"i have been taking effexor xr for nearly four years now. it did take a while, around 6 months, to really relate a big difference. but, due to costs the doctor put me on regular effexor and it was uncomfortable and i was afraid i would get in that terrible suicidal tunnel. went back to effexor xr and am doing fine. i don&#039;t feel any side effects and it blends well with other medications i have to take. i sure hope the effects do not wear off. the other medications i take are lamictal and keppra er, i am an epileptic. no problems there either."