I will try to keep this brief.

56 yo male, current diagnoses MDD, severe, with psychotic features, and anxiety disorders. Began 150mg Effexor on 06/16, dosage increased to 225mg on 07/29.

I went through a large number of the most common side effects. Most of them have dissipated, with a few remaining: increased anxiety, nausea, a few others.

Rare side effect: hypergraphia. Frightened at first, came to enjoy it and get pleasure from it. Was able to 'control' for a couple of days but is out of hand again today.

Effexor has been a God-send in re depression. Good days/bad days 50/50. See doc this coming Friday, anticipating dosage increase to 300mg. Tremendous as mood elevator (with no mania) and treatment of morbid depression. I realize that I may become addicted for life but I prefer that to hospitalization for remainder of my life.

Looking for any advice on 'controlling' the hypergraphia? I just can't it seems. Anyone else have this disorder, caused by Effexor or not?

Also looking for advice on decreasing anxiety. I've been on Xanax since 1987, currently on 1mg tablet 4x daily. Effexor does not help but rather exacerbates. Suggestions?

Back to Effexor with two more questions: drugs.com monograph says that conventional tabs should be taken WITH FOOD – I have no instructions to do so. What do others do? Taken with food may decrease nausea?

And dosage – I take three (3) 75mg tabs at once in the morning. Same monograph suggests 2 to 3 times daily dosage. I have no instructions to do so. What do others do? I sleep very well but upon waking have 'craving' for Effexor. Should I take one 75mg tablet 3 times daily? I really should ask my doc – just found out about the food/dosage information 20 minutes ago. Please, if you can, let me know.

And if you've any suggestions for controlling hypergraphia, PLEASE respond.

Thanks,