User Reviews for Venlafaxine (Effexor)

I have been taking Effexor for quite a few years and I am happy with it. I have been told Effexor tablets, not the generic or the XR, just the regular tablets have been discontinued. Could anyone please help me verify if this is true??? Thank you!

I gained about 25 pounds while taking this medication, and that was on top of the 20 pound weight gain from using Paxil before being switched to effexor. It helped with the social anxiety and depression,but it took me a good 1.5 to 2 years to wean myself off of this med. For most people it can't be in a few weeks like most doctors think. The withdrawal symptoms are terrible.

I have taken efferor xr for about 6 years. Intitially it was for my hotflashes, it worked wonderfully. After my change ended, about 4 yrs ago, lost my lodest son unexpectedly so the Doctor decided to keep me on it a while longer. Two years ago I was diagnoised with fibromyalgia, so I still take it today. I have forgotten to take a dose and it makes me realize just how much this really has helped me navigate through these lasr few years. Without effexor xr, I am so emotional drained its like my abosute worst day of my fibro. I hope my Dr. lives forever, because trying to have a new Dr. understand this is just too overwhelming to even think about. Read More Read Less

I'm concerned because I am having rapid movement on my hands and legs. I don't know if this is because of the meds or something else.

I've been on effexor for about a year now for hot flashes. I still get them, but maybe they'd be worse without. I do sleep well at night and haven't had any concerning noticeable problems with it. HOWEVER: Recently I ran out and didn't pick up the new ones over the weekend (2 days). BIG MISTAKE!! Now I know what its like to be a addict and go thru withdrawals!!! This med is BAD, i had no idea it would be so awful, puking, shaking, sweating, couldn't think of anything but getting more!! It was horrible! Needless to say, I did get my pills and started back on them, and do feel better again. But after experiencing that ordeal, it is apparent that this is an addictive medication and I want off, but after reading others reviews, it doesn't sound easy. I'm totally disgusted. It has kept me from being edgy and flying off the handle, as I did before I was on hormones, then changed to this med. But also has affected my libido, basically no desire. I haven't had any problems with weight gain, altho I do seem to sweat alot. All in all, I am not satisfied with this drug and I DO NOT RECOMMEND this med to anyone for hot flashes or other change of life signs. By any means, DO NOT TAKE IT!! I'm checking into bio-identicals or anything else, no more of this. Its going to take awhile to get off it apparently and I'm not looking forward to it either....in fact I'm scared!! My earlier review was 8/09 if you want to check it out.Read More Read Less

I have been on effexor xr for little over a year. I tried Wellbutrin and then Lexapro prior to trying Effexor. Effexor has been such a great help. I don't feel like my old self, I'm better than my old self. I'm calmer and more relaxed and my mood is much better and it stays that way.

I feel much better since I have been on this medication. I don't have the high and lows and feel more normal and calm.

I could have easily given Effexor a five star rating. This drug for depression has worked for me after trying many others. The secret is when you begin feeling better, which means the medication is working and fall in the trap thinking you can live without it.

I have been on effexor for about 20 years. It worked at first but continued with serious problems and dosage would be increased. With each increase new symptoms would appear, paranoia, anger, outrageous behavior. Later I was diagnosed bipolar and added a mood stabilizer and had much more control. Problem is, the new symptoms are still present, just more controlled. And I cannot get off of it. I have tried several times. One time weaning slowly off for a period of 6 months. The withdrawl affects were unbearable. I hate it, I wish I had never started on it.Read More Read Less

It helps with my PTSD problems

Be sure to GIVE IT TIME. This was my 2nd attempt with Effexor, now I know I did not give it enough time the 1st go around. After 5 weeks I honestly feel more capable, less pessimistic and less bothered by the unusual things that can disrupt your life. My stressors are 10-fold now what they were when I began this drug and I feel more confident of coping and overcoming. This is not a magic pill by any means you also have to do "self-work" and really invest in making your life different. However for an anti-depressant the side effects have been minimal (moderate weight gain but now I feel more motivated to exercise and manage my weight as a result). I highly recommend for the right diagnosis. Read More Read Less

I first experienced depression 40 years ago.After trying many antidepressants I was introduced to effexor. Over the years the dosage increased to 225mg which I've been o for at least 13 years. Recently I've begun to feel the depression creeping back and this in turn has caused me to have anxiety attacks and feelings of depersonalization. I don't know what's left for me now.......RAP

Alittle higher blood pressure and some stammering when in highly stressful situations but otherwise much more effective than zoloft

OK. Not great, not bad.

I have taken this for about six months, and am now up to 225mg daily. I had pretty intense weight gain - about 20-25lbs - and it makes me very tired. I was originally taking 75 in the AM and 150 in the PM, but the 75 made me so tired that I either had to nap again before going to work, or I'd fall asleep during my drive to work. Scary! Now I just take both at night. I frequently have very vivid dreams, and sometimes I can't remember if I dreamt something or if it really happened. I had brain zaps when I first started and as I increased the dosage, but those have mostly stopped. But my moods are definitely better overall and my depression has lessened. I might look into Cymbalta, as I'm really frustrated about the weight gain.Read More Read Less

I was prescribed Effexor XR 150mg 1x/day nearly 10 years ago as an anti-depressant for bipolar. I have had no side effects and the medication has worked well with my other medications. I would also strongly recommend that often times have to give psychiatric drugs 8-12 weeks before they reach a therapeutic level to even work, so give them a chance. Additionally, don't expect everything from your medications; you should also be involved in counseling and group therapy for an adequate time ( I still go regularly to a psychiatrist and to a therapist) to better help you understand whatever disorder you've been diagnosed with and help you cope with the challenges that go along with it.Read More Read Less