Venlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Emily...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 22, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Withdrawal is the worst. These drugs rob you of life's pleasures for sure. Only take the drugs after you try nutrition, exercise, meditation, any great behavioral techniques. Take it to stay alive only. Pray unceasing for another method that helps more. I moved away from a violent area which helped me greatly. I am well and happy now in Oklahoma."

• herbo...
• September 8, 2007

Effexor (venlafaxine) "My girlfriend has been on Effexor XR for almost seven years now. We just found out two weeks ago she is pregnant. The doctor told her to lower doses from the 300mg she has been on to 150mg, then three days later drop to 75mg, then three days to 37.5mg, then you're done. The doctor said that there might not even be any withdrawals if it is done this way. I wouldn't wish these bad withdrawals on anyone."

• daisyp
• July 22, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was taking Celexa for 2 years for my depression. It was not working well enough for me. I managed to just live life day by day, and roll with the punches. I suffer extreme anxiety disorder and extreme panic attacks up to 8 times a day. Several caused me to call 911 thinking I was having a heart attack. With all this said, my GP and I talked about changing my medication. I had heard of Effexor, I researched it, and thought why not! I felt that life would not get any better than what I was living at that moment. 2 weeks after Effexor and some major hot flashes, I was looking at things differently. I actually feel really good and hopeful. Now my smile is not fake and the anxiety has subsided to a minimum. No panic attacks. I am happy!"

• Happy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This is rubbish, don’t take it. I was feeling bad after going through some difficulties time in my life and thought I was depressed because I didn’t seem to be as happy as I was before so I went to a dr and she told me I had depression and prescribed the Effexor 75mg with sleeping pills. She told me I need to take Effexor for 6 months but first with sleeping pills for two weeks. I took only 2 pills for 2 days! It was awful I felt like a zombie I couldn’t function or think or concentrate or feel. Nausea and slurred speak, extreme fatigue. I stopped the medicine after the second pill. I immediately felt better, meds are not for everyone. It would have been a life mistake to take this med for me. "

• Veggi...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 22, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I have been on Effexor XR for about ten years. I am moderate bi-polar depressive (per two doctors). I went off the medication after about two years - long time ago. Was okay for a while, and then my depression came roaring back. My doctor put me back on with 25 mg first, 50 mg and then 75 mg per day. Also taking lithium carbonate - three pills per day. I feel better 95% of the time. Some days, I feel the lows, but they are not as bad."

• sshul...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Started weaning off Effexor 150mg 1 year ago. Got to 37.5mg with hardly any side effects. Then weaning off 37.5mg was terrible. Headache/head pounding, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, random crying spells, very emotional, etc. Did a lot of research and trusted that it’d get easier with time. 4 wks later, finally feeling physically well again...Then it got bad. Sense of constant dread, horrible anxiety, heart racing, emotional as hell, trouble sleeping, extremely depressed and felt like a zombie. Missing work, sleeping all day, no motivation to do anything. Went back to doc and she put me back on the 37.5mg. Extremely disappointed not to get off of this medication. Been 3 days since getting back on it, starting to feel somewhat normal again, just want my life back. Wish I’d received more info when I was first prescribed it- had no idea it would be such a nightmare to try to get off of it. This experience has shaken up my whole world. BEWARE"

• Anonymous
• September 22, 2008

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I was on Effexor XR for 8 years and I recently went off. I gave the drug 8 out of 10 because overall my anxiety and depression were greatly improved. I didn't have any sexual side effects and only felt dizzy when I did not take the medication at exactly the same time every night. I did lose a lot of my energy and was prescribed Wellbutrin to help out with that. However, the withdrawal, as others have mentioned, is terrible. My doctor prescribed a low dose of Prozac (20mg) to ease the withdrawal, and it really helped. If you are going off Effexor, do it with Prozac. I tried without it twice before, and it was such a horrible experience that I went right back on."

• Mary...
• October 24, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I entered the beginning stages of menopause, and my mood changed dramatically. I was getting very concerned as I had never felt so sad and hopeless. I could not stop crying, and things that normally I would not let bother me were becoming huge issues. I did not recognize myself. I am known as a glass-half-full kind of person, so the change was dramatic. I was put on 35mg of Effexor, and wow - what a difference. Surprise, surprise, my hot flashes stopped (I have since read it helps with that), my mood back to normal, and strangely my joints don't hurt so much, and I have more energy. The few negatives are I yawn a lot, and though I still enjoy sex, I cannot have an orgasm. I consider both minor due to feeling so much better."

• j1ano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "Celexa stopped working and I was put on Effexor. My panic attacks are worse then they have ever been, my depression is totally off the charts and I physically shake all the time. The irritability is by far the worst part for me. I'm forever angry now on this medication. My friends and family have noticed a big difference in my personality. Definitely getting of of this medication!"

• Lindsie
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 24, 2024

"It saved my life. Full stop. I've been on Venlafaxine (called Enlafax-XR in New Zealand) 150mg dose since 2017. It has cut my depressive episodes from basically every day to once a year. My anxiety has improved 80%, I still do experience it slightly, but not close to the extent I used to. Panic attacks went from once a month to NEVER. I hadn't had one since starting venlafaxine. Rather than feeling like a shell of a human, nauseous and sick from crippling anxiety and depression, I now feel normal and experience normal emotions. Nothing overwhelms me anymore. Give it a go. That first week of feeling weird is a drop in the ocean compared to the rest of your life. Don't give up because of a very temporary odd start. You'll forget about that as soon as you start feeling epic!!!"

• kamv
• August 8, 2009

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I gave this a high score because I got lucky. I went for years struggling with depression, weary of Big Pharma, self-medicating. Finally, a friend took me to a doctor. The first drug she prescribed was Effexor. I was prescribed the 75mg capsules. I found it to be too much for me, so I take one every other day. The only side effects I feel are from withdrawals if I skip a few days, and 'ditziness' if you will. Other than that, managing my depression has changed my life. My weight has even dropped because I used to self-medicate with food. I do recommend taking only the lowest dose possible for your symptoms. I am not a big fan of prescription drugs, but this was a lifesaver for me."

• Anony...
• September 20, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I was on apparently the lowest dose of 37.5mg for anxiety and I had the worst experience of my life. I had severe gut pains everyday and felt hypoglycaemic all the time. I thought my liver was going to give out it hurt so much. I was not myself. I was more anxious and depressed on the meds than I was off them. I couldn’t take it anymore and took myself off. Quitting cold turkey probably wasn't the best idea but make sure you go to your doctor to get tapered off properly first to avoid major withdrawal symptoms. I do not recommend this medication it’s not worth the risk."

• Steph...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2020

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I was put on a starting dose of 75 mg Effexor XR and worked my way up to a dose of 150 mg. I couldn't sleep and my mind was racing. I wasn't myself at all. Back on 75 mg now and I feel better than that but still depressed. Switching meds soon I hope."

• GinaGee
• October 20, 2013

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have been on Venlafaxine XR for 8 years (first Effexor XR then generic without problems). Started at 150, then plateaued after about a year, went up to 225 and plateaued again. I have been on 300mg dose for over 5 years. I like this prescription a lot. I haven't tried other antidepressants, I was started on this because it worked for other family members. I know it's a high dose and some people are shocked, but I find this offensive and more or less stigma about mental illness and meds. I started Adderall about 4 years ago and that combination has been incredible for my depression (and ADHD). My sex drive recovered 3 months into VFX. The only complaint is when I miss a dose, in which case I have a lot of complaints: migraines, dizzy, tremor, hypersomnia"

• Sunset
• August 25, 2011

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I've struggled with depression since I was a teenager (and attempted suicide then). In college, I started having panic attacks. A few years later, I was put on this new medicine called Effexor (after getting no relief from Paxil nor Zoloft) and for the first time in my life, I felt relatively normal! I've been on Effexor - 150 mg/day for 20 years now, and it has REALLY helped me to function at a high level. I have gone off it several times - VERY slowly, but each time, a few months after being completely off, BANG - unbelievable depression, and I'd go back on. I'm at peace knowing I'll most likely be on it for the rest of my life. Helps with depression AND anxiety. No problems drinking while taking it, had three healthy kids while on it."

• The...
• October 23, 2014

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I started this medicine in nursing school. Very much so needed. I started seeing myself with less worry, and a more 'whatever' type of mentality. I figured that worked for me. However, my biggest problem has been the weight gain. Before I knew it, I gained at least 25 lbs. I'm a very active person and I watch what I eat, especially since I am a cardiac nurse. Also, make sure you NEVER miss a day of the medication. My side effects would be vertigo and shooting nerve pains in my head. I just upped my dosage to 150mg hoping it will increase my energy and help with weight loss. I was really bad off emotionally before, so besides everything above, I have my life back."

• Greg
• August 10, 2019

Effexor (venlafaxine) "It ruined my life. Was on it for 13 years and tapered off it March 2018. Everyday intense cognitive problems, intense headaches and stomach problems. Even if I missed a dose I felt incredibly sick. I am disabled because if it. I'm 29."

• Erik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "One of the best responses I have had to any antidepressant medication. At 150mg and I have suffered with depression for over 20 years. Within a week, I noticed a drastic improvement in my mood. Has far surpassed Prozac, Lexapro, and Cymbalta. Definitely recommend trying to someone suffering from depression, MDD, etc."

• Alex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I’ve been on Effexor for about a year. I take 75mg ER a day for depression associated with bipolar disorder and anxiety/panic attacks which were at such a high level that it led to pseudo seizures. I have had amazing results. I had my first winter without a major depressive episode and the episodes that I have now are nowhere near as intense. My anxiety is at all time lows as well and I am able to hold a job for the first time. This is all in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. But the withdrawal symptoms from missing a dose are HORRIBLE! You get brain zaps which are similar to vertigo and flu like symptoms such as aches/pains and upset stomach. This is in addition to your depression and anxiety levels sky rocketing. When I first started the med I had some nausea and dry mouth for a couple of weeks but it passed quickly. Overall, I have had amazing results."

• Andy...
• March 13, 2012

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I have been on Effexor for 15 years, 150mg per day, except for a 1-year period ending about 6 months ago. It is very effective for me. It made me tired when I first started it, but it was worth sticking through that. For my time not taking it, I was on Zoloft which didn't work as well. Effexor has kept me from depression, but it does other things for me. First, it reduces my inattentiveness to near nothing. Therefore, I am very productive at whatever I do. Second, it greatly reduces anxiety. Stress does not cripple me any longer while on this medication. Going off the medication has a weird withdrawal symptom that isn't painful, it's just odd. Do not go off the medication without a doctor assisting."

• Brandy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This medicine literally saved my life. I took 75mg and the first day I took it, I noticed a difference in my mood. I woke up in the morning and actually felt like getting out of bed. I smiled and enjoyed being around people and was in a pleasant mood. I was getting my life back! The only side effect I noticed was that I was pretty nauseous the first week and lost my appetite. But, it wasn't bad at all! I stopped taking the medicine suddenly when I found out I was pregnant and the only side effect I noticed when I stopped was being dizzy for about a week. But that could've been because I was pregnant too. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage, and started taking Effexor again. Looking forward to being happy again."

• Regul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2015

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor has been the most effective antidepressant for me. I've tried 5 SSRIs. Effexor doesn't make me lazy or spaced out. I feel it helps my cognitive functioning, as well as focus, motivation, and memory. I will go off Effexor for periods of time, plenty of time for my brain/body to reset, but I keep finding it better to be on Effexor. It's helped me to not be so negative, irritable, and just miserable overall. I can feel its slight pain-killing effects as well. It keeps me doing things instead of laying in bed ruminating negative thoughts. Side effects for me are constipation and lower libido. Miralax fixes the first one. As for the second one, before Effexor, I wasn't socializing at all anyways, so I can handle that side effect."

• Plugcov
• October 22, 2016

Effexor (venlafaxine) "I am extremely disheartened in reading the negative reviews. I have taken Effexor since 1993. I began taking 37.5 mg and later lived for one year in a private psychiatric hospital for a suicide attempt. My psychiatrist, then the President of the American Psychiatric Association, increased my dose to 600 mg per day. This miracle drug kept and still keeps me alive some 23 years later. I have experimented with not taking this or any medication. I never presented with any withdrawal symptoms. However, like clockwork, on the 3rd day w/o it I begin to cry tears over nothing. By the 4th day I find myself in the midst of severe depression. within an hour of beginning my regimen again, I am back to my normal. Do not be afraid to try this medicati"

• krazy...
• August 19, 2013

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I am a 23-year-old male suffering from extreme MDD and GAD. I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor XR and 15 mg of Remeron for two months. I have tried Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XL, Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac, and this is by far the best medication! I have been lifted from the darkness and have had no side effects, including sexual dysfunction. Yay!"

• Isabel
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 21, 2018

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "I had suffered for years with anxiety/depression back in the 80's and 90's, back then there was very little medication to help. In the late 90s my doctor put me on Prozac which helped profoundly until it stopped working after 10 years. Then Effexor XR was introduced, this medication was a godsend and I still take it daily for the last 18 yrs, now I'm able to concentrate when I read and enjoy a happy and fulfilled life!"