Hi there BrightLight, just chiming in to give my love and support. I am very proud of you for not only ditching this drug but also facing the forum with the truth. Getting off of antidepressants is a pretty big friggin deal, and it's good you have this network's support.
Yes, I am BL's SO of 18 years, and I wanted to give a little background here. Early on we were gripped in the naive daze of youth, but the majority of our time together has been in a mature, adult relationship. I can remember the BL before she started taking Effexor. At the time, she was experiencing depression and had a general amount of anxiety. She saw a lot of her friends die at an early age, had to be a care-taker to her mother, and grew up way too fast. In hindsight, I can see now that she needed an outlet, something like this forum and SOTT, a group of caring friends, and to be engaged (both in conversations and 4th way work), not pills. "Here, take these, they change your brain chemistry so you can FEEL better"...What the??? That's crazy...so to speak.
The BL I knew prior to medication was very active, sure she had her depressed moments, but that is all part of the package. The greatest difference in her since she started to taper, besides being more clear headed, is that she is gaining her empathy back. It's not that she was not empathetic while on Effexor, but it had been tamed, like everything else. She has always been what I call an 'empath'. She is very observant and can feel what others feel, but with this drug she had difficulty feeling her own feelings, let alone someone else's. When she started her taper, I remember thinking, "This is the woman I fell in love with, in all her glory, emotions and all"
As far as her attempt to quit completely back around New Year's, I think she can be the type that bites off a little more than she can chew. I wouldn't say it was from a lack of research, although there is very limited data on tapering off such drugs, one must read blogs and other forums to do their research, it is not like Big Pharma is going to study how to titrate off, then give you the answers. But I do think she did it a bit too fast (she can be a bit stubborn like that ;) ). It did take a good 6 to 8 weeks after the last taper to not feel any side effects. Obviously going off clean will be the hardest step. We are prepared, though. She did not mention that she is also taking Magnesium and loads of fish oil. We have the 5-htp as well, with her currently taking a low dose, and will increase it after her last dose of Effexor. With the help of the network, me nursing her, the supplements, and her sheer will, I have no doubt that she can do this, but it will be one of the most difficult transitions of her life. We are prepared to face it.
Aya, thanks for the book suggestion, we have ordered it. :)
And thanks Ren, for the suggestion of the Fur Sauna...we don't have the funds available yet, but will in the near future, and it is certainly on our list of important purchases.
I'm so happy for you!! I know that every day won't be peaches and cream, so don't hesitate to reach out. I've been in similar shoes regarding situational stress and depression and the medication never made my situation better, it just made me not care as much-what a terrible way to live. Ugh!! I'm very glad you've made this decision and I support you 100%. I know the world at large is depressing, but remember... There is a house, full of people who care about you, and a forum that is always there to talk to. You got this! 
for your transition.
Oh well, onward and upward.
