For the second time in 11 years I am trying to get off Effexor XR....first time not successful as I was counting beads in capsule..This go around I'm using 50 mg Effexor, going from 150mg down to 0..I hope..process of about 9 weeks.  history...the worst joke played on the health of america by the drug companies ever...initially was told it was not addictive which I guess in a sense is true...never felt any real effects until I missed if for a day or two...after several years I started bloating and gaining weight for no obvious reason..started my research and found this site which confirmed every physical symptom I have been feeling...I started taking antidepressants during the downfall of my former marriage....the Dr never told me how hard it would be to get off of it...he only said that if it wasn't causing me any problems, stay on it..(he takes itas well)..  He is no longer my Dr.   Current Dr is working with me closely to make sure I can do this..keeping a daily log...so far at 75 mg, it is starting to get really hard but I'm determined...my question is how long, approx, do I have to wait before these side effects disappear...cannot handle the bloating, weight gain, headaches, brain zaps much longer...definitely has affected my quality of life...How can the FDA allow a drug like this on the market that is "supposed" to relieve issues, cause so much more physical pain.