text: effexor xr is it worth it!!!? effexor xr is it worth it??? i got some sample from the doctor to take it, but i scared to death of the side effects.. i need help with my aneixty, but i soo scared of taking new meds... i guess you can call it a fear of mine!! lol what  side effects have you experiance with this, and what did it do with your weight?? i have already taken paxil and lexapro and either work for me.. paxil made me gain 16 pounds and lexapro made me sick as a dog!!! here are the cost vs. benefits of taking effexor  we'll start with the benefits. effexor is a multiple reuptake inhibitor, which modulates two neuro transmitters in your brain, norepinephrine and serotonine.  once at a theraputic range, effexor and take you out of the most deepest and darkest depression imagineable.   here are the cons (and they are not exaggerated) effexor is the most addicting of all of the antidepressants on the market today.  not addicting in a way similar to fun drugs.  because of the complex way effexor works, your brain wil become dependant to the point where effexor may become a permanent part of your life.   the withdrawal syndrome from effexor is the absolute worst amongst the serotogenic drugs.  due to the short elimination half life (amount of time it stays in yoru system) you can experience withdrawal by missing just one dose!  effexor is the hardest antidepressant to stop taking.  let's say you reach the therautic dosage of 300mg, you will have to taper off in 30mg incriments, per week.  that means it will take at least 10 weeks to wean off, that is, if your brain lets you.  effexor is only recommended for deep deep depression and try taking anything else, unless it is your last resort.  hope this helps