"i&#039;m a middle aged professional that&#039;s dealt with depression and anxiety since my teen years.  i&#039;ve tried many different types of medications that target anxiety and depression, albeit with mixed results.  

my depression, stress, and anxiety levels had gotten worse within the last year (haven&#039;t been on any medications for over 10 years), so i went to see my doctor. i&#039;ve been taking effexor for about a month now and it&#039;s, by far, given me the most relief over any previous med.

stress levels have gone way down as i no longer tend to ruminate on things out of my control. it&#039;s much easier to drop the negative thinking and move on to something else.  anxiety and depression have also been greatly reduced.  
no major side effects for me (at 37.5)"