Effexor didn't work well for me. Everyone's different, though. I only lasted about a month on it. I was taking it for agoraphobia and panic attacks. Effexor made me very drowsy and out of it, but more anxious than usual. I was extremely fidgety -- couldn't keep my feet still -- and I had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. I just felt exhausted and on edge all the time.

Celexa ended up working very well for me but with some laziness and a feeling of inertia as a side effect. It helped me get over the agoraphobia, though, and I was well enough to stop taking it about a year ago. I had no negative withdrawal effects.

I recently started taking Lexapro for depression and it has been great so far. My depression has lifted and as a surprising bonus, I haven't had even one panic attack in over 3 weeks. I'm having hardly any anxiety at all.

I hope you find something that works for you. If you're very concerned about taking Effexor, tell your doctor. You need to feel comfortable with your treatment.