Lisa,
My understanding is that Effexor is different from other ADs in that is characterized as an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) rather than a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Effexor works on two different brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. I'm not a doctor, so I am not altogether sure what that means 
I didn't realize you were only on the medication for two weeks. I thought since your sleeping problems were going on for a month that you had been on the meds for a month and were attributing the insonmnia to that. You have to give Effexor time. It takes about 6-8 weeks for it to really make a noticable difference. I wouldn't jump the gun as of yet and say conclusively that it is not the right AD for you until you have waited it out a while longer. It may take a longer amount of time for you to feel better depending on how severe your anxiety was to begin with.
One of the common listed side effects of the medication is constipation, which is no good for a C-er I know. I got a bit constipated (and I'm predominantly a D) when I began it. If I remember correctly, the constipation went away after a few weeks. Just up your IF intake if you can tolerate it. That seemed to help me tremendously.
I really think that if you are concerned, though, you need to talk to your prescribing doctor. That is what s/he is there for and s/he can definitely give you better answers than I can as to what you need to do with your treatment.
Oh and the meds to help you sleep, I meant on a short term basis. I didn't take sleep aids very long as my sleeplessness from the medication only lasted about a week. If yours was occurring prior to going on Effexor, it probably is not due to the medication. Perhaps it's due to the anxiety, which hopefully you can get under control with the medication. Definitely tell your doctor about it.
I hope I didn't miss anything. Let me know if you want to talk more about the meds! I am happy share my experiences with it.
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Re: Amanda...
