Effexor and purposely

I went into full blown menopause 5 months ago. I could not sleep at nights, unbelievable hot flashes every 15 minutes throughout the day (I couldn't go anywhere without my hand-fan), crying over the silliest things, thinking people were purposely being unkind or cruel to me, - the entire situation was a nightmare to say the least. My doctor put me on Effexor and within 2 weeks, all symptoms (above) had completely dissapeard. It is the first time in my life I feel balanced and normal (even better than before I went into menopause). The only side effect I have experienced is that I cannot lose weight - I have not gained any, but seem to be remaining at the weight I was before going on Effexor.

NIGHT TERRORS FROM THIS DRUG! I was on it over 2 years and put up with it. I was afraid to withdraw because of the horror stories, but finally I couldn't take the nightmares and vivid dreams anymore, and I withdrew myself slowly. I have been off it one month now and I feel so much better. I asked people why I didn't get the horrible withdrawal effects and was told probably because I was on other drugs. (I take Depakote for Bipolar, and I purposely took Valium while I withdrew from the Effexor).