"i started taking effexor xr 3 1/2 years ago while in an eating disorder treatment center. i struggled for years with major depression and took several different anti-depressants that never helped. even after being in a treatment center for 3 months i could barely deal with my emotional issues because i was so  weighed down by the depression. they finally sent me to a new doctor who knew effexor would be different for me. he started me off on a week of 75mg/day then the next week he upped it to 150mg and the next week he ended it at 225mg. it was like a huge dark blob was lifted off of me! i felt clear-headed, stronger and happy. i never thought i could feel that way again.

i still take the 225mg dosage and have no plans of quitting."