"i started using this medication for gad and for depression. i started off with 5mg for two weeks and gradually worked my way up to 20mg. the first week of side effects was terrible: insomnia, nausea, mood swings, upset stomach. but i continued taking it as recommended. i used it for about six months and saw no positive changes. i experienced many suicidal thoughts, strange dreams, sleepless nights, sleeping too much, and crazy mood swings. this almost caused my boyfriend and i to break up. i would not recommend it, but it may work for someone else. i am on an ssnri (different family: effexor) now and have no side effects."