"effexor xr saved my life!  i had severe clinical depression for one year, and my doctor tried 8 different antidepressants on me, all to no avail.  i sought the help of a psychopharmacologist in palo alto, ca.  he met with me for 90 minutes, did an evaluation, and prescribed effexor xr for me.  he stairstepped me up to 300mg/day within 12 days, and within 2 weeks i felt like my old self again.  it felt miraculous. i may be on it for the rest of my life, but i don&#039;t mind one bit.  i am enjoying life again!"