Venlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Freeb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I would just like to point out that every single person is different and adjusts to these medications differently. I had 3 suicide attempts before accepting medication and was put on Effexor. Effexor changed my life, until it didn’t. For 2 years it helped me to function normally, I went back to work, the suicidal ideation ceased, and I was able to manage my depression. After a long time though, I felt numb and wanted to get off of it. No one ever warns you about coming off Effexor. There is a whole group on Facebook just for coming off it. The withdrawals are worse than any drug I know. I counted every day. It was 12 days of agony before I felt any sort of relief. It was pure, utter awfulness. But I look back and think of what Effexor did for me when I first started this medication, and it gave me my life back. So despite the horrible effects coming off this drug, it still helped me immensely."

• sleejoh
• January 28, 2008

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have been on Effexor XR for about 8 years now. I am currently taking 300 mg per day. I tried to commit suicide several times before starting Effexor. I had been on so many different antidepressants. I thought this was how my life was always going to be - my children slowly watching me sleep and then eventually die. The doctor put me on Effexor, and it was the best thing ever."

• Kimeska
• February 24, 2020

Effexor (venlafaxine) "WORST 48hrs of my entire life. First day I took it Effexor (dose 37.5mg) with my 300mg of Wellbutrin and I got to work and couldn’t even walk in a straight line. Went home and figured maybe I just shocked my system and slept it off. Next day I took the same dosage. First came the spaced out phase where I couldn’t remember where I was or what I was doing. The tremors? So violent that I couldn’t walk or talk or hold things. My husband came home to find me in the fetal position on the floor shaking violently. Let’s not forget hearing and seeing things that weren’t there. Another thing I noticed was that one second I was laughing then the next crying. It was so scary and I couldn’t stop it from happening. Stopped taking it. It’s been 2 days now and I still have tremors. Can’t eat. And the only thing that will stop the tremors is 1mg of Ativan. This drugs ruined my life in 48hrs. I will never recommend it to anyone. Worst 2 days of my life and it’s still going."

• VIRID...
• April 11, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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!"

• Gamer...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor was by far the worst medication I have taken. If you miss even 1 dose within hours you are sick and having withdrawal symptoms. It took a good 6 months before the brain zaps stopped. Run away. It's terrible."

• xyzpo...
• July 31, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have taken Effexor on and off for nearly ten years for depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden traumatic situation. It took a week or so for the side effects to disappear when I first started. I felt so well that I weaned myself off it, which took at least a week with side effects. I have done this twice, thinking I was very well and able to cope when I take the medication. However, I have come to realize that I need to stay on it, and my husband now understands that it keeps me well, happy, and balanced. If I miss a tablet, I feel quite nauseous and a bit unbalanced, even though I only take 75mg once a day. I have come to realize that there are a lot of people out there, including many high-profile people, who need Effexor."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Nathan
• October 21, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Heb
• September 5, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Miss...
• September 21, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I am 46 years old and have taken Effexor since 2000. It helps me balance myself. It really works, and it calms me down and relaxes. But never miss it for a day or so; it will give you dizziness or nausea. I would like people out there to know that Effexor is the best antidepressant. It helps me focus on my life in every way. Thank you for saving my life, Effexor."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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"

• reemus
• January 25, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Tepper
• August 2, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "As with all antidepressants, I tend to peak after about 5 years and my medication begins to lose its efficacy. This is the third time I have had Effexor prescribed, and each time the results have been better than with any other antidepressant. I actually enjoy parts of my life and sleep like a baby, which is a true blessing, because I have fibromyalgia and the accompanying insomnia so common with fibromyalgia. Several years ago my brother-in-law was having trouble with his depression medications so I told him to ask his doctor about Effexor. He has gone from suicidal to a fairly happy fellow. This medicine has literally been a lifesaver in our family."

• Tattie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I've been on this medication only one week but am cautiously very optimistic. Prior to this, I was on citalopram but still feeling very low and sleeping poorly, feeling like I needed to be in bed 12-16 hours a day. Now I am waking naturally after only 8 hours of sleep and finding it much easier to concentrate at work. I can hardly believe it is working so quickly but I feel so much better. I've had no side effects."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Ginnie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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!"

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2008

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I've been using 75mg Effexor for 9 weeks now and it has changed my life. I wake up looking forward to the day and can remain focused throughout. I woke up on my 30th birthday feeling very depressed and could not believe that's how I felt every day before taking Effexor. My libido is back to where it was a year ago and the only side effect I experience is an upset stomach during very intense workouts. I see a therapist and that too has helped. My wife says I'm now a different person."