Regarding Effexor XR;  My husband was on it for a couple of years.  He gained a substantial amount of weight, had sexual side effects, and his blood pressure went way up.  Be very careful if you do get on it.  As with so many medications, everyone’s side effects are different.  The benefits did not outweigh the negatives for my husband.  If you do start taking it, don’t EVER stop taking it cold turkey.  You MUST be tapered off this medication or you will have serious side effects. We found this out the hard way. 

My husband has done much better on a low dose of zoloft.

Best wishes.