Venlafaxine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder User Reviews

• can...
• May 21, 2020

"This drug has literally saved my life. I agree with others that the initial side effects can be bad, so sleepy for the first week but switched to taking it at night. I take the slow release after dinner (better tolerated with food), helped me sleep, which helped me to feel a little better initially. The dose to start was 37.5 mg for 3 weeks, then up to 75 mg. So sweaty!!! If I don't take it with food, I get horrible nausea. Sex drive decreased slightly initially, and weight gain of about 5 kgs. Now I've been on it for about 6 months. Slowly losing the weight, sleeping great, no suicidal thoughts/ideation, or maybe just a couple fleeting thoughts, decrease in obsessive thoughts, no nightmares, decrease in impulsive behaviors, disassociation, emotional regulation!! Highs and lows kind of dulled, I would say. Experiencing the gray areas for the first time in 20 years. Feeling 'normal', increase in interest in social activities. Honestly, this is the best antidepressant I've ever had. I will never stop taking it!!"

• SSG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2019

"Venlafaxine probably saved my life after a decade of trying to beat it myself. I also take trazodone at night to sleep. Went more than a decade at about 4 hours a night. Whoever developed this medicine needs a trophy or something like that."

• Nev...
• July 29, 2017

"Nearly all of my life, now retired, in spite of being a high achiever, confident (on the surface) and skilled, I have fought against depression, anxiety, self-harm, a lack of connection. I have hidden it well, feeling ashamed of not being happy inside. Tired of the fight, I finally saw my doctor and tried several different tricyclics, SRIs, but all gave me unwelcome symptoms. We agreed to try venlafaxine, and within a fortnight, I was feeling so much better. I then started CBT, was diagnosed with delayed trauma, which surprised me, but as we worked through it, made sense. My drug dose was doubled, and I'm feeling even better. I am so relieved. This drug works for me, no side effects, and I feel so much calmer and able to cope."

• Jul...
• July 21, 2019

"I have been taking venlafaxine to treat complex post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, and episodes of clinical depression. It worked for me quite well, but the side effects of the meds were horrid and did not go away without weeks as promised. Vivid dreams, hot flushes, decreased libido, just to name a few. I felt numb. It was the main reason for me to try and come off it. Try is a good word. It took me three attempts in total. If someone had told me a year ago that coming off it would be so difficult, I would never consider putting those drugs in my body. I genuinely believed I was about to die last night! Electric shocks/waves going through my brain, feeling hot/cold, chest pains, uncontrollable crying with flashbacks, horrible vertigo-fell down the stairs this morning! My life is a misery at the moment. Please do some research before you start the treatment. Coming off this drug can be very frightening..."

• Sim...
• April 22, 2021

"I have been on Effexor ER for three years now for anxiety and PTSD, and it truly saved my life. I have had anxiety and depression since I opened my eyes. I got very good at managing my problem until I had a hysterectomy after a cancer diagnosis. I can honestly say I would have ended my life if this hadn’t worked so well for me. I have genuinely way less anxiety, but only on lower doses. On higher ones, I start to have bad side effects. Pros: I feel stable and happy for the first time ever. I don’t have social anxiety to the point where I won’t leave my house anymore. I don’t have terrible nightmares. I lost 40 lbs while on it as my appetite is low. Cons: withdrawal is terrible. Take your doses or you will FEEL it. My libido has suffered. I also tend to have trouble reaching orgasm. I take an herbal supplement called “In the Mood” that helps me with that (I am female). I have been on almost every med known to woman in my 39 years. This one worked well for me."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

"I started venlafaxine 37 mg about 3 months ago. I am having a great experience with my medicine. I have PTSD and anxiety. I have suffered from sleep hallucinations since age 14. I would have the hallucinations about 3 to 5 times per week at times. The side effects with this medicine aren’t bad at all for me. I take my medicine around 8 pm and get drowsy about 1 hour later, but that’s okay because I go to sleep around 9:30 pm. No headaches or stomach issues with it. I would keep an open mind with trying this drug and give it a few weeks to get through any initial side effects. Since this medicine, I have not had any sleep hallucinations, and I feel great. My anxiety all went away, and I feel like I am living my best life!!!"

• San...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 10, 2018

"Tried various medications, but this is the only one that has worked for me. It feels like very strong stuff, and I know if I have missed a tablet as I begin to get unpleasant withdrawals, but it takes the edge off and has given me a quality of life."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 22, 2019

"I have been on 75 mg of Venlafaxine for two years now for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and chronic hot flashes. Additionally, I live with a family member with high-functioning autism. My doctor was frank, the symptoms for your body and brain to get used to the drug can be pretty terrible. I had heart palpitations, couldn't sleep, felt sick, and experienced brain fog. It lasted about two weeks. After that, I started to feel good. I have been able to sleep better because of the reduction of hot flashes and am better able to manage my days. It's not a cure-all. I still see a psychologist regularly and have to allow plenty of quiet time to recover from social activities, but this is the best I've been in years."

• Ric...
• September 8, 2017

"Best antidepressant I've tried. On 225 mg, also on 5 mg Olanzapine for BPD (helps with mood & anxiety). Best combo I've had to date, but doesn't make me energetic, but alleviates the C-PTSD, BPD, and IBS, so it's a winner."

• Goi...
• September 12, 2016

"Effexor is amazing. I have PTSD and cyclothymia. I went through therapy and then added this years later. I am stronger, enjoy life, and I actually have a better sex life because I'm in a better mood and can feel emotionally what I need to. For the women out there: I tried to push past the numbness, and I can now achieve full multiple orgasms. There's a way if you are determined enough. Best of luck to everyone trying hard to maintain a peaceful life full of hope and self-love."

• Joe...
• April 19, 2017

"Been on venlafaxine for 3 months now. I suffer from complex PTSD and BPD. Love it so far! Much more effective than SSRIs. Started on 75 mg a day, taking 2 tablets. Felt better with regard to my anxiety in just a few days. Side effects were insomnia to begin with, shaky hands, random sweats, and constipation, oh, and of course, lack of libido (I now take Viagra as needed). My doctor then changed my dose to 150 mg extended release, this is much better with regard to side effects-no more sweating or shaky hands and can sleep much better. So yeah, the side effects are horrible to begin with, but stick with it! I have yet to miss a dose, but I've heard it's pretty hell, so I try to take my medication everywhere I go. Overall, great medication!"

• Gle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 16, 2017

"Venlafaxine ER gives me a bigger bucket to hold my anxiety and depression, so I don't launch into panic attacks or deep depressive episodes quite as quickly. Because it does not take away any feelings or emotions, it still allows my mind to learn to deal with my stressors and triggers. And, it does not take my mind from me at all, which is eminently important to me because I am a detail-oriented thinker by nature."

• PTS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2014

"I have CPTSD. Currently taking the 'California Rocket Fuel' combo of Effexor and Remeron. (Also taking prazosin, propranolol, lorazepam, and Saphris.) I found that the Effexor helped with my anxiety, flashbacks, and depression a little bit. I noticed headaches at first and an increase in blood pressure. I cannot miss my dose or I get bad withdrawal symptoms (headaches, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, brain zaps, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue), which only subside 6 to 12 hours after I take the missed dose."

• ARa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2016

"Effexor XR is the best thing that's happened to me since my life went to hell in a handbasket a few months back. It dragged me back from the edge. And I was lucky, I started improving at the 2-week mark. Most people take up to a month to notice a difference. (Although those 2 weeks waiting were horrible, especially since I didn't know if it would do anything.) What it's helped with: severe depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and that heightened startle reflex. Side effects I experience on 75 mg: night sweats, occasional shakes (these have gotten less over time), and occasional nausea (again, less over time). There have also been some seriously vivid dreams/nightmares, but I've also got PTSD. *shrugs* Could easily be either."

• Eda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2019

"I have been on this medication for about a month now. At first, it seemed to work, flying bright-eyed and alert. Then, after a few days, I have been experiencing migraines, explosive diarrhea, high blood pressure, anger, irritability, insomnia, and just a mental disconnected fog feeling. My PTSD and manic episodes have increased from what I believe are the side effects."

• Jo ...
• February 22, 2017

"The medication did not treat my symptoms that were unique to PTSD, namely nightmares/re-experiencing. I was on a high dose of this drug, 300 mg/day, and then went higher and combined it with Lamictal as a mood stabilizer. It unfortunately increased the moments of panic and made me feel out of control when making decisions in a stressed environment, which is unfortunately the opposite of what I would expect a PTSD medication to do. I made worse decisions on this drug than without it and felt panicked and stressed more often."

• Sur...
• April 1, 2016

"This is my first experience with any sort of medication like this. I've been diagnosed with late onset PTSD. My medical support team and I are still finding a correct dosage, I'm on 225 mg/day now, along with Ativan as needed and trazodone to help me fall asleep. I've seen some improvement in my functioning, but I'm not quite where I need to be yet."

• Don...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2021

"Do not take this unless you plan to stay on it forever. Admit I am sensitive to meds, but started on this for mainly anxiety and mild panic attacks with mild depression when laid off during COVID. I was told it was hard to get off, but I am a pharmacist-thought I could handle it. It worked fine for 6 months, then no longer needed or seemed to do anything. Got compound pharmacy to make up liquid to taper just a few mg every few weeks-took 4 months. Two months after no meds: still horrific brain/body zaps 1-2 times a week, have tried every remedy-nothing stops zaps. I am a dancer and can barely walk on these days: zaps keep me lying down all day. It is horrid. Do not use unless you plan to stay on it forever."

• Soc...
• August 31, 2016

"This drug was prescribed after several attempts on my life in a short period. I was prescribed 75 mg for 2 weeks, then 150 mg for 4 weeks and finally 300 mg for 2 1/2 years. (Daily dosages) Within the first two weeks, I could no longer 'climax.' I began getting paranoid and went from mild social phobia to debilitating agoraphobia. I became distant from my wife and kids, and regular attempts on my life had me in and out of the hospital during the entire time on this drug. I tried to withdraw myself as my doctor was reluctant to assist and tried to assure me it was better than not taking it. The withdrawals were like someone letting off firecrackers in my skull, within 72 hours, it even affected my vision, pulsing white light with every 'spark.' AVOID"

• wis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2016

"I can't really say anything about how effective it is because it worsened all of my symptoms. Depression, considerably worse. Urge for amphetamines, alcohol, and cocaine (as well as Valium on one occasion) were severely worsened, and I haven't touched any of those drugs (except alcohol) in nearly 20 years. Suicidal thoughts weren't even present until I took this medication, and I was on the lowest dose available. All symptoms of restless limb syndrome were severely worsened. Derealization was worsened to the point of depersonalization. Anxiety was drastic to the point that I wanted amphetamines against the down and Valium/Xanax against the anxiety. Urge for strong drugs and RLS symptoms were only tolerable after microdosing cannabis."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2021

"I never have given up so soon on a drug than I did with this one. I felt so unwell. My whole body felt so unwell. From sickness to dry mouth, constipation, tingling head and side of my face to convulsions at night in bed and restless legs. I had no emotion, just numb. As soon as I stopped the medication, I felt human again. Never, and I've been on 5 different medications including citalopram, which I was on for 10 years, and the side effects at first I remember were bad enough, but I stuck to it. Venlafaxine was a whole new level of torture. Yes, that's what it felt like. Never would I advise this to anyone."

• Bec...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 3, 2023

"I have been suffering from PTSD for about a year, and generalized anxiety throughout my life, ranging from mild OCD to severe panic attacks. I started on venlafaxine several months ago. First 37.5 mg, then 75 mg, now 112.5 mg. I no longer have panic attacks and no longer feel 'on edge' all the time. My mind is quieter. I can actually relax and feel safe. The first few weeks when I started the drug, I had night sweats, fatigue, and sexual difficulty. However, all those side effects went away after a while and now I feel so much better. It's not a replacement for doing the work of healing from trauma through therapy, mindfulness, reconnecting with loved ones, building self-esteem, and practicing self-care. However, venlafaxine has enabled me to relax enough that I can work on achieving those things more efficiently."

• Nig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2021

"After suffering with PTSD for well over 20 years in varying intensity of symptoms, and after trying most of the SSRI medications, I have to say that this medication has helped me with managing symptoms to a point I am able to live again without overwhelming panic attacks and anxiety. Whilst flashbacks and sleep disturbances are still present, the aftereffects of panic and anxiety associated with it are far less intense, at least that is how it feels. I am so happy to have found this medication. Side effects were initially present for a few weeks, including dry mouth and foggy-headed, and I was a little nauseated, however, all I am left with now is a dry mouth. Not much to complain about in the big picture of things, as the alternative to not taking them is far worse. I understand coming off the medication can be challenging with symptoms if not managed properly, however, due to the effect venlafaxine has had on me, I hope to remain on them for as long as I can."

• Jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2022

"Worst experience I've ever had on a psychotropic drug. Took it for 3 days and endured horrible 'halo' headaches and migraines. Complained to my psych, and he switched me to Celexa. Much better. Eventually, I ended up on Lexapro, and that's what I've been taking since 2013."

• lol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2023

"On 225 mg for 3 months or so now. I have tried so many other SSRIs, SNRIs, other 'happy pills.' Venlafaxine definitely had the most side effects for me, my appetite was nonexistent, I had dry mouth, I would wake up soaked with sweat, but it goes away after you settle on the dose. Not my fave, only because of the wave of depression and nausea if I miss a day or two."