I have been Effexor for maybe a year, following a previous two-year depression relapse from hell. Before the relapse I had been on Paxil very succesfully for probably eight years. I sucessfully weaned off of Paxil (boy I wish I had never done that) for maybe four months when the depression came back with a vengence. I could not tolerate Paxil anymore and after two years of hell and I managed to tolerate Effexor. But, it was never a happy relationship. I've been in therapy and the psychiatrist encouraged me to wean off Effexor. Some severe stress triggers are gone now. The doc simply advised me to take it "slowly." I can't even remember what doses I took when... I was at ... 225? I reduced in 37.5 increments over the past several months with no problems. If anything I just felt better. Last night I went down to 37.5 and I felt fine today. Perhaps a little lucid! I stopped for dinner with friends (despite the recent excessive holiday season) and drank wine. I really shouldn't have done that. When I got home this evening I found that my cat pooped on my bed (rnot an unknown, but rather random act) and barfed (I guess he's not feeling well) and I just became super agitated. I mean really agitated, for me anyways. This is how my last relapse started. Agitation. So, I'm scared. I hate Effexor. I want off, but I'm so afraid of a relapse. I'm single and I don't think I can endure that again. I have gained a ton of weight on Effexor. More than I've ever weighed. I drink more. I have stopped going to the gym. Arghhhhhh. I'm so frustrated. I see the doctor Friday, but I'm venting. I want my life back.