I will let you know. I am the same way, hesitent to take antidepressants. I go to counseling at my church and I have always felt that I should get to the "root" of the problem and not cover it up with meds...but after 4 years of struggling with the IBS I am feeling that the anxiety is from "struggling with the Embarassing IBS" for 4 years! LOL! So I am trying...between the diet and Elavil I have had a few good weeks. I will let you know when I switch to the Effexor. Thanks!