Yep. Effexor was hellish for me personally but I know a fair number of people who have had success with it. (Chemistry is so individual, I hope nobody gets the impression that if they try either Effexor or Wellbutrin and it's unsuccessful, they've "tried SNRI's" and shouldn't try the other one.)
I had a similar experience, the norepinephrine aspect really reduced my anxiety - I used to have panic disorder and now it's a lot more calm. There was a day within the past year when I messed up with taking my meds and didn't get one for 36 hours (usually I have one every 12 hours) and OMG, it was SO AWFUL. I'd forgotten what it was like to be in that emotional place where you're on the edge of panic every second.
Re: Since I Abused My Caffene Intake and Can't Sleep
I had a similar experience, the norepinephrine aspect really reduced my anxiety - I used to have panic disorder and now it's a lot more calm. There was a day within the past year when I messed up with taking my meds and didn't get one for 36 hours (usually I have one every 12 hours) and OMG, it was SO AWFUL. I'd forgotten what it was like to be in that emotional place where you're on the edge of panic every second.