Hi, folks,

I've told my story here before but I don't know what to do right now.

My doc put me on Effexor, 150mg, on June 16, 2015. On July 29, the dosage was increased to 225mg. I had some side effects but all, except for dry mouth, went away. This past weekend I had some horrible gastrointestinal problems and since then have been having symptoms which could or could not be all attributed to Effexor, although some could be GI related.

Although I am much less confused with the Effexor, right now I feel anxiety like never before – like a giant vice is crushing my chest. I feel nauseous, I can only eat applesauce. I have pain in my upper GI tract. I have a constant low grade fever. I have come very close to passing out but my BP is fine.

I have an appointment with my GI doc Monday. Some of my symptoms could be attributed to various GI illnesses. When I wrote that ALL of my symptoms could be attributed to Effexor, I mean that you have to go down the list to the "rare" side effects to include them all.

I cancelled the appointment that I had yesterday with my shrink. There was just no way that I could make it.

I've spent three days in Hell. I don't want all of this to be the Effexor – it (and Nardil) is the only antidepressant that I have ever had positive experiences. The last time that I was treated for the exact same diagnoses that I have now – Major Depressive Disorder, Severe, with Psychotic Features and Anxiety Disorder – I spent a total of twenty-four weeks undergoing ECT. It worked but now, 16 years later, I'm back again.

I need a plan. I have a plan in mind but I can sometimes become delusional and I don't know if it makes sense, which is why I've come here... for opinions and alternative suggestions.

I think that I will try to tough it out until next Monday. I will see my GI doc and go from there (his nurse told me just to come to the ER if I had another GI incident before my appointment). I will continue to take the Effexor as directed but will keep a list of the "possible" side effects if there is not a GI explanation for my maladies.

I would, if I have to stop the Effexor, agree to ECT sessions – hopefully not as many as last time as I'm not hospitalized now nor near catatonia – expecting good results.

Just writing this has eased some anxiety. For those who didn't read my "introduction" I'll just P.S. and say that I have had both legs amputated and that transportation is difficult (I could have, for example, seen my GI doc yesterday afternoon, but I had no transportation – I can no longer even transfer to a car after my last surgery).

For anyone reading this – does this seem a sensible plan? Any suggestions?

Thanks,