Effexor and Insomnia

[kath1953]

I have been taking 300 mg Effexor ER and am experiencing severe insomnia.  I dropped the dosage to 150 a week ago with no improvement.  Today I took 75 mg.  If the insomnia IS being caused by Effexor ER, when can I expect the dosage changes to help my insomnia?  Getting desperate ...

[4Maddie44]

So glad you are starting a job with healthcare.  I do hope all goes well for you.  It is not easy working with so little sleep.

I live in UK so health care so different over here.  Also I lost jobs because of my depression, but now I am retired, so life easier for me now.

Hope you sleep better soon.  

Keep in touch

[kath1953]

Thanks for your feedback. My insomnia has been severe (in my opinion) ... averaging 3-4 hours sleep a night for days on on.  Two weeks ago, I went 48 hours with 4 hours sleep.  And this was causing my desperation to resolve.

I am still taking 75 mg and yes, I take it early in the morning.  I feel some relief in that I am sleeping a little more and feeling better.

Going to a doctor gets complicated because I am unemployed and uninsured.  My health care comes from State of Iowa and it can take upwards to two weeks to get an appointment with my doctor.  And that is why I had taken things into my own hands,

The good news is that I start a new job on Monday with health care so I will be able to get under the care of professional help soon.  But the new job is also a reason why I want to be physically, emotionally ,etc in top form.

Your concern is very appreciated.

[4Maddie44]

Hi, I wondered how you were getting on.  I take my tablet at breakfast time, and wondered if you did the same.  Are you going to see doctor about your insomnia?

let me know how you get on please.  Thinking of you.

[4Maddie44]

Hello, I am on 150mg daily of Effexor XR, and have been for a number of years.  Although I sometimes do not sleep well, on the whole it is not too bad.  People react differently to the same drug, so in your case, it could be the Effexor.  

You need to discuss this with your doctor.  I don't think going down in your dosage will help, as your body has to adjust each time you do this.  

Let us know how you get on

[nursegirl6572]

Hello there!!!

First and most importantly, PLEASE stop adjusting the dose of the Effexor yourself.  You're dropping your dose drastically, which is probably actually exacerbating the situation, and may lead to much bigger issues.

Please discuss this with your doctor.  There are many options.  You never want to take matters in your own hands!