I have been on Effexor (75 mg) for the past three weeks and friends and family have noticed a difference. I seem to be less anxious and I'm more relaxed. I am IBS-D and knock on wood, I haven't had an episode at all in the last three weeks and I don't follow any certain diet right now. I have removed all my triggers and I mostly eat carbs. I do have turkey and chicken and occasional cheeseburger and biggie fry from Wendy's. That's the only fast food joint I can eat without getting diarrhea. I'll have it once every two weeks. I think it's good and I'd try it if I were you. I used to take xanax which made me feel like a zombie. This doesn't have that affect. I take it between 8-9 at night because within one hour of eating, I'm tired!! Make sure to eat bread or a bagel or an english muffin with it. You have to take it with food or you'll get a stomache. Hope this helps! Good luck! I know how depressing some things can get when it feels like IBS and anxiety rule.