I took Effexor XR for about 5-6 years and I took it at night. It made me very sleepy, but I think it's more usual for people to take it in the morning. I also was taking 375 mg/day because it takes around that much for it to work for fibromyalgia pain. I don't know if that makes any difference as to what time of day it's better to take it.

I hope your p-doc is checking your blood pressure with the Effexor.