question: I was prescribed venlafaxine hel er tabs to treat long term hot flashes. I have been taking it about 3 yrs. These disturb me daily - day and night - and have been ongoing for 20 years (I am 68). I haven t had any success controlling them since stopping hrt many years ago. I have always had trouble staying asleep and this has gotten worse. I am not and have never been depressed, rather upbeat and active. I was told to take the RX before bed. Any suggestions?