I've read a lot of negative things about Effexor and I just want to share my story with you as I've been on Effexor XP for almost 2 months. I have anxiety disorder which my former shrink was treating with Remeron and Risperdal for nearly 2 years. I didn't get better, just worse while taking those meds and that shrink did nothing about changing them. I put on 50 lbs. in a matter of a few months from the meds and developed agoraphobia as well as having anxiety. I complained about my weight and the shrink said that the meds could not have done that and blamed me. I also complained about not getting better, but worse in 2 years of treatment and he said that people recover from things differently. Some people are better in a few weeks and some it takes years. I had an independent evaluation done by a different psychiatrist this year and the first thing he asked me was did I put on weight with the Remeron. He recommended a definite change to my meds. He also commented on what I currently was on and said that there is nothing in that medication to help with anxiety. He commented on the dosage my shrink had me on. It was double the manufactures suggested maximum dose. I fired my shrink after that. The independent doctor suggested I try Effexor or Paxil. My family doctor started with the Effexor and I've been doing wonderfully on it. I have not gained any weight, in fact I have lost weight. My anxiety is under control and I don't suffer from agoraphobia anymore.

I just want you to hang in there and hopefully you will have a doctor who will listen to you and help you find what works for you.