"effexor xr changed my life. before i was on it, i suffered from constant unremitting generalized anxiety and deep, dark depressive episodes.  150mg effexor xr gave me my life back.  over the years i had to increase my dose, ultimately ending up at 450mg. unfortunately after year 9 it pooped out on me altogether. how i wish it would come back! a great antidepressant. all side effects for me went away within the first few weeks. now giving pristiq a try. "