I was on EffexorXR 150mg for two years. It seemed to be working good, but my one close freind said I acted "strangely" to her since I had been on the drug. Not having insurance, Effexor XR is quite pricey, $150 + a month and I had felt it was time to get off the drug. I had been reading (and crying while I read) other peoples experiences stopping Effexor. My doctor put me on a slow three month withdraw program. and I can say I am day #2 off EffexorXR! But that is about the extent of the excitedness. Can't sleep, or when I do, nightmares and starnge dreams insue. "brain shakiness," nausea, stomach pain, body aches, chills and sweats and dizziness. Needless to say, I am not driving, and have taken up eating for that seems to be the only thing that helps me. I guess everyone is different, but I wish that these symptoms would lesson, I feel like I am going through hell. Isn't there anything "natural" out there that might help? I wish a doctor would write back. I wish you all the best in getting off this terrible drug.