I don't know what has changed since the "brain zaps" post but things are suddenly much better again. I have been on effexor for nearly 2 1/2yrs now, 375mg/day until about October when I reduced it to 300mg/day. There is NO chance of coming off it any time soon- the couple of times I have missed doses (esp when I stopped using a weekly organiser) the most major problem I experienced was a severely low mood...a great indicator that this med IS doing what it should!!! Good luck and I hope things ease up for you ASAP