Venlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

• King...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 4, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Great experience on Effexor. Was very anxious; maybe a little depressed. Panic attacks, etc. Effexor gave me a great bump within 3 days at each dose. Ultimately, went up to 225mg (2 years). I was a new person; no worries, loving life. Went down to 150mg (2 years), and then down to 75mg (2 years). No problems. After 7 years, went off. Then I started to feel very badly again, went back on to no avail. But the 7 years I was on it, I felt tremendous. Great med for me."

• may
• May 18, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have been on Effexor for a couple of months, and I have to say it really works. I am telling you if I wasn't on this medication, I wouldn't know how to function right. There would probably be a lot of crying, not wanting to do anything, and beating myself up, which I hate. Now I feel so much better."

• Cotinga
• October 12, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2012

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have been on 75 mg now for about 3 months. Before, I was completely out of it, did not want to do anything, would stay at home on the computer all day, suicide thoughts every day. Now I'm out every day, going to the gym. All my anger and anxiety, along with the thoughts, are gone. Feels great. I highly recommend this medication. I know it will have withdrawal effects when you are getting off it but it is highly worth it, to better your life!"

• sfu
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I'm a 27-year-old female with ADD, generalized anxiety (including morbid thoughts, OCD behaviors, hypochondria, and depression). Effexor has basically fixed me. I used to be irritable, negative, overwhelmed, and chronically fatigued to a disabling capacity, and now I'm evened out and confident, positive, patient, and kinder. My head feels clearer than it ever has. The only issue is that this medication causes some sweating and raises my blood pressure, so I've had to have that stabilized with blood pressure medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I've been on Effexor XR 37.5mg for 2 weeks now for anxiety and depression, and I am seeing good results already. Generally, my mood is never stable; however, this medication has started to even everything out, and I go through my days feeling content. My anxiety is subsiding, and my mood and energy levels have increased. I find myself having tons of energy at times and not knowing what to do with myself; I am hoping that will even itself out. In my first week of Effexor, I had extreme fatigue and irritability that was difficult to deal with. So far, my experience has been good, and I am very hopeful. A lot of people go online to complain about their bad experiences; don't let that scare you away - everyone works differently."

• Amazing...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2016

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Effexor saved my life! I was so hesitant at first to try this drug because to me, it seemed so powerful compared to Zoloft and Celexa which I've been on in the past. I was also nervous because of the reviews I read with people talking about all the horrible side effects. I'm here to tell you, DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ. Effexor is absolutely amazing! I had no side effects at all. If I had to say I had any, it would be cold sweats for maybe a day but that's it. I take 150mg ER a day and I am back to my old self if not better. My advice is that everyone's body reacts differently to medication and not everyone experiences the same things. This drug is amazing and has helped my depression in every way."

• Loveu...
• February 9, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

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

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "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."

• Golf2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2017

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I'm a middle-aged professional that's dealt with depression and anxiety since my teen years. I've tried many different types of medications that target anxiety and depression, albeit with mixed results. My depression, stress, and anxiety levels had gotten worse within the last year (haven't been on any medications for over 10 years), so I went to see my doctor. I've been taking Effexor for about a month now and it's, by far, given me the most relief over any previous med. Stress levels have gone way down as I no longer tend to ruminate on things out of my control. It's much easier to drop the negative thinking and move on to something else. Anxiety and depression have also been greatly reduced. No major side effects for me (at 37.5)"

• Finch
• September 16, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor almost ruined my life. When I was 13 and I didn't fit in with my peers my doctor decided that I must need antidepressants. This medication was useless in treating my depression as I was not actually clinically depressed. I was just a teenager going through teenage carp. I tried to go off the medications but would get sick with seizures when I tried. One day at age 26 I decided enough was enough and went off cold turkey. It was rough. I could not go to work, was getting seizures daily and living with constant nausea. But after 3 months I started to get better. The seizures became fewer and farther between and the nausea stopped. Fast forward 10 years and I'm in a good career, am in great physical shape, have a stable mood, good self esteem, an excellent credit score, and live the life I used to dream of living. Getting off Effexor was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It cleared my mind and allowed me to find myself."

• Nikki
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2018

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Effexor changed my way of life completely. I couldn’t get out of bed to do minor housework. I can actually get things done now. I feel happy again, like I used to be. I want to make plans with friends now. I am just a nicer person. My panic attacks have stopped. I am pleasant to my spouse and children now. I feel I am in control of my life again."

• hhhhh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Started taking effexor in the luteal phase of my period (approx 10 days before menstruation) Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel the best I've felt. I cannot even access the dark and awful thoughts/insecurities/self-loathing that used to be a constant during this period. Only side effects I've felt was a slight bit of nausea/ light headedness in the first few days and difficulty sleeping (I keep waking up at 6am, but feel pretty refreshed so it's okay). Will report back on how it feels to go off them at the end of this phase."

• Grate...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2023

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was taking 37.5 mg Effexor for several years. My depression was pretty much non-existent during that time. Last spring, I got cocky and had my doctor wean me off the drug over a two-month period. For six months I felt great… until late fall arrived. I suffered with continuous anxiety for the next two months. I denied the heaviness in my chest and the constant worrying that overloaded my brain until I said enough was enough. If this situation was prolonged, I would be in a full blown depression. I called my doctor who put me back on 37.5 mg Effexor. I had a few side effects with nausea and headaches but after four days I started to feel the anxiety lift. By the fourth week, I was back to my usual happy self. I will never stop taking Effexor again. Lesson learned. My body does not produce enough serotonin. Despite my focus on exercising and other interventions to be mentally healthy, I need Effexor to keep my depression and anxiety away."

• Vin
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor XR really has been working wonders on my life. It has relieved me of a lot of my depression while still giving me my energy, unlike SSRIs. If weight gain is a problem for you and you have depression, definitely try an SNRI first. As you may or may not know, Wellbutrin is another antidepressant that is supposed to encourage weight loss while relieving depression. It affects norepinephrine and dopamine. I tried Wellbutrin a while ago, and failed miserably on it due to the anxiety it brought on. Therefore, I was hesitant at first because I heard that Effexor XR affects norepinephrine as well. However, it has been completely the opposite. I have gone from constantly laying in bed all day long to wanting to get up and exercise."

• CABCNA
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 12, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I'll start by telling you that I tried both Celexa and Lexapro. Celexa did fairly well, but Lexapro...that's a story for another time. I went to my doctor and told her I couldn't do Lexapro anymore. She prescribed me venlafaxine. In all honesty, I could tell a difference within the first few days. My panic attacks were fewer and further between, and I felt the dark cloud lifting. I've been on it for approximately two months now and haven't had any crazy side effects like I did with the other SSRIs. I suppose I'm still in the trial phase but I have no reason to dislike it yet. A miracle pill? Well, maybe. That's not to say that I don't get depressed again every now and then, but I'm generally content."

• RedWax
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2021

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This medication makes me feel....odd. Been on it for a little over 4 weeks now for bipolar. Get random twitches throughout my body, especially when I'm trying to fall asleep. This never happened before Effexor. Very blunted emotions, which is not something I had with Lexapro or Prozac. I find myself often watching/reading about stirring events just to feel SOMETHING, even if it is negative. Feel extremely lazy (I thought this drug was supposed to help with motivation??) and just want to sleep all day, which is very much NOT like me at all. Has anyone else experienced this with effexor? My doc wants me to give it another couple of weeks, but if I still feel like this by then I am going to request to be put back on Prozac."

• Bob
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 6, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've been weening off of Venlafaxine for the last month and a half. It's my least favorite medication, of all time. Every time I brought this up with my psychiatrist, she said, "What you need is more." Then she would raise the dosage. I hate the stuff. July 1, 2019 was my first day of being venlafaxine free. In the last 6 days I've gone through the 'feeling weird' and 'bad dreams' stages of withdrawal. They call it "discontinuation syndrome" but it's most certainly withdrawal... extreme withdrawal. Now I'm experiencing the 'involuntary weeping' and 'jitters' stages. I'm most likely going to stay in the bedroom, with the dogs, today."

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2012

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I was recently put on Effexor, and I have seen a huge improvement in my motivation and mental clarity. I actually want to get out of bed and do things. I actually want to work out. I don't want to eat all the time anymore. I am severely obese, and now after being on it for almost 2 months, I have lost about 10 lbs, and I feel great. I haven't noticed any detrimental side effects. It has actually increased my libido, too. I will post if I see any bad changes."

• happy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I've dealt with depression/anxiety all of my life, or at least as early as I hit puberty. I tried Zoloft and Wellbutrin to their max doses, and neither were effective at all. After dealing with unbearable constant depression, I stopped seeing my psychiatrist and went to a family physician who prescribed me Effexor. It's been maybe 4 months on Effexor XR 75 mg/day, and I've done a 180-degree turn around. I feel so content, so confident, rarely feel sad or bothered by little things. I started dating and met someone, and my friendships with people are stronger than ever. I finally feel like the person I should be, and more importantly, I feel like an optimist. The only bad thing is that withdrawal is bad, and it can make you nauseous. Otherwise, 10/10!"

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2008

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Life changing. I was prescribed Effexor XR for depression and anxiety with attacks. I suffered for years until I hit rock bottom and saw a doctor. This was the first medication I was prescribed and after 2 weeks, I saw an improvement, and after a month, I was a completely different person. I actually, for once, feel normal, and I am never sad and cry for no reason. I have energy, I don't feel crappy. I am hardly ever in a bad mood, and the best part is I don't feel like I am taking anything. Best decision of my life."

• Allie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I thought I would share my experience with Effexor XL. I have been on an anti depressant since 2000. Started with Paxil, then Citalopram, and finally Cymbalta. The Cymbalta stopped working and I was prescribed Effexor XL and am in the middle of my second week. When I first started taking it, after a couple of days I was feeling very odd, extremely fatigued and very sleepy but went with it. I researched this med and read many reviews. I’m so grateful for the reviews people have posted. I decided to stick it out, at least for a month. So happy I did! After sleeping every spare moment the first week, it appears that side effect has alleviated. I’m feeling pretty good and am looking forward to my days now. The website says if you have an improvement in the first week or 2, that it’s a good sign the medication is working."

• lll_1...
• January 6, 2008

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I ended up in the hospital after drinking a few glasses of wine, getting my stomach pumped, and feeling extremely out of it. I should have read the side effects of Effexor first, and I would have known that you should not drink alcohol while being on this medication."

• Edge
• July 1, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I thank God for this drug. I've been on it for 18 months now. I'm 55 yrs old woman and have suffered on and off with depression for most of my like. A couple of years ago started suffering with Diurnal mood variation, also known as morning depression. I'd wake up suicidal, but would recover during the day. It was an awful relentless 24 hour cycle I was stuck in. My doctor prescribed several drugs that made me feel worse, more suicidal, on the verge of being hospitalised again. Then he prescribed Effexor -XR. I felt lethargic and spaced out for 5 days, then fell asleep for almost 48 hrs! After that time I woke up, shook myself off and felt amazing! I'm so well that I'm happy stay on this drug for the rest of my life. My side effects have been, dry mouth, ( it went away after a couple of months) a very itchy scalp, weight gain, and vivid dreams. Still, Im happy to put up with all of that, to simply not suffer from depression again."