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Anyone here take Effexor XR?

deleted_user
deleted_user
As of November 7th, I completely stopped taking amitryptaline, and started taking 75 mg of Effexor XR. I take it right before bedtime. The last few days I've noticed that I get jittery & restless at night. Usually starts around 9 or 10pm. I typically take my meds between 10:00 & 11:00. I'm thinking it must be the Effexor, I'm just wondering if it's going to go away, or if it's a permanent side effect. Has anyone else experienced this? I've also started clenching my jaws more, which has always been a problem for me. I'd gotten it under control until just the last week or so. I was on Lexapro for a while & it worked pretty good, except my jaw clenching got so bad I had to switch meds. I'm hoping that doesn't happen again.
levisgranny
levisgranny
I took Effexor for quite awhile, but quit taking it because it seemed like I had to keep increasing it to get any benefits and it was way to expensive for my pocketbook. Good luck with it, tho. Hope the side effects don't continue for you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have to agree w/levisgranny it is expensive, and I found it wasn't worth the cost,it made me shaky and I kind got the cold sweats while I was taking it
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take this, but I take it in the morning. My doctor was concerned about what you are talking about. There used to be a website for it, I don't know if it still exists or not.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take effexor xr in the morning as well. My doctor was very specific about that. I tapered off last year just to see how I felt and the pain was just awful. For me, effexor is wonderful but I have heard others say just the opposite. Everyone reacts differntly to all these meds we are on.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been on effexor XR for longer than I can be sure of - 5-7 years. It has been a lifesaver for me. I understand it is hell to get off of. I know if I miss a dose or two I get extremely dizzy. I realize it's not right for everyone. Antidepressants are like your bra. You need a good fit. good luck, sue
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good comment, AZsue. Antidepressants are like a bra, LOL! Effexor XR is a med I have been on in the past and it, like others, worked for a while. I have a severe form of depression that is treatment resisitant.

ShelliF: You appear to be feeling some of the normal effects of switching from one med to another. Effexor XR should be taken in the morning as it is considered an "activating" antidepressant. Amitryptaline is an old school med that has a high side effect profile. Effexor XR has a much lower side effect profile. Remember, too, that you are in the process of changing from one to the other. It takes time for one to wash out of your system and the other to build up.

Try taking Effexor XR in the am and I'm sure that you will sleep better at night. Be patient with your body and yourself while your body is going through this change.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I agree with taking it in the morning. It gives me some energy and it works well for me, personally. I take 150 mg a day. The way my Dr. explianed it to me, was it starts off stronger in the morning and the extended realaese tapers off before bedtime. I hope this helps!
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