Dysthymia
 

So...I have Dysthemia..anyone else had this kind of thing before?

It's a constant feeling of intense anxiety about nothing and constant depression, which totally ruins your life. Also, being OCD, I obsess about it, and have become unable to sleep without sleeping pills(zopiclone), because I obsess so much on if I'll be able to sleep or not that I, in turn, can't, retarded but reality for me. It's pissing me off SO bad these days, I've been very close to doing very drastic things as well...

I'm now on the anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drug Effexor, anyone have any experience with this drug, I don't know much about it so any experience would be helpful, I research lots, but a first-hand account is always the best?

So yeah, anyone gone through this kind of thing before, and if so how'd you deal with it?

My understanding of dysthymia is that it is a milder and less severe form of depression, but if that’s what you’ve been professionally diagnosed with, go with that.

However, I’m inclined to think that the constant feelings of anxiety you’re describing sounds more consistent with a Generalised Anxiety Disorder (which is one indication for Venlafaxine (Effexor)). When talking antidepressants it should be noted that side effects will occur immediately, but the positive effects of the medication may not take place until 2-3 weeks. So with regards to treatment compliance keep this in mind, and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get instant improvements.

Medications have different effects on different people. All I would suggest is that you give it time to kick in, and if you don't feel like it's helping you at all then contact your doctor and ask about something else, medication or otherwise.

I've been on it (and about eight others). Chances are, the first antidepressant you try isn't the one that will help you. Also watch out for side-effects (impotence and imsomnia being the most common).

I've noticed so far that I feel nauxious more often, and I'm sleepy ALL the time. It seems to have the opposite effect of insomnia, which I've heard is also common.

I've never been on that particular one, but the couple they've tried on me have both made me feel like I'm constantly on the edge of throwing up. Watch out for it fucking with emotions it's not supposed to effect aswell.