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Effexor

Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

User Ratings
Out of 10
Satisfaction
5.6
4.5  Effectiveness
6.5  Side Effects
5.9  Holistic Benefits

RateADrug users have reported 12 Effexor side effects and 5 Effexor benefits.

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Treatment Information
The generic name of this medication is venlafaxine and the brand name is Effexor.

Effexor is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The active ingredients of this medication is venlafaxine hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients include; cellulose; iron oxides; lactose;, magnesium stearate; and sodium starch glycolate.

It is primarily used in the treatment of depression.
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How does your Treatment Compare?
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BrandsEffectivenessHolistic BenefitsSide
Effects		Number of Ratings
Effexor 5.91 5.62 4.89 11 Get Info
Lexapro 5.79 6.18 3.68 42 Get Info
Prozac 5.39 5.71 4.64 54 Get Info
Pristiq 4.35 5.25 5.67 57 Get Info
Cymbalta 4.16 5.01 5.57 49 Get Info
Citalopram Hydrobromide 3.28 4.76 5.86 60 Get Info
View All About these Scores Get Your Score
Effectiveness of Effexor by Condition
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Effectiveness on "Depression"
Bar Chart
About these Results  
Not at all Mildly Moderately Very Extremely
How effective is Effexor?  Get Your Score
Reported Changes in Health and Well-Being
Since taking Effexor, RateADrug survey participants noticed these changes in their health:
Effect on:Much WorseWorseNo ChangeBetterMuch Better
Appetite 17.4% 26.1% 43.5% 13% 0%
Balance/Equilibrium 4% 24% 48% 24% 0%
Blood Pressure 8.7% 8.7% 73.9% 8.7% 0%
Breathing 0% 10.5% 73.7% 15.8% 0%
Confidence 4.5% 27.3% 27.3% 27.3% 13.6%
Coordination/Motor Skills 4.8% 19% 61.9% 14.3% 0%
Digestion 9.1% 9.1% 63.6% 13.6% 4.5%
Emotional Well-being 7.7% 19.2% 11.5% 42.3% 19.2%
Energy 4.3% 30.4% 39.1% 17.4% 8.7%
Eyesight 4.8% 19% 66.7% 4.8% 4.8%
Memory 4.5% 9.1% 50% 18.2% 18.2%
Mental Clarity 8% 12% 28% 48% 4%
Pain 0% 14.3% 66.7% 9.5% 9.5%
Patience 4.3% 21.7% 43.5% 17.4% 13%
Sexual Health 21.7% 8.7% 47.8% 13% 8.7%
Skin Complexion 4.8% 9.5% 71.4% 9.5% 4.8%
Sleep 4.2% 20.8% 29.2% 29.2% 16.7%
Stress Level 8% 4% 36% 36% 16%
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Commonly Reported Effexor Side Effects
RateADrug survey participants experienced these commonly reported side effects:
Effect on:NoneMildModerateStrongSevere
Abdominal Pain 77.8% 11.1% 0% 11.1% 0%
Allergic Reaction 75% 6.2% 6.2% 6.2% 6.2%
Anxiety 27.3% 27.3% 22.7% 18.2% 4.5%
Appetite Loss 68.4% 10.5% 5.3% 10.5% 5.3%
Blurred Vision 57.1% 0% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3%
Breathing Difficulties 57.1% 28.6% 0% 14.3% 0%
Change in Sex Drive 64.7% 5.9% 11.8% 5.9% 11.8%
Change in Weight 40% 0% 20% 20% 20%
Cold Symptoms 85.7% 0% 14.3% 0% 0%
Confusion 42.9% 28.6% 14.3% 14.3% 0%
Constipation 40% 6.7% 20% 33.3% 0%
Coordination / Balance Problems 0% 0% 100% 0% 0%
Dehydration / Thirst 0% 50% 0% 50% 0%
Depression 28.6% 42.9% 0% 14.3% 14.3%
Diarrhea 94.1% 5.9% 0% 0% 0%
Difficulty Urinating 81.8% 0% 9.1% 9.1% 0%
Dizziness 77.8% 11.1% 11.1% 0% 0%
Drowsiness 50% 13.6% 22.7% 4.5% 9.1%
Dry Mouth 43.5% 26.1% 8.7% 13% 8.7%
Erectile Dysfunction 90.9% 0% 0% 0% 9.1%
Eye / Vision Problems 0% 0% 50% 50% 0%
Fatigue 61.1% 11.1% 16.7% 5.6% 5.6%
Fever 85.7% 0% 14.3% 0% 0%
Gas 42.9% 28.6% 14.3% 14.3% 0%
Headache 54.5% 31.8% 9.1% 0% 4.5%
High Blood Pressure 71.4% 14.3% 7.1% 0% 7.1%
Increased Urination 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Indigestion 0% 50% 0% 0% 50%
Insomnia 50% 22.7% 9.1% 9.1% 9.1%
Irregular Heartbeat 57.1% 28.6% 14.3% 0% 0%
Irritability / Impatience 47.1% 35.3% 11.8% 0% 5.9%
Mood Swings 71.4% 0% 14.3% 0% 14.3%
Muscle Cramping 42.9% 14.3% 28.6% 14.3% 0%
Nausea 63.6% 22.7% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5%
Nervousness 52.4% 28.6% 9.5% 9.5% 0%
Rapid Heartbeat 71.4% 14.3% 14.3% 0% 0%
Relaxed / Calming Sensation 81.8% 9.1% 0% 0% 9.1%
Sensitivity to Light 85.7% 14.3% 0% 0% 0%
Sexual Dysfunction 80% 6.7% 0% 6.7% 6.7%
Stomach Ache 71.4% 28.6% 0% 0% 0%
Sweating 60% 20% 0% 20% 0%
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Less Commonly Reported Effexor Side Effects
RateADrug survey participants experienced less commonly reported side effects:
Effect on:NoneMildModerateStrongSevere
Aggressive / Impulsive Behavior 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%
Allergic Reaction 50% 0% 0% 50% 0%
Amnesia / Memory Loss 75% 0% 25% 0% 0%
Blurred Vision 72.7% 9.1% 9.1% 0% 9.1%
Breathing Difficulties 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Change in Sex Drive 20% 0% 20% 40% 20%
Change in Weight 56.2% 18.8% 12.5% 6.2% 6.2%
Chest Pain 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Cough 0% 0% 0% 100% 0%
Diarrhea 50% 0% 50% 0% 0%
Difficulty Urinating 33.3% 33.3% 33.3% 0% 0%
Dizziness 25% 50% 0% 25% 0%
Elevated Cholesterol Level 0% 0% 100% 0% 0%
Erectile Dysfunction 33.3% 33.3% 0% 33.3% 0%
Fatigue 16.7% 50% 33.3% 0% 0%
Impaired Thinking / Judgment 75% 25% 0% 0% 0%
Increased Depression 66.7% 0% 13.3% 13.3% 6.7%
Irritability / Impatience 25% 50% 0% 25% 0%
Mouth Sores 0% 0% 100% 0% 0%
Muscle Spasms 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Relaxed / Calming Sensation 33.3% 33.3% 33.3% 0% 0%
Sexual Dysfunction 25% 0% 0% 50% 25%
Suicidal Tendencies 56.2% 18.8% 12.5% 0% 12.5%
Tremors 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%
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Episodes since taking Effexor
Since taking Effexor Rate a Drug survey participants reported these episodes:
Auto Accident 2.2%
Fall 4.4%
Hallucination 2.2%
About these Results  
How does your experience compare with other Effexor users?     Get Your Score

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User Comments about Effexor
14 Apr 2012 most effective for depression relief hate dependency
   —Posted by terrylyn
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17 Oct 2011 I was prescribed Effexor in 2000. I wish this drug had NEVER been invented!! I can't get off it! I had a surgery and was told no meds only a sip of water after midnight. I went into convulsions the Dr had to sew me up without finishing. I had to go back into surgery because of this drug that it seems no one can get off. Does anyone know of a remedy that will get rid of the "With Draws?" They are really life threatening!!
   —Posted by Anonymous
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07 Sep 2011 Didn't really like this medication, did not take away my depression.
   —Posted by Anonymous
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01 Sep 2011 Ruined my life, lost my job as I couldnt concentrate, senior management. Aggressive behaviour, depersonalisation, anger, severe night sweats, socially agarophobic, major personality change, high blood pressure (both in 3 figures). My daughter, wife, grandson (child) all disowned me. Totally alone now, just lay in bed, have planned my funeral and looking for a dignified end. I was extremely successful, high intelligence, wealthy and kind hearted to everyone. I've given myself till 31/12/2011 to pull back. I've lost everything.
   —Posted by Prayforme
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07 Jul 2011 I literally took one dose of this medication and on my ride home about 20 mins after taking it I started having all the symptoms of a severe UTI. I went directly to the hospital, explained about the new med, they told em it was impossible. They took a test and sent me home with antibiotics. I never filled the antibiotics, nor did i take the second dose of the medication. By morning it was completely gone and a day later was called by the hospital to find out how I was because the test came back negative for any infections. It was the weirdest side effect I have ever had and by far one of the worst.
   —Posted by Austinsmom
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