I've been on Effexor XR (not the generic.. the generic *****) for about 5-6 years now. I was a lot different 5 years ago though. It was great for the 1st few years, I didn't get down, I was happy however, like a numb happy. I wanted to be numb then though. I now want to feel and have a mind that isn't blah. I feel like Effexor has almost stolen my creativity. The withdrawl from Effexor I hear is terrible. Brain shakes, nausea, episodes of crying, paranoia, anxiety X10.