"i&#039;ve struggled with depression since i was a teenager (and attempted suicide then). in college i started having panic attacks. a few years later i was put on this new medicine called effexor (after getting no relief from paxil nor zoloft) and for the first time in my life i felt relatively normal!  i&#039;ve been on effexor - 150 mg/day for 20 years now and it has really helped me to function at a high level.  i have gone off it several times - very slowly, but each time, a few months after being completely off, bang - unbelievable depression, and i&#039;d go back on. i&#039;m at peace knowing i&#039;ll most likely be on it form the rest of my life.  helps with depression and anxiety.  no problems drinking while taking it, had three healthy kids while on it."