I am currently taking 150mg of Effexor XR. If I skip a day or lord forbid 2 days, I have severe symptoms. These range from the body/brain shock sensation, sensitivity to noise, dizzy, mental confusion, speech slurring, changes in body temp and severe agitation. My doctor, who has extensive experience treating patients with Cymbalta for nerve pain, says that the most common (or effective) daily dosage for pain is anywhere between 60 - 120 mg per day. Effexor is a dual purpose antidepressant released by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and approved by the FDA in October 1997. Effexor boosts serotonin levels in the synapse in similar fashion to other SSRI's. Hi I’ve been taking Effexor XR for 13 yrs. I tried getting off this medicine and the withdrawls were so bad. I was on 37.5. So i went to see my Dr and he put me on Venlaflaxine hcl 25mg tablet.Take 1/2 morning 1/2 night for 3 months. Effexor side effects (and this would include other antidepressants as well as Effexor) may cause permanent brain damage. Psychologist Gary Greenberg expressed his concern, citing studies that showed high doses of these drugs cause changes in neurons. So it looks like I'm about to go on some form of anti-depressant or another. It kind of sucks but I think I need it. I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow (for a follow-up). yes. I have missed doses (mostly due to not re-filling in time) and I have experienced dizziness. I mean, any movement of my head or eyes makes me dizzy (the best way to describe it) almost like seeing trails. My doctor seriously told me to just stop taking my citalopram and if I want, I can take half doses. So I tried going off completely and got diarrhoea and stomach pains. Andrea, I have been off Lexapro now for 4 weeks and also have that weird dizzy feeling when I move around. I also have an odd trance-like feeling when driving that I think may be caused by the same weird feeling when moving around. Am so grateful to read your comments here, especially Debra and April - thank you thank you.I have recently had a BAD experience with SAM-E. having insomnia, anxiety, fear, shakiness, and restlessness (especially restless thoughts).