Hi!! The symptoms that you are experiencing are completely normal. I know they are scary, but most times your body should over come the symptoms once the drug is adjustment properly. I have been on effexor for almost 5 years now and I have been on high dosages such as 250Mg to 37.5 Mg. Your sleep patterns are definately going to be messed up, especially for the first while as this drug causes insomnia. Not to worry, it should pass. I also heard that effexor CAN cause heart palpatations...for this to be true, and that is what you are experiencing, I am not so certain. It is funny about the dreams, I have not had that symptom, but I am sure that this drug can effect people in many different ways. Such as for me, I have experienced: Insomnia, decreased sex drive, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, bad taste from the drug, and the list continues. And also to the comment about wanting to get off the medication. I have tried to get off this medication for about a year and it is tough. The withdrawl effects if you can handle them should only last about a week, but they very, and are almost like a terrible flu and hangover all together. If you want to get off, do not do this alone, make sure you speak with your doctor. I hope that this information helps you, and don't worry, the side effects should ease up on you.