Pristiq for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Lee...
• September 1, 2016

"I was prescribed Pristiq (50 mg) for Major Depressive Disorder and severe OCD. Before going on the meds about 12 weeks ago, I read a lot of online forums and was terrified after reading innumerable horrible reviews! I have to say that this medication has changed my life; I feel normal again. I have energy, I am happy, I am motivated, and my relationship has improved drastically! Everyone reacts differently to medications, but do not be scared to try it based on the reviews you see. I experienced moderate side effects for the first 4 weeks: drowsiness (really strong in the first week), nausea, insomnia, and headaches. I never experienced the 'brain zaps,' and most side effects went away after week 4."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2020

"One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in any way. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu-like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100 mg. If the antidepressant does not work in 4-6 weeks, please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of my brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

• Ski...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2024

"Pristiq gave me a sense of normalcy and decreased suicidal ideation. My depressive state got better. I’ve been taking it for three years now and I’ve been so much more functional, regaining interests in things I liked. The only downside is the side effect of the falling elevator sensation when I didn’t take it for more than a day or two, it came randomly and felt like a jolt. I started with 50mg initially after stopping Cipralex, and we increased the dose accordingly. At 150mg, although my mood and mental state improved, there were libido issues (sexual dysfunction and anorgasmia). So, my dose was decreased, and Wellbutrin XL was added, it’s probably the best combination for me along with Adderall for ADHD combined. TLDR: Great for depression, great for mood and functioning. Side effects I experienced: sexual issues and a specific withdrawal symptom."

• emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2021

"I took this for a period of time when I was in high school and then went to take other medications because I didn't think this would work for me. During the pandemic, while in college, my MDD and anxiety got worse. I decided I had enough of this, and I went to my doctor to get a new medication. She put me on Cymbalta. I tried it for 4 days and got so sick, so I went off of it. I went into my medication cabinet and saw Pristiq, and I was like, I have nothing left to lose, and it worked so well and actually helped my mood and intrusive thoughts. I went back and told my doctor, and she did end up getting me put on a higher dose, 100 mg. But honestly, give this medication a try, not just a week like I did the first time, give it at least a month. It saved me."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2019

"Pristiq has done amazing for me. After several failed attempts at finding the right medication, Pristiq has been the best for me. Effexor was good but raised my BP too high. For those who say it makes them feel less like yourself, how do you know what yourself is like when you're depressed? I don't know about feeling myself, but it greatly increases my mood and decreases my depression and anxiety. I take 100 mg a day. Also, ask your Dr. about getting genetic testing to find out which type of medication will do more for you. Not everyone who has depression has the same type. Some have dopamine defects and some serotonin/norepinephrine. Pristiq is for those with serotonin and norepinephrine."

• Ash...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2019

"I was put on Pristiq 10 years ago, and it saved my life. I had no side effects apart from dry mouth. Only 4 months ago, I started to get anxiety and depression, so I thought Pristiq was not working and decided to come off it and go on Lexapro. This was the worst thing I ever did. I had so many side effects on Lexapro, my body hated the SSRIs. I then decided to go back to Pristiq with lots of hard work. I was on Pristiq for 2 weeks, and I feel amazing again-no more depression or wanting my life to end. This drug has helped me so much, and I am so grateful I found this amazing pill."

• Mik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

"Lifted me out of a mood of despair. Most importantly, it was the best anger management I ever found. Clear-headed, no anxiety, no side effects other than mild nausea, and that ONLY if I take it on an empty stomach. Don't miss a dose, though, it will make you REALLY woozy. Stopped for a few months, fell into depression, but Pristiq pulled me right back up when I started back. Remember that the Rx says specifically that you may need 4 weeks to notice an improvement. Bear that in mind when you read all these reviews by people who quit taking it after 1 or 2 days."

• Hoc...
• October 2, 2019

"I want to share this to anyone else out there who is considering this drug. My 15-year-old was switched from Viibryd to Pristiq a little over a month ago for a total of 4 weeks on the med. The longer she took it, the worse headache she had to the point of nausea and insomnia. After 4 weeks, she started to titrate off it because it absolutely was making her worse, both mentally and physically. She had horrible suicidal thoughts daily. She titrated off the 50 mg to 25 mg and got sick, throwing up and having a severe headache. She then came off the 25 mg to nothing and has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms now for 3 days. She stopped as of 3 days ago. After talking with 2 psychiatrists and a natural doctor, she basically has to 'ride it out.' Just for reference: she has tried Cymbalta, Effexor, Viibryd, and Abilify in the past years, none of them really relieving her depressive symptoms. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION. It has been a trying experience."

• Nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2021

"Major depression and anxiety disorder run in my family, and I've been suffering from these two things for the majority of my life. Needless to say, I've tried a variety of antidepressants, many have worked for a bit, then stopped, but none have helped with both the depression and anxiety. My psychiatrist changed me over to Pristiq on August 15th, 2021, and we slowly started the increase from 25 mg to 100 mg. With the 25 mg and 50 mg, I didn't notice a difference in the depression and felt like my anxiety was getting worse. I started on 100 mg in October, and as of now, I've noticed a huge difference. The anxiety has improved, and the feelings of daily dread caused by my depression and loss of interest have improved incredibly. I feel a lot better. Note, I am also doing CBT therapy via Zoom once a week, so I'm sure that has helped too, but this drug has made a huge difference. I actually don't feel terrible anymore. I'm interested in doing things again and am no longer isolating myself."

• Dai...
• April 2, 2019

"I started taking Pristiq about two weeks ago, and I'm thoroughly happy with the results. It's been a major lifesaver, and I'd probably be dead if it wasn't for it. I was on Celexa for about two and a half years, and all of a sudden it stopped working. It was the absolute worst time in my life! I couldn't take it anymore and scheduled an emergency appointment with my mental health doctor. He put me on Pristiq, and I couldn't be any happier. It took about a week for it to kick in, but when it did, I was a completely different person, and everyone and their grandma noticed a major change in my moods. I have more energy, I'm not lying in bed all day stuck in my own thoughts, and I'm on cloud nine with my depression. Although I do notice I sweat more often and poop a lot more, I will take it over contemplating my suicide. Also, I suggest taking it in the mornings at the same time every day. It wakes you up and gives you more energy, so daytime is the best time."

• Lee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2018

"I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and major depression 10 years ago. I have tried other medications (Lexapro, Cymbalta, lithium), but found that the only thing they did was make me tired, angry, and lash out. Pristiq was then prescribed, and since taking it, my mood has improved considerably. No more dark thoughts, panic attacks, or social anxiety. I am on a very high dosage, but it works for me. The only side effects I have are insomnia, mild nosebleeds, and a slightly higher blood pressure. I’ll be on this for the rest of my life, but it’s better than being depressed and suicidal."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2022

"I have been on Pristiq for about a month now and feel absolutely numb and have constant suicidal thoughts. Loss of appetite, not to mention libido, only add fuel to the fire. Please remember this is only my experience. I have preexisting GI issues, so this medication has caused loss of appetite and extreme weight loss. I'm dual diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse but have been off drugs and alcohol, now working on mental health. Pristiq makes me want to go back to drugs to feel good and sociable again, but I won't do it. I just want to feel the life come back into me. It's been gone for so long. I'll keep searching for the right antidepressant. Not to mention I'm in Bolivia, so psychiatric care isn't top-notch. But I'm hopeful I'll get there. Thank you for all your posts, positive and negative."

• Bee...
• November 1, 2019

"I’m 36, female. I was started on Pristiq in the hospital (suicidal). Diagnosed with Bipolar 2 / dissociative disorder NOS. Mirtazapine and olanzapine (PRN) were in the mix in the hospital, but I stopped taking them when I left. I have been on 50 mg Pristiq for 6 months. It did kick me out of an impossible place at the time. Two things I noticed early on: 1. It obliterated sexual function! I may as well have genitals made of Styrofoam. This did not improve over time. 2. Memory - I can't remember words and often say the wrong one. I blank out and forget what I’m doing or forget what I’m talking about mid-sentence. This has gotten progressively worse. A few months in - intense confusion, strange pains throughout my body, face pain, exhaustion, constant headache, limp, lifeless hair, dissociating A LOT (quite extreme shutdown, can’t move or talk). At the very least, it isn’t working. At worst, it’s making me demented. Somewhere in the middle, it skews my dissociative tendencies toward total shutdown."

• Fin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 18, 2024

"I started out somewhat depressed in my 30s in the winters. It got worse as time went on. Around 45, I started different meds with no real avail in winters for SAD. I've been on Pristiq 50 mg for the last 15 years; January through March. About 5-7 years ago, I needed it full-time and still do. Now it seems to have quit working, so I take 25 mg Pristiq with 5 mg Abilify. (Pristiq dose changed when Abilify was added). It's been 3 weeks now, and I feel somewhat better. When I cut back or wean off the 50 mg Pristiq, I get some brain zaps, feel kind of numb, and don't feel well for a couple of weeks. I always get severe temperature fluctuations from it, so I take ibuprofen to stabilize it. My psych would like to try a different med, but I've been on most of them so there are not many options. I have depression - sometimes severe - and anxiety. No super drug for me yet. I'm going to individual therapy - hopefully it helps. Nobody can tell I'm depressed. Able to hide it or I stay home if I can't."

• Vic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2020

"I have been taking this medication for a few years now. I am lowering my dosage, and I am scared to get off of it. It has helped me so much in my workplace, dealing with emotions and daily chores. I do not want to be stuck on medication forever, but I know this works for me. I rarely take any other medication, such as Dayquil or pain meds. I do not drink or do drugs. I do have a hard time when I miss my medication. I take it every morning, so if I miss a morning, I don't take one till the next day. If I miss more than a day, I do have side effects such as dizziness, emotional issues, and eating disorders. I was never a person to do something daily, but I was desperate to get better. I have reached a level of steadiness with my medication, and I am learning new coping skills to wing off of my medication. I suggest you try it."

• Sha...
• January 29, 2022

"So far, I am on day three of Pristiq. I was prescribed 25 mg but was very anxious to even begin it because it is an SNRI. And I suffer from crippling anxiety really bad, so taking a norepinephrine made me overthink this medication. The doc said that I could cut the 25 mg pill so that I would be on 12.5 mg. When you cut it, it is no longer extended release. So far, I have noticed I have more energy, and I'm actually staying in the moment as well as smiling and no doom and gloom. I was having really bad DP/DR prior. It was a constant struggle to stay in the present moment. The chatter was so loud in my head. It has stopped now. And I get a boost of energy with the 12.5 of Pristiq. It lasts until evening time, which is fine because then I can take my OTC meds to unwind for evening and sleep. I've been sleeping a lot better. I'm actually not afraid to leave my house. And the intrusive thoughts aren't steering my day like they used to. So far, so good."

• Mar...
• November 23, 2016

"I'm 28 years old. Always been anxious, depressed, and I have ADHD. I tried medication for my deficit disorder before (Concerta, Vyvanse, Ritalin). I always had major heart palpitations on them and always had to stop. Took it max for 2 weeks. About 1 month ago, I lived a shitty separation, and I was very depressed, the worst breakup I experienced in my life. I was constantly anxious, no appetite, concerned, couldn't work, couldn't sleep, constantly sad and miserable. I went to see my doctor and asked for help for something to boost my mood, control my anxiety, and the most important-no weight gain. I'm on it since a month, and honestly, I lost 10 pounds. I have no side effects, and I feel better than ever. I'm happy and smiling all the time."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

"I have been taking Pristiq for about almost a year and a half. I was diagnosed with GAD and MDD. This medicine has me constantly feeling like an emotionless zombie. I don't want to socialize, I feel like a mute. I am used to being the life of the party, but I constantly find myself being irritated and angry at the slightest conversation. I don't find conversations to be interesting anymore. I still have panic attacks, I'm still stuck in my house. I sleep so much, it feels like I never get enough sleep even though I sleep at least 12-15 hours a day. I feel like this has honestly made my depression worse. The worst part of it all: I can't get off of it. The side effects are the worst I've ever had. I do not recommend this at all!"

• Sam...
• October 26, 2015

"After having my daughter last September, I fell into severe PPD and anxiety. I tried many types of meds, but had minimal, if any, relief, and most left me more exhausted than I was to begin with. I started Pristiq on Aug 6th of this year after having a DNA profile of the meds I could tolerate (not very many!), and with every week, I've felt better. Every week (except for the first few weeks), I've been able to look back and see how much I feel more like myself again and how much my anxiety has lessened. Almost 12 weeks since I began, and I am very thankful for it. Remember, it's not a quick fix, no antidepressant is, it definitely took time."

• Shi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2016

"Have had experience with several other antidepressants, and so far, Pristiq has had 0 undesirable side effects. No allergic response, no first week horrors, no insomnia, nothing awful whatsoever. I feel optimistic, happy, and no longer manic. Hoping to check back in a few months' time to give further updates."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2017

"I am 34, it's my first week on it. I didn't realize how bad things really were inside my head until now. At first, I had two days of nauseous bouts, but by the third day, I felt less caught in a loop, and yesterday I went to 100 mg, and while thinking of an old friend, I had a slip back in a moment of time, and with a good memory in my brain, I felt a rush of elation inside me like butterflies. I actually felt something. I've been suffering for so long, and it almost seems too good to be true. I'm so thankful."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 5, 2022

"I have struggled with major depression and anxiety since I was 13. I have previously been on Zoloft (didn't work for me) and fluoxetine (worked for a while but stopped being effective). I've now been on Pristiq for 4 years, and it has been a huge help to me. I still struggle with some anxiety at times, but depression is hardly something I deal with anymore. A few years ago, I never thought I would be able to say that. This medication has really helped lift me out of the darkest place I had ever been. (Along with counseling) Only thing that worries me is coming off of this eventually. I've heard that it's a really hard drug to come off of, with a lot of withdrawal symptoms, even when you taper off slowly. That does make me nervous because I'm on 150mg, which is a high dose. I hope one day I will be able to come off of it, but it's definitely something people should be aware of before starting this med. I know everybody is different, so I'm sure for some people withdrawal isn't as bad."

• Are...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2023

"I have been on Pristiq for about 4 years now, and this medication saved my life. Prior to Pristiq, I was on Lexapro for 7 years, which stopped working, hence why I had to switch to Pristiq. Pristiq is a great medication and works quicker than other meds, I saw major improvements in 5 days. I do get anxiety and depression sometimes, however, I feel pretty well most of the time. I started on 50 mg, now on 100 mg, and would increase my dosage as required as advised by my doctor. Give this medication a go, personally, for me, I had minimum side effects."

• Jay...
• October 16, 2019

"Pristiq has a rough first 3 days for some, but I tend to just feel...weird, agitated at worst. After the initial adjustment, I have seen a real good turnaround. I'm able to go about my day and get things done, I no longer have this film of benign sadness overlaying all my other moods. I'm mostly asexual, so I'm not much affected by the drop in libido. I can have fun at nightclubs and not be overwhelmed by all the stimuli. My memory is better, and while my appetite is bigger than before, it feels different than the frantic anxiety that caused me to overeat off the meds. I can easily drink some water and be satiated till next mealtime. The withdrawal symptoms are disorienting and extremely unpleasant: nausea, brain zaps, and mania that's on the more angry side. Just take exactly as prescribed and be prepared if you're switching medications. TLDR: It does its job and does it well. It takes more effort to do sexy things, but worth it. Don't take unless you plan to be on it for a while."

• Vik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

"I am bipolar with major depression and anxiety. I have tried everything, I think, on the market. Pristiq has been the most effective. I take three 50 mg tabs daily in the morning. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, Hashimoto's, high cholesterol, fatty liver, fast heart rate, as well. I've been sick since childhood, but managed my life without meds until my 40s when I got diagnosed with bipolar/depression. One day I missed a dose, and right away I got withdrawals. Never miss a dose. This is powerful stuff. This is a medicine of last resort if nothing else works."