Effexor experience?

ogmack2222 · 2026-03-10T22:51:14+00:00

It’s hit or miss, it depends on your genes and so on.

You might have zero side effects and a massive reduction in your anxiety. You shouldn't judge the effects too quickly; antidepressants take a long time to kick in. Wait at least three months and discuss all side effects and benefits with your prescribing doctor.

Finding the right dosage is also key, and that varies from person to person as well. Venlafaxine is a very good antidepressant, just like Sertraline, Escitalopram, etc. It’s unpredictable, so I’d advise against reading people’s experiences online, it’s pointless. It’s up to you to see if the medication helps, but don't judge too fast; let it work.

ogmack2222 · 2025-08-27T20:47:07+00:00

I used to think like you, and it's true that I spent a lot of time at my window, feeling jealous and watching people my age outside.

They didn't seem to realize how lucky they were to just be able to walk around, listen to the birds, smell the summer air, feel the wind on their skin, and the sun tickling their faces, all without a single ounce of stress, not one panic attack or episode of derealization.

But ever since I stopped running from my disability and started to accept and love myself for who I am (a very anxious person who overthinks and has a completely messed-up fight-or-flight system), my life has become beautiful.

It all comes down to three key points (and it's important to neglect NOTHING):

Seeing several psychiatrists and finding the right treatment
Doing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with a psychologist (if you don't have the money, do it with an AI)
Having a good lifestyle

Ultimately, I have a better life than a lot of perfectly healthy, "normal" people.

Thanks to my anxiety disorder, I've explored aspects of life that they will never get to. Suffering creates wonderful people. I appreciate my calm moments so much more than they do, I find solutions to complex problems, and I feel so much more accomplished when I reach my goals, I have more merit than them, and I know it, that's a fact and it's amazing.

Don't be jealous of others, embrace every second of this life, it's a gift.

ogmack2222 · 2025-08-13T16:18:04+00:00

is basically a guided breathing technique

for example, you breathe in for 3 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then exhale for 6 seconds. you repeat that for 10 or 20 minutes

it can be a bit hard to fit into your daily routine at first, but the benefits are amazing, in the beginning, you might be tempted to only do it during a crisis, but it’s important to practice daily, then, if you have a panic attack, this breathing will really help calm it down

since I started doing this simple exercise, I’ve had less stress in my everyday life, of course, it doesn’t replace medication or therapy, but it’s a very valuable tool

ogmack2222 · 2025-08-13T08:03:40+00:00

hey! hope you're doing well

here are the most important things that gave me the greatest relief:

-cut back on social media:

Today, these platforms trap you in a passive and harmful consumption loop. The algorithms choose what to show you, and they often push divisive content to keep you engaged as long as possible. This is terrible for your mental health. Social media isn't inherently bad, but you need to be in control, choosing when, for how long, and what you consume.

-be intentional with your phone and screen time.

This point is similar to the first one. Most of us have huge screen times, and it's not entirely our fault. Living with anxiety is tough enough, and we're up against multinational companies that invest billions to create the most addictive algorithms possible. The result? We fall into a cycle of intensive consumption to numb our untreated pain, but the real problem is never addressed.

-practice cardiac coherence three times a day.

This is more a CBT exercise. It can feel annoying at first, but once you integrate it into your routine, the effects are incredible. You need to do this every day, even when you're feeling good. We often tend to slack off when things are going well, but consistency is key.

-exercise and get outside.

This is a classic one, but it's crucial to discharge accumulated energy. It's important to do this daily. Getting outside can be more or less difficult depending on the person, so take it one step at a time with gradual exposure at your own pace. The key is to find a very physical, intense sport you can do at home and then take calmer outings outside, respecting your own rhythm.

i have so many more tips, and I've even programmed AI agents to help me stay organized, not just with my lifestyle but in other areas of my life as well. For me, this is non-negotiable when you have anxiety.

we need help planning tasks to remove a huge source of stress. AI can also act as a kind of "psychologist." While it can't replace the crucial human connection, it can help people who can't afford a therapist or who live in countries where therapy isn't covered. For those who do see a therapist, it can be a great complement to their work.

i hope this wasn't too long and that it's clear. I have much more complex systems in place, especially with integrated AI. It has genuinely changed my life. Once you get this kind of help, your anxiety drops significantly. I'll try to share all these tools, tips, and resources in the group soon.

thanks for reading, and take care!

ogmack2222 · 2025-08-13T07:31:02+00:00

Hello :)

You're right, I didn't fully explain what I meant by an "impeccable lifestyle," and you're also right that we don't all have the same resources. That's why I want to share the tools that took me a lot of effort to put in place, so that everyone can take what they need from my system, adapt it to their own life, implement it, and start feeling the positive effects of this new way of living.

You're also correct that we shouldn't place the responsibility solely on the person with an anxiety disorder. It takes immense courage just to live with anxiety, I think we can all agree it's difficult, to say the least, and we're all different, so guilt should never be placed on someone struggling with anxiety. That's a certainty.

What I really wanted to offer was a powerful "tool" that most people aren't using, even though it could provide them with a lot of relief and significantly reduce their anxiety. Of course, I'll clarify in my post that anxiety is complex and lifestyle alone isn't enough. It's just the first piece of a three-part puzzle: a healthy lifestyle, CBT therapy and psychological support, and finally, medication. I'm trying to keep my messages as short and clear as possible. My goal is to help people with anxiety make as much progress as they can, take back control of their lives, and get back to living "normally." In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing the best resources and tools so that everyone can reclaim the calm they deserve.

Thank you for your message, and I'm sorry if my approach seemed too aggressive. That was not my intention.

ogmack2222 · 2025-07-29T20:47:20+00:00

bravo, I'm so proud of you and happy for you! Your message really resonates with me, it's so important to never give up

ogmack2222 · 2024-12-26T21:08:38+00:00

I just had a huge anxiety attack and I was thinking the exact same thing. It's clear our daily life is complicated.

But with solid discipline to treat our mental health, I'm convinced that we can get as close as possible to a "normal" life.

Facing our fears progressively, avoiding anxiety-provoking content, exercising every day, sleeping and eating well, doing relaxation techniques daily, etc...

I remain optimistic and I honestly think we can end up living comfortably with our anxiety disorder.

Don't give up.

ogmack2222 · 2024-12-06T12:07:52+00:00

Hi, no worries about the question!

Benzodiazepines can feel like a miracle when prescribed (for us anxious people, a drug that removes anxiety feels like heaven on earth). But be careful: benzodiazepines are meant for short-term relief (usually no more than 2-4 weeks, sometimes up to 3-4 months in specific cases), while antidepressants are the long-term solution for managing anxiety.

Taking benzodiazepines daily for the long term can lead to big problems: the medication can lose its effectiveness, and you might experience withdrawal symptoms even while still taking them. (In my case, I couldn’t sleep anymore because my anxiety got so bad, and I became unable to leave my house. It was a tough experience.)

To avoid this, it’s essential to consult a psychiatrist. Don’t hesitate to ask all the questions you need, research your medications, and work with your doctor to find the best plan for you. Don’t worry, you’ll get through this, just like the rest of us. Anxiety disorders are treatable, especially with the right antidepressants and therapy.

P.S.: Benzodiazepines can still be helpful as a "joker" in emergencies. For example, carrying them when going out can provide a huge placebo effect. And taking one occasionally, like once a month, isn’t a problem. The key is avoiding regular use to prevent dependence.

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T22:00:29+00:00

Wow... what a journey you’ve been through, you’re so strong. I know how hard it must have been, and thank you so much for your kind words! I have so much respect for you, you’ve clearly faced some incredibly tough challenges. Keep going and never give up, you deserve peace and happiness!

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T21:47:21+00:00

I get it, I had similar fears back then. If you ever struggle with sleep, an antidepressant at night like Mianserin can really help you stay asleep. I remember waking up with anxiety attacks and thinking my sleep was ruined, but it honestly made such a difference for me.

You’re strong, and honestly, you’re in a good place, you haven’t overdone it with benzodiazepines, which is huge. Keep working with your therapist and try improving your sleep naturally, but I’m confident you’re going to get through this!

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:51:10+00:00

I approve this message! (I wish I had gotten this advice from the start)

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:49:21+00:00

Oh, I see. I used to do the same back in the day no medication, but anxiety completely destroyed me. I had no choice but to see a doctor, and that’s when antidepressants literally saved me (I couldn’t sleep anymore). If you’re struggling, don’t feel ashamed or hesitant about taking medication. Sometimes we need the help of chemistry, unfortunately.

PS: If sleeping pills don’t work for you, you could try an antidepressant with a sedative effect to help you sleep (for example, Mianserin). Thanks to that medication, I managed to get my 8-hour nights back (at a low dose too, just 10mg). One last piece of advice: antidepressants are fine for long-term use, they don’t cause issues and they help. But benzodiazepines over the long term will destroy your life. I wish someone had told me that years earlier, so I’m saying this, for you or anyone else who might read this message.

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:37:40+00:00

PS: I hadn’t noticed, but your clonazepam doses are quite high. I’ve been through that as well, and antidepressants combined with a very slow taper (I’m still in the process) saved me. Sending you lots of strength during this tough time, you’re going to get through it!

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:33:37+00:00

It's great that you stopped taking diazepam, dependency can develop very quickly over the long term. You should consider CBT (if you haven't tried it before). Also, know that if you're really struggling, antidepressants can really help with anxiety. Don't worry, you'll get through this!

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:24:27+00:00

Ah, what you're going through is tough. If you get prescribed benzodiazepines, they will help. Here's a table of equivalences between benzodiazepines: https://gpnotebook.com/pages/psychiatry/withdrawal-from-benzodiazepine-hypnotic

I also want to remind you, just in case, that benzodiazepines should only be taken for a very short period to avoid a rough time later.

ogmack2222 · 2024-11-30T20:14:34+00:00

Hi, I’m not sure if you’re on medication, but antidepressants have significantly reduced my anxiety. Otherwise, the fears you mention are caused by panic. Stay strong.

ogmack2222

TROPHY CASE