PlainPill
MedicationAnxietyMood

Effexor

People mainly take Effexor for anxiety, mood. Based on 10 first-hand reports and 1 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #869 of 1,974 overall.

Compare with…Alternatives for anxiety
19
User score
Mixed
20% positive30% mixed10% negative40% unclear

Of reports that state an outcome, 33% are positive.

Clinical research
BModerate research base
1
meta-analyses
6
RCTs
80
papers

What Effexor does, according to users

Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.

Anxiety100% of 4
1 more with fewer than 3 reports
Mood0% of 1
betterno changeworse

What the research says

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.

BModerate research base

At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.

Drugs · 2015 · Meta-analysis / systematic review
Modified Regulatory Pathways to Approve Generic Drugs in the US and a Systematic Review of Their Outcomes

Conclusion: Pharmaceutical manufacturers sometimes raise scientific concerns related to potential generic versions of their drugs; however, in the six cases we reviewed, these companies did not follow up the pre-approval concerns they raised with any methodologically rigorous post-approval testing using clinical endpoints. Despite their pre-approval controversy, experience with these generic drugs provides reassurance of their clinical interchangeability. Systematized post-approval study of certain generic drug bioequivalence determinations is needed.

PubMed 25822610 ↗

Dosage people report

As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.

37 mgdaily

Reported side effects

How often each side effect came up across all reports.

mania ×1headache ×1tinnitus ×1depression ×1withdrawal anxiety ×1withdrawal ×1

What users say

Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.

“was prescribed Effexor and then Ritalin and went into one of the worst manic episodes known to man.”
Source discussion ↗
“I do take Effexor and also vyvanse for ~4 months now for adhd, depression, generalised and social anxiety.”
Source discussion ↗
“I really got better from anxiety ... on effexor. My personal miracle drug does not work for everyone.”
Source discussion ↗
“It works so well for anxiety but the downside is a grueling week of headaches, tinnitus, and severe depression when you try to quit.”
Source discussion ↗
“Effexor XR, due to depression and anxiety, partly from ADHD highschool experiences”
Source discussion ↗
Top discussions (5)

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User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate