Venlafaxine and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I found out I was pregnant and was a little surprising as I'm almost 41. Initially, I was okay and happy, but within a week, spiraled into suicidal thoughts and wanting to terminate the pregnancy. Prior to finding out I was pregnant, I was not depressed or anxious-life was great. After almost three weeks of feeling like I was losing my mind and trying all the natural things I could-acupuncture, etc.-I decided to try Effexor. I had been on it once before, 6 years before, I knew it worked, but the last thing you want to be on when pregnant. I started on 75 mg as I was running out of time to make a decision. I endured the worst side effects for 5 days, and on the 6th, they decided to change back to 37.5 mg. I've been on that for almost a month now, and that's the right dose for me. I'm happy and excited about the pregnancy, and I feel like myself again. Full of energy and thinking clearly. My sleep is a little bit interrupted, but it's nothing. The best decision I could have made!"

• 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."

• ssh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Started weaning off Effexor 150mg 1 year ago. Got to 37.5mg with hardly any side effects. Then weaning off 37.5mg was terrible. Headache/head pounding, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, random crying spells, very emotional, etc. Did a lot of research and trusted that it’d get easier with time. 4 wks later, finally feeling physically well again... Then it got bad. Sense of constant dread, horrible anxiety, heart racing, emotional as hell, trouble sleeping, extremely depressed, and felt like a zombie. Missing work, sleeping all day, no motivation to do anything. Went back to doc and she put me back on the 37.5mg. Extremely disappointed not to get off this medication. Been 3 days since getting back on it, starting to feel somewhat normal again, just want my life back. Wish I’d received more info when I was first prescribed it - had no idea it would be such a nightmare to try to get off of it. This experience has shaken up my whole world. BEWARE."

• 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!"

• Got...
• June 9, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medicine did not work well for me. I was on it for a total of three months, and it did not make me feel any better. The side effects were not fun. I had trouble sleeping and almost no energy."

• Cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was prescribed Effexor XR for anxiety. After taking 75 mg for two weeks, the nightmare begins. Insomnia, night sweats, horrific dreams and visions. I couldn't think or concentrate, I couldn't work or drive, my head was spinning, I couldn't talk properly. The headache was so bad it landed me in the hospital. I was so tired and couldn't stop yawning. I actually thought I was going insane on this drug. Loss of appetite followed by drastic weight loss, diarrhea. I persisted another week, then that's when the electric shocks started through my body. They were horrendous and left me thinking there was something wrong with me neurologically. Against the doctor's advice, I went cold turkey off of this drug. The withdrawal was horrific, but I was determined to get this stuff out of my body. Even seven months off the drug, I still get some of the shocks and feel this drug has permanently damaged me. I would do your research well before considering this drug. I'd never touch it again. Worst experience of my life."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I began taking Effexor XR 150 to treat anxiety/depression. The medication gave very few adverse reactions initially. I did notice benefits until the end of my second month. There was a mistake with supply, and I had to go 2 days without. Within 2 days, I was in full-on withdrawals. It began with insomnia, livable. Then came nausea, muscle cramps, hot and cold sweats, hives, swollen tongue, irritability, depression, hallucinations... those were the most significant ones. By the second day off, my withdrawals were bad."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• B12...
• December 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Was on this med for 5 years. Worked fine but not great. Stopped the panic attacks and gave me relief from everyday nervousness that I was experiencing. Took months for the side effects to diminish when I first started taking it. What did not leave - insomnia, night sweats, lack of sex drive, and poor orgasms (or no orgasms at all)."

• Soc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have tried Zoloft and Cymbalta. All equally effective in my anxiety level, but I find Effexor has been the best. While I still don't have a ton of energy, I was a zombie on the other two. My libido is back to normal, and I'm not hungry 24/7. Zoloft would be my second choice, except I needed to nap every day and I was always hungry. Cymbalta was very difficult to get off of, and I was also very tired. Negative effects of Effexor include insomnia - I have urges where I HAVE to get up - but usually melatonin and reading, and NO electronics before bed help that (or Xanax as needed). I also sweat a lot more on it. But having more energy and more libido makes it worth it. I have to take a beta blocker because I speak in front of people."

• AnP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed 37.5 mg of Effexor (raised to 75 mg after a week) after going off Zoloft for depression, GAD, and panic disorder. I took it for about 2 months, and it was horrible. I had terrible insomnia, and when I managed to sleep, I had night terrors that resulted in me waking up multiple times in the middle of the night, sweating through my sheets. My depression became so much worse, suicidal thoughts/self-harm ideation more rampant, and I had panic attacks at least every second day, sometimes more than once a day. I had a public nervous breakdown before I finally went off it and was prescribed Escitalopram instead. The difference was like night and day. Effexor is definitely not for everyone."

• Liz...
• October 26, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "First time writing on here. Been on Effexor (instant release tablets) over 4 years. Average dose I hovered around was 400 mg/day. At first, I liked how it made me WANT to get out of bed in the morning, upped energy levels, and didn't turn me into a zombie. After a few months of this, I started getting a 2-3 hour block in the day when I'd have indirect, immobilizing anxiety. Thus, my doctor threw Wellbutrin at me, which did tone that down for a while. Then, very slowly and without me attributing the following behaviors to the Effexor, I started to: take the first half of the day to 'get going', get dizzy 80% of the time and always out of breath, binge drink for a few month-long chunks on end, not sleep, lose weight, become rather apathetic over more and more."