"i have taken effexor on and off for nearly ten years for depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden traumatic situation.  it took a week or so for the side effects to disappear when i first started.  i felt so well that i weaned myself off it which took at least a week with side effects.  i have done this twice thinking i was very well and able to cope which i do when i take the medication.  however, i have come to realize that i need to stay on it and my husband now understands that it keeps me well, happy and balanced.  if i miss a tablet i feel quite nauseous and a bit unbalanced even though i only take 75mg once a day.  i have come to realize that there a lot of people out there, including many high profile people who need effexor."