i tried Effexor unsuccessfully a some years back. it was nicknamed Side-Effexor due to the many and likelihood of side effects. I then tried Remeron, a drug I was told by a pain specialist that was used widely for chronic pain conditions. I think that it is a much new drug that the other. you may want to inquire about that one. i took it for awhile but i had the side effect of sleepiness and had a hard time getting up at a reasonable hour so i ultimately gave it up.