"i wanted to offer my support and experience with venlafaxine. i have never taken antidepressants.

after an accident which had altered my lifestyle and enjoyment of life, i talked to my doctor. i did not want to risk going on pain meds (i know myself well enough that i fear possible addiction), and he suggested an antidepressant. i started at 75 for 2 weeks and increased to 150 after.

initially had weird experience of wanting to smile for no reason. i didn&#039;t like this as it almost seemed like mental gymnastics to reconcile this induced sense of excessive happiness and smiling at nothing. this has mostly subsided now after 1 month on 150.

the only other big side effect is sexual. other men may understand where i am coming from. my libido is actually slightly higher (may be because i am no longer depressed), and i have no problem at all with arousal. however actually climaxing is a big effort. when it does finally happen though, it&#039;s more intense.

other than that, no side effects. on the major plus side, no more sleeping in and calling in sick to work. i have a renewed zest for life. it&#039;s amazing to look forward to waking up and starting my day! i start up conversations with strangers at the coffee shop and and have made new friends. if a negative thought enters my mind, it just seems to dissolve as quickly as it came.

i am truly thrilled with this antidepressant and recommend."