A bit about Effexor, and all those drugs.

They are needed when they are needed.

Mark has reached his decided end-point and has decided to wean off.

A key about Weaning/Withdrawing from any of those medications is to do it with control - he has chosen his method - with much fore-thought; others with Paxil have taken a much slower withdrawal plan, but to each their own - as long as it works without the withdrawal syndrome raising its ugly head.

1. Effexor is slow to reach its working dosage in many, and takes time to have noticeable effect in many; in some its fairly quick, in others its weeks; don't give up , be patient as long as you are not having ill effects.

2. Effexor is a decent drug in those for whom it works, once its effect is showing effect.

3. Again, if/when you are ready to stop it, do not do so suddenly - withdrawal syndrome is not nice; unless its an emergency and done with your physician's help to cover the ill effects from the syndrome effects - have him aware you demand his attention at all times, at the ready.

4. Do not let them substitute the new drug, Pristiq, in its place - it is the drug company's (same company that makes Effexor), replacement since Effexor is ready for the generic market - Effexor can have dosage increases with increase effects noted if / when necessary; however that has not been the case with Pristiq in any study to date. (Note: what I mean is- sometimes when you are on a drug awhile, the current dose seems not to do what it use to do, so your doc increases the dose a bit for more effect, and it works again; well with Pristiq, the studies haven't shown that to occur with it.

Hope any of this is helpful.

Best Wishes.