I take 150mg Effexor XR each morning without food, and I never experienced an upset stomach, which I assumed was the reason it says to take with food. My anxious personality says the medicine isn’t working its full potential because I am taking it on an empty stomach. I would ask my doctor and I will to confirm but I don’t see him for a couple more weeks. I just wanted to hear what you guys had to say as well. Thank you!!