"i have been on effexor xr for years.  i have been on several other ssris through the years that eventually stopped working.  effexor has been the most successful in the long term.  i take 150mg of the xr and 37.5 three times a day of the regular effexor.  the regular was recently added as my depression has worsened due to additional stress at work.  i have not had any major side effects, even on this high of a dose.  i do agree that withdrawal is serious.  if i miss a dose, i have a buzzing feeling, crying and increase in depression almost immediately.  this is one medication that i do not go without--ever.  i am a bit worried about ever going off of it for these reasons.  i believe that this can be done safely with the help of a physician."