Be really careful if you try to taper yourself off Effexor. I had a horrible withdrawal reaction when my psychiatrist tried to taper me off of it a few years ago... dizziness, several near-fainting episodes, racing pulse, "electric shock" sensations, very high anxiety, mood swings, dramatically increased SI. When I increased my dose again, I was fine. I ended up having to taper off very slowly over a few months. Not everyone has as much difficulty going off Effexor as I did, but some people do.

Is there a low cost community mental health clinic near you that might be a possiblity? Some health care systems also have free care programs, where if you can document that your income is low enough, they'll cover your medical expenses.... I'm enrolled in such a program myself. Good luck if you do decide to do the taper.

peace,
garden gal