Positive stories on Venlafaxine / Effexor XR

Posted by jake04 @jake04, 3 days ago

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

opheli | @opheli | 3 days ago

Hello Jake04, I began taking 75 mg of Effexor about 4.5 years ago to deal with anxiety when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I had tried Lexapro, which seemed to exacerbate my anxiety. I am still on the same dosage of Effexor, and thankfully do not suffer any side effects. I, too, have read, with trepidation, about the difficulty of going off of it. But for now, I can say that it has definitely helped with my anxiety and gotten me through some very traumatic times in my life the past few years.

antonina | @antonina | 2 days ago

Hi Jake, I began taking 75 mg of Venlafixine five years ago. It has helped my anxiety, and it helps tremendously with hot flashes, which is why I went on it. My anxiety remains, but this drug does curb my hot flashes so that I can get a decent night's sleep.

david707 | @david707 | 1 day ago

Hi Jake. I have taken Venlafaxine, 150mg, off and on for about 25 years. Have tried many other antidepressants because missed having good sex, but the others have the same side effects of numbing sexual pleasure, but Venlafaxine (Effexor) is best for my anxiety issues and is an acceptable trade off. Presently I am a week into lowering my dose to 75mg while adding Mirtazapine, because I read it works differently with no sexual side-effects. I have also been taking CBD/CBN oil, which helps reduce the side-effects of the transition. I am near 80 yrs old and hope Mirtazapine can replace the Effexor eventually. Wish me luck!