I know it's an old thread but thought I'd share my experience. I was on 300mg (150bd) Effexor/Venlafaxine for around 4 years after many other antidepressants. Around 3 months ago after finally seeing a specialist I was given a diagnosis of BPD and I'm now on Lamotrigine however they wanted me off the Effexor and so did I as I found it to be a horrible drug. In the past I've had Prozac and this was advised as a way to get off the Effexor without the huge withdrawals. So about a week ago I did as I was told and switched directly from one to the other, 300mg Effexor-40mg Prozac . All I can say is it's been absolute hell. I do suffer from brain zaps on Effexor if I was ever late for a dose so did expect some but not to the level I get now. I get zaps not only when I move my eyes but also when I touch anything with my fingers etc aswell as mood swings, major irritability and so on. Yet no other side effects with upset stomach, dizziness etc. Hopefully it works better for others that move between them and I do wonder if the tapering angle would be different to the straight swap. The specialist said his experience had showed going this route has shown great results for anyone coming off Effexor and with virtually no withdrawal. Not me unfortunately! Hope I'm just one of the unlucky ones. Look after yourselves. T