Pristiq And Bad Side Effects

This is NOT a good medicine. I felt more depressed on it and had several side effects, nausea, lack of appetite, dizziness, etc. Then, after being on it for 2 weeks, I had a severe allergic reaction to it. So not fun! No more Pristiq for me. Throw the stuff away!

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I went on Pristiq for 10 days - had shortness of breath, and all the other side side effects. Dr. office told me to stop 'cold turkey' - It's been 7 daysoff and I am still not feeling normal! What's up with that?? They told me it would only be a couple of days. So I call them and tell them I am still having withdrawal symptoms - they act like I am crazy! And it must be something else wrong with me! I have NEVER felt like this - until taking pristiq! When will it end? My advice - dont even start the stuff! But I would like to know how long the symptoms last after going off the stuff???? Everyone talks about how bad it is - but no one comes back and says - I am finally symptom free!

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I tried effexor 37.5 for two weeks and felt a bit out of it, and lost weight, and felt fuzzy, I am a climber and ride a motorcycle, I had to stop that for two weeks, I felt it was a bit dangerous. I started it because I had anxiety, and felt depressed with low energy. I also had Leukemia 6 years ago and feel that I finally needed something to settle me down. Well, my MD decided to give me samples of Pristiq, and feels that I would have less side affects, and would be able to ride and climb. I wanted to start Monday, and now I am reading all these threads and feel a bit uncertain.

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Please remember that not everyone experiences the same side effects when on medications, while some people may experience all of them, some may not. The only way to really find out, it by trying the medication for yourself.

Pristiq contains the active ingredient Desvenlaxafine, and is used primarily as an antidepressant of the SSNRI class.

Some of the most common side effects may include: nausea, drowsiness, headache and dry mouth.

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I'm on Pristiq...have been for five weeks, i'm fine on it...but if i have it only three or four hours late i have serious withdrawels!!!! i go dizzy sweaty..feel like i'm going to vomit and need to have it right away!!! when i take it all the symtoms disapear!! :( i will hate too see what ill be feeling like when i have to come off it!!! :( anyone else??

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I tried Pristiq two days ago, my md said to cut it in half so it was 25 mg, I felt like a Zombie, I was so tired and light headed, it ruined my whole day. I could not function. I was supposed to ride my motorcycle and climb and that was a big no. I called the pharmacist I know and he said to stop it. My md is out of town. I am told it takes a couple days to agree with your body, I am scared of that note.

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I have the same horrible withdrawal symptoms as some of you have mentioned. If I am late on taking my medication, I get so dizzy, nauseated and horribly sick! I feel like I am withdrawing from heroin or something. I want to get off of it, but I am scared I will have to take a month off of work and go to a drug rehab clinic to do so. I have been on almost all of the anti-depressants and NEVER have I ever felt like this when even missing ONE dose! Im actually scared!

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Hello!
I was started on Pristiq (50 mgs, once a day) approx. 2 months ago (perhaps a bit longer w/ the samples?). I had had *enough* of the side effects (including the sensation that bugs were crawlling beneath my skin: that eventually subsided). But becoming so bloated and thick (gained about 6 or 8 pounds) to the point of actually looking *pregnant* (!), was the final straw. I was put on a weaning-off protocol (one day on/one day off, during an 8 day period), which ended on Tuesday (it's now Saturday night): On Thursday, I presented with Migraine (!) (something I have occasionally had, but this was of a different nature), nausea and dizziness. Today, (Saturday), I have had flu-like symptoms (no fever but aches and chills) in addition to headache, nausea and feeling sea sick with slightly blurred vision; also emotionally shaky (panicky and suddenly tearful). Being inactive, from needing to lay, still, in bed, I'm certain has not helped. I'm an (ordinarily) slender, active/athletic and youthful 50-something. And I've been having one heck of a during the past 3-4 days getting off of this medication! The withdrawal feels worse than the side effects. I applaud those who have had good results with Pristiq and hope it will continue to help. And I identify with those who have had a miserable time of it. I have *never* felt this poorly from stopping any medication. And, frankly, feel that my doctor did not know enough to have reassured me so thoroughly about Pristiq's efficacy and absence of side effects. (How could she have? The drug's only been around a short while.) For those who have had ill-effects, it is imperative that your doctors submit your symptoms to the drug company: This is how they (the drug company) formulates its published list of potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms. I wish there were a more effective, pain-less and sure-fire way to treat depression! I believe this is my first time, ever, on a message board. Best wishes to you all - UrbanGal

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I decided not to take Pritiq, too many side affects. I do not want to put my liver and kidneys thru all that. I am going natural, it is the best way for me. Good luck!!!!

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Not everyone experiences all of the side effects from any given prescription drug, some people experience all of them and some none.

Csharp66 you do need to be aware though that natural remedies, such as herbal supplements can carry as many side effects and be just as dangerous as prescription drugs, in addition, they are not proven to actually work.

Have you discussed various alternatives with your doctor?

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have felt more depressed on this medication. at first i thought it was working and i felt more focused and was excited thinking this was a great medicine but within a weeks time i started feeling different, not myself, tired, very irritable and short tempered. i am a very patient person but began to fly off the handle very easily in the 2nd week. this medicine is not for me. called my md as i was crying in my car. she never called me back.

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I've been on it for about 3 months and I think it's great. Had terrible side effects at first, but these went away after the first month or so. I feel better than I ever have and others notice the change in me. I know different meds work in different ways for different people, but I have no complaints other than the initial side effects.

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I was put on birth control recently - Aviane 28. Prior to that I was a very anxious person, but not sad. Two weeks later I woke up and felt like there was no point in anything. Went to the doc and fell apart. He prescribed Prestiq. After the second day I felt great, back to my old self. On day 4 I had a horrible headache which was still there on day 5. Took my BP and it was 180/106. I am a 42 yr old healthy female with normal BP of 118/70. Went to the doc and he took me off the Prestiq immediately - cold turkey - since I wasn't on it for very long. My BP is still high and Im having to take clonidine until I get detoxed. In the meantime, I feel like hell. I am nauseous, can hardly walk straight and have a terrible headache. I will never take this stuff again. I have two children to take care of and this has made me pretty much unavailable. After much thought my doc and I both agree that it was the birth control that put me in deep depression. Unbelievably wild and apparently unnecessary ride I'm going on now.

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I have been taking Pristiq for about a month and a half. The first week I was sure it was the best med I have tried (seven off the top of my head in the last ten years) but after the third week I started getting headaches, extreme nausea, the shakes, and I haven't had a good nights sleep in weeks!!! I have tried taking it at different times of day (previous meds were best at bedtime, and some in the am, or lunch time) and still, no sleep and I am forgetful and have been, seems silly, but "swollen", like major fluid retention, swollen feet and abdomen mainly, and I don't use the bathroom even half as often. Not to mention the sexual side of this med!!! (not even interested!!!) I am taking a half a day now, and am going off of this stuff ASAP. As a Post Script, my insurance will not cover it because of the cost, even with my history, and with the 50% off card from the manufacturer, it comes to $74 per month, even though this isn't my reason to stop taking it, it is an issue!

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After TWO DAYS on this medication (16 hours after my second dose), I passed out in my bathroom and came to sweating from every pore in my body. My genitals were throbbing in pain for the rest of the day and some of the next. I now have bacterial vaginosis as a result of this medication (dr confirmed it). So yes, if you want to faint and experience a painful and fiery burning crotch, Ask Your Dr About Pristiq!!

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To clarify- I am a healthy 22-year-old with no medical conditions of any kind, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. No adjustment period, just a few dozen bricks on my head knocking me to the floor. I'm just lucky I was in my own bathroom. I ACTUALLY was so feverish when I came to that I had to strip immediately or I thought I would get heat stroke. Felt like my circuits were fried!

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I started pristiq about 6mo ago and it has wrecked havoc with me , the side effects are as bad as everyone says they are and coming off them is so bad i want to curl up and die, I also beleive my MD didnt really know anything about this drug and it was a willy nilly decision, I tappered and have been off completely for 7 days. I am a 40yo with bi polar have tried many drugs over many many years and found this one to be one of the very few that actually worsen depression and other bi polar symptoms.

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I have been on Pristiq for the past year. Though, I wasn't prescribed it for depression it was more for anxiety and mood swings before my period. I gained at least 15 pounds over the year; I watch my food, exercise. No need to gain the weight. My body never felt the same again this past year - and not in a good way. Dizzy, stomach bloating, no sex drive. My doctor stopped my cold turkey on Thursday, said that it also causes premenapausal symptoms (which has been happening for the past six months). Not my time. The side effects, dizziness, low blood pressure and no energy at all with symptoms of a stomach virus. It should take two weeks my doctor said to feel better. Anyone have the same problems?

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I have been taking Pristiq for the past 5 months. I have been trying to get off it without success for the past month. I started cutting the tablet in half then in to quarters. I can't seem to get off the quarter though. I am having extremely bad head spins and nausea. How much longer will this last?

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I am seeing a lot of posts on the terrible side effects coming off Pristiq but have also yet to find someone telling us how long it lasts. I'm on my 4th day after going cold turkey and this morning was better than the previous three days but I still feel like a 'drunken sailor'. I went off because of the consistent ringing in my ears which started to drive me crazy. I'll get back on this site to tell you once the discontinuation symptoms have stopped. Good luck everyone!

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My discontinuation symptoms were over about two weeks after I had stopped taking Pristiq. The worst part was the first few days, with the brain zaps lasting longer than a week - closer to 10 or 11 days. I felt irritated and emotional. Not sure whether those were was the discontinuation symptoms or the depression coming back. The flu-like symptoms lasted for about 5 to 7 days.

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Re: Gail (# 43)

Life is a struggle. I tried acupuncture the other day which seems to help. My stomach is still f***ed up from the pristq 10 mouths later and the doc can't find anything.

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I took methadone for years. I have come down to 4.2mg of suboxone but am so depressed the Drs prescribed me Pristiq. I've been on them a week. I've always been scared of antidepressants but I don't enjoy life, can't make decisions, am frightened of any drugs, but I take so many just to knock me out at night. I need help desperately. I'm 63 and I have kids. My life has been drug dependent but I must find the answer before it's too late. It is awful. I need to get back to me. Although I was controlled for years I took these things to hide. What a mistake. I just want to be normal but my life was never normal. I was on opiates at age 13, just had a bad childhood. I desperately need help. Thanks for reading. Faith, hope, love & freedom.

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I was on it for just 3 days , i never puked,but sick. 3 mouths later and my stumach still hurts

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Its like that for all anti depressants find one that works for you

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Sounds very similar to my current situation. Good for you!

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try to find a good acupuncturist that specializes in drug withdrawal..... my daughter almost went back on pristiq, brought her to the acupuncture her and her relief was immediate.

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I have been on pristiq for over 10 years. I am 4 days off and using the viibryd which is not better. I am having horrible withdrawls. I am also taking fish oil pills, eating peppermints, and drinking gingerale to help with the nausea and brain zaps anytime I move my eyes or head. I hope in 4 more days I get better because I am tempted to go back on pristiq. My doc doesn't understand how difficult this is. She didnt even say to taper off.

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I've been on Pristiq for a few years for depression. I started off taking 100mg than moved down to 50mg. I didn't have any side affects when I started taking it. But if I forget to take it I feel horrid! It's hard to explain how awfully sick you feel! It's dizzy, foggy headache mixed into one! I ran out Of pills once and hadn't gotten around to getting a new prescription. After 48 hours my body went into melt down the withdrawal symptoms are so bad- extreme nausea and diarrhea. I feel like every doctor I've spoken to about withdrawal symptoms doesn't understand how bad it is they just say oh it will only last a day or two!! I was in tears had to find a late night doctor to get a prescription so I could function. Anyone planning on stopping pristiq take time off work!!

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My daughter is almost a year free of pristiq!!! Halleluia !!! Her Dr had her splitting her pills during the tapering. It was a very difficult time, but it is over. Good luck and God bless!

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Thanks for sharing this information. I too want to stop (the weight gain around the middle is very upsetting!) but I'm scared to, after reading all these posts. Your solution sounds perfect, but I've also read in many places that pristine shouldn't be cut. Yet you are the second person to show how you weaned off it slowly without the terrible side effects. I'm wondering whether the company just says you can't cut it, because they know it's so hard to stop cold turkey. Did you have any problems at all with cutting it?

Thanks so much for your post!

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