"i&#039;ve used tricyclics and ssris before.  both caused huge weight gain, and were only moderately effective.  effexor xr worked very well for me at 150mg for several years.  i was able to lose a small amount of weight, and stopped having late night craving for sugary stuff, and it was very effective in combating the depression symptoms. i slept well but was not lethargic during the day; i took it at night.  later on i needed to increase my dose. i am now on 300mg, and started losing weight again (a good thing in my case) and have more energy.  it takes longer to have an orgasm but other than that, i&#039;ve been very lucky in having few to no side effects. the one thing i hate is that if i miss a dose, side effects are awful!"