Effexor User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• dou...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 16, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Effexor XR on and off for about 14 years. At first, it seems to work, but then I end up going back to where I was and then worse. I have suicidal thoughts at all times. I'm depressed and agitated, even more so now than ever. If I get a dose increase, I sweat more. I don't know what to do."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder 10 years ago. I also struggled with panic attacks and depression. I could feel the positive effects of the medicine right away. Because of its immediate fix, I would recommend this to someone who has severe anxiety. The negative things I can say are that it is extremely hard to come off of. The withdrawal made me feel like I was crazy. I took myself off of it too quickly. I had hallucinations, tremors, and anxiety attacks. So make sure you use your doctor to wean off of it."

• Saz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 27, 2018

For Depression "My experience with this drug was horrific. At 150 mg, I hit a new low, I was impulsive, severely anxious, and constantly in tears. I was so desperate to be off this med that I went cold turkey. Huge mistake. Developed discontinuation syndrome: fever, tremors, panic attacks, vertigo, hives, flu-like symptoms, night terrors, constant vomiting. Got to the point I couldn’t even keep down water. By day 6, I was hospitalized with severe dehydration and exhaustion. Was immediately hooked up to an IV to replace fluids and given anti-sickness meds. Doctors introduced a lower dose and I am now tapering. Down to 18 mg, so nearly there. Have to take it slowly as I’m extremely sensitive to this medication. Another 2 weeks and I will be free of it. Can't wait to have my life back!"

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2019

For Depression "I have been on 300 mg for the past 5 years. I cannot handle the withdrawal symptoms, as the feeling of being completely disconnected from reality is too intense, let alone the nausea, etc. I'm 25 and worry that this will eventually do irreversible damage. The side effects are not worth it for me, but again, I cannot stop taking it even though I want to."

• zep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2015

For Depression "I had to restart Effexor for the 4th time, and it still works very well. My depression started to lift by the second week. The last time it took longer-about a month-before I felt any relief, it all depends. If the period of time before depression is one full of stress, longer, with many irritations, then it takes a little longer for Effexor to work. This 4th time, it was only a sudden stressful situation with my mother's health-she was diagnosed with cancer-that sank me into depression. Somehow, Effexor worked again, and I thank God for that. The side effects for me are almost not worth mentioning, and exercise helps a lot. I feel like myself again, and some joy of life is back. I first took Effexor in 2005, and I'm glad it still works."

• fly...
• March 25, 2013

For Depression "I've been on Effexor for 7 years now. After a crazy upbringing coupled with drug and alcohol abuse as a teenager, I spiraled into a deep depression after my wife died 13 years ago. I still have bouts of anxiety, but they are short-lived. I try to avoid people that trigger situations where I might start to feel like an anxiety attack is coming. I had a huge weight gain and struggle with that. I've lost 80 lbs so far due to a gastric bypass and am on only 25 mg, down from 150 when I started."

• BAC...
• April 19, 2016

For Depression "It changed my life. 48 years of just dealing with anxiety and depression, not wanting to be on medication. With the onset of pre-menopause, the depression was unbearable and more feelings of hopelessness. My doctor prescribed 75 mg, and I feel alive again. The torment of paranoia, anxiety, and the depression are gone."

• InT...
• January 13, 2013

For Depression "My doctor prescribed this for my depression, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks. Within an hour of taking it, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Four hours later, I was wide awake, jittery, nauseous, and having the worst panic attack I had ever had. Needless to say, I didn't try to take another dose, even if my body had to get used to the medication."

• Eff...
• April 26, 2019

For Depression "Was on Lexapro for anxiety and depression, but it just wasn’t helping, so I switched to Effexor, and I've definitely seen improvements. I used to have to take Xanax before work every morning, but now I don’t. Highly recommend. Just remember to never skip a dose or you’ll feel terrible, my doctor told me."

• Jim...
• November 15, 2008

For Depression "I started taking Effexor about a year ago. Started on 75mg and went all the way to the maximum 375mg over a 6-month period. The side effects were really quite bad, thus had to cut back to 225mg, this dose works very well. Some doctors are quite quick to push up your doses if your progress is slow. My advice is give it plenty of time before increasing doses. More isn't always better. Effexor is a good drug just sometimes can be a little slow working, the withdrawal from cutting down tablets wasn't really that bad at all; as long as you take it slow. Good luck to everyone who takes this drug."

• Iam...
• August 27, 2011

For Depression "I have been taking Effexor 300 mg for 2 years, and it has saved my life. I didn't care if I died prior to taking it. I never get sleepy or tired, and I can concentrate much better than I used to. My depression is gone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 29, 2012

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was prescribed Effexor XR for social anxiety and panic attacks, but an unexpected benefit was a decrease in my IBS symptoms (remember, bowel challenges are part of the symptoms of anxiety). After taking the medication for about a week, my bowel motions were normal and cramping in my bowels was eased - it emboldened me to eat more foods (before the medication, I hardly ate anything but blended foods, trying to alleviate the bowel cramping and gas). It was sensational - my health is so much better because I am eating healthier foods. I even stopped using Pepto-Bismol as a go-to for cramping! I am so appreciative of this medication. Also, another good aid for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms is swallowing peppermint oil capsules; not peppermint tea or candy. God bless you!"

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2015

For Depression "I am taking 35 mg, and it works great. I have strange dreams, but that's about it for side effects. It doesn't interfere with sexual health like a lot of antidepressants do. I can see staying on it for as long as I need to. I am glad that I tried, also lessened fibromyalgia outbreaks."

• Cre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for a few years now and have tried everything under the sun, but with the Effexor, I am feeling great. It does have some side effects, though, but they lasted for a few days and are now gone. They include the following: jitters, drowsiness, and a touch of nausea. Although with the sadness and anxiety under control, I now realize all the physical symptoms of PMDD. I'd rather have the physical symptoms over the emotions any day."

• Den...
• March 29, 2014

For Depression "I'm 48 and in menopause. I've suffered bouts of little depression through life, but since menopause, it hit me like a brick. I had a couple of panic attacks throughout the years, and I couldn't shake this gradual depression that was coming over me. I've always been able to talk myself through it, but this time, I just couldn't. My doctor prescribed Effexor. I took it for 2 days. On the third day, I was driving to work, and I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe. I was shaking, my heart was racing, and I really thought I was going to die. I pulled over, thinking I was having a heart attack. I called 911, throwing up on the side of a freeway. By the time the ambulance came, my heart rate had skyrocketed! Worst experience of my life."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2009

For Bipolar Disorder "I think Effexor has been very beneficial for me - I've taken it for about six years. A word of warning: do NOT let your prescription run out or take yourself off Effexor abruptly! I experienced this by accident while waiting for a mail-order prescription to arrive (my doctor was just moving into a new office and didn't have samples available). Within 2 days, I was a wreck emotionally (depressive, sobbing for no reason), cognitively (all over the place, no concentration), and physically (impaired motor coordination among other things). The 'brain shivers,' a feeling like an electrical current running from the brain down the spine and back again, are very disconcerting! I got samples from my doctor's former office and was noticeably better within hours of 1 dose."

• Kay...
• September 23, 2014

For Depression "Was so excited to try Effexor XL and did for the past 6 years. Well, I didn't realize that it made me anhedonia, or without feeling towards a lot of things. I just went on my merry way, but would do nothing... sat and watched TV, couldn't get anything done. Everything was just great!... that is what I thought... then I started gaining weight... gradually, but I mean 60-70# over the past 6 years or so... but just kept on eating. Then I thought I have to do something about this. I gradually took myself off, but wow the side effects of the withdrawal was unbelievable. My son told me never to do that again... and I told him see... this medication has so changed me... and I will never take that again...! Trying to lose this weight now."

• blu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 27, 2016

For Depression "Effexor has been absolutely brilliant for me. I was on and off Lexapro for years, it made the anxiety less, but I felt blunted and almost more depressed, as there was no meaning in my life. I have hardly any side effects with Effexor (75mg): nausea the first couple weeks, excess sweat for about 6 months, orgasms slightly less intense, but still very enjoyable and probably easier to reach as I'm more relaxed. I find I have less control over sugar/carb cravings and am a bit lower energy and have thus gained some weight - maybe 5 kilos. All in all, I was very reluctant to try this, but it has changed my life for the better. Sometimes I worry about withdrawal and safety in pregnancy, but I think Effexor saved my life, so that's the main thing!"

• Pur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2012

For Depression "This was one of the better SSRIs I've been on. However, after using it for a few years, I began to notice that some of the granules were not getting absorbed into my system. The granules were showing up in my stools completely whole. It worked wonders on my rage and moodiness though."

• Anonymous
• September 13, 2008

For Depression "I had the 5HTTLPR biomarker and CYP450 genotyping tests from a blood draw (which can help doctors determine how antidepressants are metabolized by your specific genetics and help predict which medications may be most beneficial as well as how long it may take for you to notice results), and was prescribed Effexor based on that info. It has helped me GREATLY for 6 months so far."

• ese...
• April 14, 2009

For Depression "I have depression, anxiety, and stress caused by my workplace. I have noticed that for the first time, I can actually enjoy going to work. Before this medicine, I used to cry and shake in bed before work, and my poor husband had to drive me there like I was a little kid going through withdrawals from parents. I've noticed I don't 'freak' out as much, and the best thing is my anti-medication husband calls Effexor XR a 'miracle pill.' The only side effects I've noticed are extreme racing thoughts and night sweats."

• Jer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2020

For Depression "Took 75 mg Effexor for 21 years. Dr. said to come off, and for 6 weeks I weaned off of this hard-to-quit drug. So now I stop taking it, and 8 days later I'm still having the brain zaps. If you start taking it, be prepared to experience a living nightmare if you want to quit. It did nothing to help me."

• joh...
• December 11, 2015

For Depression "I would highly recommend this medication. I tried multiple SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, Abilify, and Wellbutrin, and this works far better than those. For once, I actually feel happy, talkative, and good. Do not stop taking this medication cold turkey, or withdrawal effects will be bad. You should always taper over an extended period of time."

• ep1...
• March 10, 2017

For Depression "I am so very thankful for this medication. It has allowed me to get a handle back on my life. I have panic attack disorder, separation anxiety, depression, and generalized anxiety. I was prescribed Effexor for my depression. I was so depressed that I wouldn't leave bed, I'd have crying fits daily, everything would upset me, and I had suicidal thoughts. I take 150 mg daily, as well as some other medications, and I can honestly say I am a huge fan. I haven't had any side effects, I don't go through withdrawal if I don't take it at the same time daily, it doesn't cause any serious problems. My only advice is to take it with food, like most medications. Although this drug works for me, it might not work for everyone."

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

For Depression "I have been on this medication for at least a year and a half. I started out with Celexa, which at the highest dose completely stopped working for me, I was in a panic, crying for help. I became so much more depressed, and my behaviors were so impulsive. My doctor started me on Effexor, and what a difference this medication has made in my life. My mood became stable, I am no longer angry at the world, and I don't have the desire to go back to the way I was before Effexor. Remember, everyone, we are all individualized, some things may work for others better than ourselves!"