I took Effexor XR along with Klonopin for my OCD symptoms for several years. The combination worked well for me until the Effexor stopped working. I then started taking Lexapro and Remeron, which have been working well until my doctor suggested reducing the Remeron. That had the effect of bringing on a recent bout with OCD symptoms. I ramped back up on the Remeron and have been fine since then. So, while I don't have any experience with Effexor by itself, for me a combination of medications has been the most effective.