Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 2)

• Che...
• September 10, 2012

Desvenlafaxine "I have only been on Pristiq for a week, and I can already tell a difference! My only side effects are jaw clenching, thirst, waking up in the middle of the night, and weight loss. The jaw clenching is tolerable, and if I pay attention to it, I can control it... except when I'm sleeping. The weight loss is awesome. I have been trying for years to lose weight, and in 4 days on Pristiq, I lost 6 pounds! It really does suppress the appetite. Sex is still good, no side effects there. I have been on Zoloft (terrible migraines) and Lexapro in the past. The Zoloft was bad, liked the Lexapro, LOVE the Pristiq!"

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

"I have only been on this for 11 days. I’m really tired during the day, and can take a three-hour nap. My doctor said about three weeks and it would be a great change for me. I’m looking forward to the serotonin clicking in my brain!!! I get a bit shaky, and a bit dizzy, a little bit of brain fog. I figure after three weeks if this continues, then I won’t be taking it. But honestly, I’m looking forward to it working. So I’m doing this with a positive attitude!!!"

• Mot...
• January 7, 2009

Desvenlafaxine "Wow is all I can say. I did not realize how lousy I was feeling until I started this drug. I feel so much better. The first two days, I was jittery, and the first week slightly queasy, but I noticed by day two an increase in my energy and desire to do my everyday activities and a DECREASE in my appetite. I have no desire to binge eat like I do when my anxiety is bad. I have so much more patience with my children. I still have anxiety but it is calmed with Klonopin, and I am starting Buspar this evening before bed. The only bad thing is that it has been very constipating for me. I drink prune juice and have added fiber and Metamucil, but it is still a problem. I have taken many meds over the years, but I truly find this a miracle drug."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2009

Desvenlafaxine "Taking Pristiq for severe panic attacks as prescribed by my GP. 6th day into it and already feeling much more calm and clear-headed. Some nausea and a little constipation, but please, if that is the trade-off to feel much better, then so be it. Not planning on a long-term relationship with Pristiq, however. Using this in conjunction with therapy so I can have some relief while I work through finding the real emotional root of my problems. Pristiq is only a band-aid while I try to heal whatever wounds. Give Pristiq a try, everyone reacts differently, but it has truly been amazing for me so far. Good luck to you all."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2022

"I'm not one to write reviews on anything, but I once was you, reading the reviews on this medication feeling scared, and I want to provide my experience to hopefully make you feel better. I was in an awful state, and it was something I hadn’t experienced before. My anxiety was so bad I couldn’t function and ended up in the hospital. I just felt like I couldn’t control it. My doctor prescribed me this medication, and it saved my life! The first week was awful. About 5 hours after taking my dose, I was really nauseous, although I didn’t vomit - this really scared me as I have a phobia of being sick. The next few days I was shaky, I had dry mouth, and felt really wired. The best way to put it is that I looked like I was on MDMA, my pupils were dilated and my jaw was tightened. I spent that whole week in bed, sleeping it off. By the 3rd week, I felt amazing. Mild anxiety to none, no panic attacks, and I felt like I was me again! Please stick out the side effects - it’s scary but so worth it!"

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2018

"I was to the point that I would look out the window to make sure no one was outside just so I could pop outside to get the mail. Just the idea of having to shop for food made me have chest pains and cry. I could not do it anymore... So I went back to the doctor and started this medication. After 2 weeks, I felt human again. I was myself for months, but then I forgot to pick up my prescription, and then it was a holiday, and I thought it would be okay because it took so long to go into my system... I was crying in line at the pharmacy because my chest hurt, and I could not breathe. My anxiety was back and bad. It was not okay. Do not miss a few days when you have bad anxiety, it is still there waiting to overtake you. :( I am back on it and doing well. I now am on a ready-fill program that will call me a few days before I run out, so it never happens again."

• Con...
• May 30, 2009

Desvenlafaxine "Have been on it for 3 months. Immediately felt a change for the better. Have lost 10 lbs. Have stopped drinking. No longer filled with rage or overwhelming despair. No side effects that I've noticed. I'd love to hear from people who have been on it longer than a few months."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2012

Desvenlafaxine "My doctor prescribed Pristiq for anxiety. The first two weeks I felt like a zombie. I had bouts of nausea (although I never threw up), and I really just felt strange most of the time. I knew that this medicine had side effects, so I stuck it out. On the fourteenth day, I awoke feeling awesome! I am not exaggerating. I have been taking Pristiq 50 mg for one month now and continue to feel great. Several times a day I actually think to myself how happy and content I am. That never happened before taking this medication. The only side effect that I am experiencing is that it takes me longer to climax. I can live with that, considering how Pristiq has changed my life. Give it a chance to work, and you may find happiness once again."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2020

"Great, life-changing. I'm so glad I agreed to go on desvenlafaxine, I feel like my old self again. It suppresses those feelings you have no control over, regardless of how hard you try. Some side effects included initial constipation, jittery jaw, and feeling a bit dizzy, but all subsided after a few weeks. Dry mouth still persists, and if I forget to take it for a day, I get the dizzy type feeling, but this goes when I get back on track with it. Side effects are well worth the positives. I have now halved the dose to 25 mg (I cut a 50 mg myself as that's the lowest dose) and feel it still helps me. I am slowly working towards reducing the dose, I will see how I go through winter on 25 mg, but I will have no concerns about going back up to 50, and/or even staying on it forever if needed! It has improved my quality of life immensely."

• Mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2024

"I spent a year from summer 2022 to spring 2023 suffering from bad anxiety and insomnia that was sliding me into deep depression as well. I tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Duloxetine, Trintellix, Mirtazapine, and Buspar and gave them a few weeks each to take effect, but with little luck. I tried 6 ketamine sessions in January/February 2023 that seemed to help me a little and give me a kinder, more productive February. Thank God I also had some Xanax available (about 1 mg/day) during this time. Finally tried desvenlafaxine in April 2023 (50 mg in the morning), and almost immediately noticed the anxiety and depression slowly going away. Felt 'normal' within a month. Here I am 10 months later, and I'm back to my old happy, productive self. And I had no problems quitting Xanax, luckily."

• kha...
• December 30, 2009

Desvenlafaxine "This medication can't be rated hastily. It can take up to 6 weeks to level off. My first days of Pristiq 50mg were terrible. My first dose at night caused insomnia, jitteriness and dizziness, dilated pupils, nausea, sweaty, and a racing pulse. The following week I felt great with NO ANXIETY! I still felt nauseous however, ate very little (lost 7 lbs), and had a headache daily. The following week my side effects continued (insomnia & TMJ flare up), but my benefits diminished. My doctor then increased my dose to 100mg. Since then, most of my side effects are gone except the dilated pupils & TMJ issues. I've taken Zoloft (ok) & Lexapro (zombie) in the past. Please give this medicine time before you decide you hate it!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2019

"I've been taking this medicine for about 7 months. In the beginning, I suffered through some extreme side effects (my body felt really heavy, couldn't leave the bed, lots of nausea, etc.), but after 10 days it started getting better (so if you can, try pushing through the side effects). I started taking desvenlafaxine for depression and anxiety, and while it has kinda helped with my depression, I feel almost anxiety-free. Before the medication, I couldn't make a phone call without having an anxiety attack, and I had some serious tachycardia, but now I don't feel any of it. One downside I felt from the medication was that I started feeling really drowsy and couldn't quite focus on my everyday tasks. I talked to my doctor, though, and he recommended that I start taking bupropion alongside desvenlafaxine, so I hope that helps! Overall, I think this is a great med."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2012

Desvenlafaxine "I took Pristiq for extreme generalized anxiety disorder. I went off 5 weeks ago because I was feeling so well after taking it for several years, and I just had to go back on 4 days ago. This medicine works very quickly. I could barely get out of bed on Friday, and I was back to work Monday, functioning and feeling much better. Pristiq does not take my anxiety away 100% all the time, but it keeps me functioning. Without this medicine, I am not sure what I would do."

• Dav...
• December 23, 2015

"I was on Lexapro for 5 years at 30 mg, but was tired of always being tired all day and not caring. After the DNA test, I found out Lexapro wasn't for me, and my doctor switched me to Pristiq. It's only day 6, but I notice more energy and less anxiety. Hopefully, this continues to improve and work. I will update later."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2024

"This med has saved me. I felt like a new person after 3 weeks of taking it. Been taking it for 10-11 months. Last summer, even after 8 months of counseling, I couldn’t function from anxiety. This med gave me the boost I needed to be able to live again. As I understand it, it’s just giving my brain what it should have but doesn’t! I had minor side effects on and off for 2 weeks or so - headaches and a general nauseous feeling in my stomach. I could still eat fine, eating didn’t make it worse or better, so it was a slight annoyance more than anything. I noticed some reviews say they can’t sleep - my doctor said take it in the morning! I have no problems with sleeping. Also, don’t forget to take it - I did that once and had a bad headache that night! I just set a reminder. :) I previously had tried Lexapro for 8 days. I knew something wasn’t right. My doctor said this was a good alternative for people whose bodies don’t agree with Lexapro."

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2008

Desvenlafaxine "I began taking Pristiq 50 mg approximately 6 months ago, and as reported by the numerous previous posts, I also experienced exceptionally rapid weight loss. The first week, I suffered from nausea, to the point that I did not think I could suffer through it; but my physician said I should continue taking it. I also experienced extreme dizziness, but only for the first few days. I have to admit those symptoms do not outweigh the benefits. Like many others, I am much more clear-headed and focused. I have noticed those negative side effects will return almost overnight if I miss a dose, so my body helps to remind me. I do not want to forget."

• 29y...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 30, 2024

"I am a 29-year-old healthy male. I exercise, I maintain a good job, and I have an apartment. I was on Effexor (venlafaxine) for a few years and hated how 'laggy' it made me feel. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) feels like the improved version. It got me out of agoraphobia, I mean, like I couldn't fly, couldn't sit at a restaurant without being on the verge of an anxiety attack. Now I fly regularly for work, I can chat with strangers, and I feel present in my everyday life. Not to mention sharp. Seriously, if you don't like Effexor or your anxiety is a wall in front of normal life, try Pristiq. I'm on generic, so don’t worry about the name brand, it's just easier to type. Onboarding side effects: standard SNRI/SSRI side effects, mainly brain fog for me. Persistent side effects: really none, I occasionally get a muscle twitch, but that could be caffeine-related."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2009

Desvenlafaxine "I took Zoloft for a long time, and it stopped working. I am so glad it did. Pristiq is 100 times better. It controls my anxiety and leaves me clear-headed, i.e., not numb. I experienced some insomnia and increased sweating during the first week, but it went away. The only side effect I experience now is constipation, which I hope will go away because I don't plan on parting from this medicine for a long time. It's been a lifesaver for me, and I love it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 24, 2012

Desvenlafaxine "I've tried a lot of medication, nutritional products, 'self-medication,' etc. since I started having severe anxiety and depression around 1998. I've been taking Pristiq for about a year, and it is the first medication to successfully treat both my anxiety and depression. Most treatments made one better while the other got worse. The only real negative with the medicine is the short half-life. You'll definitely notice if you miss a dose. Missing two is not a pleasant experience at all. Since being on the medication, I've been much more productive at work, more social, more driven, more attentive to my son, and just more happy and at peace overall."

• chr...
• June 13, 2010

Desvenlafaxine "I have been on several different medicines from Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Effexor, to name a few. I LOVE Pristiq. I can get up in the morning and feel it's going to be a good day. Before, I would avoid social places where I knew there would be a lot of people because I panic. I also raged and got irritated very easily, it almost cost me my marriage."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2012

Desvenlafaxine "Decided to try Pristiq after feeling like my depression and anxiety were taking complete control of my life. It was the first time I ever tried medicines of this sort, and I have to say it really has turned my life around. I feel completely energized in my private and professional life and enter new tasks with a renewed sense of optimism."

• Anx...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2020

"I have decided to come off this medication, desvenlafaxine, after 10 days of nightmarish living. I haven't had panic attacks in over 10 years, and yet on this medication, I have had 3 in the last 10 days. If anything, this medication has made me realize that my symptoms are probably really mild and that I don't need medication. My partner came home one night and literally thought I was on drugs because of how wired I was from this medication."

• kil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2013

"Had been feeling depressed and anxious for years and was loathing to go on medication. Tried all sorts of herbs and supplements with very little effect. I took 50 mg of Pristiq and felt better that day. Anxiety is gone, depression lifted, feel so much better."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2018

"I was switched about three days ago from Cymbalta to generic Prestiq. Thus far, it's all good. I am much more awake all day long, and for the first time in years, I am thinking of going out to buy some new clothes. I know it's early, but thus far, I am so happy to not be so tired anymore, and I have become more productive in my work."

• Anonymous
• September 11, 2011

Desvenlafaxine "I have avoided taking medication for my anxiety/depression for about 8 years. I have been on Pristiq for 5 weeks now. The first 8 days were difficult. I had inner shakiness and found it hard to concentrate. I felt like I was off with the fairies. I wanted to stop the medication, but the doctor did warn me that I may have side effects for 7-10 days, so I decided to give it 14 days, and I am glad I did. For the first time in about 8 years, I am the person I know I really am: loving, forgiving, understanding, positive, and most of all excited about life. Before this, I was a nasty, negative person and stressed about everything. I blamed everything and everyone else for my life instead of taking personal responsibility."