"i was prescribed venlafaxine ~3 months ago for depression co-morbid with anxiety (mostly social in nature). during the first week side-effects included feeling &quot;strange&quot;/&quot;spaced out&quot; and jaw clenching. i still have mild anxiety &quot;jitteryness&quot;, some foul smelling flatulance(!) and limb twitching/achiness. i don&#039;t really know if it has worked for depression so give it a modest rating. i do feel slightly better but i don&#039;t know if i can credit the drugs because i made some significant lifestyle changes. as for anxiety, i do feel less hesitant in conversations and less obsessive over saying something &quot;awkward&quot;. i think this is because of the drugs, but unfortunately these social improvements haven&#039;t really translated into improved confidence"