I came off of effexor a few years ago, the side effects were horrible. I was so sick I couldn't stand up, I felt as though I had vertigo. I tried just cutting back each week as my dr. suggested, bad experience for me. After admitting me to the hospital I finally was able to completely get off of it. I don't understand however why it made me so sick coming off of it and yet it didn't help my depression anymore. I was on the drug for probably 6 yrs. My dr. told me I had worn it out, sometimes I wonder about all this stuff they tell me. In the hospital they started me with  depacote, zanex, tramadol and  prozac. I was in there for almost 3 weeks. I hope and pray others don't have the same horrible side effects as they try coming off of it. I can only say to hang in there, you will do it but please have your dr. help you. I am now doing much better on prozac and wellbutrin.