Hi Johanna.....I am in the midst of getting off of effexor. I have been on it for a few years. I started taking it to calm my anxiety while I worked with a councellor to help me deal with it...I guess I really went on it to protect my sobriety.....I had issues to deal with and the anxiety and panic were getting bad...enter effexor. It did help my anxiety but I really want to learn to deal with my anxiety on my own so I am trying to get off of it. The side effects of the withdrawl are horrendous...for me. I have went thru alcohol withdrawl and that was the hardest, most painful thing I have ever done....both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.......effexor withdrawl gives alcohol withdrawl a real run for its money. My side effects range from sleeplessness to hearing strange noises in my head.....it drives me crazy! Emotionally I am all over the place if I forget my pill. I have weaned down to 2/3rds of my biggest dose and will be weaning off still but SLOWLY! If I do not forget to take the pill that I do still take, I am OK....at first it was hard and I needed to reassure myself that I would be feeling a little more anxious than usual for a while but after a week or so those effects faded out. My hubby is just starting effexor. The intent is to keep him on it permanently....I beleive it will help him as his issues are different than mine. Take the time to really think and talk with your Doc more....it is a very strong med, but may be able to help you....It is worth looking further into, I think. Good Luck.