Psych Central Reviews - Effexor (venlafaxine)

StormieKnight
Junior Member

Registered: April 2011
Location: Louisiana.
Posts: 15

Sat June 8, 2013

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	nothing
CONS:	everything

Suicidal thoughts, increased mood swings, intrusive thoughts, hallucinations

doyoutrustme
Member

Registered: June 2012
Posts: 114

Wed May 1, 2013

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

PROS:
CONS:

Very effective but makes me hungry and gain weight easily.

insideout
Grand Member

Registered: October 2005
Location: inside the matrix
Posts: 685

Tue December 11, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 10

PROS:	Increased energy and concetration. Reduced social anxiety. Increased productivity at work. Complete remission of severe depression.
CONS:	Insomnia. Severe headache if dose is missed.

This medication began working for me almost immediately. By the third day, my energy had increased enough to return to work. I am now able to work almost every day, keep my house clean, and keep up with my responsibilities. I feel alert. I was so extremely fatigued when I went to urgent care for my severe depression. This medication is my life saver. I never thought my depression would ever completely remit, but it has. I have tried countless medications and this has worked the best for my severe depression. I think Effexor XR should be a last result used only for severe depression where other medications have failed, because of the physical dependence aspect. If you need it, it is absolutely worth it. A mood stabilizer is recommended if you have Bipolar Disorder. Also, this medication may cause some irritability and insomnia, so some people may need a benzo, although the package insert warns against taking valium with this med. I take it with Lamictal, Wellbutrin, and Klonopin and it works very well.

Odee
Grand Member

Registered: June 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 590

Fri September 28, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

PROS:	Very effective for the right people
CONS:	Wasn't my thing. Heart palpitations and some dizziness, felt caffeinated.

I was on this for about 5 months, although I worked my way up to 300mg pretty quickly. Unfortunately for me, none of the effects really helped me. I think the drug was doing everything it was supposed to do, but I just wasn't the right candidate.Bad news before the good news: This drug didn't work or help me, but I think that might be because I have a form of bipolar 2 that is difficult to detect. (I am trying a mood stabilizer now that seems to be helping) Effexor definitely increased my blood pressure, which in turn made me feel dizzy or weak after exerting myself. I was rather flushed on my first couple weeks on the high dose. I didn't sleep well and often felt caffeinated. I seemed to startle much more than usual. Good News: From my experience, I can say Effexor was a POWERFUL drug and perhaps a great drug for refractory depression folks. I never experienced any libido problems -- probably difficulty getting off at first, but that issue faded away. I have heard a lot of reviews saying that Effexor is a slow but powerful drug -- it may take up to 8-12 weeks on your target dose to really feel yourself turned around. Anyone trying it right now should have hope, knowing that they are on a beast of an AD.About the withdrawals: Very little for me! I lucked out considerably. I basically cut it off very quickly, knowing that the drug was probably more bad than good for me. I got a few "shocks", but not painful, just weird. They were gone in a couple weeks.

Asherton
Junior Member

Registered: June 2012
Location: Buckley, Washington
Posts: 8

Wed September 19, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 8

PROS:	happier, quick to work and work well, so far havent built up an immunity like with other drugs.
CONS:	some fatigue

its really good. i really like how it works, just be careful if you end up unexpectedly going off of it for more than a day. i had to go off unexpectedly for three days, but in less than 48 hours i was in the hospital for withdrawl syptoms. it is for this reason that i lowered my rating of the side effects. other than that i love the med.

Sr564231
Member

Registered: July 2012
Posts: 41

Tue July 3, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 6

PROS:	i feel more confident and less anxious
CONS:	I had extreme loss of appetite for three weeks when starting it

only been on it for three months and i have received slight improvements. I will probably up my dose and see.

Asherton
Junior Member

Registered: June 2012
Location: Buckley, Washington
Posts: 8

Sat June 30, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

PROS:	helped with my depression and anxiety
CONS:	extreme withdrawl symptoms if you go more than 24 hours without it (ended up in a hospital)

its done me really well so far. the only thing id be cautious about is that it is a very strong medication. recently i ran out of it and was not able to get a refill for a couple of days and figured i would be alright. well i was dead wrong. less than 36 hours after my last dose, i was in extreme withdrawls and could hardly walk. i ended up in the ER because of it. just be careful to make sure that you have the medication and wean off of it slowly.

PsychoSpaceman
New Member

Registered: August 2011
Posts: 4

Wed May 30, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	none
CONS:	Made anxiety and depression worse, nausea, blood prerssure as high as 200/120, paranoia, rapid heart rate, sweating, persistent headache

just caused side effects, no symptomatic relief

MyUserNameIsSoCool
New Member

Registered: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 3

Tue May 15, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:
CONS:

I was on it for about 6 months, and I experienced major personality changes on this medicine that have had serious consequences. I had always been very strict in terms of my morals and a generally shy person. Once I started taking Effexor for severe depression, I did things I never would have imagined before. I became obsessed with drugs and alcohol. I would dream about getting drunk or high every night and I ended up trying Ecstasy. Before Effexor, I was uncomfortable with just kissing a guy, but I became very promiscuous. I also started sneaking out of the house, and I became overly social to strangers to the point where it was irritating. Many of my close friends mentioned how I had changed and I ended up losing quite a few. Up until taking Effexor, I had never had a single symptom of Bipolar Disorder, but I am now diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder because my doctor considered this a manic episode. As soon as I came off the medicine, I pretty much went back to normal. I have been off the medicine over a year and I have not experienced a single manic episode since then.I also became extremely sick from the horrible withdrawal symptoms even though I came off slowly, but that was a much lesser problem for me than what happened while I was on the medicine.

Photo_Girl_Jenn
Member

Registered: May 2012
Location: nova scotia canada
Posts: 33

Sun May 13, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	helped my uncle
CONS:	made me way way worse

this medication caused me to actually have an and the only psychotic episode i ever had

tdog
New Member

Registered: August 2011
Posts: 3

Tue March 13, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $1,000.00| Rating: 5

PROS:	not bad
CONS:	not good

i'm a bipolar schizoid with depression and anxiety and psychosis and i take a lot of medications for these things. i have addictions too like cannabis and tobacco. taking pills is necessary for a lot of people and i'm included in that group. i'm a mental health consumer and i like being a schizoid sometimes it helps and it is the way god made me. when i'm thirty six i might try going off this medication but for now it is necessary. i don't take an extreme amount of pills but quite a few as prescribed.

Twofortwo
New Member

Registered: March 2012
Posts: 2

Fri March 9, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	Helped gain perspective, balanced irrational thinking, relieved anxiety
CONS:	Tired, dry mouth & throat, night sweats, vivid dreams

I want to try and give a very logical point of view of my experience with Effexor in the hopes that it will help someone else. When I was first prescribed Effexor for situational depression, I looked it up and was very afraid to take it because of the comments people had, especially from trying to come off. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken and had nothing to compare it to. Here is what I experienced: Treating for depression: I was sleeping a lot and one day broke down when I couldn't clean the kitchen. It was like going in slow motion. When I stood in front of the refridgerator with a dirty plate, forgetting what I was supposed to be doing is when I lost it. My husband sent me to the Dr. and I was given Effexor 75 XR and went to a Psychologist. The first four days I experienced a high feeling. Very sleepy and light headed. I lost my appetite and threw up twice, though I didn't feel sick the whole time, just spaced out. I couldn't cry. That worried me and I even tested myself by watching every sad thing I could on Youtube. Nothing. On the fifth day, I woke up feeling normal. I felt good! I was able to clean the kitchen and make dinner. I was still tired, but I didn't feel confused anymore and the high feeling was gone. Oh yes, and the first four days I also had very loud ringing in my ears. The fifth day that also went away. I realized that during this time on Effexor, I didn't need to sleep with a light on anymore (Afraid of the dark my whole life). I wanted the room dark and was not afraid. I loved sleeping in the dark! I was not afraid to socialize with others freely. I was being treated for depression and in the midst of it didn't realize how much anxiety I actually suffered from until this medicine relieved it. The downfalls were a bit of constipation, so I ate more grains and fruit. I had crazy night sweats. Irritating, but not so much that I hated the medicine. I felt normal again. My problems were still there, but I could logically deal with them. After six months on the medication, it was time to come off. I ran out of the medicine and decided not to refill the prescription against the warnings of others. Being egotistical, I really thought that I could handle the discontinuation symptoms and carry on normally. Well, I could for two days. On the third day without this medicine, I felt drunk. Off balance and with every move of my eyes it was like my head going one way and my body another. This was too much for me to handle because it was constant. After that, I realized that everything everyone said was right. I was sick as a dog. I actually ended up in convulsions on the floor while throwing up. I called the doctor on the fourth day and told him what I did. He didn't think I was too smart. Neither did I, but I still wanted to come off the medicine. He gave me the lower dosage of 37.5 venlaflaxine (off brand Effexor)and within four hours I felt normal again. I stayed on this dosage for three weeks and felt normal. After 3 weeks I went back to the Doctor again to see if I could stop taking it. He gave the okay, but I was worried. Just stop taking it again and have these side effects? Yikes! He gave me 24 more pills for (just in case) and told me it was only if I felt sick again. I read up on different ways to come off the medicine. The most popular way seems to be to open the capsules and take out two little beads every day and then after a week or two, two more. Coming off very slowy. Well, I only had twenty two pills left and I wanted off, so I skipped two days of the 37.5 and the second day I started to feel that dizzy sick feeling again, so I opened a capsule and split it in half. Each capsule had 150 beads, so I took half and just put them all on my tongue and swallowed them with a big swig of orange juice. I took the half for a week and decided to half it again. It ended up 37 beads one day and 38 another, oh well, I didn't feel any difference at all. I then finished with what was left over, 18 beads for a week and then took 15, then 10 then 8, then 5 to zero. From 15 to zero on a daily basis. This worked! In the whole time I didn't have any strange side effects. I did have bowel changes and irritability. I have also cried several times while coming off, but nothing like a depression kind of crying. As far as the anxiety goes? I guess I learned from being on this medicine that I don't have to feel anxious. It's like I re-wired my brain to feel confident. I still sleep with the light and TV off, and speak to people and say whatever I want without that anxious feeling. If I start to feel anxious, I remind myself of the six months on Effexor that I didn't and it seems to go away. Overall this drug helped me when I needed it most. I wouldn't suggest people stay on it long. It seems to work quickly, but you really do feel it while coming off. I realized though, that it doesn't have to be a terror if you know what you are getting in to. If you understand how to come off of it and give yourself time and are prepared to take it slowly (even more slowly than me if you need to) then this can be an effective drug. I feel it is very powerful and should be used as a tool to help, not a remedy. Counceling did me good!Sexual side effects: I am a 35 year old married female. The first four days of this drug I had a warm feeling in my genitals and increase of libido, though I was tired and spaced out. After that, I had a couple of weeks that it was hard to enjoy sex the way I used to. Within three weeks I had no sexual side effects and everything was normal. The vivid dreams: I have always had vivid dreams, it's just that I remembered a lot more of them on Effexor and in more detail. They were weird, but by no means troublesome, more funny. In the beginning I would wake in the morning feeling like I hadn't slept at all because of the dreams. Then I got used to it.Weight: I am twenty pounds overweight and maintainted my weight perfectly of Effexor. I neither gained nor lost.Brainzaps: I don't really know what people mean by this. I got really dizzy coming off when I just stopped, and sometimes when I was sleeping I would feel a buzzing feeling and felt like I was falling. Coming off the medicine I would get some light headaches and more a feeling in one place on my scalp like there was added pressure. Take your finger and place it somewhere on your head and press down really hard, that's what I would feel. That lasted for ten seconds at the most. Still get them here and there, but I know they go, so it doesn't bother me. It's really not painful, just strange. I took paracetamol(Tylenol), B complex timed released capsules, fish oil, and ate bananas. I read that this can help with some of the withdrawal symptoms.Overall: I'm glad I took this when I needed it. I'm glad I'm off now. I want to prevent depression and anxiety by improving my diet, physical activity, life, and just listening to myself.For anyone who suffers from depression, I would strongly urge you to go to counceling as another tool to help you through.I hope I've helped someone out there trying to decide to take this, or trying to come off!Praying for everyone that has felt that big black cloud lingering over them as I have. I hope a warm soft wind blows it away and that the sun will once again shine on you. Don't give up.Twofortwo

Twofortwo
New Member

Registered: March 2012
Posts: 2

Fri March 9, 2012

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	Helped gain perspective, balanced irrational thinking, relieved anxiety
CONS:	Tired, dry mouth & throat, night sweats, vivid dreams

I want to try and give a very logical point of view of my experience with Effexor in the hopes that it will help someone else. When I was first prescribed Effexor for situational depression, I looked it up and was very afraid to take it because of the comments people had, especially from trying to come off. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken and had nothing to compare it to. Here is what I experienced: Treating for depression: I was sleeping a lot and one day broke down when I couldn't clean the kitchen. It was like going in slow motion. When I stood in front of the refridgerator with a dirty plate, forgetting what I was supposed to be doing is when I lost it. My husband sent me to the Dr. and I was given Effexor 75 XR and went to a Psychologist. The first four days I experienced a high feeling. Very sleepy and light headed. I lost my appetite and threw up twice, though I didn't feel sick the whole time, just spaced out. I couldn't cry. That worried me and I even tested myself by watching every sad thing I could on Youtube. Nothing. On the fifth day, I woke up feeling normal. I felt good! I was able to clean the kitchen and make dinner. I was still tired, but I didn't feel confused anymore and the high feeling was gone. Oh yes, and the first four days I also had very loud ringing in my ears. The fifth day that also went away. I realized that during this time on Effexor, I didn't need to sleep with a light on anymore (Afraid of the dark my whole life). I wanted the room dark and was not afraid. I loved sleeping in the dark! I was not afraid to socialize with others freely. I was being treated for depression and in the midst of it didn't realize how much anxiety I actually suffered from until this medicine relieved it. The downfalls were a bit of constipation, so I ate more grains and fruit. I had crazy night sweats. Irritating, but not so much that I hated the medicine. I felt normal again. My problems were still there, but I could logically deal with them. After six months on the medication, it was time to come off. I ran out of the medicine and decided not to refill the prescription against the warnings of others. Being egotistical, I really thought that I could handle the discontinuation symptoms and carry on normally. Well, I could for two days. On the third day without this medicine, I felt drunk. Off balance and with every move of my eyes it was like my head going one way and my body another. This was too much for me to handle because it was constant. After that, I realized that everything everyone said was right. I was sick as a dog. I actually ended up in convulsions on the floor while throwing up. I called the doctor on the fourth day and told him what I did. He didn't think I was too smart. Neither did I, but I still wanted to come off the medicine. He gave me the lower dosage of 37.5 venlaflaxine (off brand Effexor)and within four hours I felt normal again. I stayed on this dosage for three weeks and felt normal. After 3 weeks I went back to the Doctor again to see if I could stop taking it. He gave the okay, but I was worried. Just stop taking it again and have these side effects? Yikes! He gave me 24 more pills for (just in case) and told me it was only if I felt sick again. I read up on different ways to come off the medicine. The most popular way seems to be to open the capsules and take out two little beads every day and then after a week or two, two more. Coming off very slowy. Well, I only had twenty two pills left and I wanted off, so I skipped two days of the 37.5 and the second day I started to feel that dizzy sick feeling again, so I opened a capsule and split it in half. Each capsule had 150 beads, so I took half and just put them all on my tongue and swallowed them with a big swig of orange juice. I took the half for a week and decided to half it again. It ended up 37 beads one day and 38 another, oh well, I didn't feel any difference at all. I then finished with what was left over, 18 beads for a week and then took 15, then 10 then 8, then 5 to zero. From 15 to zero on a daily basis. This worked! In the whole time I didn't have any strange side effects. I did have bowel changes and irritability. I have also cried several times while coming off, but nothing like a depression kind of crying. As far as the anxiety goes? I guess I learned from being on this medicine that I don't have to feel anxious. It's like I re-wired my brain to feel confident. I still sleep with the light and TV off, and speak to people and say whatever I want without that anxious feeling. If I start to feel anxious, I remind myself of the six months on Effexor that I didn't and it seems to go away. Overall this drug helped me when I needed it most. I wouldn't suggest people stay on it long. It seems to work quickly, but you really do feel it while coming off. I realized though, that it doesn't have to be a terror if you know what you are getting in to. If you understand how to come off of it and give yourself time and are prepared to take it slowly (even more slowly than me if you need to) then this can be an effective drug. I feel it is very powerful and should be used as a tool to help, not a remedy. Counceling did me good!Sexual side effects: I am a 35 year old married female. The first four days of this drug I had a warm feeling in my genitals and increase of libido, though I was tired and spaced out. After that, I had a couple of weeks that it was hard to enjoy sex the way I used to. Within three weeks I had no sexual side effects and everything was normal. The vivid dreams: I have always had vivid dreams, it's just that I remembered a lot more of them on Effexor and in more detail. They were weird, but by no means troublesome, more funny. In the beginning I would wake in the morning feeling like I hadn't slept at all because of the dreams. Then I got used to it.Weight: I am twenty pounds overweight and maintainted my weight perfectly of Effexor. I neither gained nor lost.Brainzaps: I don't really know what people mean by this. I got really dizzy coming off when I just stopped, and sometimes when I was sleeping I would feel a buzzing feeling and felt like I was falling. Coming off the medicine I would get some light headaches and more a feeling in one place on my scalp like there was added pressure. Take your finger and place it somewhere on your head and press down really hard, that's what I would feel. That lasted for ten seconds at the most. Still get them here and there, but I know they go, so it doesn't bother me. It's really not painful, just strange. I took paracetamol(Tylenol), B complex timed released capsules, fish oil, and ate bananas. I read that this can help with some of the withdrawal symptoms.Overall: I'm glad I took this when I needed it. I'm glad I'm off now. I want to prevent depression and anxiety by improving my diet, physical activity, life, and just listening to myself.For anyone who suffers from depression, I would strongly urge you to go to counceling as another tool to help you through.I hope I've helped someone out there trying to decide to take this, or trying to come off!Praying for everyone that has felt that big black cloud lingering over them as I have. I hope a warm soft wind blows it away and that the sun will once again shine on you. Don't give up.Twofortwo

clover81
New Member

Registered: October 2009
Posts: 2

Wed October 26, 2011

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $8.00| Rating: 7

PROS:	Best ability of any pill I have tried to control Depression and OCD.
CONS:	SO MANY SIDE EFFECTS. Also not completely in control of depression.

This has been the best anti-depressant I have taken for my depression, OCD and ADD. Especially the OCD, I have almost no irrational fears. The depression is not fully under control though.The side effects though, are the worst of any pill I have taken. Vivid dreams EVERY time I sleep, and frequent nightmares. Horrible night sweats, inablility to control body temperature while awake. An urgency to pee, when it's unnecessary. And the absolute worst headaches if missed pill, even after one or two hours. It's definitely a pill that has to be watched carefully and taken EXACTLY on time.But I continue taking it because it's been the most beneficial pill I have taken (I have also been on Prozac, Zoloft, Cymbalta, and none have helped as much as Effexor) so the good outweighs the bad for me. I also have no sexual side effects, and not any noticeable weight gain.

ost324
Junior Member

Registered: February 2011
Location: US
Posts: 7

Sun October 9, 2011

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 5

PROS:	works ok, not bad side-effects
CONS:	horrible withdrawal, poops out fast

Works fairly well, similar side-effects to cymbalta, also stops working after a couple months. Good price though.

jiminy
New Member

Registered: October 2011
Posts: 1

Fri October 7, 2011

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	None
CONS:	Increased anxiety, aggressiveness, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, decreased motivation, worsening of depression, bad headaches, heart symptoms, increased suicidality

Absolutely horrendous! I felt better taking nothing, then what I did taken this. I can honestly say that this is the worse medication I have ever taken. I have read articles and blogs confirming that I am not alone with negative comments I have made about this product. In fact I have not made any positive comments. I do not like the fact that this product is on the market. It’s all about money though for the manufacturer.

Cnytroxy1973
Veteran Member

Registered: July 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 458

Mon August 8, 2011

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	Easy to swallow
CONS:	Makes me fell numb

Very hard to dose down. Makes me feel numb. Makes me tired.

+Fight+The+Illness+
Member

Registered: August 2011
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 72

Sun August 7, 2011

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:
CONS:

I such an awful reaction to Effexor. It was honestly one of the worst medications I've ever taken. Granted, I am aware that it works well with other people, but it was just awful with me.

Gillianlookalike
New Member

Registered: July 2011
Posts: 3

Fri July 29, 2011

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7

PROS:
CONS:

450 mg day. During first 3 of 5 years Effexor helped manage depression & anxiety but has effectiveness has decreased considerable. Have appointments to discuss replacement medication. Interesting: Have experience "brain-zap" effect described in other reviews which have become more frequent and intense. I've noticed I've developed tendency towards binge-eating &/or similar OCD type behavior never having had before.

John Malkovich
Account Suspended

Registered: March 2011
Posts: 13

Sun June 19, 2011

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4

PROS:
CONS:

hi my name is John and im 21 years old and i have been depressed and medicated since the age of 13. I was on effexor and didnt know what a god sent thing i had!!! Few month ago, my doctore recommended me to buy pristiq and take it instead of Effexor. After two weeks of taking this medication, i have started wetting the bed.

saphirrain
Member

Registered: June 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 26

Sun June 5, 2011

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $3.00| Rating: 7

PROS:	helps with depression
CONS:	activating

no complaints

Sultrysorrow
Member

Registered: October 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 77

Tue August 17, 2010

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3

PROS:	It's a good starter anti depressant
CONS:	Doesn't work that good when your world comes crashing down..

It's so-so..

takepsych
New Member

Registered: August 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 4

Mon August 16, 2010

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $40.00| Rating: 9

PROS:	Helps with anxiety. It helps with my Trich..
CONS:	When I first began taking it, the drug made me very tired if I sat for too long.

Excellent I have been on Effexor 225mg for years. It and relaxation techniques have put my Trich in total remission. It doesn't make me as sleepy as it use to. But, I still take it at night.

Cattitude
New Member

Registered: July 2010
Posts: 3

Fri July 16, 2010

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3

PROS:	doesn't make you exhausted but I really can't think of any Pros
CONS:	headaches, tremors, SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

I was on 300mgs for what seemed like an eternity. It did not seem to have any positive effects on my depression or anything else for that matter. It did COMPLETELY kill my sex drive which is a real feat because my sex drive has always been on the high side... it also made it nearly impossible to orgasm which I'd NEVER had issues with.... My doctor did not want me coming off of it because of the notoriously horrible side effects and withdrawal. I finally took matters in my own hands and went off of it . I went from 300mgs to 0mgs in one day. Although I did not experience huge withdrawals, going off any med cold turkey is idiotic and not recommended.... I was just so frustrated. If I had major withdrawals I didn't notice most likely because I was so excited to get my sex drive et al, back.

weird artist
Member

Registered: October 2008
Location: England
Posts: 61

Thu April 8, 2010

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	actually works for me
CONS:	I had strong side effects early on, and when I missed a dose. Must take at the same time every day to work.

pretty good stuff once your body gets used to it. this is the 4th antiD I have tried, so I was relieved when it actually worked!

rainbowrific
Newly Joined

Registered: March 2010
Location: FL

Fri March 19, 2010

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3

PROS:	brief relief of depression
CONS:	induced mania, weight gain, constipation, urination problems, severe withdrawal

I started on a low dosage, and then I would feel better. I felt "better" because I was hypomanic, which I didn't realize until later, but it was better than depression. Then, I would feel bad again. So, the dose was increased. This vicious cycle went on until I was at 450mg/day, at which point I had serious digestive and urinary problems. I also gained about 30 pounds in 9 months. And, in the end, it didn't even work correctly for me. Quitting this drug was a nightmare all on its own. I took me nearly FIVE months to get off this medication, AFTER. The withdrawals were pure misery: pain, lethargy, fatigue, headache, brain freeze, electric shocks through my body, nausea, general flu like feelings, suicidal thoughts. I completely identified with accounts I had heard about undergoing chemotherapy. I literally wanted to die every day from the physical and mental anguish. I would never recommend this as a first or even second resort for depression treatment.

PBHG
Newly Joined

Registered: January 2010

Sun January 3, 2010

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8

PROS:	Definitely worked very well for me.
CONS:	Diminished sexual performance. Stopped working after a year. Made me start smoking again.

I got put on Efexor XR after suffering chronic fatigue like symptoms which seemed to defy treatment, despite trying many things over a couple of years. I was reluctant, because although my condition included depression like symptoms, I felt the causes were physical rather than mental, I'd certainly never been prone to depression before, and had tested positive for hypoglycemia, which didn't respond to treatment. I thought the doctor was taking the wrong path, but relented in the end as I wasn't coping very well by that stage.After a few weird days, they worked much better than I could have hoped. I've read since that they're used for CF sufferers and although it felt like the cause was still present Efexor did a good job of masking them.I felt almost back to normal, the weight I'd gradually put on, going from 180 lbs to 225 lbs due to inactivity and craving food due to the low blood sugar, started to diminish at a rapid rate. I lost half of what I'd gained in 2-3 months, the rest was a bit harder but after 7-8 months I was back to normal. I had a lot more energy, and mentally I was back in business.I only had a few negative side effects, maybe a little more sweating, but this was marginal. Sexual performance was definitely reduced, a doctor told me guys use them to prevent premature ejaculation, and I could well believe it'd work. For me it'd often never happen, but it seemed not such a big deal for the dramatic improvements in other areas. One other side effect was the resumption of smoking. I hadn't for a few years, but the cravings were very strong after Efexor. and after I'd started having a few, I tried really hard to stop. Patches etc had absolutely no effect, it was like being on speed, lighting one after another. I gave up giving up, and this probably contributed a bit towards the weight loss as well.Unfortunately it just didn't last. After about 10 to 12 months they seemed to stop working. I was only on 75mgs so I tried doubling the dose, with no effect apart from sexual performance being virtually non existent.I still persisted for a while, by then I'd read the horror stories of withdrawal, but eventually stopped taking them, pretty much cold turkey. I'd forgotten one days pill, so waited to see what it'd be like the next, thinking if it got too bad I would just take one or split one in half, but overall, although it wasn't completely trouble free, it wasn't that bad either. Nothing like what I was fearing.I'd been off them for 3 weeks and decided to try to quit smoking, now the cravings seemed quite diminished, and was surprised how easy that turned out to be.After reading some of the other accounts I consider myself lucky. Don't be too envious though. I've tried Cymbalta since then and that was as horrible as Efexor was good!I hopefully have an answer to the CF now, a second, better test for toxic heavy metals was sky high, the much earlier hair analysis showed only a little, and although the going is still tough, with detoxing only making me feel worse at the moment, hopefully I'll only have to find one more product like Efexor to see me though the next 6 months or so. Fingers crossed.

phoenix47baby
Grand Member

Registered: September 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 619

Mon November 16, 2009

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $45.00| Rating: 8

PROS:	curbs depression
CONS:	none

definite help with the depression

kileyb
Junior Member

Registered: July 2009
Location: Boston, M.A.
Posts: 12

Wed August 26, 2009

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 3

PROS:	Lifted mood a little
CONS:	fatigue, excessive sweating, nightmares, anxiety, cry or get angry when due for dose

I was really hoping this would due the trick, but while it did lift my depression, I slept more on it than before! Experienced excessive sweating, had terrible nightmares every night, nausea/vomiting and weight gain.... also I would either snap or cry when I was due for my dose. I am talking only 18 hours later! Plus once when I was waiting for my check to pay for them, I had these almost electrical volts going through my body! I became very shaky and couldn't drive myself to the pharmacy! I was 18 hours past due! thats all! Oh one more, cost. my insurance covered 11 days so at 20$ a refill it was around 80 a month. Everyones different, so while I recommend alternatives before this it could be a miracle for you. Just a heads up! Good luck, we'll find the right one eventually!

degas
Junior Member

Registered: July 2009
Posts: 9

Wed July 29, 2009

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $40.00| Rating: 1

PROS:	none
CONS:	vivid disturbing nightmares

I'll admit that I was weaning from Serzone and Celexa and beginning Effexor as prescribed and following DRs schedule. I ended up twice in the ER with hysteria and symptoms that I couldn't quite describe. Horrible, horrible nightmares that I won't express, sweats, loss of appetite, complete and total hopelessness. I lay in bed at home for 4 days without eating or drinking, just sweating and nighmaring and crying and I couldn't WAKE-UP. I am especially upset by the fact that this was given to a patient who suffers from PTSD because now I can't forget the grisly, horrible things I SAW and EXPERIENCED so vividly in my dreams.

thinker22
Magnate

Registered: June 2009
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 2112

Tue July 7, 2009

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 2

PROS:	A bit more energy on some days
CONS:	Irritability, hand tremors, depression, huge withdrawals

Irritability, hand tremors, depression, huge withdrawals. I had more energy on random days, even hypomania, but it wasn't helping with severe depression, may have even caused the depression.

u2nance
Member

Registered: April 2009
Posts: 25

Thu July 2, 2009

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8

PROS:	saved my life!
CONS:	I have no complaints

I was so depressed and was having lots of crying spells and thoughts of suicide. Had been on Paxil for 2 years and gained 40 pounds in 8 months!!! Effexor has let me start to lose weight for the first time in 5 years! Gave me back my life. I hope it doesn't change.

kris10
Newly Joined

Registered: April 2009

Sat May 9, 2009

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 10

PROS:	doesn't make you tired, i didn't experience any side effects.
CONS:

This medication is the only antidepressant that I can find that actually works. I didn't experience any side effects...once it started working, after about 4-5 weeks of starting it, it has worked great. I'm not tired, like I was on Zoloft. I've tried Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, etc.. and none of them worked...and all of them had side effects. I definitely recommend Effexor and Effexor XR.

thalia2
Member

Registered: September 2008
Posts: 31

Tue April 21, 2009

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	Very Effective
CONS:	Side Effects

The most effective antidepressant I have ever taken outside of Nardil (which worked TOO well). And I've taken a lot. I have had a bunch of side effects -- headaches, grinding teeth, sweating, anxiety and increase in suicidal thoughts (eventually fades) at the beginning and when the dose has been increased. The last two are serious. But overall it has saved my life and taken me from a dangerously depressed and incapacitated hermit to a functioning human being again.I wouldn't recommend it as a first line. I would absolutely recommend it for someone who's really struggling, has tried others and who thinks nothing can help them. Which is where I was.

SammiSama
Junior Member

Registered: January 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 6

Wed March 11, 2009

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $24.97| Rating: 5

PROS:	Better mood, more outgoing, easier to cope with some stressful problems.`
CONS:	No sex! lots of numbness (Kind of feel like a robot), massively supressed emotions (couldn't even cry), heart palpitations, insomnia

Well, it's one of those "lesser of two evils" kind of situations. I was put on this drug two years ago as a "Band aid" method. My doctor refused to send me to a shrink, and said that my depression wasn't permanent. Anyway, it did help. I gained more confidence, saw a lot of my older self (More talkative, outgoing, etc.), and I hardly had any depression fits. After a year though, I started getting really frustrated with the "robot" feeling. When something bad happens, I get this pressure in my chest and feel kind of sick to my stomach...but that's it. The pills don't seem to allow me to express any bad emotions, to the point where I can't even cry when something terrible happens. It causes a lot of inner confusion. Also, I couldn't sleep more than five hours without waking up and feeling restless, I tossed and turned all night (kicked my poor dog tons of times), and I could hardly eat a thing...I went from two meals a day to one snack a day. Lastly, coming off the pills was a nightmare. I cut my dosage down to one a day, and only 37.5 mg..and almost instantly started "feeling" again. Plus, I could actually consider sex. After I was completely off the pill though, like the day I stopped taking the one pill, I started getting heart palpitations? huge dizzy spells, couldn't stop eating (I suppose after a year of hardly eating at all, it was kind of a nice side effect.), the depression came back within a week, and I had hallucinations!! Not bad ones, just blurred shadows and once I woke up from a dream, and my dream image was superimposed onto my room for a bit...freaky. ..I don't know, it's the first time I ever hallucinated. I guess the side effects out weigh the original problem, but personally ..I think it saved me from doing anything extreme, and put me back on my feet, so now I can sort of figure out how to fix myself.

Ubiquitous Maninlev
Junior Member

Registered: November 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 15

Wed January 28, 2009

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4

PROS:	At times seems to have helped with depression symptoms
CONS:	Still no idea if its any good, worried about coming off it

After taking Citalopram, the initial impact was good, but I put this more down to not being on Citalopram. Since then I have been all over the place, on various doses. Overall, I think it has given me more energy, and occasionally more concentration. But still not sure if I want to take more or stop altogether.

Helpmefindmymarbles
New Member

Registered: August 2008
Posts: 5

Tue January 27, 2009

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $60.00| Rating: 2

PROS:
CONS:	Restless, sleepless nights, nausea, anxious

I really couldn't get past the side effects to see the full effects that I wanted. After 4 days and feeling like a paranoid psycho, I most definitely will be switching back to my old meds. These made me restless, I woke up every hr and slept maybe a total of 3 hrs a night. I didn't feel like moving at all. I ended up missing work and I had no energy whatsoever. However, you do lose your appetite when you take these and you have to literally force yourself to eat. On the other hand, these seem to work well for others. I couldn't get past the first week that is how bad it was for me. I switched back to Tegretol and I'm back at work, happy, sociable, and having my energy back. Yay!

tarabug922
Member

Registered: November 2008
Location: santa cruz, cali
Posts: 294

Tue November 25, 2008

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $68.00| Rating: 5

PROS:	alleviated some of the depression
CONS:	weight gain and turned me into a zombie

This med has turned me into a zombie. I stare blankly into space for hours. I can't find things to talk about to make conversation anymore. Thank you Effexor. Even though it has alleviated some of the depression I still have moderate depression while taking the highest dose.

trixie459
Newly Joined

Registered: August 2008

Tue August 5, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $35.00| Rating: 3

PROS:	relieved anxiety and depression very well and quickly
CONS:	insomnia or very vivid dreams/nightmares, excessive sweating

I was on 75 mg for about 5 weeks. I felt more energized, calmer and happier on Effexor than I had been in months on other meds (prozac, wellbutrin). Unfortunately, I couldn't handle the lack of sleep, which never subsided. So now I'm going to start on citalopram 20 mg. I really hope it has all the positives of Effexor without the negatives.

igot_mad
Newly Joined

Registered: August 2008
Location: The Dirty South

Sat August 2, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5

PROS:	good for anxiety and depression
CONS:	plateau effect, HORRIFIC side effects when a dosage is missed

I took effexor for close to a year. When I started taking it, I felt nauseous and had headaches, but it eventually wore off. It helped a great deal with my depression for a few months until it just hit a plateau and did practically nothing for me.In the beginning, my doctor told me I could get a little sick if I missed a dosage. Months later, I lost the bottle and had to skip. Before you consider this medication, look up 'effexor shocks.' I have never been in more agony in my entire life. Ever. Even after I took my dosage the next day, I felt a queasy and dizzy for a few days. Getting off of it wasn't quite as hard, but it certainly wasn't pleasant.Bottom line: it may work wonders, or the progress may just bottom out. Not everyone experiences effexor shocks, but don't try your luck.

missery
Newly Joined

Registered: July 2008

Wed July 23, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	a, positive attitude,
CONS:	i do sweat alot more

i have been on zolof,paxil that one made me crazy,but this is working for me right now

emi24
Newly Joined

Registered: June 2008

Sun June 22, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4

PROS:	loss of appetite = weight loss (yay!)
CONS:	elevated blood pressure, dizziness, spaciness

i know several people who have found a friend in effexor but for some reason it was more my enemy. it made me feel as though i was going in and out of consciousness, increased my vertigo, increased fatigue, heightened my anxiety, elevated blood pressure, etc. i must've had adverse effects or something. i did not feel like myself! i then hesitantly tried cymbalta afraid it would do the same thing but it has surprisingly worked for me. it helps with physical and emotional pain which, unfortunately, i am experiencing. not sure what the difference between the 2 drugs are as i know they are very similar (i did read the cymbalta is slightly easier to get off of than effexor). for some reason i had opposite reactions. CYMBALTA IS THE NEW EFFEXOR.

eforest
New Member

Registered: June 2008
Posts: 2

Mon June 9, 2008

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $30.00| Rating: 2

PROS:	Can't think of any
CONS:	Caused profuse sweating

I took effexor when the lexapro stopped working. I don't think it added anything and only caused profuse sweating.

orangecat
Junior Member

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 8

Fri April 11, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8

PROS:	works fast; I had tried many antidepressants before settling with Effexor - also less side effects than the others
CONS:	have tried to lessen dosage many times over 11 years, but have always gotten suicidal

It really got me out of a black hole 11 years or so ago and I have never relapsed back to that state although there have been trying times. It also makes me sweat, makes my blood pressure go up, and rather strangely, increased my bust size. I would really like to come off it to see how I would be but I always get suicidal and cry all the time when I reduce my dosage. Maybe that is a message to me I should not try anymore. I really don't know. I don't have dry mouth and it doesn't stop up my bladder. For me, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Popangel16
Newly Joined

Registered: November 2007

Mon February 11, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8

PROS:	Worked incredibly well on depression and anxiety
CONS:	Weight gain

I began taking this medication when I was 16 years old. The medication kicked in automatically and I felt 100% better in one week. I gained 10 pounds unexpectedly a few months after starting treatment, but then my weight stayed at that point. Unfortunately, right before I turned 20 the medication stopped working. Up until then I had had no problems with it. Even though it only worked for a few years for me, it was a great treatment and I would highly recommend it.

Chris7
Newly Joined

Registered: February 2008

Thu February 7, 2008

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1

PROS:	NONE...maybe loose weight before commiting suicide!!
CONS:	caused multiple SEIZURES and MANIAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS DRUG SHOULD BE OFF THE MARKET! IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! I TOOK IT FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE I TRUSTED MY DOCTOR BUT MY CONDITION KEPT GETTING WORSE! IT CAUSE MANY SEIZURES. THEY DIAGONSED ME FOR EPILEPSY AND PUT ME ON MORE MEDS WHICH ALSO MESSED WITH MY BRAIN. I'M NOW DOING HOMEOPATHY WHICH HAS SAVED MY LIFE!

Ben23
Newly Joined

Registered: February 2008

Wed February 6, 2008

Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2

PROS:	None for anxiety/panic attacks
CONS:	Severe insomnia, on-the-edge feeling, tinnitus, depression, dizziness

I have had severe panic attacks and generalized anxiety with mild depression and this was the firt drug I ever took to try and solve the problem (after some lorazepam). Did absolutely nothing for me, could not use for more than 3 consecutive days. Crying all the time, feeling spaced out, severe insomnia, increased depressive symptoms, dizziness ... I could go on, and on.This may be a good alternative to some, but other SSRIs have proven to be more effective (with less side effects) than Effexor. Paxil was the solution for me, although everyone is different. I have a good friend of mine who used it for moderate to severe depression and had great results, though.Do not hesitate to take the pills if it has been prescribed to you because of horror stories or comments like mine ! But make sure you do a close follow-up with your psychiatrist in the beggining. You will know soon enough if this drug is or isin't for you.

12beat
Newly Joined

Registered: January 2008
Location: Seattle,WA

Thu January 31, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9

PROS:	Great for major depression at higher dose titration
CONS:	Terrible Discontinuation syndrome - Instant side effects when stopped

awesome for my depression and anxiety....worried if I can ever come off of it at 225mg a day, without whacking out.

sarcasticme
New Member

Registered: January 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1

Sat January 26, 2008

Recommended? No | Total Spent: $0.67| Rating: 1

PROS:
CONS:	Worked for about two weeks, constipation, dry mouth

For me, minimal side effects compared to some other antidepressants. Pity it just worked for two weeks!

OcdPam
Junior Member

Registered: January 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 10

Mon January 21, 2008

Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7

PROS:	good for anxiety and depression
CONS:	not good for OCD and coming off is awful

The only real problem i've had from this med is trying to come off of them. Brain zaps were awful. I take this med again now and have decided it is time to STOP thinking I am better and to stay ON the medication.

Effexor (venlafaxine)

2.92