Venlafaxine
depression
"I've been taking Venlafaxine XR (the generic version of Effexor XR) for exactly one month now and I can honestly say that I haven't felt this normal in a long, long time. I started out taking 37.5 mg for seven days, and then my dose was increased to 75 mg where it has thus far remained.  Upon start up I had no adverse side effects other than fatigue.  I take my pill every night with dinner, and although I do have trouble sleeping at times, it is not consistent.  I was also given a prescription for 0.5 mg lorazepam as a "bridging" medication to take only when needed.  Overall I would recommend Venlafaxine.  Don't believe all the scary things you read about it. I was scared too but quite honestly I feel it has improved my life."