I have been on Effexor XR for about 9 months now. The side effects are, of course, horrendous. But these are most noticeable when I've missed a dose by a few hours. The thing is, sometimes when I have been taking my medication on time, I find it strangely difficult to get up in the mornings. Could this lethargy be a side effect of Effexor XR? What can I do to counter this effect? I've missed half of my lectures this term as a result of how difficult I find it to get up in the morning. Help!
Is it normal to have a lot of trouble getting up in the morning while on Effexor XR?
Question posted by damili on 2 March 2015
Last updated on 19 April 2015
4 Answers
kaismama
2 March 2015
I'm bothered by the horrendous side effects like pansy. Because you said they are OF COURSE horrendous. When you expect side effects you most certainly will get them. I took it for a long time. I took it in the morning and didn't have a bit of lethargy. As Pansy says, lethargy is a sign of depression. Set your alarm across the room, make yourself get out of bed to turn it off, and stay up.
balbanese
2 March 2015
After 9 months you will be best served to discuss this with the Dr as it may be time for a reevaluation.
LousArk
2 March 2015
Hi there
What time of the day do you take your Effexor XR? Have you tried changing the time you take it, to see if that has any effect?
The major side effects of anti-depressants normally disappear after the first couple of weeks of being on a continuous dose.
The lesser side effects are certainly normally gone within 6 months, in my experience of various anti-depressants, including Effexor XR. Of course, everyone's body is different, but I think this is a fair period to judge things across.
If you've tried changing the time that you take your meds, you may find that Effexor isn't the drug for you, & your Doctor can help you to come down off it whilst introducing another anti-depressant, so that you don't feel dreadful making the change.
I know lots of people who haven't found the right tablet for them until they've tried a few different types of anti-depressant. It is normal.
Don't live your life like a zombie, though. It defeats the object of being on medication, if you can't function well.
Lou
x
doriehutera
20 April 2015
I'm taking my venlafaxine in the morning 150mg, do you think if I changed it to evening it would help with the drowsiness I experience in morning?
Pansy404
2 March 2015
The side effects should not be horrendous on Effexor or any other anti depressant. I have been on many over the 30 years I have had depression. When one did not suit me I stopped it. Effexor was good for me. You should try and take your medication at the same time every day.
With depression, whatever medication you are on, yes it is difficult to get up in the morning.
Now Effexor is extremely difficult to withdraw from, but from what you are saying I would guess it is not the right anti depressant for you. You should feel better, and not as you say, horrendous. If you can face withdrawing, then ask to be put on a different anti depressant, one that helps you.
Mikhala
11 March 2015
Hi Pansy, I tried to comment on your other post about coping with Effexor withdrawal, but it's closed.
So I've come down from 150 to 15mg very quickly with no trouble at all... I'm pregnant so have decided to taper. The problem is that when I go from this small dose, to zero (I tried), the withdrawal symptoms were awful. If I lower more before stopping, are my chances of no side effects better?
Pansy404
12 March 2015
Mikhala, congratulations on your pregnancy. I would advise staying on the dosage you are on at the moment until you stabilise. Then see if you can reduce even lower. You are doing very well. Just keep taking smaller and smaller amounts. Let me know how you get on
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effexor, effexor xr, depression, side effect, dosage
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