I've been on antidepressants since prozac came out in the 80s. I take effexor now and it's fine, BUT, let me warn you that getting off of it is nearly impossible. The withdrawl is awful and if you don't intend on using meds the rest of your life; I'd tough it out without them now. Easy for me to say, but believe me, I understand what you feel like and how you crave some relief. I fight everyday to not call my dr. and beg for something to numb me up a bit. Today is a better day, yesterday was a total meltdown. I guess this is how it's supposed to be,but man, it's exausting as hell.