"effexor gave me my life back again. i was so severely depressed that i had to struggle to find a reason to live everyday, i was very  suicidal. i was no longer able to function. 4 weeks after starting effexor i was returned to my &#039;normal&#039; self. i was happy and could feel pleasure again and i was excited about life. i have experienced a few minor side effects like constipation and nausea with dosage increases, but the benefits far outweigh the minor side effects!"