Hi there, been going through various medication regimes now for the last 3 years after me depression 'insidiously' crept up on me to the extent that all the nicer part of me was gone and that was just getting by, carefully avoiding being 'out in the open' and retreating into myself. Since the prozac 'pooped out' on me then i've been on somewhat of the meds roundabout with nothing working like it & seroxat once did, meanwhile time goes on and i become increasingly removed from friends etc owing to myself not having 'my spark' which i think made me good company to be around without blowing my own trumpet! I've been on venlaxaine now for approaching a year, up to max UK levels 375mg both with mirtazapine (useless) and now with escitaopram 20mg now for the last2 months, but still depressed, emotionally flat, mentally sluggish, irritable and generally socially awkward. I'm wondering about Extended release Effexor / venlafaxine as to whether this could have an additional benefit. Can one also combine the two due to them being different doses as GP proposing max XL with additional 'top up' venlafaxine. Also taking 5-HTP, Lithium Oronate & Omega 3 Fish oil with high doses of Active ED as will take / try anything to get me through and back to being a nicer / fun person again who's able to be socially and professioanl flexible and confident. Any past experiences upon their experiences on either of the Venlafaxine would be helpful. thanks