"i have been on effexor for almost 20 years now. the withdraw from this drug is horrific, so i try to make sure i always take it. it has only just barely maintained my mood and i&#039;ve had 3 admissions to a psych ward over the years. but it was a god send when i was first put on it, because at least now i was able to function and control my rages and my depression somewhat. after my last break down i was put on abilify (which i now can&#039;t afford) along with my effexor and i was suddenly awake for the first time in 35 years, it was an amazing combination for me. i hope to be able to afford the abilify once again but for now my effexor maintains me at a somewhat tolerable level!"