Hi all, 

I know this has been asked before but I wanted to give some context to my own situation and maybe some of your experiences will be similar? Also, sorry for the length of this post.

I have diagnosed social and generalised anxiety, the generalised being most problematic. I'm currently in CBT. My issue has been, my moods. I feel anxiety fuels this but I spoke to my psychiatrist who said I have 'emotional dysregulation'. Basically, I don't feel happy often and when I do, I'm worried about what will go wrong. Mostly, I'm a mess and my moods are frequently anxious, sad, anger, irritability etc and these can be triggered from the smallest of things and last hours. It's destroying me and having a massive impact on my relationship. I've started going to the gym and doing some mindfulness which kind of helps but only 'in the moment'. Previously I've tried a beta blocker and citalopram, escitalopram and Effexor. All gave me some not so nice side-effects including the sexual issues too but I did not give the Effexor long enough to work. So I've been against all meds since but I can no longer do this myself and feel I need the help. 

So here's my question, I want to try Effexor again or a SNRI of some description as I've heard these can help anxiety the most. My main concern is - sexual dysfunction which did happen when on Effexor but again I did not stay on long enough to see if this subsides, weight change as weight used to be a massive trigger for my social anxiety  and the apparent withdrawals that are attached to this drug. In your experience (especially for anxiety / mood regulation), what has Effexor done for you? Also, in terms of weight change, sexual issues, what are your experiences? 

I really appreciate all of you that take the time to read and share your experiences with me. I just want to feel myself again. Thank you.