Pristiq Tapering Experience

I was on Pristiq for nearly four years to help stabilize my mood (50mg). The drug was fantastic in achieving the result I was looking for and really gave me the space in my head to come to terms with my issues and time to reflect. The side effects for me were weight gain (15kg) and loss of libido but overall a small price to pay. I decided in December to come off the drug and read as much information as I could find, both professional and user opinion. I spoke with my doctor initially and his advice was to take the medication on alternate days. I chose to ignore that advice based on the way I felt if I missed a day and reading others experiences. Against manufacturers advice I decided to cut the tablet and reduce my dose a quarter at a time. To start with I spoke with my family to make them aware of what I was about to do as my moods impact them directly. I spoke to them about my triggers and what help I might need as I start the process. The Family have been great. As I started my taper I cut my tablet down to a 3/4 dose. As expected I felt dizzy and experienced headaches but far more mild than skipping days. The side effects were mild and dissipated after 3-5 days. I stayed on the 3/4 dose for two weeks. During this time I started a diary capturing the dose, my mood, side effects, sleep and any relevant activity in the day. The diary has really helped me with reflection and to accurately capture each day and reference back to. I made a point to stay on the reduced dose for at least a week after the symptoms were gone before reducing further. I found that a two week period had worked really well for me. I'm now starting day three without taking any Pristiq and its been a total of 45 days since i started the taper process. I'm still a little dizzy but based on my experience the symptoms will be less and less over the coming days. I found that my mind is sharper, my libido returned and, I'm more energized. Before I started i also joined the gym which I find is great for mood. I chose to be more aware of my internal dialogue and halt any negative thoughts. The challenge for me will be to continue to be aware of my thoughts and mood and do what is in my control to stay positive. The key points for me were: 1. Talk to family or support network first. 2. Start or continue exercise. 3. Keep a daily diary. 4. Be aware of internal dialogue. 5. Taper slowly. 6. Cutting tablets is ok. 7. Expect to experience side effects but push through. I hope my experience will help others in some way. Good luck!

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Wow, Rob! I am so glad that it has gone so well for you. Has there been any change, or are you still doing well?

A couple of issues that someone needs to be careful to watch for, when tapering and stopping such a medication, according to the NIH, include rebound depression, and anxiety.

Has anyone else successfully tapered this way?

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I am not familiar with Pristiq, however, I did do a successful taper of Ativan a year ago from a 3mg/day prescription. It was hell, but made it. My mistake and my Doctors was giving me Ativan in 1/2 mg tablets to carry with me as a security blanket, since she assured me that 1/2" mg would not bother me even if I used it regularly if needed. Worked fine as a comforter until one day I actually needed it, I thought. Well one day turned into 30 days and then I started getting inter dose withdrawals. I knew instantly what had happened. I had become physically dependent again. I have found that tapering from a low dose is about as difficult as the higher doses, however, I now know that you can't treat these kind of drugs lightly. Some people can, but you never know which kind you are until it is too late. My sleep quality has not been affected as much with this low dose taper as it was with the original higher dose withdrawal and my main complaint or withdrawal symptom thusfar has been unrelenting heart palpitations, which would be even more maddening if I did not know that they are temporary. The human instinct is to seek the most comfortable spot, either physically, or mentally. Good luck to all that are trying to get back to normal.

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Hi Rob,

I commend you. I have been on various AD Pristiq being the first and I was told that I could not split the tablet as it is time released and it would be compromised. Both my doctor and pharmacist who told me this. I decided to come off of it quickly because of that reason as there only a few dosages to choose from. I am currently coming off Clonazepam - it has been over three months. I started at 1 mg nightly for sleep. The lower the dose, I find the worse the withdrawal symptoms are - anxiety, depression, derealization to name a few. I have been put on Imovane at night to help with the transition. After two years of anxiety these are the only meds I am on. Currently on .125 mg Clonazepam and Doctor said to hold for a while as we are going on a cruise. He said that it could take months for the brain to get back to normal- but it will get back to normal. I am holding on to that and battling through the days sometimes. It is great hearing from others knowing that they have similar issues. Good luck everyone!!

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How are you sleeping? I came off citalopram for 18 months but had to take sleep meds to sleep. Have just gone back on citalopram as I develop tolerance to sleep meds. Would like to have a clear head but need sleep.

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Sleeping really well. Probably better than I have for some time.

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I want to switch from 100 mg of pristiq back to 50. I started on 50 but have been on 100 for some 6 years. Does anybody have experience doing this?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

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