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Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 178 reviews for the off-label treatment of Anxiety. 67% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Desvenlafaxine

  • sadbu...
  • May 7, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on Pristiq for 10 days now. It has really helped me -NO SIDE EFFECTS. I eat when taking it, it helps. I'm also on Suboxone for pain. I've noticed that I smoke more now, which might be from financial problems. I get constipation bit more but minimal problem. I have to take it in the morning like many people say or it keeps me up. Weird how different it affects people - some people say it helps them sleep. Goodluck folks."

9 / 10
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  • vbrog...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 30, 2023

"As a therapist, I noticed myself getting burnt out more. I used to be on 100mg, but wondered if the drug contributed to my bruxism. I went to 50mg, then down to 25mg. During a stressful transition time at work, I went back up to 50mg. It has definitely helped me with intrusive thoughts. I got Botox in my masseter muscle for my grinding, so whether or not it contributed is a moot point. It's been 2 weeks back on that dose, and ruminating is much less. I still have to put in the work though. Not a magic pill, but for sure helps get the job done."

8 / 10
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3 Report
  • Igor
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 8, 2020

"I took desvenlafaxine for a few weeks, for moderate-to-severe anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression. Side effects were horrible from the beginning, increasing my anxiety and making the dizziness and the brain fogs worse. It improved over time, but in the end I was still worse than before, so I stopped it and changed the medication."

1 / 10
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9 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Hfxbe...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 8, 2017

"I want to encourage anything who is sitting on the fence to give this medication a try. For years I had debated about going on medication for anxiety, instead I was always trying to find natural remedies and involved in intensive psychotherapy. While the therapy was incredibly helpful in many areas of my life the anxiety persisted. I tried this medication and am so incredibly happy that I did. The first two days were unpleasant, felt like I had a cold and my sleep was not great. After the first few days my sleep returned to normal and the only major symptoms I experienced was sweating and some erectile challenges. I have been on the medication for over a month now and the sweating has reduced substantially and minimum concerns with erection"

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 7, 2011

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have suffered terribly from social anxiety for the past 4 years. I am 23 years old, and once it started negatively affecting my performance at my first job out of college, I felt it necessary to do something. Was on Zoloft for a few months prior, but it suddenly stopped working. I was put on 50mg of Pristiq and I felt it working IMMEDIATELY. Right after I took the first pill I went into a foggy state, but that hasn't happened since. The first week I couldn't sleep past 4am, and the first morning I woke up with extreme nausea and vomited. I have been on Pristiq for about 6 weeks and really feel amazing. Work through the side effects, they will disappear and hopefully it will work as well for you!"

9 / 10
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19 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Beach...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 12, 2016

"I'm 51 and suffer from anxiety issues. I was prescribed Prestiq 25mg and just one pill and I had the worst effects of any medication I have ever tried! Took at bedtime within 2 hours I was hallucinating, morning I had chills in my extremities lasted 9 hours felt drugged up I couldn't even drive! can't tell you how bad this experience was......"

1 / 10
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  • Anxie...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 14, 2024

"I'm not typically one to write reviews for anything in my life. However, I thought I would share this in the hopes that somebody who could identify with the version of me from six months ago might read it. While I am mildly aware a large part of this could've been my anxiety, I have never had the inclination to succumb to mainstream medicinal practices. Things finally came to a head in my early 30s when I realized I couldn't live like this anymore. I made an appointment with a psychiatrist who looked at the GeneSight test I took (do this) & prescribed Pristiq. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that everything was hunky-dory in the beginning, but you must give this med time to work! I started at 25mg then went to 50mg; can honestly say my anxiety has reduced to being almost nonexistent, no more rapid worry thoughts, & while I still feel sad sometimes, I think it's normal."

9 / 10
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  • relie...
  • August 13, 2011

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been using Pristiq for 6 months now. I have never used any form of medication for anxiety before as I said to myself I never want to be on medication. So I spoke to family, friends and then finally a psychologist to help me with my constant anxiety and negative mind chatter- but nothing helped so I decided to see my doctor for a prescription for an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety type medication. He recommended Pristiq. The first few days I felt a little dizzy, some constipation but that soon passed and in about 2 weeks I was feeling a lot calmer, more level headed and a lot more positive. It has helped me get through a tough time and I would recommend it."

9 / 10
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18 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 4, 2010

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking Pristiq for 2.5 weeks now. I was having very few side effects, lots of yawning initially, but this is improving. I have mild depression and anxiety and OCD (which only acts up when I am stressed) I have been feeling pretty good but the last few days I have had blurred vision and dizziness, lots of ringing in the ears and dry mouth. I am hoping this passes. My mood is pretty good and I am sleeping well."

7 / 10
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  • Fakin...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 19, 2016

"On Pristiq for my Generalized anxiety disorder I felt really positive, stopped wanting to harm myself, felt confident, was able to get to sleep, wanted to have sex, be outgoing, and not have the cyclical bursts of anxiety and rage. I didn't have panic attacks for a while on this medication until I had some situational issues that brought back my depression. As for the side effects, it actually forced me to stop taking the drug. Every night I was sweating PROFUSELY to the point I was waking up shivering and soaked in sweat; you would see an outline of my body from sweat on the sheets when I woke up. I also had EXTREMELY distressing violent nightmares. This occurred in conjunction when my depression came back, so it could be a possible reason for the sweating and night terrors."

9 / 10
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  • Mcat
  • February 1, 2013

"I feel calm- stress just rolls off me. I feel it for a moment, but the panic and anxiety do not kick in anymore, and I am able to move on through my day and focus on my normal activities. Food has lost its "flavor" a bit, but this is good because I used to over eat. Very very difficult to reach orgasm, and when I do, it is barely pleasurable. My doctor advised skipping my 50mg pill on days that I knew I would have intercourse. This has helped a little."

8 / 10
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  • SF27
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 31, 2021

"I have been taking Pristiq for 1 year now and it is highly effective for my anxiety. First month I had insane insomnia (would sleep for maybe 2 hours a night) and also had zero appetite. Things went back to normal once my body adjusted. Only downside I feel now after a year is that I do not feel major emotion at all. The highs aren’t high and the lows aren’t low - I always feel neutral. Also have a hard time feeling emotion towards other people which can be problematic. It is also very expensive."

9 / 10
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  • laprns
  • February 21, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "My doctor recommended this for my pre-menopausal symptoms as well as anxiety. At first I was thrilled with the results but about 3 months into it I realized the insomnia was not worth it. I have sleep apnea so this medication was not a good choice for me. My doctor increased the ambien dose and that wrecked havoc with my system. I have stopped taking both and hope to feel better soon."

1 / 10
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  • MJH
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • May 8, 2022

"Am very happy with desvenlafaxine for anxiety after 1 year. Started out on a dose of 25mg for 2 weeks, then 50mg. I was taking a combo of anxiety meds for awhile and new Dr switched me to this. Had major anxiety to switch but after 2 months, realized I was feeling peaceful and calmer through out the day and night. I started this right before Covid hit and looking back during that time, I was able to cope with all the unknown fears okay. My heart doesn't race, I don't feel that tightness in my chest, I really feel calmer which allows me to focus on a solution instead of dread. Have lost a few pounds but still eat healthy. Sleeping is not an issue. Another positive is that my husband says he sees me as a calmer and happier person."

10 / 10
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  • Anony...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 19, 2015

"I took Pristiq for 3 days and stopped it myself. I was taking it for anxiety. The first day I took it, my anxiety seemed worse. I was very jittery and extremely sleepy. I could fall asleep anywhere at any time of the day. The second day, my body still felt on edge. I started having bad thoughts that I would have never had before. Then I started feeling nauseous at times. The third day of taking it, I was so unhappy. I wasn't enjoying anything. I wasn't excited about anything. I still felt extremely sleepy and had bad thoughts going through my mind. I stopped taking it a couple of days ago. I feel a lot better than I did, but I still think it's going to take a little longer for this stuff to get out of my system!"

1 / 10
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  • Anxiety...
  • February 8, 2010

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Was on Lexapro, but I was always tired. Finally I asked for something else with a little extra and I got Pristiq. Love it! Don't stop immediately though...withdrawals are really bad. Tightens my jaw, but other than that! It's amazing."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • January 28, 2012

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I started taking Pristiq since I was having anxiety, slight depression and mild panic attacks in my job (I'm in sales). I was taking Lexapro on and off for a couple of years, but felt it wasn't working anymore, so my doctor recommended Pristiq. I am 3 days in and feel great! I've experienced slight nausea (but food helps), decreased appetite, dry mouth and slight jaw clenching. Also my first two days, a couple of hours after I took it (which has been in the morning), I would feel extremely tired. But I would snap out of it and feel great. Overall, I feel happy, calm and focused. I hope to only be on Pristiq for short term, but while I am going through this difficult time in life it will be my miracle. "

8 / 10
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  • mommy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 18, 2012

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have never been on any anxiety or depression medicine ever, but I have suffered severely, emotionally and financially in the last 3 years. Everything came to a head about 2 months ago. I went to a psychiatrist for the 1st time yesterday and went on Pristiq this morning. I guess it's too soon to officially review it but now I just have an overall sense of CALM. Maybe a little bit of fogginess, but I'm sure that will subside. I have a baby and a toddler, plus I babysit and I felt so much less irritable than I did before. I didn't have much of an appetite, so I hope weight loss will be an added benefit. Wish me luck!"

7 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • November 10, 2011

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on Pristiq about a month now. Before that I was taking Lexapro for over a year. So far I like the Pristiq much better. Both worked to keep the anxiety and panic attacks away but with Lexapro I gained 20lbs and had zero energy. All I wanted to do was eat and sleep. With Pristiq I have tons of energy! I no longer want to lay in bed all day. I don't have much of an appetite so I'm hoping I can finally lose the weight I gained from Lexapro. I'm very happy I switched to Pristiq and hope it continues to work for me. "

8 / 10
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  • rologal
  • February 2, 2010

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been dealing with anxiety and depression for years. I just got on Pristiq. I hope this helps. Plus I take Klonopin. I hurt all over, no energy. I pray I get my life back. I had a heart attack at age 47, have had a bad family life with my siblings. I have a wonderful husband of 30 years. Not sure if he understands what I'm going through. I just want too get better so wish me luck."

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  • Anonymous
  • April 2, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been taking Pristiq 50mg daily for the past 7 months for anxiety and mild depression, and I can't say I'm much better for sticking with it. The side effects were horrible as I started - extreme dizziness, nausea, restlessness, sweating, impotence. Those subsided over the first week or two, but quickly returned if I miss a dose. My energy level has not lifted and in fact may have decreased, but most importantly I've felt more disconnected, numb, and unfocused since being on the drug. I've heard it's rough to come off and I've been tapering back slowly, but I'm looking forward to clear thoughts and true feelings again. "

3 / 10
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  • Britt...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 4, 2015

"I'd taken my first dose yesterday, within four hours I woke up to severe vomiting and diarrhoea. Both the pharmacist and my GP stated that the bad side effects should be gone within a week. I friggin hope so. About to take the second. I'll post again in a week (if I can remember)"

2 / 10
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10 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 15, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on Pristiq for 9 months. I feel great and found the anxiety greatly decreased, but have recently noticed my weight increasing despite eating and exercising the same amount. I attribute it to the Pristiq, even though it doesn't list weight gain as a side effect."

8 / 10
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  • Burger
  • March 13, 2011

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Love it! The first two weeks were horrible and it felt like I had the flu without the cold symptoms. I am now into my 3rd week on this medicine and I feel great. If you can get past the first 2-3 weeks of side effects it is well worth your while. I love it. I feel so great. I'm yet to feel the full on effects of this medicine and I can't wait for it."

8 / 10
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13 Report
  • Silve...
  • July 14, 2011

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "17 months of use. Good overall experience. First 6 months outstanding. Lost weight, gym almost every day, active. After about 12 months, anxiety and lethargy reappeared on occasion, then more prevalent past couple of months. Doctor said to double up for a few days, and that seems to help (2x50 mg). As in most medicines of this type, effectiveness can diminish with time. Side effects minimal, lightheaded in the morning, need Cialis at times, sometimes not. After 2 years of Effexor XR, this related medicine has been a welcome relief from the Effexor side effects."

8 / 10
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13 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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