"i started effexor after the birth of my first child due to post-partum depression. i have never been severely depressed prior to this. my doctor first prescribed zoloft which did not help at all. after two weeks, i was put on effexor and started feeling better within a few days. the only side effect that i ever noticed was having no sex drive at all. i stopped taking it after a year (i tapered so i did not notice any withdrawal symptoms everyone talks about) and was recently put back on it due to some family issues pushing me back into a depression. the first few days are rough but i&#039;ve been on it for a week now and i do feel a difference. my anxiety and mood has improved and i can actually function. this medicine works great for me."