Yes I have taken Effexor with SSRI's. It is safe if dosing is correct.
What worked best for me was taking an SSRI with a Tricyclic antidepressant which is safe to do also.
Can't take a Tricyclic with SNRI though. It's bad news.
Combine that Lexapro with Lithium and you may find a lot more relief. Lithium is also a great antidepressant if given in the right dosages.
Good luck on going med free. Wish I could.
I took myself off Effexor last year after two years. Before that I had been on Sertraline. Doctor tried me on Prozac but had terrible side effects with that and taken off after a few weeks. I have now started Effexor again, 75mg at present. Hope to go to 150mg in January. Withdrawal was awful, and now going back on is difficult. This time I will stay on meds for life. I know I cannot cope without. Effexor seems to suit me. Trial and error. Hope you keep well when you come off your meds. Good luck. Bless you.
I have been taking Effexor XR 450mg and Buproprion 450mg for a couple of years. I'm weaning off the Effexor, going onto Pristiq and continuing the Buproprion.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed,