So here's my story: have been on effexor for only a few months @ 75mg extended release (XR) but was on other antidepressents before that for about 2yrs. I went through a rough couple years and have come out the other side so its time to quit. My doctor (who is awesome) gave me my options and the plan we agreed on was this: prescribe 25mg non-extended release so that i could step down gradually; 50mg -> 25mg->12.5mg daily. Each of these stages were between a week or two long depended on how i felt. Also, since it's not the extended release u have to take them throughout the day (for example, 1-75mg XR a day being the same as 3-25mg non-XR taken throughout the day) I had no terrible side effects from stepping down this way as long as i didn't miss a dose. Mild side effects included that crazy body shock feeling (which i can't stand), waves of naseau out of nowhere and yes, probably being more sensitive than normal. But i have been able to funtion though these. I took my last dose a couple days ago and still am having mild side effects but was told they should pass in a week or so. Bottom line for me is that slowly weaning oneself (and obvisouly w/ your docs approval) worked for me. Hope this helps anyone in the same boat View Thread