Pristiq and Depression: What Users Say

• Tim...
• February 28, 2014

For Depression "I had been on Pristiq for about 1 year at 50mg. While on it, the feelings of depression and anxiety pretty much disappeared. However, after changing my lifestyle for the better and going off Pristiq, I have been dealing with withdrawal side effects. It has been 4 weeks now and I still have the brain zaps which make me feel unsteady. These zaps have been continuous and extremely upsetting. Add to this the deep states of sadness (mention the least sad thing and I would start crying) and the nightmares...it has been a very rough 4 weeks. For the last week, I have had blood pressure swings from 110/60 to 218/111 and weakness in the large muscles of my legs and arms. For those going on or off, be careful!"

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2021

For Depression "Been taking Pristiq for about a year, and I’m definitely no better. If not worse. I have a lot of symptoms that I feel are coming from this drug. I have no motivation to do anything. I have a hard time making a decision. I’m constantly tired. I am mad at the world and often find myself taking out anger on everyone around me. I have no emotions and can’t express myself. I believe it’s time to talk to my doctor about changing my meds or stop taking it altogether. I really feel like it’s changed me and not for the better. Sometimes I don’t even like myself, and I feel like a horrible person. In general, I just don’t like the way it makes me feel. I hope I can get my life back soon."

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2021

For Depression "Been taking Pristiq for about a year, and I’m definitely no better. If not worse. I have a lot of symptoms that I feel are coming from this drug. I have no motivation to do anything. I have a hard time making a decision. I’m constantly tired. I am mad at the world and often find myself taking out anger on everyone around me. I have no emotions and can’t express myself. I believe it’s time to talk to my doctor about changing my meds or stop taking it altogether. I really feel like it’s changed me and not for the better. Sometimes I don’t even like myself, and I feel like a horrible person. In general, I just don’t like the way it makes me feel. I hope I can get my life back soon."

• gri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2013

For Depression "My doctor prescribed Pristiq to help me deal with overwhelming grief after the death of my son. I never took any antidepressants before, so I have nothing to compare it with. It worked very well for me. After taking it for just 3 days, without major side effects, I don't cry every day like I used to, but I also feel somewhat emotionally numb. I am calmer, happier, and able to go on with my life."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2018

For Depression "Highly recommended for those suffering anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and substance abuse. I was medicating daily with alcohol due to stress and being depressed. Since taking Pristiq, cravings for alcohol disappeared within days, and now I'm really focused at work and handling stress with ease. Pristiq has helped my life back on track. Feels as if I have access to my brain again without foggy and self-doubt thoughts... I no longer drink alcohol."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried a lot of different antidepressants/mood stabilizers for my bipolar disorder. Lexapro, Cymbalta, Trileptal, etc. Before Pristiq, I was taking 150 mg Lamictal and Venlafaxine 75 mg. I was changed to Lamictal 200 mg and Desvenlafaxine 50 mg. At first, I loved Pristiq. It seemed to really help my anxiety. After 2.5 months, I started to feel tired all the time. No energy, no motivation, no drive. I had no interest in doing anything. Talked to my PCP and stopped Pristiq. Now trying Trintellix with the Lamictal 200 mg. Hoping for the best."

• JTS...
• May 1, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 9 months now. I had night sweats in the beginning, and they went away after about 3 weeks. I thought the only other side effect I've experienced was when I would forget to take a pill. The next day I would be dizzy and would snap at people. The following day I would be back to normal. I also have a bite guard to help with my jaw at night, but I don't use it that often. I noticed in the past week my depression returning slightly. I was confused because Pristiq has worked wonders for me. I realized I have a sensitivity to caffeine. I love Dr. Pepper and quit drinking it when I started Pristiq. I started drinking DP again and had stomach problems and depression, so no more caffeine! I take 50 mg."

• liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2023

For Depression "I was prescribed Pristiq when I was 16 years old due to severe depression and anxiety. When I first started taking it, my mood was elevated extremely. I was easily angered and got physical by throwing stuff and hitting items (which is extremely rare for me to do). I felt a lot more deep sadness, and I also felt stiff in a way (grinding my teeth until my jaw started hurting most days, having to force myself to move every few minutes whenever I'm sitting down because I felt uncomfortable). I let my psychiatrist know of these things, and he lowered the dose, however, I still felt all these symptoms regardless. Pristiq really ruined a part of me because eventually, I had to go to the mental hospital because I tried to take my own life. If you take Pristiq, do not ignore signs of negative mood differences and physical effects."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• vug...
• November 7, 2015

For Depression "After a horrible two years on Prozac, Pristiq came in like a savior. It reminded me what my normal thought process was without depression. I started on 50 mg and, 3 months in, upped it to 100, and most of the time it's great; however, like everything, it is not perfect. I have good days and bad days. I often have a few weeks of good days, and when it's bad, it's really bad; no motivation, suicidal, depressed, anxious. I also notice that if I miss a day or two, I go through major withdrawal, and that leads to similar symptoms as a bad day. Overall, it really did change my life, but it's not perfect."

• vug...
• November 7, 2015

For Depression "After a horrible two years on Prozac, Pristiq came in like a savior. It reminded me what my normal thought process was without depression. I started on 50 mg and, 3 months in, upped it to 100, and most of the time it's great; however, like everything, it is not perfect. I have good days and bad days. I often have a few weeks of good days, and when it's bad, it's really bad; no motivation, suicidal, depressed, anxious. I also notice that if I miss a day or two, I go through major withdrawal, and that leads to similar symptoms as a bad day. Overall, it really did change my life, but it's not perfect."

• kev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2017

For Depression "I recently took a DNA test, which determines which best antidepressants are most compatible with me. Since I'm very extremely sensitive to meds and Pristiq was listed in the green column as one that would give no side effects, yeah right. After nearly giving this med a fair two months trial of hell, being on this toxic chemical, I've encountered practically all the severe side effects reported, from worsening depression, feeling hopeless, and being in a thick fog every day, which made it almost impossible to hold a conversation and more like a robot, depersonalization/derealization, blurred vision along with seeing distorted objects and shapes that make me sensitive to light, mood swings, horrible word-finding difficulties. This med ain't me!"

• Nap...
• November 25, 2009

For ADHD "I have been taking 100 mg every morning for 9 months, with Trileptal 450 mg at night and Adderall in the AM and after lunch. I was so scattered and depressed last January '09 due to a lot of life changes, but really all my life I have sabotaged myself living without treatment. These medicines saved my life, and I will continue on them as long as they work. Pristiq is good for me. I mistakenly got my dose mixed up when I first started Pristiq and took 200 mg. Never felt better but soon found out that it was dangerous and max is 100 mg. Whew...must be careful. Life is good today, and it can be for you too. I also use the Pristiq discount card and pay half price...really helps."

• Sna...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 25, 2017

For Depression "This drug I feel seems to stabilize your mood/brain and does make you happy. Not like a drug, it corrects my brain to how I'm meant to feel, (some people hopefully understand what I mean-rather than feeling down, just want to be alone, quiet, low). I think I had anxiety, mild depression, and insomnia. I feel more focused and feel my true self. I'm 35, a professional, single, fit, and healthy. Death, divorce, boom. Just battled on, shattered, hiding my feelings until finally just giving this a chance. After 1 month, I'm on 100 mg of Pristiq a day and love how it's giving me my life back!"

• Red...
• January 31, 2016

For Depression "I had a horrible experience with this drug! After 4 days of starting Pristiq, I started having massive anxiety and panic attacks! I could not sleep for the life of me! It felt like I had a constant rush of adrenaline! I had to be admitted to the psych ward because I went into psychosis. I stuck it out for three weeks, hoping that I would find relief from my crippling depression. No! I was more depressed, sleep deprived, constant panic. I knew the drug was causing more pain than I started off with. Every drug is different. Writing this in case someone else is having the same experience. Was switched to amitriptyline and am starting to see small improvements. If you are having horrible side effects, tell your doc! Wishing you the best!"

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Sar...
• October 11, 2009

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Pristiq is 'the one' for me. It's the refined version of Effexor, and it has almost completely relieved my PTSD symptoms. Very little side effects, not too much emotional blunting. No flashbacks to 'the event' or panic attacks. And unlike when I took Effexor, I have no unacceptable loss of inhibition. So I'm happy with this one. I take 100 mg daily."

• DD0...
• June 2, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Pristiq for 5 years. It took a month to get used to, but after that, the anger, depression, and anxiety were almost completely gone. I was very calm and not much rattled me. Then, surprise, I was given the generic about 2 months ago, the anger and anxiety are back full force. Now I am going to have to try something else because the generic doesn't work. Sorry, world, I'm full of anger and anxious. Here we go again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2014

For Depression "Bad withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. I had horrible depression when trying to wean off. Also didn't like how I felt on it. Took my imagination away, ability to daydream. Gave me high blood pressure. You must get on medicines for high blood pressure. So either stop Pristiq or get high blood pressure meds if you need it."

• Anonymous
• April 19, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for a little over a year now, and I am very happy with it. I am 32 and have been on antidepressants since I was 17. Zoloft worked well for me for many years, then I spent quite a few more years trying different things until I tried Pristiq. I don't remember how long it took to start working, and I haven't had any miraculous weight loss, but I feel like a stable, happy, normal person on it, and that is enough for me. The one warning I will add: if I miss even a day or two, I have serious withdrawals. Depression, obsessing, lots of crying, and just generally coming unglued about anything and everything. This is not how I feel or act when I am not on medication, it is definitely a withdrawal, so take with care."

• Kas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2023

For Depression "I was on Pristiq for about 4 years. And 3 years before that, I was on other antidepressants, i.e., Paxil and Zoloft. The good thing was with Pristiq I did not gain weight as I did with Paxil (20 lbs!!). And I seemed to be functioning quite well. But over time, I started to notice I was not acting like or feeling like myself anymore. I lost interest in things, didn't want to be around people, and felt strange. So I decided to taper down to the lowest dose, 25 mg, and then stop it altogether. And it was very difficult to get off. The withdrawal was terrible. It created flu-like symptoms, and the worst was nausea, chills, and sweating. Then... new symptoms appeared... irrational thinking, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of not being in control (for no reason). The withdrawal lasted several months until my body finally learned how to function off the medicine. Now my brain is doing much better, and I just practice self-help, eat a clean diet, and exercise. And I don't hold stuff in anymore."

• ron...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

For Depression "This drug made my executive functioning a lot better, but it also almost immediately made me super down and caused partial seizures (I have no history of epilepsy). It may have triggered an episode of psychosis as well, but I am still uncertain whether it was a psychotic episode or a seizure, as I also lost control and sensation in my limbs while hallucinating before losing consciousness completely. I would not recommend this drug."

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2012

For Depression "I am a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with depression and chronic fatigue. Took Pristiq for 4 months. My entire system was taxed! I became very angry, argumentative, overreacting to mostly everything, communicating ineffectively, raging. I never relaxed - insomnia! Major increase in pain, muscle spasm, migraines, involuntary muscle movement, etc.! Getting off of it was a nightmare! More than a week of constant 24-hour sickening withdrawal - vomiting, dizziness, confusion, severe pain, muscle spasm, migraines, depression, thoughts that I would never make it through! The only thing that helped was Prozac 20 mg, Vicodin 5-300, and Tramadol 50 mg as needed to break the pain cycle!"

• Al ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Horrible experience. I wish I had never started. I had serotonin syndrome going from 50 mg to 100 mg, I literally couldn't get out of bed for a week, anxiety, major depression, paranoia, dilated pupils, you name it. I went back to my doc, and he immediately told me to stop taking it. We switched over to an SSRI, and now I'm doing a lot better. Again, I honestly wish I had never agreed to taking Pristiq. 0/10."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "This is the worst experience I’ve had on a medication. Pristiq made me more depressed than ever and increased my suicidal thoughts. I started having uncontrollable crying spells so bad I was leaving work because they just wouldn’t stop. I know for some people it may work, but this has been the worst time I’ve ever had on this."