"overall, i had a positive experience with venlafaxine, but users need to be aware of how difficult it can be to quit. i was on 150mg for about 18 months - not very long - and when i wanted to come off of it, it was a very difficult experience. i still am weaning myself off grain by grain, because cold turkey is simply not an option. the main withdrawal symptom i experience is electric shock sensations in the brain. they even make a noise. i&#039;ve heard that some people don&#039;t have as much of a problem with it, but i don&#039;t know how. in the beginning, i thought venlafaxine changed my life in a positive way, but over time it became somewhat less effective. it&#039;s an effective medication, but beware of the consequences. took it with 60mg mirtazapine."