Linda was on Effexor for about 2 years.....after some initial therapy and prior to finally "conceding" to taking the medication, she felt very "un-normal" with periods of low sleep or very light sleep and a feeling of anxiety for no good reason. She initially went on to a low dosage as she HATES the idea of taking any medication....this is usually NOT a good idea with depression medication....many, like Effexor, need to be at a certain strength before the benefits actually kick in correctly. Once she came to this understanding and moved up to the "correct" dosage the drug began to have its "hoped for" effects.
At any rate the Effexor worked by helping her to get good sleep and reducing the anxiety and depression. She, once again, felt "normal" and she looked and acted that way to me. Mind you, "normal" for Linda is NEVER passive or "compliant" in any way and I love her that way!
After about the two years, she made the decision, working with her doctor, to wean herself back off. Thankfully, she did not get the "electric zaps" that many complained about in withdrawal and has been off the medication now for about a year....so far, so good...only occasional problems at that special time of the month. I am proud of her....wish I had her willpower.
So I think that some folks need the medication for long term, some can get on and get off with careful supervision and some can get by without any medication at all....knowledge is power as in most decision making processes and empowerment is most important for depression problems........its the do-nothing/avoidance approach when there is a problem that is most dangerous IMHO....