I've been on 150 mg venlafaxine (generic effexor) for a couple of years. The only way to get off this with minimal side effects is to taper *really* slowly. Each time I reduced a dosage, if I got uncomfortable side effects, I realised my body wasn't ready. Even my final taper (9mg) I stayed on for about a month before I finally stopped altogether 4 days ago. I have had a couple of brain zaps, but literally maybe only a couple of mild ones a day, certainly nothing like what I used to get if I ever was a couple of hours late taking my tablet. My head feels a bit clearer today, and I'm sure I won't take this tablet again (although it helped me, withdrawal is so hard). I just wanted to add some hope, as all I could ever find was stories from people having a tough time.