Hi! I have been on Effexor now for 17years. I am 52 years old. I have gained SO much weight since being on the drug. I call it my "happy pill". I am wondering if I should try something different, though. For the past 2 years I wake up nauseated and I sweat frequently (when everyone else is dry). Sometimes I think I am going through menopause, but how am I really to know? I know every doctor will give me different advice and I don't want to pay a doctor to do just that. Do you any of experience what I'm experiencing? I stopped taking the drug for the past 2 days. I am so dizzy, nauseated (more so now). Do you believe the effexor is what has caused my weight gain, nausea and sweating? Is there a better drug or a natural drug to replace the effexor with less harsh side affects?