"i have been on effexor for about 6-7 years now. i started taking 75mg which needed to be increased to 4x 75mg per day as i was in complete terror. this drug saved my life. i would not be here if not for this drug. i tried amitryptyline, citalopram, and propranolol for many years previously but they did not give me the relief i needed. 1st  2 weeks of taking this drug while off work, i saw the room flip upside down a few times making me fall down in the shower etc. it was a really scary time but once in my system i got great relief almost immediately. my side effects now are just sweating and tiredness but i am on 2 x75mg/day &amp; feel really content. i got down to 75 mg/ day but felt anxious so upped to 2/day. great drug if it suits you!!!!"