I am going through a tapering right now...my therapist was really concerned that it would be difficult - but so far - not too bad...especially considering how damn awful it was getting on the drug. But I feel for you. It seems Effexor has a reputation for being really difficult to taper off for a lot of people.

Was on Effexor XR 150mg c. 15 years....It probably stopped doing much for me 5 years ago. Previously had been on prozac (did nothing), serazone (ditto), Paxil (helped but made me FAT)....and then Effexor. . I am on week three of a four week titration (Week 1: 37.5mg TID, Week2: 37.5mg BID, Week3 37.5mg once a day) and should be off by next week. I've had limited problems specific to the withdrawal- one day during week 2 of mild facial numbness, and today I am on day 4 of week 3 and have had my first real "crazy dream" night and I slept through my alarm twice....also some facial numbness today. I am scheduled to titrate off completely by Monday - but will probably stay at 37.5mg until I see the psychiatrist late next week or the symptoms moderate over the next couple of days.

Maybe you should seek some guidance on a tapering schedule...although I think mine is pretty standard. I've been fortunate so far - but won't know until I've been off for a couple of weeks.

PS - I also have a lot of difficulty getting to sleep (but I had that prior to taking any antidepressants).