I have been on venlafaxine since the beginning and am still on it. I believe it has never really helped me. I was put on lamotrigine which has worked wonders I am on 300mgs a day its the only drug I found that has really worked.
Despite some unfortunate blood abnormalities I have chosen to continue on it as it has given me my life back. The good thing with lamotrigine is that it has got very good anti-depressant properties compared to some other mood stabilisers. If I ever need to i ncrease the dose then I would go for it.