Venlafaxine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• bia
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 5, 2021

"I’ve been on venlafaxine for 3 years. It made my OCD more manageable, and my social anxiety lessen significantly. The only side effect it has caused me has been difficulty eating, or anorexia (NOT anorexia nervosa). Other than that, it’s truly been a miracle drug for me. I increased my dosage once. I may increase once more."

• Corvus
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2022

"On it for two months. My first treatment after years-long invasive disturbing thoughts (sudden strong apprehensions about committing immoral/dangerous acts, tormenting, never-ending feelings of guilt, endless questioning/checking about doing things right) that had evolved to a general state of lethargia and distress by late November. I get slow release Venlafaxine (37,5mg for the first 7 days, 75mg ever since). A week into the treatment, I experienced a few extremely vivid/disturbing nightmares where I struggled to distinguish dream/awakeness and two suspected sleep paralyses. Ever since, no significant side effects, except initially stomach burns (eliminated via Omeprazole). Positive effect kicked in after 3 weeks: instead of being near-constant before, severe invasive thoughts are now episodical and better manageable. Episodical attacks are being treated with Prazepam (not a lasting solution though...) Constant anxiety state is gone."

• Judya...
• March 4, 2024

"I was on Effexor for 8 years. I was a caregiver for my mom and under stress. I found myself crying at the drop of a hat. My doctor suggested Effexor. It was originally a great relief. After 8 years of use, I found myself unfeeling and cold. I slowly weaned myself off, and I actually laugh again and cry again. I also had some obsessive and compulsive behavior that I can control better without that med. Short-term use works."

• justa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2024

"It's a life changer. I have anxiety, depression, and pure OCD. It got really bad to the point of not doing anything and feeling suicidal. I tried Prozac (made it worse), Clomipramine (helped a bit but too many side effects), and then Effexor. I started at 37.5 and worked up to 150mg. Months later, I feel much more confident and worry less about intrusive thoughts. This was in combination with ERP therapy and treating ADHD as well. I'm thankful for Effexor as it was the only antidepressant to really help."

• Andyp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2023

"Minimal effect on OCD and General Anxiety. It helped a bit with depression once I tried a mid-range dose but then the headaches kicked in. I had to try another medication after 4 months - duloxetine which was a bit more practical."

• daiblue
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2020

"A complete miss for treating OCD. Effexor helped my mood, did not help my OCD, and made me feel awful physically. More days than not, Effexor made me suffer a terrible nausea, even throwing up on my way to work on multiple occasions. Eating two eggs with my meds helped the nausea some days, did not help other days. I'm now weaning off Effexor and I already feel even worse physically - my doctor had warned me that Effexor was notorious for being difficult to come off. After so many awful experiences with meds, Effexor felt like a waste of my life. I'm not looking forward to the next couple of months."

• Troop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 10, 2017

"Disclaimer: This is only general information. Consult a doctor before making any changes to your medications. If you're trying to get off antidepressants, it may be easier to FIRST switch to an antidepressant other than venlafaxine. A different antidepressant may be easier to withdraw from. Some doctors will allow you to switch antidepressants in a process that does not require a full withdrawal from the first drug, before starting the next one . My doctor allowed this and it was relatively easy, but it can be dangerous if not done properly. I'm currently giving venlafaxine a second try. It worked well but i switched drugs because of side effects."

• Jonat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 5, 2023

"After 2 years of use being told by doctors to take it all at once, 225mg, and that I could crush extended-release pills. I've realized my mental health has continued to get worse. I don't believe anyone with swallowing issues should ever take these pills. Having to take them day and evening is a hassle I simply cannot abide. Do yourself a favor and only stick to antidepressants available in liquid form and with long half-lives. Trying to achieve a steady state is impossible on this and you will end up in a state of withdrawal daily."

• Anonymous
• November 11, 2010

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "Effexor XR is the ONLY anti-depressant I can take. It works so well, and honestly saves my life. It makes me a happier, nicer person. I couldn't function without this medication."

• Anonymous
• November 26, 2009

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) "This drug saved my life. No side effects and I can now move on with my life."

• Momma
• September 8, 2019

"venlafaxine is life changer with my OCD I feel like a new person . "

• Capt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2020

"Been taking 150mg venlafaxine for a month no improvement. How long should I give it?"

• Anonymous
• June 29, 2016

"Less obsessional thoughts on this!"

• Malik
• January 25, 2021

"Venlafaxine is the best tablet for treating depression such as OCD, Anxiety etc"

• unknown
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 2, 2023

"I have struggled with intrusive thoughts that will stay for days or even weeks. I have been on Effexor for 2 years, and I will say it helps 100% of my thoughts and my GAD."

• Shmedly
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 13, 2017

"Been on Effexor for five years, really helped me get over suicidal thoughts. Should be more prescribed than it is."

• vanla
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2021

"I used it for about one and a half or two months, I think it is a good med for some people but I had really bad constipation so I stopped it."

• Mike
• March 18, 2022

"Good medicine. Though raised my b/p and cholesterol. No sexual side effects. 375mg max dose."