Venlafaxine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "The positive: it has an almost immediate effect. From day one, there's a lift in mood. Effexor XR also gives a feeling of energy, both mental and physical. I've also noticed a significant decrease in my social anxiety, I can talk to anyone without feeling nervous - this 'extra' effect began, again, on day one. The negative: slight feelings of nausea with a definite decrease in appetite. I don't really enjoy my meals as much while on Effexor. I've also noticed a form of insomnia since starting - early awakenings and not being able to get back to sleep."

• fir...
• February 8, 2017

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I've been on Effexor for 2 weeks now. I feel a lot less anxious and generally happier. I've noticed some side effects, which I was expecting. So I thought I'd share my experience: sweaty hands, blurred vision, nightmares, stomach ache/headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, major increase of the effects of alcohol. Those are just some of them."

• Jul...
• August 19, 2015

For Hot Flashes "I started taking Effexor to counteract the hot flashes caused by Tamoxifen. This was truly a miracle cure for the hot flashes. Literally, I took the first dose of Effexor, and the hot flashes were completely gone within an hour. I continued taking the medication for 4 days with not a single hot flash. It was amazing! But I had to stop taking it because I slept about 10 hours in 4 days. I constantly felt nervous, anxious, and unable to relax. Sleeping was almost impossible. Sadly, I chose the hot flashes over insomnia. Very disappointed."

• sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2025

For Depression "Fastest acting antidepressant I've ever been on. It alleviated my depression within one week and, after an increase to 150 mg, totally obliterated my tiredness/lethargy. Fantastic. On the other hand, it destroyed my sleep - I typically got 3-4 hours of fragmented sleep, and only after taking a sleeping pill. I had to go off the medication because of that after two months. Don't be afraid of the withdrawals, do a cross-taper with an SSRI (I used Lexapro). Apart from some tiredness for about a week I didn't have any problems."

• Ace...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 19, 2019

Venlafaxine "This drug literally gave me my life back. I was at the lowest point ever. I barely made it to work, the thoughts of everyday activities, such as showering and cooking, made me extremely anxious. I was sick to my stomach most days and was unable to sleep well due to waking up through the night with my heart racing in a full-blown panic attack. Currently taking 150 mg daily, and my energy level is back to normal, and I am able to function as a normal human being. So thankful!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was put on a starting dose of 75 mg Effexor XR and worked my way up to a dose of 150 mg. I couldn't sleep, and my mind was racing. I wasn't myself at all. Back on 75 mg now, and I feel better than that, but still depressed. Switching meds soon, I hope."

• alg...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 14, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was diagnosed with depression and GAD about 5 years ago and started Effexor. It worked well, but anytime I drank alcohol, I became a monster. I became violent and angry. I also lost the ability to sleep, so I had to go on another medication for insomnia. Over time, I realized I had become numb. I couldn't cry, feel any emotions, and I lost the ability to enjoy anything. My panic attacks became debilitating. I became fearful to leave the house, drive, etc. I ended up in the hospital, and I was immediately taken off Effexor because I was diagnosed with panic disorder and it was not helping at all. I was at the highest dose and eventually came off. I'm still experiencing brain zaps from tapering off, but since coming off, I can feel again and cry a lot, LOL. I started Zoloft today and am hoping to get my depression and panic disorder under control!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 20, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed Effexor for anxiety, which interfered with sleeping. Worry about getting to sleep meant that I wouldn't sleep, which made me feel exhausted, depressed, and useless. I've also tried Zoloft and Luvox, which didn't do anything. CBT and mindfulness were also pretty useless - just made me slightly more obsessive about my weird problems with getting to sleep. Effexor has been amazing. Apart from some insomnia and lightheadedness during the first week, I don't have any side effects. I don't have the same obsessive and weird anxious thoughts over getting to sleep or other minor things which preoccupied me and made me feel dreadful. I sleep well, and my head feels so clear."

• Bro...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 15, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started experiencing depression and anxiety attacks at around 19 years old. At the time, I didn't quite realize what was wrong with me; I just knew something was horribly wrong. I have tried every medication known to man: Celexa, Prozac, Cymbalta, Pristiq, Viibryd, Wellbutrin... and nothing. The emptiness, emotional turmoil, and suffocation I felt were ruining my life. Then in 2011, I started Effexor. I feel alive again, and I never thought I would feel normal again. The one thing I will warn about is the dependency. If you miss one pill, you will think you are coming down with the flu. If you ever decide to stop, you will have to taper off. Adverse effects: constipation, weight loss, vivid dreams, insomnia, sexual dysfunction."

• Rid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine was a nightmare for me. Problems started after the first dose. The expected dry mouth, but also severe nausea. After the second dose, the nausea was the most extreme I have ever experienced, and I began to vomit. Completely killed my appetite. Unable to sleep and spent the second night pacing, suffering anxiety attacks and taking Gravol. Day three even worse--another night of no sleep and a day of throwing up. Day four added diarrhea to the mix. Called Dr and said I would rather deal with the anxiety I had before starting. Just a horrible experience."

• MzT...
• January 25, 2014

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My body responded very negatively to this medicine, and I had to be pulled off of it. I had a lot of side effects with no relief for my generalized anxiety disorder it was prescribed for. Side effects: tremors, blurred vision, ringing in ears, constipation, irregular period, insomnia, nightmares, light-headedness, coldness in extremities, suicidal feelings, murderous feelings, cloudy head, weight gain, nausea, metallic-tasting dry mouth."

• Ell...
• January 7, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Our son, 16 years old, was put on Effexor XR in January 2019 for depression, after Prozac wasn't working on him. The dose was slowly increased to 225 mg. At the time, his psychiatrist went on holiday, and he developed dilated pupils, racing heart, jiggling, sweating. Took him to the GP, who immediately took an ECG, reduced his meds, said that he was developing serotonin syndrome. The psychiatrist did not have a replacement while away and had planned to add another antidepressant as Effexor wasn't working. The reduction side effects have been horrible, made more manageable by using micronutrients, but still losing a lot of school time. From August to December, we have gone down from 225 mg to 42, reductions have become smaller and slower as the dose reduces. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, head zaps, fatigue, and insomnia are his side effects. I wish I had done more homework. Since reading more, using it on those under 18 is not recommended."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "10 days in on 37.5 and already feel decreased anxiety. Sleep issues still and some daytime fatigue, but I know this will pass with time. Worried about stopping them one day from all the reviews, but I'm looking forward to taking a year to feel good."

• ada...
• July 24, 2014

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I'm 19 and have suffered with anxiety for three years or so. Previously, I had been on Prozac and Lexapro, which were both hellish. I began taking Effexor XR two months ago and started feeling better two weeks in, but out of nowhere, the medication not only ceased to work but actually made my anxiety a lot worse. I have horrible agitation, depression, irritability, and insomnia. Pity I could really do with an antidepressant that works!"

• old...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 75 and have always been anxious. A couple of events pushed me over the top. Thought death was the best option. Turns out I had severe anxiety and OCD. Tried a couple of meds but too many side effects. Started on 37.5 mg venlafaxine on Thanksgiving. Increased to 75 mg in early Feb., then 112.5 mg on April 7, and now to 150 mg as of April 14. I have a ways to go with both issues but am remarkably better. I feel at this point venlafaxine has saved my life. I am hopeful as time goes on, things get better as I have only been on venlafaxine 150 mg for a few days. Have never slept well and am sleeping better now, take the drug in the morning. A positive experience for me so far."

• Cc2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been on this medication for 3 months, and it has given back my life! Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft didn't help with my depression or anxiety. After years of being on these types of medication, I must say this medication, 300 mg daily, has given back my life! I was an emotional eater. Since I have been on Venlafaxine ER, I have managed to lose 20 pounds. Downside, it does give me insomnia sometimes, I take Trazodone for sleep."

• Rap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 24, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on venlafaxine for 7 yrs. After a long battle with severe anxiety and stress that led to long bouts of depression, I was finally prescribed venlafaxine modified release. Eventually settled on 150 mg, which slowly but surely started to work alongside my body, and I felt better. Missing 2 days or more was a nightmare and resulted in nausea, insomnia, jitters, and the horrible brain lag (the only way I can describe it). I'm now in a much better place in my life, and my doctor and I are decreasing my dose slowly. Long-term side effects I've had are a complete loss of any sleeping pattern combined with horrible night restlessness (feeling like all your skin is ever so slightly itchy), and now that my dose is being decreased, I'm noticing I'm having uncontrollable anger outbursts along with increased night tremors. If this drug works for you, the pros are greatly outweighed by the side effects. But those side effects can be debilitating sometimes. Take with extreme caution."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started on Zydus Pharm generic venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg for 1 week, then on to 75 mg. Been about 6 weeks on medication. First 3 days I felt amazing, immediate relief of anxiety. After that, the side effects were very difficult. Everything in me told me this was not the right medication for me: constant mood swings, anxiety, insomnia. I stuck through after reading positive reviews, hoping when side effects cleared up, it would work well for me based on first few days' experience. Side effects disappeared suddenly right on the 3-week mark, and the medication really started to work. After reading reviews on generic vs. brand name, I switched to the name brand. Name brand definitely feels cleaner and more effective. Generic side effects went away immediately."

• Bet...
• September 18, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was diagnosed with GAD, with symptoms including general fatigue, anxiety, panic, and insomnia. Started off at 35 mg, but now on 150 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night, which seems to be keeping me pretty stable. However, the withdrawal is horrendous. If I miss a couple of doses, I get brain zaps, I can hear my eyeballs moving in my head, very anxious and panic. It works, but this is some seriously messed up stuff... I can see I may have to be on this forever, whereas I gave up Prozac cold turkey with no problems at all."

• Rog...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Male, 6'2", 150 lb. I take 75 mg of Effexor XR in the AM and 15 mg of Remeron in the PM for suicidal depression and generalized anxiety. Some days I take higher doses of 112.5 mg and 30 mg. The combination has worked wonders for my condition. I started on Remeron initially and titrated to 45 mg/day, but did not feel it was working for my depression, although it did help with sleep and appetite. I tried gabapentin for a while and was able to quit Remeron entirely for some time (wanted to give my receptors a break). Gabapentin was great for anxiety but made me more suicidal. I quit gabapentin and went back on just 15 mg of Remeron, this time also adding the Effexor. I have been very happy with the results. It seems to be the first medication that really works for me. I had significant side effects when starting Effexor, but they subsided completely after about a week-feeling high much like MDMA, and I had diarrhea and some insomnia. When I increased from 37.5 to 75 mg, the only con I noticed was lower energy level (and some yawning). I started drinking some coffee to help with that. This is a very serious medication to be taking, as I know it can be very hard to withdraw from; however, I am committed to sticking with it. Eventually, I may increase my dose up to 150 mg. Effexor makes me feel very mellow. I am less concerned about what people think of me. I am quite confident with the ladies. My sex life has been better than ever on this med combination. I have wondered if my sense of humor is dulled, however. I am also somewhat lazy, but this may change when I go up to a higher dose. Risk-taking behaviors should be watched when increasing the dose, as I broke my ankle playing sports. Overall, I give this medication 9/10 and am very happy that I got the script. I recommend taking it with Remeron to better manage the nighttime and to counteract the side effects. They have a wonderful synergy. My only concern is that they may eventually stop working, and I may eventually have to stop taking them and suffer the infamous withdrawals."

• Sez...
• April 12, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Brilliant medication. I know venlafaxine is contraindicated in people who experience mania, and I have had some issues with that, but overall, with other medications that stabilize my mood, I have found venlafaxine to be a lifesaver. I am 23, been hospitalized before for a long time, and it was the first med I agreed to go back on after a period of desperation following a year of refusal to take meds due to extreme anti-psychiatry views. Now my anxiety is massively decreased, I feel much more on a level, less irritable, and far less lethargic. This medication has done so much for me. No side effects apart from the initial week or two of starting it. I got some insomnia, and occasionally I get a very dry mouth. Sometimes a bad tremor."

• Fre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Truly wish I had accepted my depression and sought help years ago. This medication has completely cleared my mind and has helped me dramatically in the first two weeks of use. Although it caused insomnia for the first two days of use and I felt like a space cadet for the first three, it helped me ease my moods and somewhat doesn't even allow my mind to wander into negative feelings. Highly recommended seeking help and support with this medication, although I do suggest beginning treatment over the weekend to be adjusted before a work week."

• Med...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 9, 2022

For Depression "Been on Venlafaxine for 8 weeks now, and it has been a real game-changer for me. Weaned off maximum dose Mirtazapine over 2 weeks, then started venlafaxine at a dose of 37.5 mg twice/day. My dose increased to 75 mg extended release after 2 weeks and then upped to 150 mg XR after a further 2 weeks. Within a week of starting venlafaxine, my depression and anxiety symptoms began to lessen, and by 1 month, I was feeling 50% normal. After a further month at 150 mg, I am on my way to feeling completely normal again for the first time in years. I had/have no major side effects, just some insomnia over the first 2 weeks and now some constipation, but this has cured my IBS. No sexual side effects or weight-related changes. My appetite is much more stable now that my anxiety and depression have lifted. Highly recommend venlafaxine to anyone who is struggling on other medication, but remember not every person suits a particular drug, so your experience may differ."

• SRH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I first used Effexor XR 75 mg at the start of 2016 to treat depression/anxiety. Side effects were things such as dry mouth, frequent urination, problems sleeping at night. After 2 weeks, these reduced greatly, and after a further 2 weeks, my mood improved greatly and my anxiety reduced. My ongoing side effects were strange (not unpleasant) dreams and sometimes night sweats - neck and chest. I tapered off to 37.5 and then stopped in October 2016. The withdrawals - head zaps in the main - lasted about a week and were not too bad. I stopped because I felt so much better. During mid-2017, I went downhill again and was back at the GP's, sobbing my heart out and at home being a complete pain to my wife. I started 75 mg again 4 weeks ago. Much better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "This drug, Effexor, literally saved my life. I was prescribed it for depression, anxiety, and panic! Side effects weren’t too bad taking 75 mg. Drowsiness, increased heart rate, increased tinnitus, nausea, bad nighttime sweating, increased anxiety at first, head felt a bit spaced out, and crazy bad insomnia. Most of these subsided after about 8 days. Dosage change amped it up again for about another week. If you can work through it, it’s so worth it! After three weeks, basically feeling like myself again. A little more time will tell if my anxiety subsides further."