Hello everyone. I am new to taking Effexor XR and Depakote ER and have been experimenting a little with the time of day I take my doses. I have only been on these meds for about a week now.

I am currently only taking 37.5mg of Effexor XR with breakfast and 750mg Depakote ER about 2 hours before bed. I originally took the Effexor with dinner but found myself awake in the middle of the night.

I find myself being tired and wanting to sleep 12 hours a day. And this seems to be increasing with each passing day. I attribute this to the fact that the medicine is getting more into my body.

So I am wondering if there's a better time (or way) to take these meds. Should I take 250mg of Depakote ER at a different time instead of all 750mg at 1 time? Do I need to take Effexor XR with food? Should I take the Effexor right at bedtime even without food? That is what I'd like to do. In order to sleep through the side effects and also do the same with my Depakote, if possible.

I already take 3mg of Lunesta and 75mg of Seroquel to help me sleep at night as it is. I would love to cut out the Seroquel (or cut it back down to 25mg) as I feel this also makes me tired the next day.

If anyone has any suggestions or experiences they would like to share, I would really appreciate it because I find myself wanting to sleep almost all the time! And I am beginning to think I should take the Effexor at night even if it does wake me because at least then I wasn't as tired during the day.

Thanks everyone. And please don't be shy as I really could use some help. Take care!


Hugs,
CA 2 NJ