"i started taking effexor about a year ago.  it has made an incredible difference to my life.  i was extremely anxious, waking at night in a sweat (possible also the onset of menopause) and struggling to go back to sleep.  i was also depressed and found myself often crying for no reason at all.  i started very slowly, increasing dose every 2 months.  i cannot recommend effexor enough.  i feel that it has turned my life around.  i did not gain weight at all which was a big concern.  i did feel quite lethargic at first and it took a while to get any sex drive back.  i am still not back to my usual sex drive, and reaching orgasm is harder. i still feel my decision to stay on effexor has been the right one. hope this helps.  good luck."