EFFEXOR XR Reviews (VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE)Average Rating: 3.0 (2225 Ratings)Filter ResultsCompare EFFEXOR XR with similar:
Type: Rx Drug
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Results are sorted by Gender with females listed first (reviews with no gender reported listed before females). Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 |
More on EFFEXOR XR: Reviews Summary | Drug Safety Information
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR EFFEXOR XR | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
| 5 | depression | none, except really bad dreams | F | 27 | 4 months | 9/3/2007 | 5 | Anxiety and Panic Attacks | Initially, uncontrolled "yawning", nausea, light headedness, feeling spacey resulting in weight loss. :) These side effects went away after about 2 weeks. Stick with it. | I take 37.5mg once a day. Once I got over the initial side effects, I now feel great. I have never had to take any kind of medication so I was very nervous about taking one that affects the chemicals in the brain but so far I have only good comments to make about Effexor XR. I hope I will not have to increase the dose nor be on it for more than 6 mths. I am so glad to have found this website to read about other people's experiences. I wasn't aware of all the possible side effects. After reading others comments I realized that some of what I was feeling was "normal". | F | 45 | 7 weeks | 7/16/2007 | 5 | Generalized and social anxiety | I had very few side effects. I did feel burning sensations in my legs when I started the medication and at changes in dosage amount, but it went away after a couple days each time. I lost about 5 pounds on the medication and I actually can eat more without gaining weight that I would have gained in the past. | Effexor XR has really brought back a big part of life for me. Before I took the medication, I couldn't go to sleep without laying there for hours worried with my heart pounding for hours. I couldn't go into any social situation and I would worry for weeks on end about any upcoming event. I felt really critical of those around me and critical and sad about life in general. Since starting Effexor, I now have great sleep and I very rarely have worry ever disturb my sleep. I can concentrate much better and my thoughts are much clearer, rather than having racing thoughts all the time like I did in the past. I feel human again, where I can feel love and genuine feelings for my husband and my family. I've found social situations to be a lot less frightening and I've found myself to be much calmer and less worried about them. I actually can hang out with friends now and meet new people without the same level of anxiety that I felt before. I feel like a stronger and more balanced perso | F | 21 | 6 weeks | 7/11/2007 | 5 | situational depression, anxiety | No side effects switching to this drug. Accidentally skipped 2 doses, experienced what felt like blood pressure spikes or shocks to my head/ears. Imperative that this drug be slowly decreased to get off it. | This is my first time on antidepressants. Started on Welbutrin for 2 months - worked but took away the pleasure I get from smoking and I wasn't ready to quit. Switched to Lexipro - worked for a couple months then the anxiety/anger problems started again. Switched to Effexor XR 75 mg 6 months ago. No side effects and the depression and anxiety are gone. I have felt normal on this drug. Accidentally skipped 2 doses and the feeling of shocks in my head/ears scared me big time. I checked on the CDER web site, realized the symptoms were temporary and should subside now that I've remembered to take it again. Once my husband is home from Iraq, I will get off this drug...but SLOWLY. | F | 51 | 6 months | 8/12/2007 | 5 | Depression & body aches | No adverse side effects | I love Effexor XR. I was prescribed 300 mg. Weaned off. My depression & body aches returned after 3-4 months. Each time I went on Efferor XR, the first day I could feel a great improvement, especially with the body aches. | F | 55 | 7 years | 7/12/2007 | 5 | Depression | Can't think of any | I have been on antidepressants for over 10 years. Have taken just about all of them to this point. I have been on Effexor for 3 years. Have increased the dose form 75 mg. to 113 mgs.and can't say that I have had any major side affects. Everything that has been listed here I had on other anti-depressants. I have more sex drive now than ever and feel great about life in general most of the time, despite having had some very serious life changing things happen; ie- death of daughter,divorce,death of grandchild, serious relationship break up, etc. I cope with these things better than I ever could before. | F | 50 | 3 years | 8/12/2007 | 5 | depression, bulimia | some nausea and dizziness in the first week, followed by becoming very talkative and almost "high", but this faded too. Weight gain. Extremely unpleasant effects from suspension or skipping a dose: vivid dreams, nausea, dizziness, disorientation, extreme fatigue, dangerous levels of sleepiness | I've now been on 150mg for 3 years, and after Zoloft, which made me almost suidical, this drug has really made a huge, positive difference in my life. I no longer suffer from depression or binging (original dose of 75mg and the non extended release formula were not effective). I have more energy and verve and it has completely lifted the dark cloud. I would like to stop taking it but am frankly very worried about withdrawal symtoms that I have experienced while trying to suspend in the past. | F | 33 | 3 years | 11/4/2008 | 5 | Bipolar | Excessive sweating, memory loss, decreased libido, decreased appetite. | I'm happy with it. I'm taking 75mg. The excessive sweating has caused acne, but I can deal with that. Libido is dead, rip. I've lost 5 lbs in the past 2 weeks. I'm taking this in combination with Abilify 5mg. I'd recommend it. | F | 28 | 3 weeks | 10/12/2007 | 5 | Generalized Anxiety and Depression | In the beginning, and with each dose increase, I experienced a bit of nausea and mild dizziness. Constipation was a problem for a few weeks as well. That was about three years ago and I am just starting back up on this drug again after a relapse of depression. This time I am having the dizziness again as well as a mild headache so far; nothing I can't handle. | When I reflect on my first experience with this drug, I realize that for once, I was feeling normal. I was much easier to get along with, didn't blow things out of proportion and had a much more positive attitude about life. I also got my appetite back and managed to put on the weight I had lost as a result of my anxiety. Overall, I got my motivation back to enjoy life. After a relapse of depression over the last year, I am hopeful that I will feel "normal" again over the next few weeks. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work for me as well this time around as it did the first time. This drug is certainly not for everyone, but realize that you don't have to go through life feeling "blah" all the time. It may be depression and medication can help, whether it is Effexor XR or another drug. It certainly helped me and I'm optimistic about it helping me again. | F | 30 | 1.5 years | 9/25/2008 | 5 | Major Depression/ Bi Polar | Excessive sweating, body twitches, vivid dreams, headaches. | I was first put on Effexor when I was 24 and stayed on it for 6 yrs. My doctor, at that time, switched me to Cymbalta to relieve me of the horrible headaches. That was the worst thing he could've ever done to me! Within four months of being off of Effexor, my world came crashing in. That may have a lot to do with being on Cymbalta and the doctor increasing the dosage with every complaint I had. I had to be hospitalized because of wanting to end my life. The new doctor put me back on Effexor and within 48 hours I could notice a remarkable change. I am on a "cocktail" of medications along with the Effexor to help me. I would recommend Effexor to anyone with more than mild depression. I currently take 225 mg every morning and yes, there are side effects if I don't take it. I would rather deal with the side effects than want to end my life. | F | 31 | 6.5 years | 10/22/2007 | 5 | menopause, depression | trouble sleeping | The only side effect I have had is trouble sleeping, for which my doctor has prescribed sleeping pills. They actually give me a headache in the morning, but have helped get at least 5 hours sleep a night - which is fairly normal for me. I started with 37.5 mg for two weeks, then went to 75 mg. I do not anticipate the need to take any higher dosage, since my mild depression has gone away and I have a much brighter, more hopeful outlook on things - like when I was in my 20's! Although I am athletic and in very good physical condition, I have lost a few pounds since I started with this medication. Had never taken anti-depressants before now and wish I had started this a few years ago. | F | 54 | 2 months | 10/25/2007 | 5 | depression/anxiety | When first beginning medication I experieced tiredness and a "personality-less" persona. This quickly faded as my body became used to the medication. My side effects then included Increased amount of headaches, jaw tension, slight decrease in appetite, and an odd euphoric feeling when yawning. | My parents noticed an extreme change in my behavior as I progressed in college. I was tested for depression and prescribed effexor xr. I had extreme hesitation in taking any drug especailly one that would effect my personality. After reading many sites like this one explaining some pretty horrifying patient reviews I practically scared myself to death and actually made myself sick with the after taking the first dose. With some encouragement I kept up the medication and am actually very happy that I have. If you're like me and trying to research the drug before you take it I hope you understand most viewpoints recorderd are the ones of people who have negative feelings towards this drug. It even took me 4 months to write about my positive experience. I have felt a huge and most importantly positive change in my life and besides a few headaches the side-effects are few. There have even been times I have missed a pill and have not had any problems. Honestly, before you judge from other p | F | 21 | 5 months | 9/25/2007 | 5 | Suicidality, MDD recurrent, PPD | Starting: Sudden easing of depression, followed by too quick increase (for my body) causing severe dizziness, vomiting, and migraine leading to dehydration requiring IV fluids. Restart did same on 75 mg. Restart on lowest dose 37.5 OK. Now: Little tingles and still slight blurred vision but nothing like before and SEX OKAY!!! (couldn't say that much with the depression) | Effexor has saved my life. Literally. I recently came home from the hospital after a suicide attempt during a profound chemical postpartum depression from 2 back-to-back miscarriages. I've dealt with depression since my abusive childhood, but this was by far the worst. I have now "failed" on all the other classes of meds, so it was Effexor or shock therapy. I was willing to put up with a lot at that point. MAJOR POSITIVE EFFECTS for me are that I can now move and think and talk at near-regular speed, I have facial and voice expression again, I can give and receive love, and I'm actually alive and not planning my next suicide attempt. There's no substitute for that. My husband and my 2 year old daughter are also darned glad this medicine exists. Effexor produces more remission than any other modern antidepressant (I actually DID do the research), and it's #1 for PPD, but it's still a chemical and not a guarantee. I, for one, am VERY glad it was an option. Rough start aside | F | 36 | 1 months | 5/28/2007 | 5 | Depression/ Anxiety | Extreme sleepiness. It's hard to get out of bed, most mornings... though considering I was struggling with insomnia before taking the drug, I don't mind it all that much. Also, dry mouth and loss of appetite. Excessive yawning. | Seems to be working fine. I've never taken anything to compare it with, though. | F | 22 | 3 months | 2/17/2007 | 5 | Migraine | Restless Leg Syndrome, involuntary movements (reduced with lower dose), constipation (resolved with dietary fiber increase) | More side effects when missed dose-dizzy, etc. I understand it is very hard to quit taking this drug because of the side effects. My doc halved my dose and I'm still doing fine with the migraines (they're about 1/4th what they used to be, very manageable now) but don't have the twitchiness that I had before. I feel like I have my life back. | F | 41 | 2 years | 7/16/2007 | 5 | Major Depression | Dry mouth, diarheea, nausea, weight gain and suicidal feelings, but they all passed in a couple of weeks and at 300 mg I was doing OK. But then the withdrawal came????? | I tapered off over 3 weeks and added Welbutrin instead. I am having dreams where I am running for my life, being shot at and somneone trying to kill me. I have headache, nausea, feel like crap, dizzy. I have been rendered useless!!!! The positive thing is...I want sex! My husband is VERY happy about that! Stopped taking effexor on Tuesday and by Sunday I had to take some or lose my mind! This isn't just a withdrawal...this should be monitered and I want to be put into a coma until it passes! | F | 46 | 5 years | 5/27/2007 | 5 | GAD/Depression | Slight weight gain (about 8 lbs.) first month | I was quite anxious when I read the comments here before starting Effexor, but it's helped tremendously. I was suffering from chronic insomnia (able to get to sleep, but usually woke up around 3 am unable to go back to sleep) and I realize now that I was depressed...I really thought I'd snap out of my funk, but after being on Effexor for several months now, I can't imagine why I waited so long (over two years!) to start feeling better. I'm sort of a large person to begin with (5-11, 175 lbs.), so the weight gain isn't any fun, but I also now have the energy to work out and the motivation to eat more healthily. I have missed doses, once for an entire day, and I didn't suffer a single side effect. As with all medicines, I guess it's just best to trust your own judgment...I never had a single issue with Prozac years ago when I was on that, so I must be able to tolerate these meds better than some people. The cost is a factor. There is no generic, and it's quite expensive (about | F | 39 | 4 months | 5/11/2007 | 5 | depression and addiction | stopped the craving for the drug | F | 43 | | 3/31/2007 | 5 | Major Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, PD | When I first started taking it I was on 75 mg. and felt very tired and did not feel any difference. My Dr. bumped me up to 150 mg. and I still felt tired and agitated. I was then bumped up to 225mg and I started feeling a bit better but was still experiencing depression, agitation, irritability, and being tired. My Doctor bumped me up to 300 mg of Effexor and 150 mg of Wellbutrin and this was the solution for me. It took 6 months on this dosage for me to feel completely like myself again but every day was a better one. I have had a very good experience with effexor and with it and my Doctor my life was truly saved. | Effexor XR did not cause me to gain weight in fact, I actually was able to lose weight. However, I think that is due to the fact that when I am depressed I tend to overeat and when I'm not depressed I can manage my diet in a healthy manner. I highly suggest that you find a Psychiatrist that you feel comfortable with and who understands how the medications work. For the first 6 months, I worked with my Doctor once a week to insure my dosage was proper as we were both committed to making me healthy again. I can now check in with him every few months but no matter what I know that he is just a phone call away if I have any questions or concerns. I would also suggest that you include your loved ones in your treatment as they will notice things that you may not. It's important for your Doctor to have complete information to be able to help you. I know that this may not work for everyone but it has been a godsend to me and I am very thankful! | F | 40 | 4 years | 3/31/2007 | 5 | depression, anxiety | vivid dreams, oversleeping because my dreams are soooo great! Don't forget a dose - funny electric shock feelings | Love it - the only thing that quells my anxiety and depression; couldn't function without it! Plan to be on it for life! I'm like a new person. | F | 45 | 5 days | 4/20/2007 |