@doorman that is great to hear that you are starting to feel better after 6 weeks. historically for me when i get on meds the first 2 weeks where you get none of the benefits and all of the side effects are at the edge of what i can bear, its been like that every time. thankfully im one weekend away from that 2 week period being over. i am avoiding benzos this time around, i know they help, but last time it was harder to get off the benzos than it was to get on the effexor. im coping by lots of walking and deep breathing.