If you take Effexor and find yourself waking up drenched in sweat, you’re not alone.
Night sweats are a common side effect of this medication.
The good news is that there are some things you can try to reduce night sweating.
In this post, I’ll go over why Effexor causes night sweats and give you a few tips to help you stay cool and get a good night’s rest.
The Link Between Effexor and Night Sweats
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication that is well-known to cause night sweats as a side effect in some patients.
Studies have found that almost up to 12% of people taking Effexor XR experience night sweats.
The exact reason behind why Effexor leads to night sweats isn’t entirely clear, but it’s thought to be linked to how the medication affects neurotransmitters in the brain and body.
Effexor works by altering the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.
This can influence how the body regulates temperature and responds to sweating.
Some studies suggest that Effexor might interfere with the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling body temperature.
This could lead to sweating episodes, especially while sleeping when the body’s temperature regulation is more sensitive.
The risk of developing night sweats with Effexor seems to be higher at higher doses. People who are just starting Effexor or increasing their dosage may be more prone to this side effect initially.
Managing Night Sweats From Effexor
If you’re experiencing night sweats, here are some tips to cope with and minimize it:
Discuss It With Your Doctor
The first thing you should do is to talk to your prescribing physician about the night sweats.
They can check if changing your Effexor dosage could lessen the night sweats.
Also Read: How To Stop Waking Up Sweaty With Causes
Sometimes, taking a lower dose or slowly changing the dose up or down can help.
If the night sweats keep happening even after adjusting the dosage, your doctor might suggest trying a different antidepressant that’s less likely to mess with your body temperature regulation.
Or he might prescribe you something like glycopyrrolate or gabapentin to stop sweating.
Use Breathable Bedding
The next thing you can do is change your bedding.
Use sheets and blankets made from natural, breathable fabrics. And avoid stuff like polyester, which can trap heat and moisture.
Also, get a mattress pad or cover that’s designed to soak up moisture if you can.
You may also find relief by using a lightweight, moisture-wicking comforter or throwing a thin blanket over your legs instead of a heavy duvet.
Wear Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking Sleepwear
Just as your bedding should be breathable, your sleepwear also matters.
Go and get lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from natural, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or bamboo.
These fabrics help keep you cool and dry by drawing moisture away from your skin.
Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture.
Also Read: Socks to Prevent Sweaty Feet
Some people feel more comfortable wearing lightweight, short-sleeved tops and shorts, or even sleeping without a top.
Keep Your Bedroom Cool
Keeping your bedroom cool can help reduce night sweats.
Keep the room temperature between 65-70°F (18-21°C). Use an air conditioner, fan, or open windows to let in fresh air and create airflow.
You may also want to consider a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air.
High humidity can make night sweats worse.
Stay Hydrated
Staying well-hydrated throughout the day can help reduce the severity of night sweats.
So drink plenty of water – even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty.
Keeping a glass of water on your nightstand can also be helpful, so that you take a sip of water if you wake up sweating during the night.
Avoid Triggers Before Bed
Certain activities, foods, and habits will worsen the night sweats. Try to avoid these in the hours leading up to bedtime:
- Spicy or heavy meals
- Caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate
- Alcohol
- Strenuous exercise
- Stress or anxiety-inducing activities
Also Read: The Science Behind Spicy Food Sweats
Wrapping Up
Night sweats are a common side effect of Effexor (venlafaxine). You might not be able to completely stop them without talking to your doctor.
But, if you follow some of the tips I mentioned, you should be able to minimize sweating.
FAQs
Does Effexor Sweating Go Away?
Effexor sweating may go away over time for some people as their body adjusts to the medication. Sadly, it isn’t always the case for everyone.
Some people claim that switching from Effexor XR to Effexor made the night sweats go away.
How Do I Stop Excessive Sweating From Effexor?
You’ll have to talk to your doctor. He’ll probably change the dose or switch you to a different antidepressant. Or he might recommend something for the night sweats.