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3.4 Overall Rating

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Most voted positive review

56 People found this comment helpful

PLEASE BEWARE OF THE HORRIBLE WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS OF THIS MEDICATION WHEN/IF YOU DISCONTINUE IT. I AM GOING THROUGH MAJOR, SERIOUS WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS FROM ABRUPTLY STOPPING THE MEDICATION AND IT IS AT TIMES UNBEARABLE TO DEAL WITH. I HAVEN'T SLEPT AN ENTIRE NIGHT THOUGH IN OVER 13 DAYS NOW, THE HORRIBLE HEADACHES, VERTIGO, SHAKING, RAPID HEARTBEAT/TACYCARDIA, HORRIBLE SWEATING (I AM HAVING TO CHANG...

Most voted negative review

7 People found this comment helpful

do not let your pill doctor make you take this drug. its the worst antidepressant i have ever taken. i quit cold turkey and feel ten thousand times better than i did while on this wicked med. side effects of cold turkey were nominal for me. DONT USE THIS PRODUCT!

Shared reviews and ratings

nedhead | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
1/9/2023
Condition: Extreme Apprehension or Fear of Social Interaction
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on venlafaxine for nearing a year now, i'm currently on 150mg XR dose. this drug is a life saver, from being extremely depressed and anxious, staying home all the time being unemployed and unable to work due to my fear of the outside world. screw the withdrawal, this has given me my energy and life back. the best i’ve felt in years, i allowed my depression and anxiety to control me and at 23 have missed a huge part of my life due to it. i recommend this but also know that every person is different and do think everyone should be able to find the script for them. Read More Read Less

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Lorrie | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
1/9/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on antidepressants for 30 years, none of them have made me feel NORMAL, except Effexor Er 75 MG. Capsules. I was put on these in 2008, my Doctor recommended these for my Breast Cancer. She said she puts all of her patients on it to help get through it. I recommend it highly, except, if you miss any, or go without for 3-5 days it is horrible. The head zaps, confusion, crying spells, anything you can think of happens. God forbid if I can't get my meds, it won't be good. I guess I could taper off of them but I'm afraid too. They have helped me in so many ways it's like I can't live without them. I've thought about it so many times, just tapering off but like I said, the side effects are not good. Good luck.Read More Read Less

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BassBruce | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
12/14/2022
Condition: Anxiousness associated with Depression
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was prescribed Venlafaxine to treat GAD and mild depression after trying Celexa and Lexapro with little success. I experienced a bit of increased anxiety at first but am now at week 5 and seeing some improvement. No side effects other than the initial increased anxiety. Staying at 75 MG for now, may increase to 150 if necessary.

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Lilli54 | 35-44 | Patient
12/11/2022
Condition: Other
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was prescribed venlafaxine years ago for general anxiety disorder and it was life changing in such a positive way. Years later I wanted to try and get pregnant and I wanted to try weaning off meds while being closely monitored by my doctor. I personally chose to not be on meds while pregnant. As recommended by my doctor I weaned myself slowly by opening up capsules and disposing a small amount of the medicine at a time very gradually. I has zero side effects! A year after my baby was born I needed to go back on medication. I had a different doctor and they prescribed me Paxil as they said it was well received by their patients. Paxil made me extremely tired no matter how much sleep I got. I then tried Cipralex which became ineffective aflyer a few months and then Trintillex which became ineffective as well. I’ve been back on venlafaxine for a few months and I feel so so much relief! I think people need to keep in mind that these medications aren’t a one size fits all, everyone reacts so differently. I’ve read some terrible reviews about this drug, yet I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. I think a lot of these medications are trial and error, you just need to work closely with your doctor and know there is a right medication out there for you - it just might take time and a few different brands before you find the right one:Read More Read Less

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Ed | 65-74 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
10/30/2022
Condition: Other
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My ENT advised me after 8 months Vertigo from a Vestibular Migraine to take Venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg capsules. I took one and 2 hours later my vertigo was 80% gone. On WebMd they do advise to watch your blood pressure.. 16 hours later at 2am I woke up with a blinding headache. I checked my blood pressure and it was at 196/121. Off to the Emergency room I went. After they gave me one Clonidine 0.1mg 1 hour later my BP was at 115/74. I think I'll take the vertigo over a Stroke.

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Sophie | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
10/14/2022
Condition: Major Depressive Disorder
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

An absolute nightmare. It causes severe apathy, lack of any sort of creativity and insomnia. Furthermore, it makes you feel like you're going literally insane, my mind was reeling and screaming 24/7 and I came close to ending it or self admitting numerous times. Would NOT recommend. Hell drug.

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VanFL76 | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
9/27/2022
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I'm not sure if 37.5 mg of Effexor actually helped me, and I was on it for years. I take it with Wellbutrin. Well, I'm an artist, and began to struggle with creative block--so my doctor recommended that we taper off the Effexor. (He assured me that it has an effect on creativity) I'm taking 25mg for 30 days, then will take 12.5mg for 30 days before stopping completely. I'm nervous about this, because I get withdrawal symptoms within just an hour of missing my dose. Brain zaps are NO. JOKE. I've been crying a lot these past 2 days, and feel absolutely worthless. My husband and daughter are oblivious. I hope this sadness goes away. Read More Read Less

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Beth | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
9/18/2022
Condition: Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Been on this for 3 years to deal with anger it works!!!!

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Ed | 65-74 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/29/2022
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My ENT prescribed this to me for vertigo that I have now had for 7 months which is slowly getting better. I just finished reading all the side effects of this medicine. You have got to be kidding me. Thanks anyway.

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Soph | 35-44 | Female | Patient
8/26/2022
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I’ve only been on this a day and for the first time I did not at any point in the day feel that dark cloud, have sad scary self defeating thoughts , simply god sent

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chris | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
8/15/2022
Condition: Anxiousness associated with Depression
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I think we are looking for that wonder drug that will take away the pain of depression. Effexor XR have helped me adapt to when I have a depressive episode happening. It dosent slove the issue of depression but allows for my body to be able to calm down. I have been on it for 20 years if not more. I like it as it is something that allows me to still feel the low feeling, now I just can handle the situation better. I also work with a counslor 1 every two months. We all have to remember that our GAD or MDD is a gene and nothing wrong with having it. It is controling it. Read More Read Less

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Julie | 55-64 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/13/2022
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This is only my second weak on the medication and I'm so tired, a bit nauseous, a bit off balance, headaches, every symptom that was mentioned. I was told about this so I'm not too worried. I'm more agitated and anxious. I'm going that goes away soon. Any suggestions?

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miracle med | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/12/2022
Condition: Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Holy wow! Listen. I have had terrible reactions to Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. Both going on and off the medications gave me such bad side effects that I developed an aversion to taking antidepressants at all. I've been suffering from fatigue, mood swings, depression, and crippling anxiety/panic attacks. It got to the point that I could barely have a cup of coffee every morning because the caffeine was too much for my nervous system. I tried some anti-anxiety meds such as clonazapem and buspar, but had dizziness and brain zaps (with the latter). And they didn't give me that "good" feeling. That "I'm normal again" feeling. I've been on this medication for a week and just went up to the 75 mg this morning. On my way to get lunch I was like "Oh my goodness - the last time I felt like this was when I was a teenager." I'm almost 30. The anxiety is almost muted out. I had a cup and a half of coffee yesterday for the first time in a decade. I feel amazing - happy - and energetic. I feel like I want to do things again. I feel like I did when I was a kid - excited just to be alive. Side effects wise I can't really offer much because I'm taking anti-nausea meds to beat the nausea that this antidepressant causes. That's doing the trick for me. I will say that my appetite has decreased. Amazing because I also deal with binge eating. I haven't had a true binge since starting this medication and have started eating/ordering smaller portions. I'm hoping to lose some weight. Overall my experience has been excellent. I'm sure the withdrawal will be difficult, but with the way I'm feeling now I'd say that it's worth it. Never want to go back to the way I was. Read More Read Less

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Ed | 65-74 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
8/11/2022
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

My NET prescribed this medicine my Vestibular Migraines. Basically I have had vertigo for now going on 7 months. Did not know what this was until I looked it up on this site. After reading these comments there is no way I'm taking this drug. This has nothing to do with helping with vertigo, unless he just wanted me to not care that I occasionally spin out and fall. Yeah thanks no thanks.

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Heather F | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/10/2022
Condition: "Change of Life" Signs
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Going into menopause, I had horrible hot flashes to the point that I could time them--sometimes every 15 minutes. This disrupted my workday and was difficult to manage. My doctor advised me that Venlafaxine, used to treat depression and anxiety, was very successful treating hot flashes. I am so happy with this, and it also helps with some of my anxiety symptoms. I do not like to take medication unless absolutely necessary. My life has improved 100 percent, thanks to Venlafaxine.

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Effexor | 65-74 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
7/29/2022
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Life presented me with issues that caused me depression and anxiety and perhaps my own brain chemistry contributed. After 15 or so years on Effexor, I decided that I did not need it anymore. My doctor did not do enough research into tapering off of this medication and suggested the wrong approach. and I had no idea what I was in for. After 6 weeks of an incorrect taper, and after 5 days of stopping, I became mentally ill. I cried at everything and with anguish, had some euphoria and later on became very irritable. had serious brain fog. My body temperature would drop at night would shake, particularly my solar plexus. There is more to share but this is the worst of it. I stopped the drug 3-1/2 months ago and still have some symptoms. This has been a nightmare.Read More Read Less

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Vince | 13-18 | Transgender | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
7/22/2022
Condition: Anxiousness associated with Depression
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Well for starters, this pill did absolutely nothing positive for me. Now to be fair there was only one negative side affect that I know of (nausea) and no withdrawal symptoms, but it still did nothing. Now whether this is because the medication doesn't work or I was misdiagnosed (I was) I'm not 100% sure, but this medication is not worth it (at least for treating, to quote my psych, "anxious thoughts and paranoia") One upside though is that the pills I got sound like maracas when I shake them. Horrible going down the throat though.Read More Read Less

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220628Commenter | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
7/1/2022
Condition: Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This medication helped me with my PTSD, anxiety, and panic attacks. However, I gained about 30 lbs in 2 years. For context, I do have a thyroid disorder that is under control and I do weights 3x/wk and run at least 2 miles 2x/wk, and I still gained weight. Now here is the horrible part. I ask mu doctor to change Venlafaxine to Wellbutrin, because now my triglycerides and cholesterol are very borderline high. If want to stop using this medication, make arrangements to take a leave of absence or sick leave for a week or two. The withdrawal syndrome is extremely debilitating. My dr decrease my dose for 2wks to wean me off venlafaxine and it's been hell. The 1st 3 days after I took my last pill I felt fine, I experiences nausea, vertigo, and dizziness on days 4 and 5. On day 6... horrible a 2-hr panic attack that sent me to the ER. I have been taking 25mg of hidroxizine every 8 hours and it has helped me control my panic attacks and my anxiety, but I am drowsy all day. DO NOT Quit this medication cold turkey. I recommend making arrangements with your dr for partial hospitalization to help you get through. It is that badRead More Read Less

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Amethyst | 13-18 | Nonbinary | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
6/27/2022
Condition: Panic Disorder
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Terrible, I was out of it everyday and still having panic attacks

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RgR | 19-24 | Male | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
6/24/2022
Condition: Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Was having difficulty swallowing and tightness in the throat which would lead to panic attacks. Didn't think I was depressed so wasn't sure if this was the drug for me, after about 8 weeks it all but went away. Noticeable side affects at the beginning was jolts of electricity, some dizziness when standing up abruptly, and inability to ejaculate (though I'd say that pleased the wife with longer sessions, slowly went back to notrmal). Caught the flu and an infection once, didn't heed the warning of stopping it cold turkey, but felt I shouldn't be taking tylonel, motrion, antibiotics, AND this pill all at once, after about 2 days the pain you get from body aches during the the flu was getting BAD and I doubled up on tylonel and motrin together thinking it was the flu getting worse and didnt do ANYTHING to the body pains, took half a dose of this and it all went away in 30 mins, woops. Gained weight, but I'd attribute it to not having any more swallowing issues. Read More Read Less

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