I was on it for approximately 3 years with great initial success, but it just stopped working for me. Also, I am reading some good things, but also some horror stories, such as significant weight gain and withdrawal. I am just looking for some facts so when I go see my physician next week, I will be a little prepared to speak with him regarding pros and cons of effexor therapy. Effexor is a complete class of its own unrelated to other antidepressants. As to side effects, they tend to be very individual.
Some patients lose weight, some gain weight.
Withdrawal is a little more than the SRI class of antidepressants in general, but is not severe. Generally, it is a little less tolerated than the SRI, but is an effective medication. It is impacting me emotionally and maritally. Tapered dosages do not help either. There is one research article that cites using small doses of amphetamines to restore sexual drive when using SRI antidepressants.