Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

• Pur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2020

"I missed 2 days of med. I am on 150 mg Pristiq, taken in the morning. Somehow, I forgot to take both Friday and Saturday. Today (Sunday) has been a complete nightmare, my withdrawal symptoms are dizzy, nauseous, can barely stand up, hot and cold sweats. I took today’s dose as soon as I woke up at 8 a.m. It’s now 6 p.m., and I still feel so bad. How long will this last??? If I take another dose before bed tonight, could it make me feel like myself sooner? I know not to double up when I missed a dose, but I am hoping if I took a dose this morning, then the next dose 12 or so hours later (so before bed this evening), I could speed up the process of feeling normal again?? I am desperate for some answers but don’t know where else to go."

• vbr...
• 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."

• Che...
• April 22, 2016

"Doctor put me on Pristiq for anxiety. Took 3 weeks to get used to it. Horrible side effects. Excessive sweating, drowsiness (so I took it right before bed), headaches, sometimes felt like I was getting shocked in the brain, I was hungry all the time. After taking this medication for 4 months, I was still experiencing drowsiness and all those other side effects listed above. But my anxiety was gone. I stopped taking Pristiq due to insurance problems. I had to quit cold turkey. It was the worst 3 days ever. I felt like I drank a bottle of tequila the night before. My withdrawal symptoms felt like a hangover. Extremely tired, headache that wouldn't go away, severely dehydrated, stomach pains, feeling weak and like a noodle, emotional, dizzy spells, etc."

• Sca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2022

"I had been on Zoloft for 16 years. I would go up and down on the dose. I have suffered with debilitating anxiety all my life. My doctor would prescribe a new medication, and I would wean down to 50 mg of Zoloft to prepare for the switch, but my anxiety just wouldn’t let me take the new pill. I was prescribed Pristiq 5 months ago, but finally took that first pill 22 days ago. And I’m so glad I did! After just a few days on Pristiq, I could feel my anxiety lifting. My side effects were so mild, I’m not even sure I had any. I read reviews and researched Pristiq for months. Everyone will have a different experience, but just know, if you don’t try, you will never know if the medication will help. I really wish my anxiety would have allowed me to make the switch years ago. I still have anxiety occasionally, but I process it differently now. I definitely would recommend trying this med!"

• Anonymous
• March 4, 2010

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."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2011

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 50 mg 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 4 a.m., 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!"

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

"I'm very happy with desvenlafaxine for anxiety after 1 year. Started out on a dose of 25 mg for 2 weeks, then 50 mg. I was taking a combo of anxiety meds for a while, and the new doctor switched me to this. Had major anxiety about the switch, but after 2 months, I realized I was feeling peaceful and calmer throughout 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. I've 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."

• rel...
• August 13, 2011

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."

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

"I want to encourage anyone 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 was 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 were sweating and some erectile challenges. I have been on the medication for over a month now, and the sweating has reduced substantially, with minimal concerns about erection."

• Jbi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 19, 2019

"I’ve been on desvenlafaxine for 10 months. It worked great for my anxiety (which it was prescribed for). However, I did gain almost 20 pounds, 135 - 155 lbs :(. Due to this, I have stopped taking it."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2012

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 the short term, but while I am going through this difficult time in life, it will be my miracle."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2012

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!"

• Noa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2022

"I have only taken desvenlafaxine for 5 nights, and I’m finding I’m so tired. I have slept all morning. I know it’s early days, but can someone tell me, does the tiredness go away? I’m finding it’s increased my anxiety, but today I feel calmer. I’ve read so many positive reviews. Thank you."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2011

Desvenlafaxine "I've been on Pristiq for 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 20 lbs 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."

• Anx...
• February 8, 2010

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."

• SF2...
• 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. I also have a hard time feeling emotion towards other people, which can be problematic. It is also very expensive."

• lap...
• February 21, 2009

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 wreaked havoc with my system. I have stopped taking both and hope to feel better soon."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

"I was prescribed this medication, desvenlafaxine, for anxiety and depression. Ever since I started taking it, I can’t sleep at night. Eyes wide open, and my brain can’t shut down! Horrible! I will not be continuing..."

• Fak...
• 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 with my depression coming back, so it could be a possible reason for the sweating and night terrors."

• rol...
• February 2, 2010

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 to get better, so wish me luck."

• Sil...
• July 14, 2011

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 the 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."

• diz...
• September 15, 2011

Desvenlafaxine "I started 50 mg of Pristiq only two days ago. My doctor didn't like the medicine combination that I was on before, and they seemed to not be working so well anymore. I was taking Cymbalta and Celexa. I stopped taking Cymbalta and took Pristiq and the Celexa the first day. I was very afraid of a horrid drop in my mood all day being without my Cymbalta. But my mood was great. I stopped taking the Celexa and only took the Pristiq. It's crazy, I feel good. Well, aside from the dizzy, dumb head feeling. I also get headaches here and there, but nothing too terrible. In the past, I have tried Effexor XR, Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft for my depression and anxiety. I am really impressed with Pristiq."

• Mca...
• 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 overeat. Very, very difficult to reach orgasm, and when I do, it is barely pleasurable. My doctor advised skipping my 50 mg pill on days that I knew I would have intercourse. This has helped a little."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2022

"I have been taking the generic version of Pristiq for almost three months now after a failed attempt at taking Prozac and Lexapro. Pristiq was prescribed by my psychiatrist, and I can say that within the first few days of taking it, I no longer had ANY depressive thoughts or suicidal ideation (I was having suicidal ideation on a daily basis prior to this). I do not feel depressed at all, nor like that ugly, dark cloud is looming over me, which is a huge plus! I started with 25 mg, but we went up to 50 mg because I was experiencing some anxiety. I have been on the new dose for almost two months, and I am sad that it's actually made me feel more tired, irritable, and extremely weepy and sensitive! I don’t know what that’s about. Going to see if lowering the dose or maybe even going up will help with that, but otherwise it is honestly MUCH better and helpful than the previous two drugs I took. Definitely consider it if other drugs aren’t working for you."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2009

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."