I took Effexor some years ago. It was actually one of the most effective meds I was on. Unfortunately, meds poop out on me over time and I had to move to a different med.

I had no trouble with it while I was on it. The withdrawal from effexor is well-known to be difficult for many. I did have the "brain zaps" while I was withdrawing. They are strange sensations (it always felt/sounded like a race car zooming through my head -- pretty bizarre), but not really painful, at least not for me. Just really distracting (and not a seizure). It took about 2 weeks to withdraw and after that I really didn't have any further problems. What people experience varies, just like any other psychotropic med.

If you are worried about effexor, perhaps you need to call your doctor and ask to try something different because of your anxiety over this. There are many other options.