Starting Effexor

Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Starting Effexor
6
Fri, 11-03-2006 - 11:23am

OK, today is day 4. I have not slept in 2 days! Even after taking Xanax. ??? I was supposed to work this morning and called in because I was so wiped out. I'm supposed to go on an overnight women's church retreat this afternoon. Part of me thinks this might be just what I need - get away from my day to day anxiety. But part of me wonders if I should get my meds worked out before doing something like this. It's like I can't make a decision.

I was reading the archives and someone said most side effects go away after the first few days. Please tell me this is true! I have a call in to my doctor as well.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 11-03-2006 - 12:16pm

Some people do feel hyper or jittery & have trouble sleeping for up to a week to 10 days. I took effexor for over 3 years & never had that effect from it or other antidepressants I was on. Each med effects each of us differently, though.


What time are you taking the effexor? If it's contributing to insomnia, you should take it as early in the day as possible. As for the retreat, I would go if in your shoes. It will give you some *me* time that we all need. It should be a pleasant diversion & you will have so much company to talk with. That will be a good focus away from your anxiety. Let us know what you decide

 

 


 



Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 11-03-2006 - 12:35pm

Thanks for your quick reply. I am taking it first thing in the morning with my breakfast.

One of the way my anxiety manifests itself is insomnia, so I don't know which end is up at this point. I'm kind of hoping it's just a side effect that will go away.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Fri, 11-03-2006 - 3:41pm

I don't know anything about Exeffor, but insomnia makes me wretched. (((Hugs))) I hope your doctor can help and you find relief soon.

Dee

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
Fri, 11-03-2006 - 4:44pm

my husband takes effexor every day, he said it is normal what is going on he takes his first thing in the morning and he is fine.

nicole

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2003
Mon, 11-06-2006 - 8:03pm
Sorry I'm a little late here .. but I've been on vacation! I started Effexor XR about 3 months ago ... the side effects do go away, some within a few days, some within a few weeks ... I was told to take mine in the morning so it doesn't affect my sleep ... I don't know when you take yours but if you take it at night, I've heard it can cause insomnia so maybe talk to your doc about changing times of when you take it. If it is still bad taking it in the AM then maybe your doc can prescribe something to help you sleep! Good luck :)

Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 11-06-2006 - 8:26pm
Thanks for your post. I was taking Effexor first thing in the AM. My doctor switched me to Lexapro after the 2 day insomnia episode. (It was truly horrible) I am not experiencing as many of the weird side effects with Lexapro as I was with Effexor. Although I noticed my feet are really sweaty which is kinda gross. LOL