Positive stories on Venlafaxine / Effexor XR

Posted by jake04 @jake04, Sep 30, 2025

Much of what I have seen posted regarding this medication is negative, relating to side effects, withdrawal symptoms, or poor tolerance. I have multiple doctors recommending this medication and am going to move forward with it. I am curious if anyone is willing to share their positive experience taking it and how it helped with their mental well-being. I am very sensitive to medications, so I will only be taking 37.5 mg and do not plan to increase unless it's necessary.

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david707 | @david707 | Jan 15 1:16pm

In reply to @jennyfurfur "@david707 Hi I didn't think you could use CBD oil while on venlafaxine?" + (show)

@jennyfurfur I'm not surprised. I'm not supposed to drink alcohol either yet I have at least 2 drinks a day and have for years. Some can't handle it. I have been off Venlafaxine for a month now and am on 15 mg of mirtazapine. I think the CBD oil keeps anxiety at bay through this medication change. I take CBDN...the N is the part of the plant that promotes drowsiness for sleep.

spyder05 | @spyder05 | Feb 16 12:16am

Was on this med a number of years was the best medicine I have been on didn't struggle getting of it wish it still worked

cschorling | @cschorling | Jun 17 4:42pm

I know this post was a while back but I wanted to share my experience. I’ve been on Effexor for 14 years, and combo with mirtazapine, and it is amazing, completely changed my life in terms of anxiety.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 17 7:23pm

In reply to @cschorling "I know this post was a while back but I wanted to share my experience. I’ve..." + (show)

@cschorling - what great news! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

How would you describe your anxiety before this medication combination, and how is it different now? Are you feeling any anxiety these days?

cschorling | @cschorling | Jun 17 9:16pm

In reply to @lisalucier "@cschorling - what great news! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. How would you describe your anxiety..." + (show)

@lisalucier I still have anxiety but it’s manageable now. I don’t dread checking out from a grocery store and then ruminate over my interactions with people. It also allowed me to learn social skills and how to be a friend because I wasn’t so locked inside my own thoughts

lr67 | @lr67 | 4 days ago

I’ve been taking it for a long time and I have no side effects. I’m just now thinking I need to change to something else. I don’t feel its working good enough for me