"i have been on many anti-depressants over the years. i have had depression and anxiety since i was 21 years old, and am in my late 40&#039;s now. other anti-depressants caused horrible cravings for sweets and carbs. plus the medications didn&#039;t work that well for me. i have been on effexor for 8 months, 150 mg.  it works wonders for me. i actually like to be around people now. i go places etc... i have a life again, and noticed that i get excited about life. also, i have lost weight on it. my cravings are gone, i feel full after a meal and full a lot longer after the meal. i am gaining back my energy. i am a woman who was so severely depressed, i couldn&#039;t even get out of my recliner, and didn&#039;t get dressed most days. what a difference!"