Hi I am 59 year old woman on Effexor for a long time maybe 15 years and prior to that prozac and whatever antidepressant was on the go at the time. My problem was principally anxiety. I took early retirement about 3 years ago and have tried several times to get off effexor. I feel lethargic. lacking energy and a strange symptom and interested in anyone else experiencing this.. A slow down in my breathing coupled with fatigue. It's as if metabolism has slowed down plus motility movement of food through the gut. My limbs feel heavy though I garden walk etc but my out breath seems to carry on forever! Any time I try to go off heartbeat and dreads crank up again though I have little to dread or be anxious about. I honestly think there is a hormonal connection here between menopause and effexor also. Can anyone relate to this experience. I would like to be healthier for the last few years of life.. Interested in perspectives. Thanks in advance