Somebody I know is starting Effexor XR for anxiety. How well does it work for this? Does it work well for people with mood symptoms?

Hi Ewizabeth, that's hard to say!

Well, is it a first line treatment no, is it the safest no. Normally used when other options have proven ineffective. It is used for and an effective treatment for treatment resistant major depression/anxiety/anorexia etc and some off label uses. Some countries don't permit it's use if there is a bi-polar issue because it can exacerbate the condition.
Although it's used for anxiety disorders it can in some cases worsen the symptoms so that's something to watch for. It's always in the first week or so that they may feel hot/sweaty at night, maybe some insomnia. If your friend has any weight issues or worries it's probably not the best idea as it's well known for giving the munchies and causing weight gain. The side-effects profile gets longer as time goes on. It's been said by many to be a medication that you go on but don't come off because it's withdrawal effects can be too much for many.
Have to say though, many people found it really helpful.
Has your friend tried other medications?
Nick

For severe anxiety and mild to moderate depression. For me it was like someone flipped a switch and gave me back myself and my life. It was that dramatic. It literally saved my life.

The first week at 37.5 was great! Then I was increased to 75 and that first week at the increased dose had me about crawling out of my skin. I was almost to the point of going back down to the 37.5 but made myself stick it out a full week and that worked. I stayed at 75 a day for about 3 years. Never did need to increase.

As for mood symptoms, I'm not sure precisely what you mean. Mood symptoms can cover alot of Dx. Could you be more specific?

Well my friend has severe anxiety and I would guess mild depression. (Can be very moody, going from highs to lows but not instantaneously.) Maybe this will do the trick?

I appreciate both of you giving me feedback on this.

Hmmm. If your friend is undiagnosed bi-polar an SSRI can cause more problems. I comment on this because you mention being moody in cycles sort of. Bi-Polar can cycle in very different cycles if that makes sense. Some people quick cycle, hours and days and others can cycle in weeks or months. Just let them know their doc may need to be made aware of the mood stuff and perhaps keep a close on their reaction to the Effexor. I sure hope that Effexor works for your friend as well as it did for me. Of course I wish that for anyone that has dealt with anxiety and/or depression. But keep in mind that Effexor, just like any other SSRI may work for some and not for others. It's often a crap-shoot finding the drug or a combination of drugs that works the way one wants them to. But it's so worth it to stick it out!

If you have other questions or anything like that feel free to contact me. Google is always a big help too.