I took citalopram for about a year until it stopped working so well even at the highest dose then was put on venlafaxine.
I have gained quite a bit of weight although I couldn't say for certain that it is due to the tablets, I suspect it is partly just feeling happy! The venlafaxine has literally changed my life, I am now confident and happy, have changed my career etc etc.
I was originally told I would need to stay on it a year (which I have) but I am very nervous that things will go wrong if I stop taking it. A couple of months ago I accidently went cold turkey (took a daily antibiotic instead of the venlafaxine!!) and it was utter hell. I was dizzy, disorientated and being sick after 2 days and by day 3 I was contemplating suicide. Obviously I wouldn't ever stop like this on purpose but it frightened me seeing how dependent I am on it. So is there a benefit to coming off it or should I just keep quiet and keep getting repeat prescriptions?!