Pristiq Side Effects?

[Guest Sorcy]

So I started Pristiq 3 days ago. I am also on xanax 1.5 mg Paxil 40 mg Trazadon 100 mg and bc. So far I have felt like crap. I have suffered from insomnia before but never this bad I haven't been able to sleep in 2 days. I get panic attacks and litterly shake and am jittery all day which the xanax doesn't help. I am a roller coaster of emotions I go from being super pissed to crying for no reason. I am very upset this is actually messing with my daily life. I have missed 3 classes so far because i was either to tired or to anxious or jittery. I litterly can not sit still. I hear it is supposed to be a miracle drug but so far it hasn't helped. I dont know I am going to give it more time. Tonight I decided to take it in the am instead of before I go to bed so hopefully I will get some sleep. I've actually locked myself in my room today so that I don't go off on my roommate. I have tried lexapro before to no avail. Has anyone else had these side effects?

Also I am considering going off all meds. I am not sure. I just feel like I am over medicated and what not. I have never been one to take meds untill now

[BlueEyes]

So I started Pristiq 3 days ago. I am also on xanax 1.5 mg Paxil 40 mg Trazadon 100 mg and bc. So far I have felt like crap. I have suffered from insomnia before but never this bad I haven't been able to sleep in 2 days. I get panic attacks and litterly shake and am jittery all day which the xanax doesn't help. I am a roller coaster of emotions I go from being super pissed to crying for no reason. I am very upset this is actually messing with my daily life. I have missed 3 classes so far because i was either to tired or to anxious or jittery. I litterly can not sit still. I hear it is supposed to be a miracle drug but so far it hasn't helped. I dont know I am going to give it more time. Tonight I decided to take it in the am instead of before I go to bed so hopefully I will get some sleep. I've actually locked myself in my room today so that I don't go off on my roommate. I have tried lexapro before to no avail. Has anyone else had these side effects?

Also I am considering going off all meds. I am not sure. I just feel like I am over medicated and what not. I have never been one to take meds untill now

Hi Sorcy -

I also had insomnia problems for about 6 or 7 days. The thing that most of us seemed to have found is that most, if not all, side effects are gone within 2 weeks, with the drug really taking full effect within 4 to 6 weeks. It really is worth the wait, and I would give it some time. You may also have to change the time you take it. Some take it in the morning, some in the evening. It depends on how it affects you.

Here are the links to the two main Pristiq threads. I hope you continue to post your experiences and questions for others to read. Feel free to PM me or other Pristiq users with questions.

[link=http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=23625&hl=pristiq" target="_blank]pristiq guinea pig[/link]

more pristiq

- blue

[coffeeisntbreakfast]

Hello, I have been nauseaus and weepy on Pristiq and stomach pains here and there. Some days I'm not nauseous. I've never thrown up though, not yet. I have headaches I can't get rid of but that's not necessarily new to me but not every day like it is now. I also have been "mean" at times. I have anxiety that was "gone", but now it's back and I'm afraid I'm dying of stomach cancer. I also take Wellbutrin, Topamax, Lamictal and Klonopin. I'm Bi-Polar, Major Depression all my life. Topamax helps the "emotional eating" and weight gain from meds.

Has anyone else had problems esp. with their stomach? I was on Effexor XR and I want to go back on it but my doc is very pro Pristiq and wants me to give it time, so I agreed, it's only been a couple weeks (almost) but I can't go on much longer feeling like this. I'd love to hear others' experiences.

Thanks for "listening", Lisa

[raccoonwoman7]

Pristiq's effectiveness is nothing like all the hype about it.

I started on it 1 week ago and I am calling my doctor today to tell her

I am stopping it. I haven't been sleeping, usually getting up by 1am each day.

I itch from head to toe, and I have not noticed one positive medical effect.

I had been on lamictal but they switched me to the generic, causing rashes and

burning sensations. So instead of increasing my lamictal they decided to add this

wonder pill to the bunch. what a croc of shit.

I am so tired of all these new meds that are pushed by the doctors and pharmaceutical

companies, only to find out later that there is a class action suit due to its longterm

effects. Seems like whatever they have 'samples' of is what they push. I have been

on 53 different meds, although Prozac is outdated, I can at least tolerate it and

learn to live with it.

[BlueEyes]

Pristiq's effectiveness is nothing like all the hype about it.

I started on it 1 week ago and I am calling my doctor today to tell her

I am stopping it. I haven't been sleeping, usually getting up by 1am each day.

I itch from head to toe, and I have not noticed one positive medical effect.

I had been on lamictal but they switched me to the generic, causing rashes and

burning sensations. So instead of increasing my lamictal they decided to add this

wonder pill to the bunch. what a croc of shit.

I am so tired of all these new meds that are pushed by the doctors and pharmaceutical

companies, only to find out later that there is a class action suit due to its longterm

effects. Seems like whatever they have 'samples' of is what they push. I have been

on 53 different meds, although Prozac is outdated, I can at least tolerate it and

learn to live with it.

Hi raccoon-

I can imagine how frustrated you are. However, you can't knock a drug you haven't put the full 4 to 6 weeks into. Pristiq has been my "wonder drug" and has totally changed my life. I agree that the drug companies are completely screwed up, and we are all at the mercy of them and the few unethical doctors that are in their pockets. Buuut, that doesn't mean the product doesn't work for some of us.

I suggest you read this main CB Pristiq thread...a lot of us wrote about our experiences on CB since there wasn't much online about Pristiq. Your first week is not unlike what some of us experienced. I think for a good portion of us though, the worst of the side effects and sleep problems had subsided in about 2 weeks. Pristiq guinea pigs

It sounds like you have been on the med-go-round and are tired of it....give it some time so that you can truly rule it out.

- Blue

[Artemisia]

Will you be tapering the Paxil down? Both Paxil and Pristiq slow down the re-uptake of serotonin from your synapses, and taking both at once could put you at risk for serotonin syndrome.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome

[Guest Guest]

Hi Raccoon,

Good on you, I only took it for a few days and also have given up on it...I had a sore throat, aching back, severe sweating, laboured breathing and tight chest.......wondered if it was an allergic reaction or just side effects......was so sick I could only lie in bed but couldn't sleep after I took it..panicky, I am fed up with feeling like a guinea pig for the latest batch of chemicals.

Word of advice...try Lexapro if you haven't before...it is really well tolerated among the general population, I didn't have one side effect, except some weight gain with longer term use, and I think none of these A/D are meant for long-term use, I think that they eventually stop working and its onto the next. I'm thinking of stopping all A/D and trying St John's Wort (natural herb for depression, takes longer to work but usually have pluses, not side-effects)

[ggprime]

I have been taking Pristiq for about 3 months. I almost went off it after a week b/c i felt so terrible. but i am glad i stuck it out. The headaches i had been getting are much better, but i have gastrointestinal upset such that I feel like whatever i eat goes right through me. Compared to some of the other side effects i had been having with other meds, (migraines, vomiting, fainting, weight gain)this is manageable, but annoying nonetheless. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Petey]

Hi there, everyone. Maybe somebody has had a similar experience I've had with Pristiq and/or the experience I'll describe below. I've been on the Prestiq now for about a week. The first couple days I seemed to have an immediate reaction in terms of the main effects. Less anxiety and I actually just felt good one night, despite the side effects. The side effects have been loss of sex drive, insomnia (though I can sleep if I take a Tylenol PM), and MAJOR brain fog and fatigue. The latter is the most unbearable. I feel like I'm in a dreamscape. I couldn't get out of bed the past few days because I'm just so tired and unmotivated. Now, I'm slipping into a depressed mood again. I feel so lethargic and sedated. I'm almost ready to call it quits on the meds, but I've read so many who said they were glad they stuck with it. Since I had a moment or two in the beginning that gave me some hope that this med can help me, I'm probably going to stick with it, but this really sucks right now. Anyone have similar effects as this and did it go away after a couple weeks?

Also, I have ADD symptoms and was "diagnosed" with ADD (distractibility). Personally, I feel that we all just have different degrees with which we can focus. I have a more difficult time, particularly in the past several years, since I've stopped working professionally. I was a real estate investor and got out in 2005. Yeah for me. BUT I've lost a tremendous amount of momentum. I now have an extremely difficult time focussing and getting back into the game. I've fallen into a depression, and I don't know whether to treat it with an antidepressant or an ADD med. Anyone have any insight into any of this? Thanks.

Peter

[Guest Guest_angel_*]

Hi, I too have been taking Pristiq for about a month now and have never felt so bad in my life. The headaches are the worst. I am dizzy all the time cant concentrate and my headaches are so bad they make me vomit. I am getting myself off of this stuff and am going to try Celexa. I have been reviewing it and it seems pretty good. If anyone has tried it and can tell me a little about it I would greatly appreciate it. I am tired of trying different things and feeling like crap!! Thanks for any input. I hope you all start feeling better soon too!

[Guest addanothermed]

Did any of you take Effexor and have a bad time, but do alright on Pristiq?

Effexor was a really bad med for me, but I wasn't taking a mood stabilizer at the time. It gave me headaches, made me grind my teeth even while asleep, and gave me a tremor in my hand (although my psych at the time said there was "no way" the tremor came from Effexor, it went away with the Effexor.) And getting off of Effexor after only a month was pretty rough.

My current psych has been pretty good at figuring out combos for me for the past 5 years. After the Celexa and then Lexapro (great meds for me) pooped out, she asked if I would try the Pristiq. It's supposed to have fewer side effects than Effexor, and does not clear through one's liver--which is great for those of us taking lots of meds.

Have been taking Pristiq for about 2 weeks. Have not yet decided what I think of it. I have developed a persistent but mild sore throat and mild shallow cough (coughing fits from the top of my throat, not my lungs) and a slight fever (always under 100) and nausea. ? Don't have the tooth grinding or the tremor. Maybe I'm just sick with a mild virus. I have no idea.

I hate to cycle through a bunch of meds; I've taken so many in the last 20 years. Now taking Lamictal, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Pristiq (halved the Celexa while building up the Pristiq).

[Guest Lizzie]

Hey there. I just started Pristiq and Klonopin this week. At first I felt nauseous and had a sore throat the first 2 days but I feel better. I'm just sleepy all the time. I take this at night so that I can have a good night sleep but when I wake up at 6 to go to work, I stay sleepy all day long. I was also on Wellbutrin for about a month but stopped because I was still having anxiety attacks everyday, it had no effect on me whatsoever. Most of my family on my dad's side of the family have anxiety and panic disorder. My sister, niece, and nephew take effexor, my brother takes xanax and my dad takes alprazolam. I'd love to hear any inputs on any of these medications.

Thanks,

Lizzie

[Guest Mandy]

can someone PLEASE tell me what this horrible taste is in my mouth????? I have only taken one pristiq pill, and I haven't been able to eat anything because of this taste.please help

[Guest jesskihss acker]

So I started Pristiq 3 days ago. I am also on xanax 1.5 mg Paxil 40 mg Trazadon 100 mg and bc. So far I have felt like crap. I have suffered from insomnia before but never this bad I haven't been able to sleep in 2 days. I get panic attacks and litterly shake and am jittery all day which the xanax doesn't help. I am a roller coaster of emotions I go from being super pissed to crying for no reason. I am very upset this is actually messing with my daily life. I have missed 3 classes so far because i was either to tired or to anxious or jittery. I litterly can not sit still. I hear it is supposed to be a miracle drug but so far it hasn't helped. I dont know I am going to give it more time. Tonight I decided to take it in the am instead of before I go to bed so hopefully I will get some sleep. I've actually locked myself in my room today so that I don't go off on my roommate. I have tried lexapro before to no avail. Has anyone else had these side effects?

Also I am considering going off all meds. I am not sure. I just feel like I am over medicated and what not. I have never been one to take meds untill now

wow thats a lot of drugs....maybe u should consider not taking so many

[Guest I'maG]

So I started Pristiq 3 days ago. I am also on xanax 1.5 mg Paxil 40 mg Trazadon 100 mg and bc. So far I have felt like crap. I have suffered from insomnia before but never this bad I haven't been able to sleep in 2 days. I get panic attacks and litterly shake and am jittery all day which the xanax doesn't help. I am a roller coaster of emotions I go from being super pissed to crying for no reason. I am very upset this is actually messing with my daily life. I have missed 3 classes so far because i was either to tired or to anxious or jittery. I litterly can not sit still. I hear it is supposed to be a miracle drug but so far it hasn't helped. I dont know I am going to give it more time. Tonight I decided to take it in the am instead of before I go to bed so hopefully I will get some sleep. I've actually locked myself in my room today so that I don't go off on my roommate. I have tried lexapro before to no avail. Has anyone else had these side effects?

Also I am considering going off all meds. I am not sure. I just feel like I am over medicated and what not. I have never been one to take meds untill now

Don't go off all meds! It makes things way worse, trust me. I was on 100mg of zoloft daily till it stopped working after a year. I stopped taking it cold turkey and it was hell! I did lose 20 pounds though... Six months has gone by and I'm now taking lamictal 50mg's a day and pristiq 50mg's a day... It's been one week and I feel awesome, with the exception that I've turned into an insomniac! I'm going on 30 hours now with no sleep! My brain is wide awake but my body needs rest! Is this from the lamictal or the pristiq? Has anyone had insomnia from these meds? Thanks in advance for your input!

[Guest Debracnne]

I just started pristiq and the naseau was terrible and the stpomach aches and headache but I will try to stay with it as I am a compulsive overeater and I find it has helped ,

I havent weighted myself but I do feel I lost weight

I was on another andepressant and it was better for my anxiety than this one but it didnt help with weight loss as much as this , but I slept better

[Guest julie9533]

I've found Pristiq to be just so-so. Hands down the best med ever for me was Lexapro. I'd still be on it if it hadn't stopped working after 3 years. Since then I've taken Cymbalta and Pristiq. The Cymbalta did nothing; Pristiq has provided minimal results. I do not have the problems with insomnia or nausea/headaches that some talk about. I do still suffer from extreme fatigue in the afternoon mostly, but not every day as with Cymbalta. Would be great if those of us with anxiety or depression didn't have to take anything, huh? Maybe someday.... ;-)

[Guest Simonsays]

I've found Pristiq to be just so-so. Hands down the best med ever for me was Lexapro. I'd still be on it if it hadn't stopped working after 3 years. Since then I've taken Cymbalta and Pristiq. The Cymbalta did nothing; Pristiq has provided minimal results. I do not have the problems with insomnia or nausea/headaches that some talk about. I do still suffer from extreme fatigue in the afternoon mostly, but not every day as with Cymbalta. Would be great if those of us with anxiety or depression didn't have to take anything, huh? Maybe someday.... ;-)

There is one thing I know that does work for me....drinking alcohol with pristiq...It makes me hostile and mean

[Guest steve]

yes im on xanix too and it works for me, though im trying desperately to get off it. but I get the shakes and dizziness before i need to take one table. Im also on pristiq 50 mg. This works a little, but sometimes you get sick in the stomach.. I have no trouble with the tablets other than I get very tired after using xanix for around 4 hours or so and sometimes feel a little unstable on my feet. I need to move my body otherwise my neck starts hurting and i feel dizzy......Im being treated for anxiety....which could be something like cronic fatigue... who knows what i have....done all the tests but still cant find the right answer..so have put it down to anxiety....keep taking it at the right times everyday and it most likely will work. I heard that long term use of xanix you can can lose some of your memory... ive been on both for nearly 1 year now....

All the best with your illness!

[Guest guest_bree]

I spent a lot of time reading the long pristiq post (with 20 odd pages) it was encouraging to me, I have a hard

time getting through the side effects though so I'm a little nervous. I tried abilify and nefazadone and couldn't

be on those for more than a few days. I'm on 300mg Wellbutrin xl which does help but it's not helping enough (I was

on prozac and wellbutrin for years but finally I got tired of having NO sex drive/feeling like a zombie on prozac,

so I just went down to wellbutrin) so my doctor is now trying me on pristiq. I took my first pill today and it's been a trip.

Didn't notice anything for a while, then I got tired and felt like I needed to lay down, then I felt sick to my stomach

and then I got a weird buzz/happy feeling and felt like I was on speed but that only lasted about 30 minutes (darn!) then

I went into this deep mental fog, losing sense of space, time and everything. It's very very very hard for me to be like

this I can't function, I feel like I can barely move. It's hard enough having depression, I barely get by doing the bare

minimum and I barely see anyone because I've been so depressed.. but this is awful. I know it's just the first day.. for

those that had this side effect.. how long did it last? I'm not sure I can take more than a week or so of this. Also I have

major depression, no anxiety though I do get anxious around people and I have some social anxiety, just for clarification there.

I have a hard time dealing with this feeling, I was walking down the hallway and I thought, where did the day go, I forgot it?

Like I'm lost in time and very lethargic like I'm not in control of my body. I don't like being out of control, I have huge issues

with that. I'm trying to think... well maybe I can get through this if it ends soon. This feeling is so awful to me though.

It was so deceiving too for that 30 minutes I felt euphoric, it was amazing, I felt free, I felt like all the weight of the world

and all the sorrow and sadness was stripped away and I could just be me, as I am and rejoice in it. It was amazing. I had energy

too!! I started thinking of all the ways I could make my life better. Then I descended into this god awful nightmare of being lost.

It's so frustrating to have this illness.. I am so sad that I can't feel like that euphoric time without the help of medicine.

It feels so cruel to me now.

[Guest Puddlehopper in BC, Canada]

I spent a lot of time reading the long pristiq post (with 20 odd pages) it was encouraging to me, I have a hard

time getting through the side effects though so I'm a little nervous. I tried abilify and nefazadone and couldn't

be on those for more than a few days. I'm on 300mg Wellbutrin xl which does help but it's not helping enough (I was

on prozac and wellbutrin for years but finally I got tired of having NO sex drive/feeling like a zombie on prozac,

so I just went down to wellbutrin) so my doctor is now trying me on pristiq. I took my first pill today and it's been a trip.

Didn't notice anything for a while, then I got tired and felt like I needed to lay down, then I felt sick to my stomach

and then I got a weird buzz/happy feeling and felt like I was on speed but that only lasted about 30 minutes (darn!) then

I went into this deep mental fog, losing sense of space, time and everything. It's very very very hard for me to be like

this I can't function, I feel like I can barely move. It's hard enough having depression, I barely get by doing the bare

minimum and I barely see anyone because I've been so depressed.. but this is awful. I know it's just the first day.. for

those that had this side effect.. how long did it last? I'm not sure I can take more than a week or so of this. Also I have

major depression, no anxiety though I do get anxious around people and I have some social anxiety, just for clarification there.

I have a hard time dealing with this feeling, I was walking down the hallway and I thought, where did the day go, I forgot it?

Like I'm lost in time and very lethargic like I'm not in control of my body. I don't like being out of control, I have huge issues

with that. I'm trying to think... well maybe I can get through this if it ends soon. This feeling is so awful to me though.

It was so deceiving too for that 30 minutes I felt euphoric, it was amazing, I felt free, I felt like all the weight of the world

and all the sorrow and sadness was stripped away and I could just be me, as I am and rejoice in it. It was amazing. I had energy

too!! I started thinking of all the ways I could make my life better. Then I descended into this god awful nightmare of being lost.

It's so frustrating to have this illness.. I am so sad that I can't feel like that euphoric time without the help of medicine.

It feels so cruel to me now.

I have been on Pristiq for 4 days now and can really relate to what you are experiencing. I do have to tell you, though, that I already feel more "alive" than I ever did with my 3 years on 150 mg Effexor (for anxiety/depression). The fatigue is VERY hard though and the nausea started today. I have been reading articles, blogs and drug site info and most say that it takes about 14 days to get through the adjustment side effects, but most do go away. I highly recommend reading the post at http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25857-prestiq-side-effects/.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow and will be asking about any med(s) that I can take to help with these side effects. I teach 4 days a week and let me tell you that it was challenging keeping 25 bodies entertained for 6 hours while feeling this way. Am glad that tomorrow is a "day off". Stay in touch and know that you are not alone.

[Guest Puddlehopper]

I spent a lot of time reading the long pristiq post (with 20 odd pages) it was encouraging to me, I have a hard

time getting through the side effects though so I'm a little nervous. I tried abilify and nefazadone and couldn't

be on those for more than a few days. I'm on 300mg Wellbutrin xl which does help but it's not helping enough (I was

on prozac and wellbutrin for years but finally I got tired of having NO sex drive/feeling like a zombie on prozac,

so I just went down to wellbutrin) so my doctor is now trying me on pristiq. I took my first pill today and it's been a trip.

Didn't notice anything for a while, then I got tired and felt like I needed to lay down, then I felt sick to my stomach

and then I got a weird buzz/happy feeling and felt like I was on speed but that only lasted about 30 minutes (darn!) then

I went into this deep mental fog, losing sense of space, time and everything. It's very very very hard for me to be like

this I can't function, I feel like I can barely move. It's hard enough having depression, I barely get by doing the bare

minimum and I barely see anyone because I've been so depressed.. but this is awful. I know it's just the first day.. for

those that had this side effect.. how long did it last? I'm not sure I can take more than a week or so of this. Also I have

major depression, no anxiety though I do get anxious around people and I have some social anxiety, just for clarification there.

I have a hard time dealing with this feeling, I was walking down the hallway and I thought, where did the day go, I forgot it?

Like I'm lost in time and very lethargic like I'm not in control of my body. I don't like being out of control, I have huge issues

with that. I'm trying to think... well maybe I can get through this if it ends soon. This feeling is so awful to me though.

It was so deceiving too for that 30 minutes I felt euphoric, it was amazing, I felt free, I felt like all the weight of the world

and all the sorrow and sadness was stripped away and I could just be me, as I am and rejoice in it. It was amazing. I had energy

too!! I started thinking of all the ways I could make my life better. Then I descended into this god awful nightmare of being lost.

It's so frustrating to have this illness.. I am so sad that I can't feel like that euphoric time without the help of medicine.

It feels so cruel to me now.

I have been on Pristiq for 4 days now and can really relate to what you are experiencing. I do have to tell you, though, that I already feel more "alive" than I ever did with my 3 years on 150 mg Effexor (for anxiety/depression). The fatigue is VERY hard though and the nausea started today. I have been reading articles, blogs and drug site info and most say that it takes about 14 days to get through the adjustment side effects, but most do go away. I highly recommend reading the post at http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25857-prestiq-side-effects/.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow and will be asking about any med(s) that I can take to help with these side effects. I teach 4 days a week and let me tell you that it was challenging keeping 25 bodies entertained for 6 hours while feeling this way. Am glad that tomorrow is a "day off". Stay in touch and know that you are not alone.

Also check out http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25052-pristiq-side-effects/

[Guest guest_bree]

Puddlehopper.. I'm sorry you're having this as well.. oddly enough misery loves company.. it's going to be

HARD to get through around 1-2+ weeks of this fatigue/fuzziness hopefully it doesn't last that long for us she did also call in provigil I believe

but there's insurance problems so I have no idea when/if that will get approved and I can't afford it so.. who knows!!

I'm tired of all the meds.. I tried to keep just on wellbutrin but I got so depressed I was suicidal.

I hope I can sleep tonight, I'm tired/fuzzy/fatigued but there's also a "spark" in my brain so we'll see

how that goes?

wish they could bottle sanity/peace LOL

[Guest Puddlehopper]

Puddlehopper.. I'm sorry you're having this as well.. oddly enough misery loves company.. it's going to be

HARD to get through around 1-2+ weeks of this fatigue/fuzziness hopefully it doesn't last that long for us she did also call in provigil I believe

but there's insurance problems so I have no idea when/if that will get approved and I can't afford it so.. who knows!!

I'm tired of all the meds.. I tried to keep just on wellbutrin but I got so depressed I was suicidal.

I hope I can sleep tonight, I'm tired/fuzzy/fatigued but there's also a "spark" in my brain so we'll see

how that goes?

wish they could bottle sanity/peace LOL

I have been on Pristiq for 4 days now and can really relate to what you are experiencing. I do have to tell you, though, that I already feel more "alive" than I ever did with my 3 years on 150 mg Effexor (for anxiety/depression). The fatigue is VERY hard though and the nausea started today. I have been reading articles, blogs and drug site info and most say that it takes about 14 days to get through the adjustment side effects, but most do go away. I highly recommend reading the post at http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25857-prestiq-side-effects/.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow and will be asking about any med(s) that I can take to help with these side effects. I teach 4 days a week and let me tell you that it was challenging keeping 25 bodies entertained for 6 hours while feeling this way. Am glad that tomorrow is a "day off". Stay in touch and know that you are not alone.

[Guest guest_bree]

Provigil.. hard to explain but it's a stimulant of sorts. I was on methelphendryne or something like

that my doctor thinks I have add or something like that, methelphendryne did help me concentrate and

I felt better but I felt like I was "hooked" on it.. and I could feel when it wore off too which wasn't

good. She wants to try provigil instead to help clear my head so I can focus. I honestly don't know

if I have ADD but .. I do have difficulty concentrating and I am scatter brained a lot. I forget things.

Well last night, not to be too TMI here.. I felt dead sexually, which was an extreme .. bad thing. It

reminded me of how I felt on prozac, dead sexually.. to me sex is VERY important, and it helps keep

me balanced better, if I can't have it .. not good at all. To me it's not worth the trade off so I'm not

sure I will continue with Pristiq. The Same thing happened on prozac it just dulled my caring about it

(having a sex drive) along with my caring for a lot of other things I felt like a zombie but I drudged

through life and was able to get by, i wasn't depressed but I didn't feel much joy either. I don't want

to live life like that. I am very sensitive and I feel deeply and I don't want to lose that. Maybe

I should look into a more natural mood enhancer like st johns wart?

Puddlehopper.. I'm sorry you're having this as well.. oddly enough misery loves company.. it's going to be

HARD to get through around 1-2+ weeks of this fatigue/fuzziness hopefully it doesn't last that long for us she did also call in provigil I believe

but there's insurance problems so I have no idea when/if that will get approved and I can't afford it so.. who knows!!

I'm tired of all the meds.. I tried to keep just on wellbutrin but I got so depressed I was suicidal.

I hope I can sleep tonight, I'm tired/fuzzy/fatigued but there's also a "spark" in my brain so we'll see

how that goes?

wish they could bottle sanity/peace LOL

I have been on Pristiq for 4 days now and can really relate to what you are experiencing. I do have to tell you, though, that I already feel more "alive" than I ever did with my 3 years on 150 mg Effexor (for anxiety/depression). The fatigue is VERY hard though and the nausea started today. I have been reading articles, blogs and drug site info and most say that it takes about 14 days to get through the adjustment side effects, but most do go away. I highly recommend reading the post at http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25857-prestiq-side-effects/.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow and will be asking about any med(s) that I can take to help with these side effects. I teach 4 days a week and let me tell you that it was challenging keeping 25 bodies entertained for 6 hours while feeling this way. Am glad that tomorrow is a "day off". Stay in touch and know that you are not alone.

[Guest Puddlehopper]

What day are you on for the Pristiq? I would encourage you to stick with it for AT LEAST 2 weeks. I have read some really great feedback/reviews. Oh, and are you male or female? I ask this as Pristiq can affect male sexual desire and function but is not known for doing this for females. As for St. John's Wort, if you have mild depression, it may work but I don't know anyone with severe/chronic depression that this has successfully been the sole treatment for. I, myself, am enjoying the "stimulant" component of the Pristiq. My mind is feeling clearer, my emotions are feeling stable (in this moment, anyways - it IS only day 5) and I have accomplished so much this morning. I feel like myself... what a concept! Feel free to continue to vent/share. I will post info as I experience different things....

Provigil.. hard to explain but it's a stimulant of sorts. I was on methelphendryne or something like

that my doctor thinks I have add or something like that, methelphendryne did help me concentrate and

I felt better but I felt like I was "hooked" on it.. and I could feel when it wore off too which wasn't

good. She wants to try provigil instead to help clear my head so I can focus. I honestly don't know

if I have ADD but .. I do have difficulty concentrating and I am scatter brained a lot. I forget things.

Well last night, not to be too TMI here.. I felt dead sexually, which was an extreme .. bad thing. It

reminded me of how I felt on prozac, dead sexually.. to me sex is VERY important, and it helps keep

me balanced better, if I can't have it .. not good at all. To me it's not worth the trade off so I'm not

sure I will continue with Pristiq. The Same thing happened on prozac it just dulled my caring about it

(having a sex drive) along with my caring for a lot of other things I felt like a zombie but I drudged

through life and was able to get by, i wasn't depressed but I didn't feel much joy either. I don't want

to live life like that. I am very sensitive and I feel deeply and I don't want to lose that. Maybe

I should look into a more natural mood enhancer like st johns wart?

Puddlehopper.. I'm sorry you're having this as well.. oddly enough misery loves company.. it's going to be

HARD to get through around 1-2+ weeks of this fatigue/fuzziness hopefully it doesn't last that long for us she did also call in provigil I believe

but there's insurance problems so I have no idea when/if that will get approved and I can't afford it so.. who knows!!

I'm tired of all the meds.. I tried to keep just on wellbutrin but I got so depressed I was suicidal.

I hope I can sleep tonight, I'm tired/fuzzy/fatigued but there's also a "spark" in my brain so we'll see

how that goes?

wish they could bottle sanity/peace LOL

I have been on Pristiq for 4 days now and can really relate to what you are experiencing. I do have to tell you, though, that I already feel more "alive" than I ever did with my 3 years on 150 mg Effexor (for anxiety/depression). The fatigue is VERY hard though and the nausea started today. I have been reading articles, blogs and drug site info and most say that it takes about 14 days to get through the adjustment side effects, but most do go away. I highly recommend reading the post at http://www.crazyboards.org/forums/index.php/topic/25857-prestiq-side-effects/.

I am seeing my GP tomorrow and will be asking about any med(s) that I can take to help with these side effects. I teach 4 days a week and let me tell you that it was challenging keeping 25 bodies entertained for 6 hours while feeling this way. Am glad that tomorrow is a "day off". Stay in touch and know that you are not alone.

Day 5 - Well, I took some melatonin (a completely natural and safe sleep aid) and had a WAY better sleep! I also took my pill at about 9 pm. It took me about half an hour to fall asleep but the quality of it was good. My eyes are not "bulgy" today and I feel pretty good. The Effexor worked for my depression/anxiety but I did feel "subdued", like my volume was turned down a notch, like a gray haze was all over everything - especially my thoughts and emotions - very hard to expain. I am feeling like I have more energy, am eating less (very good, especially after the Christmas weight gain) and am feeling pretty alert today (without having a coffee). I am hopeful...

What is Provigil?

[Guest guest_bree]

I'm glad it's working for you I guess the fogginess is going away? I would have more than gladly continued

it IF it wasn't for the side effect of killing my sex drive.. the extreme grogginess didn't help. I am female,

but prozac affected me the same way sexually, killed my sex drive and that effect never went away so I have

a strong suspicion that this would be the same. It's one of the lights in my otherwise bleak day so.. I just

can't go without it . The st johns may help I don't know, I am on wellbutrin too so maybe it's just what I

need a little more kick, not a big one? I don't know? I'm willing to give it a try I got a bottle today. I'm very

sad/discouraged about the effect that pristiq had on me.. even if the grogginess went away, I just can't accept

the complete loss of my sex life. If it was just slightly affected, that might be ok. That's another reason my dr

said that pristiq should be ok because I'm on wellbutrin it shouldn't affect my sex drive, well I guess my sex drive

is really sensitive because it sure did, and majorly, and on day 1! At least with prozac it took a few days to start

kicking in in that regard. I'm really discouraged I've been on so many medicines. Hopefully st johns wort proves

to be a miracle, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Guest guest_bree]

I called my doctor and left her a message that I can't take pristiq. I don't know how

long it takes to go out of your system but my sex drive was still killed last night, though

my head as cleared, I'm not a zombie anymore thank god!!!!

She will likely be calling something else in, though I have no idea what. I'll keep you guys posted!

[Guest guest_bree]

I was looking around and it looks like it's possible Remeron might be good to add, it doesn't have

a sexual side effect and it's supposed to be really effective and help with sleep because sometimes

I have problems with sleep. Only issues is increase in appetite as a side effect o_O it makes me think

of depakote.. I took that a while back and it worked great... BUT it gave me the WORST increase in appetite

I was eating so much! If there was a way I could work around that hmm.. I don't know? When my dr calls

I might mention it. Maybe I could look for natural appetite suppresants of some sort.. or I don't know?

I'm running out of choices.. hopefully she agrees it's at least worth a shot, who knows maybe it won't

affect my appetite that badly?

I called my doctor and left her a message that I can't take pristiq. I don't know how

long it takes to go out of your system but my sex drive was still killed last night, though

my head as cleared, I'm not a zombie anymore thank god!!!!

She will likely be calling something else in, though I have no idea what. I'll keep you guys posted!

[Guest guest_bree]

Well I just talked to my doctor, she's going to try me on a low dose of remeron to start.

She wants me to take it at night she said that may help with the appetite increasing effects.

I'm gonna go pick it up later this evening. I'm a bit nervous.. but I'm willing to give it a shot.

I'll keep you guys posted!

I was looking around and it looks like it's possible Remeron might be good to add, it doesn't have

a sexual side effect and it's supposed to be really effective and help with sleep because sometimes

I have problems with sleep. Only issues is increase in appetite as a side effect o_O it makes me think

of depakote.. I took that a while back and it worked great... BUT it gave me the WORST increase in appetite

I was eating so much! If there was a way I could work around that hmm.. I don't know? When my dr calls

I might mention it. Maybe I could look for natural appetite suppresants of some sort.. or I don't know?

I'm running out of choices.. hopefully she agrees it's at least worth a shot, who knows maybe it won't

affect my appetite that badly?

I called my doctor and left her a message that I can't take pristiq. I don't know how

long it takes to go out of your system but my sex drive was still killed last night, though

my head as cleared, I'm not a zombie anymore thank god!!!!

She will likely be calling something else in, though I have no idea what. I'll keep you guys posted!

[Guest puddlehopper]

Well I just talked to my doctor, she's going to try me on a low dose of remeron to start.

She wants me to take it at night she said that may help with the appetite increasing effects.

I'm gonna go pick it up later this evening. I'm a bit nervous.. but I'm willing to give it a shot.

I'll keep you guys posted!

I was looking around and it looks like it's possible Remeron might be good to add, it doesn't have

a sexual side effect and it's supposed to be really effective and help with sleep because sometimes

I have problems with sleep. Only issues is increase in appetite as a side effect o_O it makes me think

of depakote.. I took that a while back and it worked great... BUT it gave me the WORST increase in appetite

I was eating so much! If there was a way I could work around that hmm.. I don't know? When my dr calls

I might mention it. Maybe I could look for natural appetite suppresants of some sort.. or I don't know?

I'm running out of choices.. hopefully she agrees it's at least worth a shot, who knows maybe it won't

affect my appetite that badly?

I called my doctor and left her a message that I can't take pristiq. I don't know how

long it takes to go out of your system but my sex drive was still killed last night, though

my head as cleared, I'm not a zombie anymore thank god!!!!

She will likely be calling something else in, though I have no idea what. I'll keep you guys posted!

Out of curiosity, how long were you on the Pristiq for? I am on Day 8 and feel well still. My husband says that I am moody but I just think he has had a bad attitude lately (And that has killed my sex drive more than the meds ). Have been really thirsty and experiencing some constipation, which is listed as a side effect of the Pristiq. Am looking forward to seeing what life is like once I have had it in my system for a couple of weeks. Am feeling clearer headed, am more efficient in my day and able to get more done. Did not take the melatonin last night and had no difficulty sleeping. Am enjoying the curbing of cravings - excellent timing - post Christmas and all.

Hope the Remeron does what you want it to do. Good Luck!

[Guest PATTY WALLACE]

BEWARE: I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS DRUG TO ANYONE

IF YOU HAVE ANY BIPOLAR TENDENCIES / MANIC DEPPRESSION / STEER CLEAR

I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER WHO WAS GOING THROUGH A 4 DAY PERIOD WHEN HE WAS HAVING RACING THOUGHTS, COULD NOT FOCUS, IRRITATED. HE WENT TO A DR. WHO PUT HIM ON THIS DRUG - PRESTIQ - AFTER BEING ON IT FOR 2 MONTHS & KLONOPINS, HE WENT INTO A ACUTE MANIC EPISODE & HAD TO BE IN A TREATMENT CENTER. THE DR. AT THE CLINIC THAT PRESCRIBED IT FOR HIM & ALSO THE DR. AT HIS TREATMENT CENTER TOLD US THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE BIPOLAR TENDENCIES ----- A DR. SHOULD NEVER PUT YOU ON ANY TYPE ANTIDEPRESSANT WITHOUT A MOOD STABILIZER. THIS CAN BE THE RESULTS.

HE IS NOW BEING SEEN BY A PHYSCIATRIST & IS ON DEPAKOKE, GEODON & COGENTINE. HE IS STILL NOT BACK TO HIS NORMAL SELF, GUESS IT WILL TAKE TIME FOR HIS MEDS TO LEVEL HIM OUT. IT HAS BEEN 3 WEEKS NOW. THE SAD PART OF THIS STORY IS NOW HE WILL HAVE TO BE ON MEDS THE REST OF HIS LIFE FOR MANIC DEPRESSION !!

PERSONALLY, I THINK THIS DRUG SHOULD BE PULLED FROM THE MARKET ------ IT IS FAIRLY NEW --------NOT ENOUGH IS KNOWN ABOUT IT. I HOPE SOMEONE FILES A CLASS ACTON SUIT ON THE MAKERS OF THIS DRUG !!!

BE SURE & ALWAYS TELL YOUR DR. EVERYTHING FROM YOUR PAST TO PRESENT ~~~ LEAVING NOTHING OUT ~~~~~ THIS MAY SAVE YOU A VERY SERIOUS, LIFE-LONG ILLNESS !!!

[Guest Em]

hi,

I've been on pristiq for about a month. And my only issue is that i have a lingering nausea. Its annoying but its a feeling and i know I won't be vomiting. I also have noticed i get up at around 5am with no problem which is quite annoying but at the same time i do pass out by 10pm. I am 24 with a full time job. I have some personal stuff going on which could be the real reason why i cant sleep so well. Its hard to notice sometimes if the pill you are taking is causing a side effect or something going on in your personal life could be the cause.

I love it. I have been depressed for most of my life and even in times of great joy i could not get out of the funk. As an adult it got tremendously worse and did not know what to do. I had to accept that i could not just "get over it" so my doctor gave me an anti depressant and add meds thinking that was the problem and that was AWFUL! I cant recall what i took because i stopped 3 weeks into it and threw it all out and avoided any pills vanishing what it was called from my mind. I grinded my teeth all day and night. I shaked, my jaw involuntarily shaked. i felt my heart race. I was numb to all things. I was high as a kite and thought I would eventually implode. A true nightmare.

Then a few months later after trying non medical ways with dealing with my depression, ie. changing my environment, it got worse. I moved into a wonderful apt with everything finally going great and i still was unhappy. It got so bad that i told my bf and he thought i should try again with the doc. Well he gave me pristiq and it has truly improved my life. I can wake up everyday and not cry. I am not rediculously depressed. Its got me in good spirits. Nothing altering my life in a negative way. other than the weird sleep pattern and the nausea my major depression is totally under control.

If it does not work for you then maybe you need something else. But for me i think this was my something else.

Em

[Guest Ted Harris]

I am entering my 5th week with Pristiq, and I think its great! No insomnia, but I did have a little dry-mouth the first week. You guys just starting with Pristiq-give it a chance!

[obsessed]

Hello Everyone,

For those who just started Pristiq and are wondering/concerned about the side effects, I'd like to share that I had a REALLY hard time the first week as well (dizzy, weak, foggy, nauseas, etc,) but after about 5 days it all considerably subsided. I think I’m on day 17, and I actually feel great. No side effects at all. I’m calm inside, and so happy that its working So, if you’re having a hard time, but its tolerable, hang in there. If your experience is like mine, the side effects will hopefully go away soon (I know its hard to believe given how intense it is within an hour of taking the first pill, but its true).

Take care all.

[Guest Thankful]

Hello Everyone,

For those who just started Pristiq and are wondering/concerned about the side effects, I'd like to share that I had a REALLY hard time the first week as well (dizzy, weak, foggy, nauseas, etc,) but after about 5 days it all considerably subsided. I think I’m on day 17, and I actually feel great. No side effects at all. I’m calm inside, and so happy that its working So, if you’re having a hard time, but its tolerable, hang in there. If your experience is like mine, the side effects will hopefully go away soon (I know its hard to believe given how intense it is within an hour of taking the first pill, but its true).

Take care all.

thanks so much to everyone for posting. I just took number 5 and have been feeling everything you've been describing. It's scary but reading that I'm not alone and the initial effects will pass give me hope.

[Guest Lisa]

I've been on Pristiq 100mg for about 3 months. I found this board before I started taking the medicine and was skeptic. However, I took everyone's advice and took it for 2 weeks without giving up. The first 2 weeks I was bouncing off the walls happy. Within half hour of taking the first dose I was buzzing and almost instantly felt better. I couldn't believe it! I have been on every anti-depressant made in the past 7 years and nothing has worked. The side effects of the Pristiq were awful. Even though I was happy and hyper, my face was zombie-fied. I had absolutely no expression on my face but was happy as a lark. My eyes didn't want to blink and I would just stare into space. I also couldnt drive because I felt drunk and I would flat zone out while driving. After a few days I started having really loose stools. A week later it stopped but when they upped me from the started dose to 100mg, it started again. Eventually it went away but every now and then I have issues with it. I also was so hyper, I couldn't sleep. If I took it in the morning, I would want to sleep at work. But if I took it at night, I couldn't sleep. And that was on top of 50mg of Elavil which I take for anxiety/insomnia. After a few months of being on Pristiq I started having bad cold sweats. I'd be shivering but I'd be sweating so bad my hair and clothes would get wet. Has anyone developed NEW side effects after months of use? I find this strange. I've had no increase in blood pressure which is what I was mainly worried about. I do periodically have heart palapitations but my doctor told me to just eliminate caffeine and it got better. I plan on staying on Pristiq come hell or high water. I haven't been this happy in a decade. I'll take the periodic side effects if it keeps me happy. ) I'd like to hear if anyone has had similar side effects or if they have developed new ones.

Thanks!

[Guest puddlehopper]

I've been on Pristiq 100mg for about 3 months. I found this board before I started taking the medicine and was skeptic. However, I took everyone's advice and took it for 2 weeks without giving up. The first 2 weeks I was bouncing off the walls happy. Within half hour of taking the first dose I was buzzing and almost instantly felt better. I couldn't believe it! I have been on every anti-depressant made in the past 7 years and nothing has worked. The side effects of the Pristiq were awful. Even though I was happy and hyper, my face was zombie-fied. I had absolutely no expression on my face but was happy as a lark. My eyes didn't want to blink and I would just stare into space. I also couldnt drive because I felt drunk and I would flat zone out while driving. After a few days I started having really loose stools. A week later it stopped but when they upped me from the started dose to 100mg, it started again. Eventually it went away but every now and then I have issues with it. I also was so hyper, I couldn't sleep. If I took it in the morning, I would want to sleep at work. But if I took it at night, I couldn't sleep. And that was on top of 50mg of Elavil which I take for anxiety/insomnia. After a few months of being on Pristiq I started having bad cold sweats. I'd be shivering but I'd be sweating so bad my hair and clothes would get wet. Has anyone developed NEW side effects after months of use? I find this strange. I've had no increase in blood pressure which is what I was mainly worried about. I do periodically have heart palapitations but my doctor told me to just eliminate caffeine and it got better. I plan on staying on Pristiq come hell or high water. I haven't been this happy in a decade. I'll take the periodic side effects if it keeps me happy. ) I'd like to hear if anyone has had similar side effects or if they have developed new ones.

Thanks!

[Guest puddlehopper]

I started Pristiq in December 2009 and LOVED the fact that I could go directly from Effexor to Pristiq without tapering. I had tried to get off of Effexor many times and it was a nightmare.

My GP had put me on 50 mg of Pristiq but once I was connected with a psychiatrist (at my request as my GP had no experience with this med), he strongly recommended that I go to 100 mg, as he explained that when people have anxiety in combination with depression, a higher dose is usually needed for the medication to be as effective as possible. Lower doses, he explained, may affect the anxiety or the depression, but rarely both.

Anyways, I have been on the 100 mg for about 6 months now and have actually been feeling anxiety/depression lately... !!??!! For me, taking control of my diet (omitting caffeine and alcohol, taking vitamins and eating well-balanced, healthy food) and exercise are critical. I really want to have a pill that does it all for me. But it's simply not that easy. Without these other lifestyle changes, I can still feel like a zombie and not completely well.

I find it best to take the Pristiq at around dinner time (5 pm). When I do take it then, my sleep is unaffected. If I forget to take it before bedtime (and have to take it right before I go to sleep), I usually wake at 4 am (today it was 6 am and I didn't get to bed until midnight last night).

Has anyone experienced weight gain on Pristiq? It is not supposed to be a side effect but I think I have put on 8 pounds this summer. Could also be all of the coolers and indulging when camping too...

[Guest Smitty]

I just started taking Pristiq this week - 50mg - 1 x every day. I was on Remeron 15mg at night but I could not tolerate the side effects (weight gain / 15 pounds in 3 months and massive hair loss on my scalp) I have been diagnosed as "depressed/mood disorder" and just started the chemical merry-go-round. With Pristiq I sweat profusely, have chills, fever, hot flashes, headaches, nausea, constipation, absolutely NO interest in sex whatsoever (that was the only good thing about Remeron - I remembered I liked sex), muscles feel like noodles, so incredibly tired...

I am about fed up with the way Western doctors treat depression and ready to get completely radical with this try some Eastern medical practices.

How long did most of you who have taken Pristiq experience your side effects? I know meds react to everyone differently - but just trying to get a general idea here - thanks for reading this and responding if you feel so inclined...

[Guest cre8iveone]

I have been on pristiq 50mg daily in the morning... have been on it for 6 weeks now and I cant do it anymore... I get nauseated,I cant get out of bed... I forget things... i have times where I am in the kitchen and forget what and how I got there? I have horrible stomache aches. headaches you name it.. I feel that I have stuck it out long enough.. I told my dr and he told me to take more... can you believe that? I am not a depressed person... he did some tests on me because I was having issues with my temper after being sick for several years CANCER... hellow is that not normal... ? I was on alot of pain meds and went off all of them thru detox... and I mean everything... and I am learning to cope on my own went thru a divorce and my kids are all grown and doing their own thing.... so I have to learn to live my own life... he did a 24 hour urine on me and told me I had next to nothing for seratonin and some other natural hormones... but I told him I was not depressed i feel more depressed now... but this is unbarable I cant sleep all day like this anymore... I feel that I have given this medicine plenty of time.. and I cant take it anymore... how do you wean yourself off of it? when I have been on it for that long? everything I have ready says not to just stop it? but my dr wants me to keep taking it... even though I cant get out of bed... anyone please help... thanks

cre8iveone...

[Guest puddlehopper]

I've been on Pristiq 100mg for about 3 months. I found this board before I started taking the medicine and was skeptic. However, I took everyone's advice and took it for 2 weeks without giving up. The first 2 weeks I was bouncing off the walls happy. Within half hour of taking the first dose I was buzzing and almost instantly felt better. I couldn't believe it! I have been on every anti-depressant made in the past 7 years and nothing has worked. The side effects of the Pristiq were awful. Even though I was happy and hyper, my face was zombie-fied. I had absolutely no expression on my face but was happy as a lark. My eyes didn't want to blink and I would just stare into space. I also couldnt drive because I felt drunk and I would flat zone out while driving. After a few days I started having really loose stools. A week later it stopped but when they upped me from the started dose to 100mg, it started again. Eventually it went away but every now and then I have issues with it. I also was so hyper, I couldn't sleep. If I took it in the morning, I would want to sleep at work. But if I took it at night, I couldn't sleep. And that was on top of 50mg of Elavil which I take for anxiety/insomnia. After a few months of being on Pristiq I started having bad cold sweats. I'd be shivering but I'd be sweating so bad my hair and clothes would get wet. Has anyone developed NEW side effects after months of use? I find this strange. I've had no increase in blood pressure which is what I was mainly worried about. I do periodically have heart palapitations but my doctor told me to just eliminate caffeine and it got better. I plan on staying on Pristiq come hell or high water. I haven't been this happy in a decade. I'll take the periodic side effects if it keeps me happy. ) I'd like to hear if anyone has had similar side effects or if they have developed new ones.

Thanks!

[Guest puddlehopper]

I've been on Pristiq 100mg for about 3 months. I found this board before I started taking the medicine and was skeptic. However, I took everyone's advice and took it for 2 weeks without giving up. The first 2 weeks I was bouncing off the walls happy. Within half hour of taking the first dose I was buzzing and almost instantly felt better. I couldn't believe it! I have been on every anti-depressant made in the past 7 years and nothing has worked. The side effects of the Pristiq were awful. Even though I was happy and hyper, my face was zombie-fied. I had absolutely no expression on my face but was happy as a lark. My eyes didn't want to blink and I would just stare into space. I also couldnt drive because I felt drunk and I would flat zone out while driving. After a few days I started having really loose stools. A week later it stopped but when they upped me from the started dose to 100mg, it started again. Eventually it went away but every now and then I have issues with it. I also was so hyper, I couldn't sleep. If I took it in the morning, I would want to sleep at work. But if I took it at night, I couldn't sleep. And that was on top of 50mg of Elavil which I take for anxiety/insomnia. After a few months of being on Pristiq I started having bad cold sweats. I'd be shivering but I'd be sweating so bad my hair and clothes would get wet. Has anyone developed NEW side effects after months of use? I find this strange. I've had no increase in blood pressure which is what I was mainly worried about. I do periodically have heart palapitations but my doctor told me to just eliminate caffeine and it got better. I plan on staying on Pristiq come hell or high water. I haven't been this happy in a decade. I'll take the periodic side effects if it keeps me happy. ) I'd like to hear if anyone has had similar side effects or if they have developed new ones.

Thanks!

I have been on Pristiq 100 mg since January 2010. I was feeling better on it than I ever did on the Effexor but also knew that I still was not completely living how I was meant to. So, on my own, I dropped alcohol (which was only social, but it was summer) and coffee. Plus, I started to exercise regularly. Within a few weeks, my skin was clearing up, my head was more consistently out of the clouds and my energy levels were more consistent as well. In the beginning, I was taking the Pristiq in the evening but, like you, was not sleeping well. So I started taking it at dinner time but that time was just too inconvenient. I am now taking it in the morning. Exercising in the morning, I think, is giving me the energy to get through the day. I still wake at odd hours of the night but manage to get back to sleep. This is all requiring discipline but I, for the first time ever, feel like I am LIVING. Hope this helps!

[Guest Guest]

The nausea was bad for about a week and totally gone after 10 days. This stuff is magic. I went from could not get up to go to work to being happy and productive and focused, all within 2 weeks. I'm not saying that depression and anxiety aren't there somewhere, but it is better than managable. Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin did nothing for me compared to Pristiq.

[Guest Debbie]

Hello, I have been nauseaus and weepy on Pristiq and stomach pains here and there. Some days I'm not nauseous. I've never thrown up though, not yet. I have headaches I can't get rid of but that's not necessarily new to me but not every day like it is now. I also have been "mean" at times. I have anxiety that was "gone", but now it's back and I'm afraid I'm dying of stomach cancer. I also take Wellbutrin, Topamax, Lamictal and Klonopin. I'm Bi-Polar, Major Depression all my life. Topamax helps the "emotional eating" and weight gain from meds.

Has anyone else had problems esp. with their stomach? I was on Effexor XR and I want to go back on it but my doc is very pro Pristiq and wants me to give it time, so I agreed, it's only been a couple weeks (almost) but I can't go on much longer feeling like this. I'd love to hear others' experiences.

Thanks for "listening", Lisa

[Guest Guest]

Hello, I have been nauseaus and weepy on Pristiq and stomach pains here and there. Some days I'm not nauseous. I've never thrown up though, not yet. I have headaches I can't get rid of but that's not necessarily new to me but not every day like it is now. I also have been "mean" at times. I have anxiety that was "gone", but now it's back and I'm afraid I'm dying of stomach cancer. I also take Wellbutrin, Topamax, Lamictal and Klonopin. I'm Bi-Polar, Major Depression all my life. Topamax helps the "emotional eating" and weight gain from meds.

Has anyone else had problems esp. with their stomach? I was on Effexor XR and I want to go back on it but my doc is very pro Pristiq and wants me to give it time, so I agreed, it's only been a couple weeks (almost) but I can't go on much longer feeling like this. I'd love to hear others' experiences.

Thanks for "listening", Lisa

[Guest Guest]

Hello, I have been nauseaus and weepy on Pristiq and stomach pains here and there. Some days I'm not nauseous. I've never thrown up though, not yet. I have headaches I can't get rid of but that's not necessarily new to me but not every day like it is now. I also have been "mean" at times. I have anxiety that was "gone", but now it's back and I'm afraid I'm dying of stomach cancer. I also take Wellbutrin, Topamax, Lamictal and Klonopin. I'm Bi-Polar, Major Depression all my life. Topamax helps the "emotional eating" and weight gain from meds.

Has anyone else had problems esp. with their stomach? I was on Effexor XR and I want to go back on it but my doc is very pro Pristiq and wants me to give it time, so I agreed, it's only been a couple weeks (almost) but I can't go on much longer feeling like this. I'd love to hear others' experiences.

Thanks for "listening", Lisa

[Guest Foxxy Lady]

Does anyone have total loss of libido on Prestiq?

[Purpleruby]

Hey, I myself have trouble with Pristiq, but mine comes if I dont take it the same time every morning..

From what I can tell from my experience, it is better to take it in the morning. I take it at 5am, as I usually get up around 7am, and so the meds have had time in my system... Its not a slow release medication, and so if you are taking it at night, that would probably explain not being able to sleep.

My psyhologist told me it lasts in your system for 24 hours.. and so if I take it at 5 in the morning, I am good all day, active usually (depending on stress levels and mental state) and ready to sleep at around 11. Repeat at 5am. I fiddled with a lot of times, and even just took it with my morning cuppa whenever I got up (Which is what my GP had told me to do!) , but it just wasnt consistent enough, and I have found that I withdraw harshly from Pristiq, so taking it early in the morning, so it has time to start working and keeping consistent works for me.

It is terrible on withdrawl though. I get so so so ill. Agitated. Angry. Aggressive. Dizzy and nauseous and I actually vomit if I dont access my medicine quickly enough. So there are pro's and con's.

Best of luck

[Judy Lockyer]

HELP NEEDED

Can someone please give me some positive posts on this drug

I'm new here and really need some help

I've tried so many drugs mostly SSRI

Judy