That’s very odd that something as strong as Effexor with such enormous side effects would be prescribed for back pain. I have taken / been on 2 dozen medications over the years and Effexor was the WORSE at withdrawals and side effects. Not to mention obviously in a pretty normal person, brain activity / chemical wise prescribing something that will alter the chemistry would seem very irrational and dangerous.

I would recommend NOT using any mental medications such as Effexor unless he needs help with his depression, anxiety and so forth. (but you even said it wasnt doing the trick)

And as Fay said, never heard of Effexor in particular being used for back pain treatment. It’s almost insane to use it for that.