it. My husband jokingly says 'thank you Effexor.' I have to agree. It works for me."

• Loveu...
• February 9, 2017

For Depression "Effexor changed my life. I was suffering from bad depression for over two years due to something that happened in my life. I couldn't get the thoughts out of my mind. So daily, I would feel sad and depressed. I started with Wellbutrin, which I liked for depression and energy, but it made my anxiety, which I also have, worse. Anyways, back to Effexor. The first 2 weeks taking Effexor were kinda horrible. I felt weird, tired, and I was thinking of stopping this medication. But I stuck with it. I have to say I feel normal again, and my depression is gone. Even if I think of my past, I don't get sad anymore. So thank you Effexor."

• Dolly...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 26, 2016

For Social Anxiety Disorder "I was a walking mess, until I got introduced to this miracle pill. I started off with 75 mg. My doctor noticed a little difference in my speech and personality in general, so he upgraded to 2 pills of 75 mg. So now I'm up to 250 mg a day. I'm doing very good. Love the people who invented this medicine. By the way, I'm taking it with clonazepam 0.5 mg 3 times a day. I also have PTSD. I'm doing amazingly great. Good luck with your struggles."

• Aks
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

For Depression "This stuff is AWFUL. Feels like MDMA but with only the bad effects. Jaw clenching, can't focus, nausea, shaking. I was literally scared. I called the advice nurse after trying to make myself throw it up because I felt so terrible. Stay AWAY from this drug."