I was on Effexor Xr for about 5 years. At one stage I was on 225mls per day. I cut down to 75mg per day, then I took myself off them completely. The effects of this drug can be absolutely horrible; extreme weight loss (still struggling to put on weight again), recurring nightmares and night terrors, suicidal thoughts (never had them before taking it), etc, etc etc. This shit should be a last resort.
started taking it 3 weeks ago im on 225 mg now,had days i felt better, now it got a bit worse,hope it will get better soon.im taking it in germany(trevilor/venlafaxin)
Sounds like many of you posting have deeper issues than depression and or anxiety. Sounds like your blaming the drug for your behavior. I will re post after it kicks in for me with results.
@LadyAvarice4590 yes it is...taking onb the world sound slike confidence bbost to me! taking on the world is better than hiding away from the world right?
This wont work for schizophrenia because once you get ambition and do something you’ll have done it and then feel depressed that you did it and someone read your mind like it was a test or something
This wont work for schizophrenia if you hear voices or someone’s saying something in a sentences that’s insulting you because youl yell at them it might help you not care about someone breaking into your car but the person who gives you anti depressants to being is probably why your cars getting stolen
I took my first prescribed dose the other day (75mg) and it felt very similar to taking Ecstasy, dilated pupils and muscle twitches etc. I was completely spaced for nearly 20 hours and freinds thought I'd taken E. Need I say I wont be touching the stuff again, it's worse than some of the illegal drugs out there. And how you're supposed to function propperly and go about doing normal day to day stuff on it is beyond me.
@JustBeatItNow OMG! i had the same simptom, i ended up in the emergency room and they told me that i'm an alergic to this drug. i never touched this shit again, since then i started having a heart problems.
I was on Effexor for 5 months (75 mg) and am now on my 6th day of getting off it.
Nothing good came of this... i had a panic attack everyday after taking this medicine. EVERYDAY. I thought it was a side effect (that you get when starting a new drug) but it lasted the entire time. My withdrawl symptoms have been horrible. But i'm hoping it will be worth it in the end...
I would not recommend this drug to anyone with anxiety or depression.
@boysvandehood Don't kill yourself with tablets, it's a horrible death. Serotonin controls more than mood, it controls body heat and heart rate as well as other autonomous systems that keeps you alive, do not overdose! It's also very uncertain that it will kill you, most likely you will wake up the next day with with liver and kidney failure.
Currently on day 6 of discontinuing Effexor XR. Been on 150 mg for several years now after a particularly harrowing period of life that left me really depressed and anxious. It did its job and helped me stay on a more even keel. My current discontinuation began by accident as I forgot to take it. By day 2, I got the brain zaps and other odd symptoms. But this time, I decided to roll with it and see if I could withstand the withdrawal symptoms.
I have derealization and my docter is giving me this shit and it is not curing it... i have also tryed prozac and citalopram (which was the most terribal drug i have ever taken). What drug should I take to get rid of Derealization?
@AlbertTheFatCat Whoa, I creeped upon this video by chance and happen to see a comment like this. I have derealization as well. As a start, get off the drugs. I don't know about you, but weed triggered mine, and drugs simply make it feel better, they don't cure it. If you want it gone, start exercising and taking vitamins. Take omega3 (i drink 15ml a day, it helps a lot), and try siberian ginseng or l-theanine.
@AlbertTheFatCat L-theanine makes you feel really relaxed and calm, and stops the racing thoughts for the most part. It's all natural and you can buy it online. Siberian ginseng makes you more awake and takes away that awful feeling of being tired all of the time, or at least takes it away a little bit. At the moment I'm doing an omega-3/Siberian ginseng experiment. 2 - 3 pills of siberian ginseng and 15ml of omega 3. Good luck. Let me know how it works out. :)
@AlbertTheFatCat After a while, you'll start to feel like the heavy curtain is coming off, and things start to feel real again. I know how colourless and empty the world feels, but as long as you find a way to cope without harsh drugs, chances are you'll recover.
don't fucking take this drug... it ruined my life literally.. i feel no emotion.. no love no hate no whatever it makes you like zombie.. i prefer ten thousand times to have depression than this kind of hell
@inv1e I actually did stop, and they were horrible. but not unbearable,. if you list them. nausea , fever, chills, vertigo, shock like sensations, depression anxiety, fatigue, headache, uncoordinated movements , shaking,
it sounds awful, theres not really much to say about it.
Just to be clear not to scare ppl.. my worst main problems lasted so long cuz of the klonopin thats maybe the worst drug you can find.. but effexor is bad on it's own when coming off.. taper first no matter what anyone says.. if the doc dosen't agree find a new 1. peace & god bless
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!! Coming off of it is HELL! I don't know why they allow drugs like these. This is what the DEA should be going after instead of marijuana.
Trying to come off this stuff from 225mg tingling face head rushes and an emotion only people withdrawing from this shit will know good luck to everyone and fuck the ssri pills they are EVIL !!!
@TheAk47666 oh man I understand totally bro, I'm not even the same person after the 8 months kicking htis & the klonopin out my system.. nobody is the same after going through this.. I turned to god no joke.. most days as a normal guy before now ppl just thought I was crazy or saying no pill can do that that long.. It changes you no joke I'm in the bible everyday now.. cuz 1 thing is sure humans don't know doctors are flawed.. trust in god. hang in there & god bless don't trust docs or any man!
@skapoosh, have you ever tried to come off this drug? Depression is not forever, no matter what the doctors and drug companies try to tell you. I successfully came off Effexor, but the effects were horrible. I would NEVER recommend this drug to anyone, There are so many other safe drugs on the market for depression, and cognitive therapy is also a must for everyone who has suffered from depression.
this drug has horrible side effects. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get off. Check out some of the Effexor babies on here who have DIED because their mom was taking it. Once on, THERE IS NO COMING OFF! The long term effects of depression drugs are even worse: liver damage, brain damage, increased depression, increased anxiety, etc. FUCK BIG PHARMA!
I took Effexor for 6 years, from 75mg up to 225mg. I began having sleep problems and anxiety attacks and am now weaning off Effexor and onto a different medication. Up until now it was a good med. that did the job with only mild side effexts (sweating mainly). My Dr says it has run it's course which can happen over time. I'm on week 3 of a 12 week withdrawl schedule. I am mildly anxious and depressed and sometimes get a swooshing dizzy feeling but by tapering slowly it's really not that bad.
Effexor XR saved my life. I take 375 mg of Effexor XR, 62.5 mg of Paxil CR, and 40 mg of paroxetine per day. I would have committed suicide or would be in prison by now if it hadn't been for the medication. Thank you Wyeth and GSK!
The sweating isnt only while I sleep. Im 28 years old but i already feel like I am going through menopause or something with the crazy hot flashes I get. I would have to say that the worst withdrawal symptom is the diareah. i hate admitting this on the internet but most of you here are probably experiencing the same things as me anyway. I dont think I will ever be able to get off this drug because of the withdrawl effects and I am terrified of going back to being the "crazy" person I was.
If i mjiss a dose, within 4-6 hours I will start to feel dizzy and somewhat naseous. My eyes start to feel very tired and almost as if there is pressure building up behind them. I get something similar to shutter vision and I guess Im experiencing those brain zaps that everyone talks about. If i happen to be sleeping while withdrawing I will have crazy dreams where I am actually paralyzed or have some sort of seizure in my dream, its very weird! I will always wake up sweating so much!!!
I have been on Effexor for 3 years at 300mg/day (yes two of those big red ones!) It has helped a lot with my "depression" I would cry all the time for no reason and get really angry for small things. I literally drove my ex boyfriend crazy with the mood swings and uncontrollabe emotions. Since i have been on it i feel a lot more "balanced" and calm. I dont have such crazy reactions to things and I rarely cry anymore. the only thing is the WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS!!! omg they are brutal!
I've come off effexor about 4 times, a couple times because I wanted to know how it would feel when I eventually want to come off them and the other times when I tried another SSRI/SSNRI.
Cold turkey is not advised, but ween yourself off them- capsules can be split and granules divided etc. I've found effexor to be quite effective and although I know I'll have 2-3 brain zappy days down the track, it really is a small price to pay in comparison to the increase in quality of life it provides me.
How long must you be on Venlafaxine (minimum number of weeks/months of daily regimen) in order to experience withdrawsl symptoms if you happen to decide to quit Cold Turkey? Just a question.
Remember 99% of the people who post stuff online are usually the ones who aren't happy with it. Millions of people are saved by this medication and feel no need to share this in forums. Without disrespecting the people who had horrible experiences. Fortunately it's not the same for all of us.
@skapoosh it would be nice to see some reports of success. certainly you can see reviews of all sorts of med on rxlist and on forums, some people react very badly to one class of drugs what ever it is antidepressants to antibiotics and just have to work around what they can take. its stupid to class all antidepressants as bad they have there place and new treatments are always in development. hopefully offering better results.
IMO what It takes to free yourself from this drug once you finally want to or are forced to abruptly come off... is quite simply NOT WORTH IT & combined with a benzo detox at the same time (klonopin) thats downright Inhumane & criminal for me. Now don't be dissuaded It does It's job for ppl as long as you take It faithfully..oh enjoy your new marriage! & till "no more refill" do you part!! lol you won't even be the same person! then... post-withdraw might as well be an afterlife!... you'll see!
I am on Effexor XR, after being hospitalized, for a while now and I have found it completely AMAZING!!! I have never had to withdraw from it however, But it is curing my serious panic disorder and Major Depressive Disorder very nicely.
People who think the government is trying to "kill us" need to get their facts straight, look at government funding towards the psychiatric industry...
This is not a goverment regulated society that you spoiled brats want to believe in, go live in a 3rd world country under socialist rule like I grew up in and perhaps you will gain some real world perspective.
I took this for only ~3 wks (37.5 mg - lowest dose option). I stopped Effexor and had immediate withdrawl symptoms the next day - dizzy, nausea, head spinning, balance feels off. Worse later in the day, but early AM hours at work are tough. Can't be completely effective at home or work now.
Exercise, get some sun in your eyeballs, start yoga, find yourself a new hobby.
I had suicidal ideation for months while I was on effexor. The side effects included jaw clenching (which caused TMJ), bruxism, numbness, pupil dilation, behavioral changes, mood swings, etc. and were worse than the symptoms I was trying to treat. I got off the stuff and immediately felt better. I was given a prescription for xanax and soma (for TMJ and back pain) and those work wonders for anxiety and depression. However they won't keep prescribing those drugs because they're "addictive".
so what do you call diabetic medicaation addiction too? this medication saved my life ....everyone has diffrent needs....i took paxil for 10 yrs took it's toll then it did't work for me anymore...i went to the hospital for 8 days change medication (effexor) i have been on it for 3yrs
so what do you call diabetic medicaation addiction too? this medication saved my life ....everyone has diffrent needs....i took paxil for 10 yrs took it's toll then it did't work for me anymore...i went to the hospital for 8 days change medication (effexor) i have been on it for 3yrs ....and why wound you go off
this drug is insane, im on 75mg and i have pot-vision, like everything looks and feels unreal. the only downside to it is the disorientation/anxiety and withdrawal...
I took Venlafaxine for 4 months and I went from being a gentle nice guy into a monster and went around upsetting people and didn't even feel one IOWTA of guilt for doing so and that is the opposite to how Iam normally ...
dont ever take this piece of crap medication my fukin doctor gave it to me whose a complete moron and i had heart burn and still do to this day the feeling that makes me feel better is the words like life is what you make it or something DONT TAKE IT IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE! my was yelling at me and i was on this and thought i had a stroke,
My wife died in March of 2010 from the effects of Effexor which she had been taking for some years and was not properly cared for or supervised. Im seeking a wrongful death lawsuit and malpractise lawsuit.....any help would be greatly appreciated....Sincerely Bill ...wka656@yahoo.com
You should take withdrawal medications and supplement to ease withdrawal symptoms while tapering on a year span. Everyone is different, not all suffer any of the shit you could say if at all!
i'm currently on venlafaxine - part of me wishes i never took the stuff - it is good for depression + anxiety . i was diagnosed clinically depressed at 31 - went into the Prory for depresson - part of me thought what the fuck am i doing here but i was in a terrible state at the time side effects are terrible horrible dreams - like really horrible dreams - impotence. if you can avoid medication i would. i guess all of us can experience depression at some point in our lives.
@jackiehurst I was given it for an injury. They kept telling me I could work but could not because it was too painful. This crap made me feel 100 times worse. Can't believe they are trying to do it again years later with tramadol(cleverly disguised as a painkiller) but could tell it was this crap straight away. Someone punch this bitch right on the nose, this drug makes people want to kill themselves. Lucky I only took it for 3 weeks.
"they are trying to do it again years later with tramadol."
Errr. dude, tramadol + effexor is a lethal combination, many people have died from it, personally I took both without knowing and was on life support for nearly a month, my whole body shut down, breathing and heart stopped.
DO NOT TAKE THE TWO TOGETHER, or you run a very high risk of DYING by serotonin syndrome.
Just search it on google. It even says in the packet of effexor to never take tramadol while on it.
@karlkarlkarl1234 I told them to shove it after two or 3 weeks. Prozac+epilem worked eventually after trying many others, i felt nothing at all. Many years later with a shoulder so buggered my arm wont move it all and im on invalids. They are trying to slip me tramadol and calling it synthetic morphine to make me work which is just plain lying. I am not depressed. I take no antidepressants now. I just have an incredibly buggered arm. I nearly want to hit them for lying to me, i have only pain.
will this help my GAD? anxiety?? i got from a bad pot experince??? ive tryed alot of SSRI's like zoloft and paxil.. horrible.. also xananx and klonopin.. nothing works.. im on 10mg of oxzepam 4-6 times a day.. doctors says i can have up to 100mg a day.. also have IBD..colitis.. ive been on alot of things for my anxiety ..natrual things too ect 4 life ..any advice please feel free.best regards
I would recommend a short period (1-2 months) on gabapentin after departing from effexor, it stamps out many of the bad withdrawal effects and tends to stabilise the person.
dont work!!!!! i tryed everyyyyything.. the only fuckin thing that works is Xanax and Benzo's..does anyone know any Herbs that mimic Benzo's (other then Kava Kava cause it dont)
Its incredible that we are still using drugs like this that have so many dangerous side effects when instead someone with depression could use medical marijuana which is completely natural and promotes good health all around. These horrible drug corporations are just pumping us full of more and more toxic "medicines" that we just need other medicines to treat the side effects.
problem with antidepressants is that it causes impotency as a side effect . problem is some people got permanent impotency for the rest of their lives after quiting the antidepressant. it's called the 'post SSRI sexual dysfunction' you can read about it on wikipedia. it's no joke, read the forums about people having PSSD. PSSD means sex problems even if you don't take antidepressants anymore. newspapers report also about this condition, it's horror for everyone experiencing this.
IM COMING OFF THIS SHIT NOW THERE IS NO PROOF OF CHEMICAL; IMBALANCE ITS ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY GOVERNMENTS AN BIG PHARMA DONT CARE ABOUT US TRUST ME PEACE OUT
Number one to all the people bellow me who seems to call Effexor or Effexor XR evil needs to learn some basic facts about Anti Depressants. Anti Depressants are like jeans you try one on until you find the one that fits you. I took Cymbalta for months and felt like I had no feelings. I am currently taking Effexor XR and have not had enough time to decide witch is better. But in the end Effexor XR works for some people and Cymbalta works for others. I am 17 and understand this concept.
You people are idiots. Effexor is a fantastic drug. The fact that it may be overprescribed is due to herd mentality and aggressve marketing. The withdrawl is a headache. Try withdrawing from benzos and opiates in tandem. You'll really be in the fucking hospital
@ihateEffexor I could say the same thing about Lamictal or Zyprexa or Paxil or any number of drugs idiot psychiatrists have misprescribed me over the years. You need to know MORE than yr shrink, otherwise you'll always be on the wrong drugs
@AndyAnxiety Oh just a headache? thank god for that then... Exept that i happen to know since im on day 3 now cold turkey off 150mg and its a MASSIVE lot worse than downplaying it to saying that "withdrawal is a headache!" this is my 2nd run in with effexor and from my experience the bad far outways the good.
effexor gave me symtoms of depression anxiety and ocd that i didnt notice untill i came off, it also made me sht into an empty cracker jacks packet underneath my house and run around tryna to bong the cat..
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!! In my personal experience it did very little for my depression, instead, on top of the depression, it gave me MAJOR insomnia, racing thoughts, I started cutting myself, and I attempted suicide several times, and then I came off the drug... Withdrawl is HELL... Drugs effect everyone differently, but if you want my advice, if you value your sanity, STAY AWAY FROM VALAFAXINE!!!!!!!!
was on this for 5 years then came off it too quickly. Ended up a basket case in hospital "serious withdrawal can occur (at 1:44)" damn straight! It was my fault not the drug...it made me too aggressive too. Not good for bipolar people I'd say.
The withdrawal from this is brutal. I am currently going through it. I feel as though knifes are going through my eyes, am nauseous, dizzy, and near making a mess in my pants. I was on it for four years, and it didn't really help. Consider all options before taking.
@moeantaki compared to trying to kill myself I like effexor just fine. Its way too strong for simple depression but for a chronic psychotic depression its FAR safer than the symptoms of the disease.
I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now - my issue is anxiety, YIKES! I have had some strange "stuff" happen to me within the past 6 months - especially a tingeling sensation where I scratch and then hives kick in! I then take a antihistamine and all works well. But for how long this will work I only wonder....
I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now - my issue is anxiety, YIKES! I have had some strange "stuff" happen to me within the past 6 months - especially a tingeling sensation where I scratch and then hives kick in! I then take a antihistamine and all works well. But for how long this will work I only wonder....
@dbsk06 I have been taking it for panic attacks brought on by anxiety. I've been on it for about (6) weeks. I have had basically no side effects. I feel mostly "normal" again, I have not had a panic attack since taking it. I've felt anxious, but not like I did. I also was having some depression and that is gone as well. I know drugs are not for everybody, I was anti-meds until 6 weeks ago. I've done a lot of reading and I'm concerned about the withdrawl. But it is really helping me.
@dbsk06 I have been taking it for panic attacks brought on by anxiety. I've been on it for about (6) weeks. I have had basically no side effects. I feel mostly "normal" again, I have not had a panic attack since taking it. I've felt anxious, but not like I did. I also was having some depression and that is gone as well. I know drugs are not for everybody, I was anti-meds until 6 weeks ago. I've done a lot of reading and I'm concerned about the withdrawl. But it is really helping me.
It did relieve feelings of impending doom but it made me a bit manic. My hands always tingled, always. I weaned myself off of it gradually. Wasn't on it but for 6 mos. or so. It did not relieve my depression but took away panicy feelings.
Please don't ever go on this poison. Serious withdrawal is putting it mildly. My husband became delerious, collapsed and had to be hospitalized under heavy sedation to get him off. Run, don't just walk away - if your doctor tries to put you on this dangerous SSRI.
Withdrawal symptoms are common for all antidepressants (SSRIS, SNRIS or TCAs) a patient should never stop or decrease the dose on its own, he should always refer to his physician. Effexor XR as a SNRI is the best generation of antidepressants but should be given in the right indication and to the right patient.
I have been taking EFFEXOR XR for the last few months and i find it works brilliant for me. I had post natal depression and was in a very bad state. I feel "normal" again now. So i think it is a wonderful drug.
it gave me high blood pressure and seratonin syndrome and nearly killed me and made me lose years quality in my life..i wanna sue someone.. as soon as i stopped it i got better
my psychiatrist told me that venlafaxine is not addictive but i have forgot to take my effexor for 3 days and i felt depressed again,i wanted to get my dose as soon as possible.now i never forget to take my dose but i'm afraid that im going to have addiction problems
Was on effexor for 5-6 months and it seemed to work for me early on but then i started getting extreme chest pains, leg twitches, anal leakage, and anxiety! So, I quit cold turkey and i didn't have any problems for a while. A few months later i had more anxiety and depression than i had originally. So, if you're going to quit cold turkey make sure...that you're monitoring yourself and talking to a therapist 1-2 times a week.
EffexorXR worked very well for my depression. Looking back now, I realize that this drug got me out of the house and working. However, it greatly increased my rage and anger. I was becoming quite violent. I had no problems with the withdrawl.
In my opinion, Unless you want to be on this stuff all your life think twice about starting it. Yes, it did help me and I had minimal side effects. The problem starts when you want to get off of it. Do some research on this stuff. Taker beware.
@JazzCat60, I could not have said it better myself!!! You are right "Taker beware"! Anyone reading these posts, DO YOUR RESEARCH! This stuff is scary.
Ive been on 150mg effexor for three months now and besides a few days of high anxiety (now on trileptol for) my only problem with it is the crazy night sweats!! and jees its almost like im getting addicted to the sweating like if I dont sweat then I didnt have a good night sleep! crazy, and plus the longer I take it the more i sweat. But besides that now that Im on the trileptol, I feel good. I have more energy to accomplish things during the day.
ive been on other ssris and they havent helped much... im 17 and have social anxiety. i started cymbalta and it helped slightly but once sports started my mood died. uggh i wish i could go on a benzo but theyre crazy dangerous
in my opinion, benzo's are way less dangerous to you than SSRI's. From experience, they're less addictive, more recreational value, doesn't fuck up your serotonin/norepinepherine levels and won't make you into a crazy maniac if you miss a dose.
I have been on Effexor XR on and off for several years. I stopped using it during periods when I was feeling fine...no anxiety. I did not suffer any noticeable withdrawal symtpoms. But hey....as people, we're all different. Just like...St. John's Wort does wonders for some folks, but it barely affects me. I have tried various anti-anxiety meds and found Effexor XR to work the best for me. If I felt it were that risky, I would not take it. Worse part though? Impotence!
It took me three months to get this garbage out of my system and if you think you are stressed, depressed or anxiety filled... just wait until you live through the brain shivers, extreme headaches and disorientation withdrawing from this medication. Don't believe me? Miss a dose of that garbage and see what it does to you.
What exactly do you think will happen to you if you can't get this drug? This is called addiction!
@1whoseeksthelight Is it worse then Herion withdrawal?? I kw this isaddicive too as its like taking Cocain, infact if U try & take Coke on top it done hav much effect anyway cuz ur already soo high! how long after with this do withdrawal kick in??????
Effexor withdrawal kicks in within around 8 hours after you stop taking it. If you are taking a high dose, do it gradually because it will really mess with your daily life. It took me about three weeks to finally get rid of the after effects of it. However, I would say Heroin withdrawal is a lot tougher.
@1whoseeksthelight I'm sorry for you that you've had some bad experiences with Venlafaxine, but the drug saved my life.
Medication is known to have side effects but people suffering from severe depression may need it in order to get better, depending on their case, as often a combination of talking and medication is the best way. I'd say let a trained medical doctor decide what's good for each specific patient.
@thio59 That drug also saved my life, or so I thought.. I was under a doctor's care. The medication is fine while you are taking it. However, after long term usage getting off of it was a nightmare. It isn't what the medication does while you are taking it, but what it does when you are weaning down off of it. I took it for 3 years and it did help without a doubt. In the future, if you decide to go off this medication I hope you don't go through what I did.
@SnazzyArcade Did not try to get off i yet. Taking it for more than two years now. Don't know whether I am ever going to try. I accept that I may need chronic medication the rest of my life. Don't suffer from side effects and my dose is limited (75 mg/day).
@1whoseeksthelight I've been off for about 3 months now but it shows no sign of clearing out of my system. I was put on it when I was 12 ish. So I was on it on and off for six years. These are my symptoms coming off: Persistant genital arousal disorder Squeezing headaches Muscle/joint pain High anxiety Elevated cortisol, possible cushings I hate this. WHY IS THIS PERSCRIBED? NOBODY told me it would be like this to get off of it...ugh
@SnazzyArcade Make sure you are consulting with your physician while you are weaning yourself off of this medication. It will work it's way out of your system though. I'm not for sure why Physicians don't research the problems this drug causes when a person has passed the crisis point in their life and they choose to stop taking it. I drank lots of water and slowed my life down as much as possible. You will recover but it takes time. Take one day at a time and before long it will finally go away
Wow I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now. It has helped me with my anxiety & compulsive thoughts. I suppose that any "depressant" can work, but it takes some testing. I first tried Paxil & I was "numb" for about 2 years & was more depressed than before. W/ Effexor I had to up the dose. I sleep a lot and am not quite sure if the drug actually helps me but at least I don't have the anxiety & "paranoid" thoughts that I did b4. I should mention I do get "tickles" or itchy skin once in awhile.
I was on Effexor Xr for about 5 years. At one stage I was on 225mls per day. I cut down to 75mg per day, then I took myself off them completely. The effects of this drug can be absolutely horrible; extreme weight loss (still struggling to put on weight again), recurring nightmares and night terrors, suicidal thoughts (never had them before taking it), etc, etc etc. This shit should be a last resort.
neverendingscotty 3 weeks ago
Lord knows, if you're a male, don't take this med if you have a sex life. It totally messes up your sex drive.
damndisplace07 2 months ago
the extended release sucks, the immediaqte release works in a matter of moments and has great results
anticenaguy 3 months ago
I've been taking Effexor for 7 years, now my thyroid has stopped working, it's called
Graves disease!!!!!
I feel it's a result from this medication, it's a side effect' from taking Effexor, and the manufacture should have enclosed this information!!!
TheFed39 3 months ago
started taking it 3 weeks ago im on 225 mg now,had days i felt better, now it got a bit worse,hope it will get better soon.im taking it in germany(trevilor/venlafaxin)
sunshinenika 3 months ago
Sounds like many of you posting have deeper issues than depression and or anxiety. Sounds like your blaming the drug for your behavior. I will re post after it kicks in for me with results.
savelighthouses 3 months ago
I see both good and bad remarks here. Anxious to see for myself as i started today.
savelighthouses 3 months ago
i'm on 37.mg i take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening...Its the only med that has helped me...SSRIS are a waste of time
anticenaguy 4 months ago
Just started taking this. On 75mg. Took it for the first time today. Nothing yet, hopefully in a few days I won't feel so empty
Gazza30592 4 months ago
i'm on 37.5mg its awesome, you cant beat this stuff
anticenaguy 4 months ago
@anticenaguy is it good
LadyAvarice4590 4 months ago
@LadyAvarice4590 yeah.
anticenaguy 4 months ago
@anticenaguy really I use to take Effexor 37.5mg a day and I felt happy, and I felt like I can take on the world is that normal ?
LadyAvarice4590 4 months ago
@LadyAvarice4590 yes it is...taking onb the world sound slike confidence bbost to me! taking on the world is better than hiding away from the world right?
anticenaguy 4 months ago
@anticenaguy hell yes I can't wait to go back to the shrink.
LadyAvarice4590 4 months ago
Whenever i take it i get horrible nausea and feel like shit. When i dont take it i feel light headed and cant control my emotions. Ugh
BeaglesRuleTheRoost 4 months ago
this stuff changed my life. My anxiety is so much better. I want to come off it now but I know it's hard....
boldswede 5 months ago
I. Hate. Effexor. Especially the withdrawal symptoms...
DrummerElliott 5 months ago
it wont work if your dads calling you a four eyed and swearing at you then the heart burn rage will come out more and he wont even know
JustBeatItNow 5 months ago
This wont work for schizophrenia because once you get ambition and do something you’ll have done it and then feel depressed that you did it and someone read your mind like it was a test or something
JustBeatItNow 5 months ago
This wont work for schizophrenia if you hear voices or someone’s saying something in a sentences that’s insulting you because youl yell at them it might help you not care about someone breaking into your car but the person who gives you anti depressants to being is probably why your cars getting stolen
JustBeatItNow 5 months ago
I took my first prescribed dose the other day (75mg) and it felt very similar to taking Ecstasy, dilated pupils and muscle twitches etc. I was completely spaced for nearly 20 hours and freinds thought I'd taken E. Need I say I wont be touching the stuff again, it's worse than some of the illegal drugs out there. And how you're supposed to function propperly and go about doing normal day to day stuff on it is beyond me.
stair84 5 months ago
@stair84 WTF! Its nothing like XTC, if it was it would be the best prescription drug in the world. Get real.
MrDarksidematter 4 months ago
don’t ever take these pills or ur gonna get mad at ppl saying you are and other stupid stuff
JustBeatItNow 5 months ago
you silly asian bitch
Cornbag 5 months ago
my heart started burning i thought i was gona die it think i had a stroke or something on this
JustBeatItNow 5 months ago
@JustBeatItNow OMG! i had the same simptom, i ended up in the emergency room and they told me that i'm an alergic to this drug. i never touched this shit again, since then i started having a heart problems.
timka98 4 months ago
I was on Effexor for 5 months (75 mg) and am now on my 6th day of getting off it.
Nothing good came of this... i had a panic attack everyday after taking this medicine. EVERYDAY. I thought it was a side effect (that you get when starting a new drug) but it lasted the entire time. My withdrawl symptoms have been horrible. But i'm hoping it will be worth it in the end...
I would not recommend this drug to anyone with anxiety or depression.
Cattia5 6 months ago
Enough to kill a 90 kilo heavy person?
boysvandehood 6 months ago
Is 3000 milligrams enough to kill?
boysvandehood 6 months ago
@boysvandehood probably not. that is only 3 grams. these drugs are comparatively safe in overdoes compared to tricyclics and maoi's
enzyme20056 6 months ago
@boysvandehood Don't kill yourself with tablets, it's a horrible death. Serotonin controls more than mood, it controls body heat and heart rate as well as other autonomous systems that keeps you alive, do not overdose! It's also very uncertain that it will kill you, most likely you will wake up the next day with with liver and kidney failure.
fuunguus 3 months ago
i love this stuff. i started on the 37.5mg tablet then moved to the 75mg capsule..its like a miracle drug. They should put it in water
anticenaguy 7 months ago
Currently on day 6 of discontinuing Effexor XR. Been on 150 mg for several years now after a particularly harrowing period of life that left me really depressed and anxious. It did its job and helped me stay on a more even keel. My current discontinuation began by accident as I forgot to take it. By day 2, I got the brain zaps and other odd symptoms. But this time, I decided to roll with it and see if I could withstand the withdrawal symptoms.
harpred2 7 months ago
@harpred2 I was in a similar situation. I lasted a week before the wheels fell off my cart!
Now back on my full dose of 150 mg.
topiramate100 6 months ago
i'm wondering if when i take a normal dose an drink a bear it woldn't fuck up my brain:D
kasiaa190 7 months ago
@kasiaa190 How are you going to drink a bear? Put it in a BIG blender first? ;-)
Seriously, it's recommended you don't drink beer (or any alcohol) with most anti depressants.
topiramate100 6 months ago
is it safe to use it with alcohol?i used to take many other stuff like that and it was ok..
kasiaa190 7 months ago
@kasiaa190 No! it's recommended you don't drink beer (or any alcohol) with most anti depressants. Alcohol IS a depressant.
topiramate100 6 months ago
This is a very nasty drug I found. To be honest it did not work for me and made symptoms worse not better (plus the side effects were really bad)
Mararda10 7 months ago
I have derealization and my docter is giving me this shit and it is not curing it... i have also tryed prozac and citalopram (which was the most terribal drug i have ever taken). What drug should I take to get rid of Derealization?
AlbertTheFatCat 8 months ago
@AlbertTheFatCat Whoa, I creeped upon this video by chance and happen to see a comment like this. I have derealization as well. As a start, get off the drugs. I don't know about you, but weed triggered mine, and drugs simply make it feel better, they don't cure it. If you want it gone, start exercising and taking vitamins. Take omega3 (i drink 15ml a day, it helps a lot), and try siberian ginseng or l-theanine.
Cookoo4Coconutz 7 months ago
@AlbertTheFatCat L-theanine makes you feel really relaxed and calm, and stops the racing thoughts for the most part. It's all natural and you can buy it online. Siberian ginseng makes you more awake and takes away that awful feeling of being tired all of the time, or at least takes it away a little bit. At the moment I'm doing an omega-3/Siberian ginseng experiment. 2 - 3 pills of siberian ginseng and 15ml of omega 3. Good luck. Let me know how it works out. :)
Cookoo4Coconutz 7 months ago
@AlbertTheFatCat After a while, you'll start to feel like the heavy curtain is coming off, and things start to feel real again. I know how colourless and empty the world feels, but as long as you find a way to cope without harsh drugs, chances are you'll recover.
Cookoo4Coconutz 7 months ago
Damn, she is hot I would so tap that
cjhyde78 8 months ago
is this women a fucking robot ! ruined my life ..
dap17900 8 months ago
i'm on 75mg i love it
anticenaguy 8 months ago
@anticenaguy
Im on 75mg also, how is it working for you?
5smacyou 7 months ago
@5smacyou i love the stuff, took 4 weeks to work but everything is cool now..wbu?
anticenaguy 7 months ago
what happens if you get up the duff when your on it??
This drug is EVIL
SLOANEY69 9 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi, could someone tell me why you should take a Dopamine reup inhibitor rather than an SSRI or vise versa?
What difference will you find if you take one rather than the other?
Thanks!
BIGPIMPINUPDANYC 9 months ago
don't fucking take this drug... it ruined my life literally.. i feel no emotion.. no love no hate no whatever it makes you like zombie.. i prefer ten thousand times to have depression than this kind of hell
inv1e 9 months ago
stop taking it then
enzyme20056 8 months ago
@enzyme20056 i want to see you try stoping it after the horrible withdrawal symptoms
inv1e 8 months ago
@inv1e I actually did stop, and they were horrible. but not unbearable,. if you list them. nausea , fever, chills, vertigo, shock like sensations, depression anxiety, fatigue, headache, uncoordinated movements , shaking,
it sounds awful, theres not really much to say about it.
enzyme20056 8 months ago
i'm on 37.5 i love it
anticenaguy 10 months ago
i start this stuff enxt week
anticenaguy 10 months ago
Just to be clear not to scare ppl.. my worst main problems lasted so long cuz of the klonopin thats maybe the worst drug you can find.. but effexor is bad on it's own when coming off.. taper first no matter what anyone says.. if the doc dosen't agree find a new 1. peace & god bless
playaeyez17 10 months ago
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!! Coming off of it is HELL! I don't know why they allow drugs like these. This is what the DEA should be going after instead of marijuana.
yesiandino15 10 months ago
Trying to come off this stuff from 225mg tingling face head rushes and an emotion only people withdrawing from this shit will know good luck to everyone and fuck the ssri pills they are EVIL !!!
TheAk47666 10 months ago
@TheAk47666 oh man I understand totally bro, I'm not even the same person after the 8 months kicking htis & the klonopin out my system.. nobody is the same after going through this.. I turned to god no joke.. most days as a normal guy before now ppl just thought I was crazy or saying no pill can do that that long.. It changes you no joke I'm in the bible everyday now.. cuz 1 thing is sure humans don't know doctors are flawed.. trust in god. hang in there & god bless don't trust docs or any man!
playaeyez17 10 months ago
@TheAk47666 this is not a ssri
boostinggtirtime 9 months ago
@skapoosh, have you ever tried to come off this drug? Depression is not forever, no matter what the doctors and drug companies try to tell you. I successfully came off Effexor, but the effects were horrible. I would NEVER recommend this drug to anyone, There are so many other safe drugs on the market for depression, and cognitive therapy is also a must for everyone who has suffered from depression.
phoenix12239 10 months ago
this drug has horrible side effects. It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get off. Check out some of the Effexor babies on here who have DIED because their mom was taking it. Once on, THERE IS NO COMING OFF! The long term effects of depression drugs are even worse: liver damage, brain damage, increased depression, increased anxiety, etc. FUCK BIG PHARMA!
johnscherwitz 11 months ago
I took Effexor for 6 years, from 75mg up to 225mg. I began having sleep problems and anxiety attacks and am now weaning off Effexor and onto a different medication. Up until now it was a good med. that did the job with only mild side effexts (sweating mainly). My Dr says it has run it's course which can happen over time. I'm on week 3 of a 12 week withdrawl schedule. I am mildly anxious and depressed and sometimes get a swooshing dizzy feeling but by tapering slowly it's really not that bad.
Whoozinga 1 year ago
Effexor XR saved my life. I take 375 mg of Effexor XR, 62.5 mg of Paxil CR, and 40 mg of paroxetine per day. I would have committed suicide or would be in prison by now if it hadn't been for the medication. Thank you Wyeth and GSK!
shocker147 1 year ago
The sweating isnt only while I sleep. Im 28 years old but i already feel like I am going through menopause or something with the crazy hot flashes I get. I would have to say that the worst withdrawal symptom is the diareah. i hate admitting this on the internet but most of you here are probably experiencing the same things as me anyway. I dont think I will ever be able to get off this drug because of the withdrawl effects and I am terrified of going back to being the "crazy" person I was.
Kiml3erley 1 year ago
If i mjiss a dose, within 4-6 hours I will start to feel dizzy and somewhat naseous. My eyes start to feel very tired and almost as if there is pressure building up behind them. I get something similar to shutter vision and I guess Im experiencing those brain zaps that everyone talks about. If i happen to be sleeping while withdrawing I will have crazy dreams where I am actually paralyzed or have some sort of seizure in my dream, its very weird! I will always wake up sweating so much!!!
Kiml3erley 1 year ago
I have been on Effexor for 3 years at 300mg/day (yes two of those big red ones!) It has helped a lot with my "depression" I would cry all the time for no reason and get really angry for small things. I literally drove my ex boyfriend crazy with the mood swings and uncontrollabe emotions. Since i have been on it i feel a lot more "balanced" and calm. I dont have such crazy reactions to things and I rarely cry anymore. the only thing is the WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS!!! omg they are brutal!
Kiml3erley 1 year ago
I went off cold turkey and started to hallucinate and was so anxious I went 3 days without sleeping.
This stuff is horrible.
I then weaned off and am still dealing with after effects.
SnazzyArcade 1 year ago
I've come off effexor about 4 times, a couple times because I wanted to know how it would feel when I eventually want to come off them and the other times when I tried another SSRI/SSNRI.
Cold turkey is not advised, but ween yourself off them- capsules can be split and granules divided etc. I've found effexor to be quite effective and although I know I'll have 2-3 brain zappy days down the track, it really is a small price to pay in comparison to the increase in quality of life it provides me.
langy295 1 year ago
How long must you be on Venlafaxine (minimum number of weeks/months of daily regimen) in order to experience withdrawsl symptoms if you happen to decide to quit Cold Turkey? Just a question.
ScaredCrows 1 year ago
Remember 99% of the people who post stuff online are usually the ones who aren't happy with it. Millions of people are saved by this medication and feel no need to share this in forums. Without disrespecting the people who had horrible experiences. Fortunately it's not the same for all of us.
skapoosh 1 year ago 34
@skapoosh yeah thanks it's working for me. Beats methamphetamine
TheTodd1977 1 year ago
@skapoosh it would be nice to see some reports of success. certainly you can see reviews of all sorts of med on rxlist and on forums, some people react very badly to one class of drugs what ever it is antidepressants to antibiotics and just have to work around what they can take. its stupid to class all antidepressants as bad they have there place and new treatments are always in development. hopefully offering better results.
enzyme20056 6 months ago
IMO what It takes to free yourself from this drug once you finally want to or are forced to abruptly come off... is quite simply NOT WORTH IT & combined with a benzo detox at the same time (klonopin) thats downright Inhumane & criminal for me. Now don't be dissuaded It does It's job for ppl as long as you take It faithfully..oh enjoy your new marriage! & till "no more refill" do you part!! lol you won't even be the same person! then... post-withdraw might as well be an afterlife!... you'll see!
playaeyez17 1 year ago
I am on Effexor XR, after being hospitalized, for a while now and I have found it completely AMAZING!!! I have never had to withdraw from it however, But it is curing my serious panic disorder and Major Depressive Disorder very nicely.
I reccomend it for like symptoms.
SofiaAzcui22 1 year ago
People who think the government is trying to "kill us" need to get their facts straight, look at government funding towards the psychiatric industry...
This is not a goverment regulated society that you spoiled brats want to believe in, go live in a 3rd world country under socialist rule like I grew up in and perhaps you will gain some real world perspective.
SofiaAzcui22 1 year ago
Dont' take this. The withdrawl sucks.
I took this for only ~3 wks (37.5 mg - lowest dose option). I stopped Effexor and had immediate withdrawl symptoms the next day - dizzy, nausea, head spinning, balance feels off. Worse later in the day, but early AM hours at work are tough. Can't be completely effective at home or work now.
Exercise, get some sun in your eyeballs, start yoga, find yourself a new hobby.
Try any other option than this medication.
kep67 1 year ago
I had suicidal ideation for months while I was on effexor. The side effects included jaw clenching (which caused TMJ), bruxism, numbness, pupil dilation, behavioral changes, mood swings, etc. and were worse than the symptoms I was trying to treat. I got off the stuff and immediately felt better. I was given a prescription for xanax and soma (for TMJ and back pain) and those work wonders for anxiety and depression. However they won't keep prescribing those drugs because they're "addictive".
variableparticle 1 year ago
the medication effexor made me calm i lost weight i was focus on everthing better
helloiamsandra1 1 year ago
so what do you call diabetic medicaation addiction too? this medication saved my life ....everyone has diffrent needs....i took paxil for 10 yrs took it's toll then it did't work for me anymore...i went to the hospital for 8 days change medication (effexor) i have been on it for 3yrs
helloiamsandra1 1 year ago
so what do you call diabetic medicaation addiction too? this medication saved my life ....everyone has diffrent needs....i took paxil for 10 yrs took it's toll then it did't work for me anymore...i went to the hospital for 8 days change medication (effexor) i have been on it for 3yrs ....and why wound you go off
helloiamsandra1 1 year ago
this drug is insane, im on 75mg and i have pot-vision, like everything looks and feels unreal. the only downside to it is the disorientation/anxiety and withdrawal...
bloodyawakening 1 year ago
SOMA!!
CelticKraut 1 year ago 4
@CelticKraut It is a little hard to get Soma in the U.S.
MattyTheMole 11 months ago
I took Venlafaxine for 4 months and I went from being a gentle nice guy into a monster and went around upsetting people and didn't even feel one IOWTA of guilt for doing so and that is the opposite to how Iam normally ...
opendtuning 1 year ago
dont fuk around and loose your brain
9234The 1 year ago
dont ever take this piece of crap medication my fukin doctor gave it to me whose a complete moron and i had heart burn and still do to this day the feeling that makes me feel better is the words like life is what you make it or something DONT TAKE IT IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE! my was yelling at me and i was on this and thought i had a stroke,
9234The 1 year ago
My wife died in March of 2010 from the effects of Effexor which she had been taking for some years and was not properly cared for or supervised. Im seeking a wrongful death lawsuit and malpractise lawsuit.....any help would be greatly appreciated....Sincerely Bill ...wka656@yahoo.com
icthus2010 1 year ago
ALWAYS DREAM OF LOSING YOUR HAIR AND GOING BALD? GIVE EFFEXOR A TRY.
gregboyds 1 year ago
You should take withdrawal medications and supplement to ease withdrawal symptoms while tapering on a year span. Everyone is different, not all suffer any of the shit you could say if at all!
SuperPussyFpietros 1 year ago
i'm currently on venlafaxine - part of me wishes i never took the stuff - it is good for depression + anxiety . i was diagnosed clinically depressed at 31 - went into the Prory for depresson - part of me thought what the fuck am i doing here but i was in a terrible state at the time side effects are terrible horrible dreams - like really horrible dreams - impotence. if you can avoid medication i would. i guess all of us can experience depression at some point in our lives.
jackiehurst 1 year ago
@jackiehurst I was given it for an injury. They kept telling me I could work but could not because it was too painful. This crap made me feel 100 times worse. Can't believe they are trying to do it again years later with tramadol(cleverly disguised as a painkiller) but could tell it was this crap straight away. Someone punch this bitch right on the nose, this drug makes people want to kill themselves. Lucky I only took it for 3 weeks.
duude345 1 year ago
@duude345
"they are trying to do it again years later with tramadol."
Errr. dude, tramadol + effexor is a lethal combination, many people have died from it, personally I took both without knowing and was on life support for nearly a month, my whole body shut down, breathing and heart stopped.
DO NOT TAKE THE TWO TOGETHER, or you run a very high risk of DYING by serotonin syndrome.
Just search it on google. It even says in the packet of effexor to never take tramadol while on it.
karlkarlkarl1234 1 year ago
@karlkarlkarl1234 I told them to shove it after two or 3 weeks. Prozac+epilem worked eventually after trying many others, i felt nothing at all. Many years later with a shoulder so buggered my arm wont move it all and im on invalids. They are trying to slip me tramadol and calling it synthetic morphine to make me work which is just plain lying. I am not depressed. I take no antidepressants now. I just have an incredibly buggered arm. I nearly want to hit them for lying to me, i have only pain.
duude345 1 year ago
will this help my GAD? anxiety?? i got from a bad pot experince??? ive tryed alot of SSRI's like zoloft and paxil.. horrible.. also xananx and klonopin.. nothing works.. im on 10mg of oxzepam 4-6 times a day.. doctors says i can have up to 100mg a day.. also have IBD..colitis.. ive been on alot of things for my anxiety ..natrual things too ect 4 life ..any advice please feel free.best regards
persianboy153 1 year ago
I would recommend a short period (1-2 months) on gabapentin after departing from effexor, it stamps out many of the bad withdrawal effects and tends to stabilise the person.
danielmy08 1 year ago
dont work!!!!! i tryed everyyyyything.. the only fuckin thing that works is Xanax and Benzo's..does anyone know any Herbs that mimic Benzo's (other then Kava Kava cause it dont)
N1ck1Sk123 1 year ago
effexor is the devil!!!
xanos4225 1 year ago
Its incredible that we are still using drugs like this that have so many dangerous side effects when instead someone with depression could use medical marijuana which is completely natural and promotes good health all around. These horrible drug corporations are just pumping us full of more and more toxic "medicines" that we just need other medicines to treat the side effects.
Monkton213 1 year ago
This is a great drug. Helped me a lot.
Puddy88 1 year ago
problem with antidepressants is that it causes impotency as a side effect . problem is some people got permanent impotency for the rest of their lives after quiting the antidepressant. it's called the 'post SSRI sexual dysfunction' you can read about it on wikipedia. it's no joke, read the forums about people having PSSD. PSSD means sex problems even if you don't take antidepressants anymore. newspapers report also about this condition, it's horror for everyone experiencing this.
MisanthropistDude 1 year ago
i wanted to die coming off this stuff!!!!
newwavechic 1 year ago
IM COMING OFF THIS SHIT NOW THERE IS NO PROOF OF CHEMICAL; IMBALANCE ITS ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY GOVERNMENTS AN BIG PHARMA DONT CARE ABOUT US TRUST ME PEACE OUT
cashfan123 1 year ago
Number one to all the people bellow me who seems to call Effexor or Effexor XR evil needs to learn some basic facts about Anti Depressants. Anti Depressants are like jeans you try one on until you find the one that fits you. I took Cymbalta for months and felt like I had no feelings. I am currently taking Effexor XR and have not had enough time to decide witch is better. But in the end Effexor XR works for some people and Cymbalta works for others. I am 17 and understand this concept.
LittleMoomaw 1 year ago 2
You people are idiots. Effexor is a fantastic drug. The fact that it may be overprescribed is due to herd mentality and aggressve marketing. The withdrawl is a headache. Try withdrawing from benzos and opiates in tandem. You'll really be in the fucking hospital
AndyAnxiety 1 year ago
@AndyAnxiety No, Effexor is an evil drug... it kills the soul and turns its victims into zombies.
ihateEffexor 1 year ago
@ihateEffexor I could say the same thing about Lamictal or Zyprexa or Paxil or any number of drugs idiot psychiatrists have misprescribed me over the years. You need to know MORE than yr shrink, otherwise you'll always be on the wrong drugs
AndyAnxiety 1 year ago
@AndyAnxiety Oh just a headache? thank god for that then... Exept that i happen to know since im on day 3 now cold turkey off 150mg and its a MASSIVE lot worse than downplaying it to saying that "withdrawal is a headache!" this is my 2nd run in with effexor and from my experience the bad far outways the good.
cherryb1ossom4u 1 year ago
Effexor is an evil drug!
ihateEffexor 1 year ago
effexor gave me symtoms of depression anxiety and ocd that i didnt notice untill i came off, it also made me sht into an empty cracker jacks packet underneath my house and run around tryna to bong the cat..
newactioncoaching 1 year ago
DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!! In my personal experience it did very little for my depression, instead, on top of the depression, it gave me MAJOR insomnia, racing thoughts, I started cutting myself, and I attempted suicide several times, and then I came off the drug... Withdrawl is HELL... Drugs effect everyone differently, but if you want my advice, if you value your sanity, STAY AWAY FROM VALAFAXINE!!!!!!!!
TheDarkofTommy 1 year ago
was on this for 5 years then came off it too quickly. Ended up a basket case in hospital "serious withdrawal can occur (at 1:44)" damn straight! It was my fault not the drug...it made me too aggressive too. Not good for bipolar people I'd say.
faavil 1 year ago
The withdrawal from this is brutal. I am currently going through it. I feel as though knifes are going through my eyes, am nauseous, dizzy, and near making a mess in my pants. I was on it for four years, and it didn't really help. Consider all options before taking.
kittenwithawhip13 1 year ago
I stopped taking it suddenly for 2 weeks and didn't have any withdrawal effects, I was on it for 6 months before that, and I'm still on it now
bradcanningdotcom 1 year ago
and i thought ssris are bad is the goverment really trying to fuckin kill us
distubezero 1 year ago
THE DRUG IS POISON PLEASE DONT TAKE IT PLEASE
moeantaki 1 year ago
@moeantaki compared to trying to kill myself I like effexor just fine. Its way too strong for simple depression but for a chronic psychotic depression its FAR safer than the symptoms of the disease.
TheCaptainLulz 1 year ago
I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now - my issue is anxiety, YIKES! I have had some strange "stuff" happen to me within the past 6 months - especially a tingeling sensation where I scratch and then hives kick in! I then take a antihistamine and all works well. But for how long this will work I only wonder....
rainslave 1 year ago
I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now - my issue is anxiety, YIKES! I have had some strange "stuff" happen to me within the past 6 months - especially a tingeling sensation where I scratch and then hives kick in! I then take a antihistamine and all works well. But for how long this will work I only wonder....
rainslave 1 year ago
Is anyone taking this for anxiety disorder? please tell me how this drug is effecting you!
dbsk06 1 year ago
@dbsk06 I have been taking it for panic attacks brought on by anxiety. I've been on it for about (6) weeks. I have had basically no side effects. I feel mostly "normal" again, I have not had a panic attack since taking it. I've felt anxious, but not like I did. I also was having some depression and that is gone as well. I know drugs are not for everybody, I was anti-meds until 6 weeks ago. I've done a lot of reading and I'm concerned about the withdrawl. But it is really helping me.
jrock2264 1 year ago
@dbsk06 I have been taking it for panic attacks brought on by anxiety. I've been on it for about (6) weeks. I have had basically no side effects. I feel mostly "normal" again, I have not had a panic attack since taking it. I've felt anxious, but not like I did. I also was having some depression and that is gone as well. I know drugs are not for everybody, I was anti-meds until 6 weeks ago. I've done a lot of reading and I'm concerned about the withdrawl. But it is really helping me.
jrock2264 1 year ago
It did relieve feelings of impending doom but it made me a bit manic. My hands always tingled, always. I weaned myself off of it gradually. Wasn't on it but for 6 mos. or so. It did not relieve my depression but took away panicy feelings.
TheChaplinLover 1 year ago
Please don't ever go on this poison. Serious withdrawal is putting it mildly. My husband became delerious, collapsed and had to be hospitalized under heavy sedation to get him off. Run, don't just walk away - if your doctor tries to put you on this dangerous SSRI.
macpduff 1 year ago
Effexor is a drug.
I am addicted to Effexor.
Therefore I'm a drug addict!!!
Hey, wait a minute... doesn't Wyeth manufacture Chapstick as well?
Thereminized 1 year ago
i'm finding it isnt working at all!!!! still have depression/ anxiety but I don't even feel tired from it.. WIERD
TheMistressOfMadness 1 year ago
Poison!
macpduff 1 year ago
@macpduff very poison!
Thereminized 1 year ago
its better to commit suicide right away than to take this shit
FesteredBastard 1 year ago
@FesteredBastard lol well im fucked then
leetbarker 1 year ago
@leetbarker lol yeah ur not the only one
FesteredBastard 1 year ago
@leetbarker They should call this shit "efFUCKsor" 'cos it fucks everyone up
Thereminized 1 year ago
Comment removed
Thereminized 1 year ago
@FesteredBastard hahahah thanks u made me laugh
pageantdoll 1 year ago
Withdrawal symptoms are common for all antidepressants (SSRIS, SNRIS or TCAs) a patient should never stop or decrease the dose on its own, he should always refer to his physician. Effexor XR as a SNRI is the best generation of antidepressants but should be given in the right indication and to the right patient.
krystel221 1 year ago
I have been taking EFFEXOR XR for the last few months and i find it works brilliant for me. I had post natal depression and was in a very bad state. I feel "normal" again now. So i think it is a wonderful drug.
gmdn123 1 year ago 2
@gmdn123 try to stop it and you will see its side effects! Believe me, I know what I'm talking about! Good luck
BurnettBerlin 1 year ago
Comment removed
Struckgold 1 year ago
Effexor shd come with a - WARNING: withdrawal from Effexor is akin to being possessed by an electric nightmare goblin.
Struckgold 1 year ago
it gave me high blood pressure and seratonin syndrome and nearly killed me and made me lose years quality in my life..i wanna sue someone.. as soon as i stopped it i got better
stormbouy 1 year ago
shit fucks you up hella good!!!
thatkidsgay420 1 year ago
my psychiatrist told me that venlafaxine is not addictive but i have forgot to take my effexor for 3 days and i felt depressed again,i wanted to get my dose as soon as possible.now i never forget to take my dose but i'm afraid that im going to have addiction problems
lalalalala860 1 year ago
Was on effexor for 5-6 months and it seemed to work for me early on but then i started getting extreme chest pains, leg twitches, anal leakage, and anxiety! So, I quit cold turkey and i didn't have any problems for a while. A few months later i had more anxiety and depression than i had originally. So, if you're going to quit cold turkey make sure...that you're monitoring yourself and talking to a therapist 1-2 times a week.
sndd0138 1 year ago
EffexorXR worked very well for my depression. Looking back now, I realize that this drug got me out of the house and working. However, it greatly increased my rage and anger. I was becoming quite violent. I had no problems with the withdrawl.
buddhasknowbest 1 year ago
withdrawl symptoms? its called a come down
m10690d 1 year ago
The heading reads...'.A pharmacist explains how Effexor works'.
Quote...This product is believed to increase the serotonin levels in the brain. How scientific is belief?
Does that mean my belief in God is scientific proof, or do I need the White Coat of authority?
waiotahi52 1 year ago
Don't take Effexor before reading withdrawal symptoms.
Sythierius 1 year ago
All I can say is....BIG PHARMA!!!!
grateful2beable 1 year ago
In my opinion, Unless you want to be on this stuff all your life think twice about starting it. Yes, it did help me and I had minimal side effects. The problem starts when you want to get off of it. Do some research on this stuff. Taker beware.
JazzCat60 1 year ago
@JazzCat60, I could not have said it better myself!!! You are right "Taker beware"! Anyone reading these posts, DO YOUR RESEARCH! This stuff is scary.
grateful2beable 1 year ago
Ive been on 150mg effexor for three months now and besides a few days of high anxiety (now on trileptol for) my only problem with it is the crazy night sweats!! and jees its almost like im getting addicted to the sweating like if I dont sweat then I didnt have a good night sleep! crazy, and plus the longer I take it the more i sweat. But besides that now that Im on the trileptol, I feel good. I have more energy to accomplish things during the day.
jcolsky 1 year ago
ive been on other ssris and they havent helped much... im 17 and have social anxiety. i started cymbalta and it helped slightly but once sports started my mood died. uggh i wish i could go on a benzo but theyre crazy dangerous
TheScreamingRetard 2 years ago
in my opinion, benzo's are way less dangerous to you than SSRI's. From experience, they're less addictive, more recreational value, doesn't fuck up your serotonin/norepinepherine levels and won't make you into a crazy maniac if you miss a dose.
But hey, that's just me.
axelxrb 1 year ago
I have been on Effexor XR on and off for several years. I stopped using it during periods when I was feeling fine...no anxiety. I did not suffer any noticeable withdrawal symtpoms. But hey....as people, we're all different. Just like...St. John's Wort does wonders for some folks, but it barely affects me. I have tried various anti-anxiety meds and found Effexor XR to work the best for me. If I felt it were that risky, I would not take it. Worse part though? Impotence!
djspotcam2 2 years ago
I think this drug is ok, The only side effect I had was nausea
mjrooney7 2 years ago
POISON! Don't ever take this medication.
It took me three months to get this garbage out of my system and if you think you are stressed, depressed or anxiety filled... just wait until you live through the brain shivers, extreme headaches and disorientation withdrawing from this medication. Don't believe me? Miss a dose of that garbage and see what it does to you.
What exactly do you think will happen to you if you can't get this drug? This is called addiction!
1whoseeksthelight 2 years ago 5
@1whoseeksthelight Is it worse then Herion withdrawal?? I kw this isaddicive too as its like taking Cocain, infact if U try & take Coke on top it done hav much effect anyway cuz ur already soo high! how long after with this do withdrawal kick in??????
handsomedevil98 2 years ago
Effexor withdrawal kicks in within around 8 hours after you stop taking it. If you are taking a high dose, do it gradually because it will really mess with your daily life. It took me about three weeks to finally get rid of the after effects of it. However, I would say Heroin withdrawal is a lot tougher.
1whoseeksthelight 2 years ago 3
@1whoseeksthelight I'm sorry for you that you've had some bad experiences with Venlafaxine, but the drug saved my life.
Medication is known to have side effects but people suffering from severe depression may need it in order to get better, depending on their case, as often a combination of talking and medication is the best way. I'd say let a trained medical doctor decide what's good for each specific patient.
thio59 1 year ago
@thio59 That drug also saved my life, or so I thought.. I was under a doctor's care. The medication is fine while you are taking it. However, after long term usage getting off of it was a nightmare. It isn't what the medication does while you are taking it, but what it does when you are weaning down off of it. I took it for 3 years and it did help without a doubt. In the future, if you decide to go off this medication I hope you don't go through what I did.
1whoseeksthelight 1 year ago
@thio59 I agree some people who suffer from severe depression need it, but this is definitely over-prescribed.
The issue I have with effexor is it is NOT told how hard it is to get off of.
SnazzyArcade 1 year ago
@SnazzyArcade Did not try to get off i yet. Taking it for more than two years now. Don't know whether I am ever going to try. I accept that I may need chronic medication the rest of my life. Don't suffer from side effects and my dose is limited (75 mg/day).
thio59 7 months ago
SnazzyArcade 1 year ago
@SnazzyArcade Make sure you are consulting with your physician while you are weaning yourself off of this medication. It will work it's way out of your system though. I'm not for sure why Physicians don't research the problems this drug causes when a person has passed the crisis point in their life and they choose to stop taking it. I drank lots of water and slowed my life down as much as possible. You will recover but it takes time. Take one day at a time and before long it will finally go away
1whoseeksthelight 1 year ago
@1whoseeksthelight I feel exactly the same way. Don't take it if your doctor prescribes it to you. It's the drug from hell. Seriously.
DrummerElliott 1 year ago
worse than crack. dont ever go on it expecting to ever get off it.
brack1917 2 years ago 8
the crack, the coke and the marihuana, the uppers and the downers, the crystal meth.
Berialavrenti 2 years ago
@brack1917 Yeah ur right it dose the same thing as Extasy or Cocain!
handsomedevil98 2 years ago
@brack1917
What are you talking?
I've taken it a time but nothing happend.
Worse then crakk.....stupid.
n1mand 1 year ago
Wow I've been on this drug for about 8 yrs now. It has helped me with my anxiety & compulsive thoughts. I suppose that any "depressant" can work, but it takes some testing. I first tried Paxil & I was "numb" for about 2 years & was more depressed than before. W/ Effexor I had to up the dose. I sleep a lot and am not quite sure if the drug actually helps me but at least I don't have the anxiety & "paranoid" thoughts that I did b4. I should mention I do get "tickles" or itchy skin once in awhile.
rainslave 2 years ago
asian cabal that controls RX industry
TheSocialBear1 2 years ago
a way
to make
a bunch of money
selling a drug
TheSocialBear1 2 years ago 4
It is also known as side-effexor.
MonikaLevinsky 2 years ago