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Need Effexor dosage time advice

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Posted 4/30/2015 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
I had a sudden personal (financial type) disaster happen a few weeks ago. Couldn't sleep or eat, panic type severe anxiety symptoms. Obsessing on my problems. Gorilla sitting on my chest. You all know what I'm talking about. My doctor started me on Effexor 75 transition to 150 after the first week. Been on it 15 days. I take oxazapam 15mg as needed. Feeling better. I have a question about dosage time. I take the dosage 8:00 AM, and afterward am very jittery and spaced out, frequently needing to laydown for short periods and focus on calming down. The oxazapam doesn't seem to do much during this time. about 4PM I seem to be feeling fine, feel normal through the evening, not taking the oxazapam. I fall asleep easily, usually wake up after 4-5 hours of good sleep (usually to pee) and then struggle to go back to sleep, thinking too much, etc. I take the oxazapam and fall asleep shortly thereafter. I need to be more functional during the day to deal with my ongoing problems, but of course I need to sleep. Any thoughts on changing dosage time to evening? Will the same cycle continue? Jittery during the night? My heart goes out to everybody that is suffering so much more than me. Thanks for any advice.

By the way I took Effexor about 10 years ago after a sudden unexpected separation announcement (leading to divorce). It was a big help and I transitioned off of it easily.
Posted 4/30/2015 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi bb48,

Sorry to hear of the difficult time you are going through, and the trouble you are having with your start up.

However, it is likely temporary, and will phase out soon. You are still in the break in phase with your med, and what you are describing is not unusual.

You can try moving your dosage time up...say to the afternoon to see how you do. The morning dose just may be putting you on overload since this is the time where our stress hormone Cortisol is at its peak...

Within the next couple of weeks you should start to see more theraputic results as your body adjusts to your Rx.:)

Until then, use your coping skills to get you through. If you need ideas for self-help, see our Resources at the top of the main page!

Keep talking with us if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/30/2015 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I used to take Effexor a few years ago and found it useful but I had to stop as I was getting to many side effects.

Effexor is quite an activating antidepressant so imo it is best to take it in the morning because if you were to take it in the evening you would have problems getting to sleep.

Unfortunately it is the norm to feel worse before you start to feel better when starting a medication and this can continue for a few weeks. When ever I start a new medication I tend to give it a month and if I am still feeling I am getting side effects that I can't manage I go back and speak with my psychiatrist or doctor.

Keep us posted with your progress.

Hibee
Posted 4/30/2015 11:09 AM (GMT 0)
Am I far enough into my treatment that it would make any difference by moving the dosage time up 8 hours? I read that it's important to take it at the same time to avoid bad side effects. Should I split the dosage the first day? I've got an important meeting today. I assume I'm not far enough along that it would make much difference, maybe use the Orazepam. Thanks for your advice.
Posted 4/30/2015 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
bb48,

I think I might try doing any changes on the weekend, or during any time off that you have coming up?

You would not want to rock the boat if you have to work the next day...in case as Hibee said, this affects your sleep.

Maybe using your PRN benzo for your meeting today would be a good move...and try upping your dosage time by just a few hours gradually over the weekend?

Best wishes...and keep posting!

S.C.
Posted 4/30/2015 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
I take effexor too and take mine in the morning, SC and Hibee gave you great advice. It's okay to switch the time you take it, to night time if you want to try that and see if it helps, but as SC said I would do this on a weekend or when you have time off just in case you don't get a good night sleep. Try not to switch times too often though, once you find a good time to take it, take it at that time everyday. Wishing you the best.
Posted 4/30/2015 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Hibee, Effexor is quite stimulating so my suggestion would be to keep taking it in the morning. Everyone is different though and you might have better luck taking it at a later time.

B.
Posted 5/1/2015 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

you have received some great support I also agree with the others in that if you do decide to change your dose time do it at the weekend to see how it effects you.

Keep us posted

Hibee
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