glad you're back and hope you're feeling better. I took Effexor for four years for dysthymia (before I was triathlon training) and it worked really well for me. it was a bitch for me to get off of, but you don't have to deal with that right now. :) I do agree with what someone else said about getting therapy in addition to the medication. one alone sometimes isn't enough. I really don't have anything more to offer than to let you know I'm thinking about you and good luck.
Cam
Cam