I was on Effexor for a year. I didn't really like it, 'cause it made me feel blah, but meds work differently for everyone. If it's working for you, stick with it. I was kind of dumb, and I quit taking it without talking to my doc, but I really don't remember having any side effects worse than some wicked headaches. If you're doc helps you when you're ready to stop, you should be fine.