Venlafaxine was a lifesaver for me in treating the depression, anxiety, and in regulating sleep; there was dry mouth but drinking water and Biotene products helped with that. I was dismayed when an unusual side effect developed that had to come off of it because it was working so well otherwise. We tapered it very slowly especially given the higher dose that was on, but I experienced no withdrawal effects, thanks to the very gradual tapering; taper, taper, taper, if you have to come off of it. Best wishes Buttercup.