Does Effexor make you tired? 

Yes, Effexor (Venlafaxine) can make you feel tired. It is one of the most commonly reported side effects of this antidepressant. Some people have revealed that the drug not only makes them feel tired but it also makes them feel extremely sleepy. 

Some surveys revealed that the drug can also cause weakness and dizziness in a number of individuals, especially elderly people. 

Why does Effexor make you tired? 

There are many research studies and additional theories that have tried to explain why Effexor makes you feel tired, sleepy, weak, and dizzy. Some studies have simply concluded that the mechanism of action of this medication is the reason why it causes such side effects. 

As the drug increases the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two excitatory monoamine neurotransmitters, it may affect people differently. Some people get too overwhelmed with the increased amount of neurotransmitters and may begin to feel tired and exhausted. 

Some experts have revealed that Effexor can affect your sodium levels. Sodium is an electrolyte which is performing a hell lot of functions in our body, including muscle contraction. When the drug reduces the level of serum sodium, it may make you feel weak and you get tired easily. 

The same side effect can also make your blood pressure drop as sodium plays an important role in the contraction of your heart muscles as well. This can make you feel more tired, exhausted, and breathless.

What to do if Effexor makes you feel tired? 

There are a few things that you can do if Effexor makes you feel tired, sleepy, weak, and dizzy. These include:

Talk Effexor at bedtime 

Effexor is usually supposed to be taken once daily. If the drug makes you feel tired and exhausted, it’s best to take your dose at bedtime. This way the intensity of this side effect will be highest when you’ll go to bed to fall asleep. 

This will not only help you fall asleep but will surely reduce your nighttime wakefulness. After 8 to 9 hours of sound sleep, you will surely wake up fresh and full of energy in the morning. 

If that doesn’t happen, consult your healthcare provider and you should even ask your doctor to change the timing of your Effexor if you’re currently taking it in the morning. 

Have a good breakfast routine

Having a good breakfast routine is extremely crucial for your energy levels. It’s the time when you get your first feeling after 10 to 12 hours of the fasting period. 

You should start your day with the best possible breakfast foods. This can help energize your body on a whole new level. If you’re not a good breakfast person, you will feel tired in the morning as well. 

Drink some coffee

Coffee is another good part of your morning. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and it helps increase your mental alertness. However, make sure you don’t drink too much coffee. 

Excessive amounts of coffee can affect the efficacy of your Effexor, especially if you’re taking it for depression comorbid with anxiety. This is because coffee makes you anxious and if you continue to intake more caffeine, it will significantly increase your anxiety and decrease the effectiveness of Effexor. 

Stay active throughout the day 

Staying active is extremely important for good energy levels. Tiredness can be an issue for people who have desk jobs and they have to sit there all day long. If you’re one of such people, make sure you take some breaks. 

Walk for 10 to 15 minutes in those breaks or stretch your muscles. Hit the gym if your workplace has one or if you’re at home, you can just do a 10-minute workout that you can search up online. Just remember to stay active, one way or another. 

References 

• Venlafaxine (Pubmed, article updated in 2021)
• Dangers of Venlafaxine
• Effects of antidepressants on sleep (Pubmed, 2017)