Weaning Off Pristiq For Good (Page 6) (Top voted first)

I just wanted to tell all of you trying to get off pristiq, its possible. I was on pristiq for severe panic attacks for 6 months. It saved my life. It gave me a chance to slow down my career, gave me a huge wakeup call. This drug put a cloud over my brain. I was not my happy, fun loving self. I was like a step ford wife. You can't wean off this pill. I was on 50 mg. I did every other day for a month. Every third day for two weeks then cold turkey. It really was not so bad. I layer on my couch for three days, cried a bit and watched movies. I'm happily on all holistic medications, no longer a slave to Pristiq. If I can beat anxiety, anyone can. My biggest advice.. Exercise. Next, surround yourself with positive people. Three, talk out your problems. Good luck.

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HI there! Thank you for the reply. I hope that your daughter is doing great! As for me, one day at a time sometimes hour by hour.
I will not give up nor will I EVER take another antidepressant. See I was really abused badly as a teen/child and this medication just threw it all back in my face but twisted. I went to therapy for 4 years in my teens for abuse. I currently went through 3 therapists that were a waste of my hard earned money. I guess if you live in Orange County everyone is "supposed" to have $ to throw around.. Not me .. I work very hard for what I have. Needless to say I will give my MD one more chance on any suggestion then I will get a second opinion.
I have a question for you though. Did your Daughter have any crazy feelings when on the med? Did it get worse when she quit? For me when I was on Pristiq and Viibryd they made me a spaz and my anxiety was like a full blown panic attack all day every day. Now that I am off I am trying to just get back to my "normal". I thank you for your time

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Hi there - you are absolutely correct...I had called the manufacturer directly last summer when I was trying to "taper off" pristiq, and was told that due to the time release nature of this medication, that it should NOT be cut in half. I was advised to "slowly taper off" - but unfortunately the manufacturer (Pfizer) has not provided a way to safely do so. My experience with getting off Pristiq was pretty traumatic...I ended up going cold turkey and was so dizzy, disoriented (and depressed) that I had to go stay with my sister for a month to get through it... not a fun experience to say the least, and the whole thing has really had a negative impact on my life. It took me several months to get my brain chemistry "stabilized" again (after being off pristiq). I am back on Lexapro which seems to be working out OK and overall feeling much better - and more like "myself" again (instead of numbed up zombie). I know that every medication has its possible side effects - and works differently for different people...BUT I believe that Pristiq should not be on the market - or at least not so widely prescribed. It is a heavy duty antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication that pretty much puts a "blanket over the brain". But the fact that is nearly impossible to "taper" off this drug is my primary complaint... the manufacturer needs to at the very least make available this in lower doses so that it possible for someone to get off of this medication. Take care and hang in there - you CAN get through this!!

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I am now day 5 off pristiq I was on 50mg first then went up to 100mg then added a booster pill at night. I started taking this pill because I am 48 turning 49 with an 7 year old boy who has special needs and a 5 yr old girl that has global speech etc I couldn't cope I have had no help from anyone in family all I heard from them was that I was a terrible mother etc if I wrote it all here it would turn into a book so I went to my doc and said I need to be able to be here for my children I am depressed, anxious, etc he gave me pristiq 50 mg and at first it was great, words just washed off and didn't effect it, so no matter what was happening which was allot I remained calm and in control it was awesome until the 50 wasn't working anymore so the up doses what a huge mistake that was I was worse and self medicating side effects headaches every day so I took codeine now I'm hooked on that. I finally convinced doc to give me Wellbutrin which I have tried before but now that I am day 5 and all that I've gone through I'm scared to take it. The first day I was so tired off balance and woke up every time I would turnover in bed run to the bathroom throwing up from extreme nausea, it went on all night the next day I slept and I was up at night the nausea was horrible I've lost my appetite feeling anxious and the brain zaps is my brain waking up from being asleep for many years because of this stupid pills I would recommend to never take it. My dad died I did CPR on him never done it before I cracked his ribs and kept going till the paramedics game and all through this pristiq kept me calm and I took care of everything. On this drug I was dead it wasn't living I still loss of appetite nausea anixety but I refuse to ever take it again. I went cold turkey as doc said I would be fine. He lied. I was only on 100mg for 1year and was on 50 for about two years never again I keep taking deep breaths when I start to get overwhelmed, and I stopped self medicating it going to rough but I'm determined to do it, we are meant to feel, be alive to live, things happen in life and no pill is ever going to change that.

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Julie - i TOTALLY agree with the weight thing. I cannot fit into any of my clothes - this is why I'm going off it…. Im good now but the weight thing upsets me.

It was my first full day off it yesterday. I was fine during the day but overnight i couldn't sleep, terrible dreams, kept waking up in shock, worst worst night sweats, and the zaps were bad. I also feel really slow - although that could be because i have not slept.

IM okay today - no nausea or anything like that, just really really tired, slow and a bit sore from no sleep. I think I'm going to hit the gym to reenergize and try to last another day without anything so i can take one tomorrow for work. that way i can go 1 every 2 days….

I will say thought, that a day without it and my digestion actually works - crazy the difference in only 1 day!!!

can't wait to get off this med!

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Are you alone doing this Nicole. If you are having suicidal thoughts please call someone. You won't always feel this way. It will get better. Try watching a movie that always makes you laugh. Also try going out into nature for a walk get your heart pumping. Keep posting. We all care about you.

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Hi there - please hang in there- and try to find some support where you can - maybe a counselor would help? I know for me, it was a bit of a process. I tried to "taper" as much as was possible and went for 100mg to 50mg the first 2 weeks in July of last year. I then stopped taking the pristiq altogether, but did take a small dose of lexapro to help. That being said, it still took me a couple of weeks to get past the initial discontinuation symptoms - but then another couple of months at least to get over the side affects/impact of pristiq. Please try to seek out some type of help - best to have support while going through this... take care!!

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Thinking about your progress....I hope you're doing ok.

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You will find so much information in these posts. I recommend reading them, then discussing with a trusted doctor and continuing too come here for super from people that understand. Good luck and God bless....there is a great life after Pristiq

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I was taking 100 mg of Pristiq a day for depression and anxiety for 9 months. I decided to cut back to 50 mg per day. I did experience some irritability, headaches, spells of dizziness, slight stomach upset. I did time it that I had a few days off work before the weekend, and by the beginning of the week felt better. After 2 weeks at 50 mg, I went cold turkey. Again, a few days off before a long weekend. Experiencing similar withdrawal symptoms, with the addition of some odd dreams and sweats. I am on day 3 of being free of Pristiq , and I have to say that as "uncomfortable" as it is going through the withdrawal, the awakening of sorts I'm feeling is most welcome. I am also beginning to notice my libido returning and I'm laughing more. (I have cried some too!) I am determined to hang in there and I will conquer!! :) my plan for success is to continue exercising, self hypnosis, healthy eating, and positive thinking. Good luck to everyone else in their journey and know you aren't alone.

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Hi, I'm sorry to hear that, sounds awful :( I left below my weaning schedule in a super lengthy message below. Everyone's different of course but for me it was nasty, but bearable. I was JUST able to power through work although I wouldn't recommend it You should give it a shot :)

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Hi all, 2 months now free of pristiq and I thought id share how I'm recovering. I was originally getting much much happier now that the "zombie" effects of pristiq are gone, still exhausted 24/7 not sure if that's related or not. Then, I started to feel the bleak feeling of depression at a family lunch, ended up crying for no particular reason. Next day I had a 9 hour shift, but ten minutes into it I broke down in tears. Usually with anxiety-caused tears I'd sort of get it, calm myself down in fifteen minutes or so and go back to work. This felt like more of the deep despair that I knew I wouldn't "get over" so quickly. Which made me really fear that the depression is coming back. Although the days following this have even a bit better. I'm taking up regular acupuncture now in the hope it will help both anxiety and depression (and the muscle tiredness and exhaustion I forever suffer from). My acupuncturist said she thinks my depression may have been caused by glandular fever, that that's super common? Today was day one of my *regular* acupuncture (if had it twice before) and I came home with a herbal supplement called Magnol one. Googled it, and it's for "excessive fatigue, lack of energy, feelings of demoralization,
Vital exhaustion with overlapping patterns of depression". Well that sums me up perfectly, I hope it helps! Also going to try and finally start eating better. I don't know about everyone else here, but my choices of food are pretty bad and an obvious contribution to feeling crappy all round. If anyone's interested in further updates of the acupuncture and the supplements, let me know.

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From all I read, day 3 gets tough snd can last for days. My daughter had brain zaps, light sensitivity, nightmares, double vision, sweating profusely, extreme irritation, really bad thoughts...please be aware. Take gentle, loving care of yourself. Stay in touch with your professional.God loves you, Faith

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Hello Nancy, It's been 8 days since I stopped the remeron and pristiq, still have some brain zaps and still sluggish, but not feeling so ill, still have bad anixty, thoughts and depression but don't think a pill can change that. I'm going to stay on .05 klonopin and calming tea to help sleep a little. Thank you for being there for me, I couldn't of made it this far without you. How's your daughter doing ?
Thank you Faith

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Another thing you might want to have checked are your vitamin D levels. I found out that I was really low on vitamin D (although I live in Florida) and am now taking 5000 IU's a day. This seems to help...if you do a little research, you can see how important vitamin D is in regards to mood, immune system and overall health. Keep your chin up and do your best to surround yourself with people who will lift you up! :)

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Hi Alex.
It's cause of ur post that I tried this method and so far (day 4) much better than the Eveything other day method. So thanks
Hi Nancy. Nice to hear from u how's your daughter?

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Hey Adri

That is awesome news. I couldn't believe i waited so long to try it I just thought nothing would ever work. I saw that you were struggling for a time there. Hope your doing better now! I have been off them since mid November now and i feel amazing (2 months now!). I am actually FEELING now. I noticed I never got excited about anything for the last few years on Pristiq and now I feel like I have my old self back. I was so numb for years on it. Its like I have just come up for air after so long.

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I am so happy for you, Adri! I just looked back and read some of your old posts. You've did it! What an inspiration to others!

Gray, you have a great method of tracking. You're ideas will help others very much!

Good job!

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Thank you so much for your story. I feel the same way. I've recently had serious issues with my heart...thank you side effects of Pristine and Adderrall. I have PTSD and had a crisis a few years back. Having been on medication for PTSD as a teenager, I was very hesitant to go back on medication as an adult. The Pristiq has packed on an incredible amount of weight, in addition to making me a zombie. I've had enough. This morning the nurse suggested adding a beta blocker to this regimen. Nope. I've had just about enough of the medication roller coaster. Being a fun loving, super creative person I've become a grumpy zombie who coasts through life not really enjoying anything. The doctor said she'd remove the Adderrall cold turkey because of my blood pressure. This would cause extreme brain fog leaving only the Pristiq in my system. I'm an executive with a holistic company that makes some of the best supplements, if not the best, on the market. After being in "blah" "zombie" mode, I've decided again life is too short to be in outer space. I'd much rather spend the money on holistic treatments such as supplements, gym memberships, and tanning sessions *yeah vitamin D!* than be a slave to these scumbag doctors. My husband is an attorney for a pharmaceutical company and has said time and time again drugs are manufactured and marketed to make money in the short term. They have horrible side effects. Doctors and drug companies get rich quickly, pocket the money, and throw the dice to see how many legal cases they need to settle.

Will be weaning off by cutting the pills in half for a week, then quarters, and then finally done. Thankfully I've been taking supplements religiously, hopefully they help my body acclimate to the difference in medication.

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Yes, I wish my Dr would of explained how hard it was going to be to get off this drug. I have heard nothing good regarding coming off this hard drug! Lexapro worked great for me but after several years on it, its effectiveness wore off & that's why I switched. I wish I would of done my homework first!! I am so nervous about what is come with these withdraw symptoms! I missed my pill one day & YIKES I felt like crap & crazy!! Pfizer needs to be able to tell their customers how to come off!

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420 does help alot if u can manage to get a supply-- have to wait another month at least before the medical MJ comes thru..trying to get it around here is so tuff as i am older and dont have any contacts...SUX and this weaning off 100mg pristiq is a b**** so far..I get the electric sieze that smacks me in the head, major dizziness and then if i try to go longer than 40 hrs between pills (i'm only on my 1st week weaning down) i get terribly nauseous and dont even want to move. Taking a xanax helps a tiny bit, but i need the cannabis. ..good luck to everyone out there getting off this pill. I wish I never started taking it. Been on it for 6-7 years for depression. turns out i may just have adrenal issues that can be treated holistically. also just finished suboxone treatment for 2 mos. to get off oxycodone. that was a walk in the park next to trying to get off this damn Pristiq!

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