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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cathy on May 23, 2000, at 9:04:15
Has anyone experienced insomnia on Effexor RX? I gradually worked my way up to 37.5 MG (1/4 pill 1/2 pill). My doctor started my very slowly because I have trouble adjusting to new medications. My stomach bothered me for the first fews days but that went away. I have had a mild headache ever since I started this med and once I got to 37.5 MG I just stopped sleeping. Does this side effect go away?
Posted by Cindy W on May 23, 2000, at 9:58:29
In reply to Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Cathy on May 23, 2000, at 9:04:15
> Has anyone experienced insomnia on Effexor RX? I gradually worked my way up to 37.5 MG (1/4 pill 1/2 pill). My doctor started my very slowly because I have trouble adjusting to new medications. My stomach bothered me for the first fews days but that went away. I have had a mild headache ever since I started this med and once I got to 37.5 MG I just stopped sleeping. Does this side effect go away?
Cathy, I don't know if it goes away...I've had a terrible time with this (take 375 mg/day) and also take Serzone 50 mg at night, which helps me sleep, and some melatonin. Last night was the first night I was able to sleep without any melatonin (but I have a sore throat and am really tired, which helped!). Talk to your pdoc; I understand that for some people, it goes away; for some people, changing the time of day helps; for some people, adding Desyrel or Serzone helps; and there are herbals, such as kavakava and melatonin. Hope you get good sleep soon!--Cindy W
Posted by Renee N on May 23, 2000, at 17:27:49
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Cindy W on May 23, 2000, at 9:58:29
I take 225 mg. Effexor XR. I used to take it in two doses, now I take it all in the morning and am sleeping better. I used to find myself staying up and usually here on Psycho-Babble until midnight to 4;00 am on work nights. Lack of sleep is not good for depression or lack of attention and general forgetfulness! I would also suggest trying 50 mg. of Benadryl at bedtime. Most of the over the counter sleep aids contain the same active ingredient. The cheapest generic will do. I haven't had to rely on the Benadryl much since switching my dosing schedule.
Best of luck to you. I hope the Sandman visits you again real soon!
Posted by Julie on May 23, 2000, at 20:23:38
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Renee N on May 23, 2000, at 17:27:49
I take 187.5 Effexor XR in the am and then 25 or 50 mg. trazadone (a.k.a. desyrel) about half an hour before bed. It puts me to sleep every time. Leaves me a little groggy the next morning-- but that's better than tossing and turning for hours.
Posted by taximom on July 15, 2001, at 15:59:08
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Julie on May 23, 2000, at 20:23:38
I found Effexor XR makes me sleepy right after I take it in the late am., so I have a nap then, no problem since I am not working. I tried Remeron to sleep at night (chronic insomnia) and it worked great. However, one of the side effects was sore mouth, throat, bleeding gums...so now I am looking for something else that will work with the Effexor and not leave me groggy. Any suggestions?
Posted by Maisy on July 15, 2001, at 18:06:38
In reply to Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Cathy on May 23, 2000, at 9:04:15
I was on Effexor XR 150 mg for about six months last year and did not have any problems. I tapered off, relapsed, and went built back up to the same dosage. Funny thing, this time around I experienced side effects such as headache and insomnia. I used to take it in the am, but after three months of having to take restoril or xanax for sleep, my doc suggested taking it at bedtime. I was skeptical but I have been able to fall asleep on my own after about the third day. Hang in there. P.S. I tried melatonin, sleepy time tea, ect all to no avail. What sleep I did get was very broken and not restful. Now I can't wait to hit that pillow!!
Posted by DebbieLynn on July 16, 2001, at 22:32:02
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by Maisy on July 15, 2001, at 18:06:38
> I was on Effexor XR 150 mg for about six months last year and did not have any problems. I tapered off, relapsed, and went built back up to the same dosage. Funny thing, this time around I experienced side effects such as headache and insomnia. I used to take it in the am, but after three months of having to take restoril or xanax for sleep, my doc suggested taking it at bedtime. I was skeptical but I have been able to fall asleep on my own after about the third day. Hang in there. P.S. I tried melatonin, sleepy time tea, ect all to no avail. What sleep I did get was very broken and not restful. Now I can't wait to hit that pillow!!
Hi-
I take 225mg of Effexor XR, and yes I have problems sleeping. I take 50mg of Trazadone at night to augment this. I take 150mg in the am and 75mg after dinner.Debbie
Posted by rmshed on July 17, 2001, at 17:08:02
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by taximom on July 15, 2001, at 15:59:08
> I found Effexor XR makes me sleepy right after I take it in the late am., so I have a nap then, no problem since I am not working. I tried Remeron to sleep at night (chronic insomnia) and it worked great. However, one of the side effects was sore mouth, throat, bleeding gums...so now I am looking for something else that will work with the Effexor and not leave me groggy. Any suggestions?
I take my effexor xr at night time and I take 100 mgs of doxepin. It is an AD, but makes me sleep really well.
Becky
Posted by SalArmy4me on July 20, 2001, at 1:18:44
In reply to Re: Effexor RX Insomnia, posted by taximom on July 15, 2001, at 15:59:08
Nefazodone would work well as a sleep-aid and augmentation agent, since serotonin reuptake would be boosted twice, 5HT-2A receptors would be boosted once, and norepinephrine reuptake would be boosted twice. http://www.vh.org/Providers/Conferences/CPS/16.html
> I found Effexor XR makes me sleepy right after I take it in the late am., so I have a nap then, no problem since I am not working. I tried Remeron to sleep at night (chronic insomnia) and it worked great. However, one of the side effects was sore mouth, throat, bleeding gums...so now I am looking for something else that will work with the Effexor and not leave me groggy. Any suggestions?
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