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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Colleen D. on June 7, 2004, at 11:15:10
Is it the norepinephrine that could be causing this? I am on 150mg and haven't had a problem falling asleep around 10 or 11 pm, but then I wake around 3 and can't get back to sleep until 5 and then my children wake me up at 6:30. Not enough sleep for a stay-at-home mom with a 4 yo, a 2 yo and a 9 mth old! I have been more motivated during the day even with less sleep, but I know it's going to catch up with me soon. I am taking the Effexor at 8 pm. Does it help to take it in the morning instead?
Thanks!
Colleen
Posted by King Vultan on June 7, 2004, at 12:15:38
In reply to HELP! Trouble sleeping all night on Effexor XL!, posted by Colleen D. on June 7, 2004, at 11:15:10
> Is it the norepinephrine that could be causing this? I am on 150mg and haven't had a problem falling asleep around 10 or 11 pm, but then I wake around 3 and can't get back to sleep until 5 and then my children wake me up at 6:30. Not enough sleep for a stay-at-home mom with a 4 yo, a 2 yo and a 9 mth old! I have been more motivated during the day even with less sleep, but I know it's going to catch up with me soon. I am taking the Effexor at 8 pm. Does it help to take it in the morning instead?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Colleen
It could be either the serotonin or norepinephrine or both. In my case, I had insomnia on the SSRIs Prozac and Zoloft, as well as on the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors Strattera and desipramine, so drugs that work on either neurotransmitter give me insomnia. For me, the insomnia on the SSRIs was decidedly worse, while the drugs that worked on norepinephrine gave me a less severe insomnia and simultaneously seemed to reduce the need for sleep.I know what you're talking about with your Effexor insomnia because that was basically was my experience in the years I was on it (I took the standard version, mostly 2 x 37.5 mg/day or 2 x 75 mg/day). The big problem was that I would wake up as you do and then find it most difficult to get back to sleep. I resisted using a sleep aid during that time, which I now feel was somewhat foolish of me. I am currently on an MAOI that works on all three of the main neurotransmitters involved with mood, and this drug is giving me insomnia much more brutal than what I experienced on Effexor; although, like the NE reuptake inhibitors, it also simultaneously reduces the need for sleep. I am currently alternating 0.125 mg Halcion one night with 50 mg Benadryl the next, and also playing a special sleep/relaxation CD the whole night. This seems to be combating the insomnia fairly well.
Todd
Posted by Colleen D. on June 7, 2004, at 12:36:04
In reply to Re: HELP! Trouble sleeping all night on Effexor XL!, posted by King Vultan on June 7, 2004, at 12:15:38
I'm glad to hear I'm not alone. I took Zoloft a few years ago and it had a very sedating effect on me. I'd be in bed early and want to sleep in late, and then I'd nod off during the day. That's why I'm on Effexor this time around. I hate taking sleep-aids all the time, but it's better for me to get a good sleep than not, so maybe I'll alternate Benadryl and Unisom. I'm also waiting to hear from my doc for add'l suggestions. Thanks again, and good luck to you!
Colleen
Posted by sooshi on June 7, 2004, at 20:40:20
In reply to HELP! Trouble sleeping all night on Effexor XL!, posted by Colleen D. on June 7, 2004, at 11:15:10
Hi Colleen,
I would definately suggest you take your Effexor in the morning if it is that stimulating to you. That's when I take mine, because I find it quite energizing, and it really helps me get through the day (and deal with my 2 kids, too!)
Good luck,
Sooshi
Posted by Colleen D. on June 8, 2004, at 7:10:51
In reply to Re: HELP! Trouble sleeping all night on Effexor XL! » Colleen D., posted by sooshi on June 7, 2004, at 20:40:20
it in the morning after I've taken a dose at 8 pm the night before or wait so that I've not doubled up the dosage within 24 hours? With all the talk here about withdrawal, I'm hesitant to go more than 24 hours. Any ideas?
Colleen
Posted by sooshi on June 8, 2004, at 11:02:38
In reply to Thanks Sooshi! I will try that. Should I take..., posted by Colleen D. on June 8, 2004, at 7:10:51
Let's see...assuming you took your 8pm dose last night (Mon, June 7), then I would skip the 8pm does tonight and start bright and early tomorrow morning...otherwise, if you take your 8pm dose tonight, then another dose in the morning, you might get REALLY pepped up tomorrow and possibly feel some anxiety (which is what happens to me, anyway)! If you're worried about feeling those withdrawal sensations (which happens to me also!), I would take 1/2 my dose tonight, just to keep some the Effexor in my system...I've done this ALOT, especially when I've forgotten a dose and it's too close to my next dose to take a full dose.
Hope this helps some! Keep me posted,
Sooshi
Posted by beatrix34 on June 8, 2004, at 20:53:21
In reply to Re: Thanks Sooshi! I will try that. Should I take... » Colleen D., posted by sooshi on June 8, 2004, at 11:02:38
I too couldn't sleep on Effexor and I did take miy meds first thing in the am. I hope that works for you, it was still too stimulating a drug for me. I would fall asleep and wake up every night between 3 and 4am like clock work. It was so frustrating for me. I also tossed and turned all night. I took Benadryl for about a month and then decided that between the insomnia and the total lack of sex drive it just wasn't working. I have recently switched to Lexapro, 10mg and I am sleeping like a baby with no additional meds. I still feel anxious and testy though as it has only been a week on the Lexapro. I'm hear that it takes a while to kick in so I'm waiting it out. So far no SE's for me on this one though (whew). Good luck.
Bea
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