I have recently been prescribed Venlafaxine (an SNRI) by my GP, I'd been on Lofepramine (a tricyclic) for a long time and it was no longer helping. I briefly took Fluoxetine (Prozac, SSRI) which I'd had before, this really didn't help at all.

I'm hoping to see an improvement in mood and motivation with the Venlafaxine but I realise it takes a while to 'kick-in'.

I have always had problems sleeping but recently found a successful remedy, I take a small dose of L-tryptophan and a small dose of GABA in the evening (both in powder form) my sleep has improved a lot. However I took only the venlafaxine yesterday, one in the morning and one around 8pm, ( a total of 75mg), I was awake most of the night. I also feel sick for around an hour after taking it. I've read that this only lasts a few days, I also have a feeling of weakness. But I must stress it's very early on in treatment.

What I wondered was, is it okay to continue with the L-tryptophan and GABA whilst taking the Venlafaxine ? I really need sleep, but my doctor is very anti-sleeping medication and I really don't want to go down that route either.

I'd also be very interested to hear other people's experiences of Effexor/venlafaxine especially with regard to appetite, weight loss/gain, libido.

Thanks.