Effexor XR and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Lal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine works. With side effects, yes. But IT WORKS. Tips: Start with 37.5 mg every morning for 7 days. Then replace 37.5 with 75 mg every morning for another 7 days. At the end of the 2nd week you will start to feel 'human' again. Add another 37.5 every afternoon for another 7 days, but not too late in order to avoid insomnia. At the end of the month replace the 37.5 with 75 mg and so you have 150 mg every day with minimum side effects. Anxiety will reduce, sentimental reactions will become more curbed and manageable. You will be yourself again. Remember: be patient and persistent. Stick with it, especially the first month, don't give up. Use some diazepams in order to reduce the anxiety produced by the pill the first weeks! Feel free to ask anything! United we stand!!!"

• Sar...
• January 28, 2021

For Anxiety "I have severe anxiety and regular depression from time to time. I've taken Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft. They eventually quit working for me. I had so much anxiety after work that I would like to have an alcoholic drink and sometimes a cigarette to calm my nerves. The problem with this is because alcohol makes anxiety worse if you drink more than two drinks. So it was an endless cycle. I was also getting to the point where I couldn't get off the couch and had no motivation to do anything. Taking a shower was hard for me. I was sleeping a lot! Start out on the Effexor XR 37.5mg dose for about a week or two before moving up to 75 mg. At first, it made me feel really weird, my mind would race, and I was having a hard time sleeping. I stuck it out! I am now taking 75 mg, and I'm so much better! I get up at 6:00 am when I used to sleep until 9:00. I go to the gym 3 days a week, I get dressed up, and now I have a part-time job. Effexor has literally changed my life!"

• Cle...
• March 2, 2021

For Anxiety "I’ve had depression and anxiety my whole life, and I’m diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. I tried all the other antidepressants, but I didn’t really know if they worked or not. A new doctor slowly tapered me up on Effexor. That was about a year ago... The side effects weren’t terrible, some nausea and insomnia for like a week, and then after that, the side effects were gone. I feel so much better, honestly, and I’m not just saying that because with Lexapro and Cymbalta, I never knew if they were working or not. Effexor helps with my anxiety a lot, rumination, and this is the first winter I’ve enjoyed in at least a decade. Also, I have an eight-year-old, a four-year-old, and a three-month-old, all girls, and virtual schooling is still on, so it definitely helps me be more patient and takes the edge off so I don’t yell and scream in a fit of exasperation. I was also afraid of getting postpartum, but honestly, I haven’t felt any of that. Thank the Lord."

• Ate...
• May 7, 2015

For Anxiety "Started on 37.5mg for a month. First two days were only side effects - I was a little jumpy, couldn't keep legs still, and had insomnia. That went away in 48 hours. Then it shifted to making me sleepy and fairly relaxed. However, I still had breakthrough anxiety crying and didn't feel much change in depression. Decided to up the dose and have been at 75mg for a while now. No side effects. This dose has obliterated my anxiety and helped with depression. All I feel is calm and relaxed. I am more outgoing and happy. Only thing I noticed, like so many others, is that it is tough to miss a dose. But, don't let that dissuade you from trying it. It really has been a miracle for me."

• Tip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 26, 2016

For Anxiety "I suffer from GAD and I have to say this medication has changed my life. I am much happier and handle situations better. I only take 37.5 once per day, usually in the morning, and that works for me. The only side effect was insomnia in the beginning, but now I feel calm and relaxed, and I have great night's sleep. I wake up energized and wanting to start my day. This medication, with therapy, has done wonders. Ignore the negative and try for yourself. Reading reviews, I was so scared to start this medication, but I thank God I gave it a try."

• Int...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2021

For Depression "I have tried several different medications and every supplement, including thyroid, kelp, etc., since my three-year battle with depression. Effexor didn’t do much for me for about 12-16 weeks, but I noticed a difference. The first 8 weeks, I had terrible insomnia, and I nearly stopped it. Having looked up treatment-resistant depression, I decided to try taking folate, and 6 weeks later, it’s the first time I’m feeling 90% like myself again. I’m not sure if it’s the Effexor, the folate, or both, but if you're not feeling like the meds are helping 100%, I would consider adding folate. Don’t give up."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2019

For Anxiety "5 years ago I got panic attacks. Thought I was dying! This created non-stop anxiety, insomnia, etc. Couldn’t even function, after this, I was a wreck at 37 years old. This medication got me back into life. In about 3 weeks, I was back on my feet. I bought a house and moved in with my girlfriend. I was on this medication 75mg a day for one year. Off for another year. Back on for the next. Then off again for a year. Today I have anxiety keeping me up for the last few nights. I am starting on this medication again! Without this medication, I would not have had a great last 5 years! Also, currently I am starting to meditate as science shows it will physically change your brain! Wish everyone the best. Please remind yourselves it will get better!"

• Mja...
• June 22, 2019

For Anxiety "I was absolutely hysterical. I got so anxious and depressed, I wanted to end my life. I put off taking medication for so long. I was hesitant to take Effexor due to the reviews. Now that I’ve been on it for almost a month, I already feel better. It changed my life, I’m not anxious, and I’m able to go out and do things. I do get dry mouth, insomnia, tiredness, and my appetite decreased."

• GAD...
• March 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m a 32 y/o female with GAD diagnosed 2 yr ago & ADHD. My doc felt it was more important to treat my severe GAD before ADHD. After trying Zoloft for 6 months, I stopped it. NO libido. Lexapro, same thing!! Plus I was super tired. First two days on Effexor XR were amazing. (Placebo effect?) Then days 3-10 were filled with a little more anxiety than normal. Had vivid weird dreams, would wake up once in the middle of the night to pee then it would be harder than normal to fall asleep. Also, jaw popping like I was grinding the heck out of my teeth for a few nights. Day 11-now, it's wonderful. I don't feel panic attacks or anxiety anymore. I feel normal and relaxed. No more headaches, muscle tension, or sleeping problems. I'm not short-tempered with my kids. I don't worry as much! I'm just chill. Oh, and I can still pour some tears watching my chick flicks. With the sex side effect 'O'... I can still do it, just takes a tad longer. I can live with that!! I can also drink beer with this."

• GAD...
• March 22, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’m a 32 y/o female with GAD diagnosed 2 yr ago & ADHD. My doc felt it was more important to treat my severe GAD before ADHD. After trying Zoloft for 6 months, I stopped it. NO libido. Lexapro, same thing!! Plus I was super tired. First two days on Effexor XR were amazing. (Placebo effect?) Then days 3-10 were filled with a little more anxiety than normal. Had vivid weird dreams, would wake up once in the middle of the night to pee then it would be harder than normal to fall asleep. Also, jaw popping like I was grinding the heck out of my teeth for a few nights. Day 11-now, it's wonderful. I don't feel panic attacks or anxiety anymore. I feel normal and relaxed. No more headaches, muscle tension, or sleeping problems. I'm not short-tempered with my kids. I don't worry as much! I'm just chill. Oh, and I can still pour some tears watching my chick flicks. With the sex side effect 'O'... I can still do it, just takes a tad longer. I can live with that!! I can also drink beer with this."

• hhh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

For Depression "Started taking Effexor in the luteal phase of my period (approx. 10 days before menstruation) for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel the best I've felt. I cannot even access the dark and awful thoughts/insecurities/self-loathing that used to be a constant during this period. The only side effects I've felt were a slight bit of nausea/lightheadedness in the first few days and difficulty sleeping (I keep waking up at 6 a.m., but feel pretty refreshed, so it's okay). Will report back on how it feels to go off them at the end of this phase."

• ale...
• August 6, 2012

For Anxiety "I took Effexor XR after I gave up on Lexapro (it didn't work for me, I waited for a couple of months). I started at 75 mg and 10 days later increased to 150 mg. I have been at 150 mg for about 5 months. I feel that I am at a stable point, so I don't want to change anything for a while. My doctor said to start weaning off, but I don't think I'm ready yet. I had gone through a gut-wrenching episode in my life that lasted for about 4 intense months of sleepless nights, hot sweats, heart palpitations, heavy chest, lack of concentration, and sadness. I felt as if I was at the doctor every other day trying to figure out what was wrong. My anxieties were so bad that I felt like exploding. Thankfully I waited it out, and Effexor has helped."

• Lau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2019

For Anxiety "Effexor has been a lifesaver for me! I tried Zoloft first because that’s what worked for a lot of my friends. Zoloft made me very sick, so I was switched to Effexor XR, and I feel amazing!! I had been living my life after having kids, but sick to my stomach 24/7 and having major anxiety attacks. I’d have to leave work, but no more. I still get anxious here and there but am able to cope with it now! Effexor isn’t for everyone, but it worked and still works for me. The only thing I can say is a downside to it is I don’t always sleep as well as I did before starting it, but life could be worse."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2017

For Anxiety "This medication strongly relieved my depression/anxiety. After having a horrible experience with sertraline, I was wary of trying a new drug. However, this drug has been a lifesaver and I'm so glad I continued to try medication. It made me functional and able to enjoy life again :) I did experience some side effects for the first two months, including lack of appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbances, and difficulty achieving orgasm. These effects faded though, and now the only time I experience anything negative is if I miss a dose. Do NOT try this medication if you cannot adhere to a strict regimen. The withdrawal symptoms after missing a dose are unpleasant. That said, don't be afraid of this drug! Take it as directed and it works."

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

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."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2015

For Anxiety "This medication has helped me immensely! I tried Lexapro, but had too many negative side effects. Effexor took about 6 weeks to fully work, but it really brought me out of the depths of my anxiety-fueled depression. I finally feel myself after many years of living in the fog. The side effects for the first 2 weeks for me were: insomnia, increased anxiety/depression, hot flashes, and nausea. These all disappeared after the initial 2 weeks and it's totally worth getting through that rough patch. Once Effexor started working, I thought, OMG! I'm back! My body is dependent on it, though. If I miss a dose, I get dizzy and nauseous. Just know you must wean yourself off and not go cold turkey so you don't feel sick."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• May 14, 2019

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!"

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

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

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."

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

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."

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

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

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."

• Ell...
• January 7, 2020

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."

• MzT...
• January 25, 2014

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."