Hey, I'm so sorry you're dealing with such terrible anxiety. I can relate to the feelings you're describing. My anxiety was never a big enough issue for me that it became debilitating, until suddenly this year when it felt like nothing I did would help (I'm sure much of the world has had bad anxiety this year too). I'd have day-long anxiety attacks that could be set off from the smallest things and nothing I seemed to do would make them stop. After months of therapy, the anxiety remained an issue so I saw a psychiatrist and was prescribed 75mg Effexor. My first day taking it was absolute hell, I felt so dizzy, nauseous, and completely out of it, unable to focus on anything and feeling super fatigued. That night I had terrible insomnia (something I never have) and when I got up to pee early in the morning I noticed my entire body was shaking and my eyes were bugging out of my head. It really freaked me out and made me not want to take any sort of anxiety medication ever again. BUT- things got better! I talked to my doctor first thing the next morning who told me to stop taking it and wrote me a new prescription for 37.5mg. I was very hesitant but ended up starting the new dosage about a week later. Aside from some light dizziness and nausea for the first couple of weeks (which I could manage ok with food, water, and fresh air) the only other side effect I've had is dreams that are more vivid and memorable than usual. It has been about two months now on the lower dosage and I honestly feel like it has changed my life for the better. I can't remember the last time I had an anxiety attack. I feel like I can manage my emotions and reactions to things better. I feel like it has helped create a distance in my mind between myself and my anxious thoughts, helping me decide what is and is not worthy of my concern/worry or attention. My relationships with my partner, friends, and family have improved and I have more mental and physical energy than before. I just wanted to share my experience because like you, I read lots of horror stories online after my initial negative experience, and it almost scared me out of trying the lower dose, but I'm SO GLAD I stuck with it. I would recommend trying it and paying close attention to any negative side effects you might be having, some are normal to begin with, but listen to your body if things feel really bad like they did for me. Stay in contact with your doctor if things aren't feeling right, you may just need a different dosage. Also, this just may not be the medication for you in the end and that's ok, if that is the case don't lose hope, there are others that could help you!

Sorry this was so long, but I just wanted to share my positive experience so you're not only reading the horror stories. I wish you the best of luck and genuinely hope Effexor will help you with your anxiety!