I can't sleep more than 3 hours a night using Effexor XR. What should I take?

Hi Chris,

You can read about Effexor here. It is possible that the Effexor is affecting your ability to sleep. Sleeplessness was listed as a side effect of the Effexor. There is also a passage regarding interactions with medications commonly prescribed for the migraines.

"This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs such as "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, eletriptan), certain antidepressants including SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine) and other SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine), lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). See also Drug Interactions section. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications."

Online sources like Health Central are great when you are looking for information to help you ask the important questions of your doctor. They should not take the place of your doctor's care and advice.

Take care and stay in touch. Let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M  

Hi Chris,

Vickie is right: sleeplessness is a common side effect of Effexor. If you can't sleep more than 3 hours at a time though, it's possible you're dosage is too high. You might want to discuss that with your doctor. While I'm NOT a doctor, I have been taking Effexor for 6 years now. I've struggled with Insomnia too but I have no idea whether my Insomnia is a result of taking Effexor or just existing anxiety/depression. Regardless, I've found it very helpful to take 50mg of Trazadone to help me sleep.

Hope you feel better soon!

You can use an alternative therapy called Homeopathy for helphmg you to get calm sleeping and will treat depression also, you will fell much more better withen 2 weeks, best regards