Pristiq and Headaches: What Users Say

• Elm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2022

For Depression "I began Pristiq about 5-6 weeks ago after being on Lexapro for 2 years. While I started taking it due to my terrible anxiety, it is helpful for my depression as well. After taking a Genesite test, I learned that Lexapro doesn’t work for me, and Pristiq does. So I am on 25mg. I personally had little to no side effects. The most notable were headaches and some memory issues. The headaches are now gone, but I do notice that I struggle to remember some things from time to time. I used to have panic attacks daily, making my life miserable. Now I can live my life without having to take Benadryl to sleep off the panic. I haven’t had a panic attack in 4 weeks now. I decided to come back and give this a review because many people only talk about their negative experiences with medicine. Just remember that people who have positive experiences often forget to leave a review as they are living their happy lives. Give Pristiq a try. It may just save your life!"

• mtl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2020

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 1 month and a half. The first week felt weird: I had headaches, anxiety, couldn't eat, difficulty to sleep. Then the physical side effect went away and I started to feel better but it was very subtle and slow but steady change. After 1 month and a half I can say that I feel a lot better. I have more energy, more sense of control on my life. One thing that stays is that I have to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. I have skipped a dose once and it wasn't bad, I didn't cry or feel horrible."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2014

For Depression "I want to share my experience because I was terrified when I first started Pristiq. It was the first time I'd taken an antidepressant following a severe depressive episode. I read so many negative things about Pristiq and people over-analyzing it. It took 6 weeks to work and yes, I had dry mouth, headaches, and nausea, but they passed after a few days. The anxiety went away gradually, and I felt like I could control it again. The depression lifted too, and I could function. I went cold turkey to come off it (Dr. supervised) and yep, side effects but no big deal. The brain zaps were full-on, but they lasted about 4 days. I feel great. Of course, I'm doing lots of exercise and eating well too... but Pristiq helped."

• Myl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

For Depression "I have never wanted to take any SSRI or SNRI, but I became very depressed and was desperate, so I listened to my doctor who told me to try Pristiq and give it 4 weeks. I suffered almost every side effect: yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, tinnitus, sweating, incapable of having an orgasm, vivid nightmares. I took Pristiq 50mg for 4 weeks and I only had 1 day that I was not depressed. I quit taking it after 4 weeks of sleepless nights and a very loud high-pitched ringing in my head. 2 weeks of feeling dizzy and extreme headaches, then 2 months of bad headaches and extreme anxiety. Now, 4 months off Pristiq, I have very high anxiety, headaches, and the worst is tinnitus. Pristiq ruined my life. After researching, I realize that this tinnitus is probably not going away, since it has been 4 months, and I am devastated. The ringing is intruding my brain every second, and my anxiety has grown uncontrollable alongside the tinnitus. I wish I never took Pristiq."

• Myl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

For Depression "I have never wanted to take any SSRI or SNRI, but I became very depressed and was desperate, so I listened to my doctor who told me to try Pristiq and give it 4 weeks. I suffered almost every side effect: yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, tinnitus, sweating, incapable of having an orgasm, vivid nightmares. I took Pristiq 50mg for 4 weeks and I only had 1 day that I was not depressed. I quit taking it after 4 weeks of sleepless nights and a very loud high-pitched ringing in my head. 2 weeks of feeling dizzy and extreme headaches, then 2 months of bad headaches and extreme anxiety. Now, 4 months off Pristiq, I have very high anxiety, headaches, and the worst is tinnitus. Pristiq ruined my life. After researching, I realize that this tinnitus is probably not going away, since it has been 4 months, and I am devastated. The ringing is intruding my brain every second, and my anxiety has grown uncontrollable alongside the tinnitus. I wish I never took Pristiq."

• Fin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2017

For Depression "I have been on 100mg of Pristiq for three years for depression and anxiety. Without question, it has changed my life incredibly. I waited 47 years to have the courage to take an antidepressant and wish with all my heart I had met this medication in my 20s. I started on 50mg but after two months reluctantly headed up to 100... my reservations were for nothing... this medication has worked beautifully for me. I did have side effects in the first few weeks: beating heart, very thirsty, and slight headaches, but they passed quickly, and I have been amazed by its strength ever since. I have had some serious life crises to deal with in the past three years, and often feared the medication would not be able to 'hold' me... it always has. I have an amazing therapist who I saw for the first two years, but no longer need that support, the medication is enough. I used to have so many concerns about taking any such medications - was frequently turned away from them by what I'd read as horror stories online... I wanted to let you know... it's not for all of us... some of us do have great reviews... maybe not enough of us drop back to pass them on because we got busy with our new lives where wellness is the new normal. I never worry about coming off them, I don't care if I have to take them forever... as long as I feel this good, I'm not ending my relationship with them..."

• Jen...
• December 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had been on numerous meds that weren't helping. Horrible anxiety and depression. Extremely irritable. I decided to try Pristiq anyway, and within an hour, this sense of calm rushed over me. I felt so at peace. I'm more alert. I don't need constant naps. I'm positive, and life is great. At first, though, insomnia sucked, but every night it improved and didn't last long. I'm sleeping great now. It's been a few weeks, and I'm still struggling with constipation. I had headaches at first too, but not anymore. It has destroyed my appetite, though. I can miss my dose by hours and not experience the 'brain zaps' or feel any different at all, unlike others. I feel absolutely amazing, and it has by far boosted my marriage more than I could ever imagine. I can even see the spirits of my kids lifted immensely. I don't obsess over things like before, and I'm more relaxed. I've had no sexual side effects, I can still orgasm, and I've actually been more in the mood because I feel better."

• Ret...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2014

For Depression "Started 12 weeks ago on 50mg, stuck it out for 7 weeks - not much change and decided to step up to 100mg. 5 weeks later, I can say a change has arrived in the last 10 days and I am over the moon. I have refused medication all my life - this was a massive decision for me. I wish now I'd done it years ago. Critical voice gone, anxiety close to gone, depression lifting, motivation returning - hope and dreams coming back. I now laugh, play jokes, and manage stress 'normally'. I have to take care to get enough sleep - some days I am still really exhausted, but that is lifting. The side effects were as expected: dry mouth, need to eat regularly, headaches, and perhaps a little sleep issues - but compared to life before, they are well worth it."

• Ga ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2014

For Depression "Been off and on antidepressants for 20 years. Been on 100 mg of Zoloft for about 5 years now and was having some adverse effects - gained a lot of weight for starters. Started Pristiq about 3 weeks ago. I feel a lot clearer in the mind - guess I didn't realize the fog I was in on the Zoloft. I'm not hungry - lost seven pounds in the first two weeks. Had some headaches while switching over. Sleep hasn't been a problem - but I have found that I need to take the meds at the same time in the mornings or I have headaches. So far, so good. Hopefully it will continue long term. I will probably be on meds the rest of my life - I've come to terms with that. Hoping this will be the last one I'm on!"

• MAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Depression "Initially Pristiq kept me on an even keel. Then it didn’t seem to make a difference. I don’t feel interested in anything. I have gained 20 lbs in six months. I told my doctor and she said to stop taking it. Easier said than done. It made me extremely sick. Headache and nervousness were unbearable."

• Amb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2018

For Depression "I had been on Pristiq 50mg for around 5 years. It helped me dramatically to get my life back on track. I noticed within the past year that it was not working as effectively as my body had probably adjusted to it, so my doctor upped the dosage to 100mg recently. At first, I noticed some nausea, headaches, and extreme tiredness. These side effects have now subsided after a week, and I’m starting to feel the full effects of the increased dosage. I feel absolutely amazing. I am focused at work, I am getting back into my study, I have started to lose weight again due to my appetite decreasing (I was eating way too much before due to depression), I am much more sociable and exercising again. I was also having trouble with substance abuse, and that has now also stopped. Everyone’s experience with a drug is going to be a different story, but I personally am very grateful for Pristiq."

• jah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2014

For Depression "I was desperate for something that would get me out of the dark abyss that is anxiety and depression, and get rid of the constant thoughts of suicide. I turned to Pristiq - it was new, and made out to be a miracle. And it was. I had no side effects when I started taking it. I was able to get back to work and perform better in school. Everything seemed great. I had my life back. Until, months later, I went my first day without it. The withdrawal symptoms were crippling. Paranoia, a pounding headache, vertigo, and sweating are just a few of the symptoms I experienced in my withdrawal. The headache was so severe I could do nothing but lie down. I still take. Too difficult to quit."

• SRa...
• July 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication isn't really something the average person should take. Desvenlafaxine is an alternative medication if you're extremely sensitive to all other forms of meds. I have taken over 20 different medications before, and I finally had a genetic test and discovered that almost every known psychiatric medication would have a negative effect on my body. Only 4 medications were cleared in green status for me, all new and expensive, Pristiq being the highest recommended. I have never experienced anything like Pristiq, as I haven't noticed any major side effects. Decreased sex drive, headaches, and nausea have always been deal breakers with other medications, but not this one. The only side effect I can say I have felt is perhaps drowsiness, which can be annoying but avoidable with certain actions. If you've taken a plethora of medications, I would recommend a genetic test as you may find you have the same sensitivity as I have, and that Pristiq may be a good alternative."

• waf...
• February 5, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for at least six years for post-menopausal anxiety/depression. I tried several other medications without success, but this one is great. No side effects other than headache and mild nausea the first couple of days. I feel 'normal' 99% of the time - moods have evened out, almost no anxiety/irritability, and have an overall happy feeling. I would take it in the morning, as it can cause mild insomnia. I will stay with this one."

• tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2013

For Depression "So I had anxiety and depression. My GP prescribed Lexapro initially, then Wellbutrin, then Zoloft (coupled with Xanax). Nothing was working, and I was waking up in the morning every day with panic attacks. My GP recommended I go to a psychologist, which I did for the first time in my life. He changed me to long-acting Xanax XR and Pristiq. Both have been massively better, and Pristiq could be a game-changer. The side effects I had adjusting to SSRIs were very, very bad, but getting on Pristiq has been very easy. Only had a headache for 2 days. I recommend people try this. My panic attacks and anxiety literally vanished after 3-4 days. I feel like I finally found what I needed."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2013

For Depression "After having my second child, I had severe postnatal depression. Counseling and group therapy didn't help at all. Six months later, I started on 50mg of Pristiq, then 100mg after 2 weeks. At first, side effects were quite full-on. I took Pristiq in the morning and was full of energy. Then after lunchtime, I was unbearably tired and had to have a nap, even for 20 minutes. I just could not stay awake. I tried to take it at night, but then I couldn't sleep. So, I stuck with taking it in the morning. The tiredness effect didn't last long, maybe a month? At the start, there were also headaches, but they soon subsided after about a month. It helped to take Pristiq with a full cup of water. I have been on it for a year and a half now and feel so much better."

• fin...
• November 10, 2013

For Depression "I am a 47-year-old male who has been on 100mg of Pristiq for 2 years. First on 50mg then increased. I found I was sleepy for the first few months but nothing compared to the original symptoms like depression, anxiety etc. My only concern is the withdrawal effects. On one occasion, I went to the pharmacy on Saturday and they advised I needed a new script. I had to wait until Monday to get a script and they were the two worst days in my life...the withdrawal was chaotic. I argued with the chemist in a rage...never done this before...I called them an hour later sobbing and apologizing for my behavior. I had awful flashes in my eyes and headaches that made a migraine feel like a party...I was frantic at the doctor on Monday morning."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2022

For Depression "I came here to write a review because I, like many others, look to the internet for answers when starting this very nerve-wracking journey. I have anxiety and panic and was prescribed Pristiq. I was reluctant to start medication as other SSRIs I had tried in the past did not work for me and made me feel like crap. I am a mother of 3 children, I work full time, and support my family financially. I have struggled with anxiety and panic in the past due to circumstances, but I did not expect anxiety and panic to hit me out of the blue after being fine for almost 10 years, but it did, and it hit hard. I thought I might have to leave my job, I was completely and utterly debilitated with panic. I started at 25mg of Pristiq, and within a week, I felt so much better. I had to up my dose to 50mg, but now I feel better than ever. I had a headache and a burst of energy the first week, but that went away and I have no side effects. If someday I have withdrawal coming off of Pristiq, at least I will gain back years of my life. The good far outweighs any bad for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2015

For Depression "I have been depressed for coming up to 5 years. Pristiq is the first medication I found that worked. I started on 50 mg and then started 100 mg. I found that I was able to get through the days without falling apart and having constant suicidal thoughts. I have been on Pristiq for a few years now and I have always had very vivid dreams on it, and if I miss a couple of pills, I get very dizzy, nauseous, headaches, and become very emotional. I love this antidepressant, but I fear for my dependence on it."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2017

For Depression "I am almost 24 and have been on Pristiq for about 5 weeks. I am now up to 100 mg but started at 50. I have no negative side effects besides maybe a light headache. I have been on over 10 antidepressants in the past with nothing but bad side effects and had sworn them off 6 years ago. Nothing worked for my anxiety and depression in the past besides, of course, my take-as-needed Klonopin. Pristiq has been good. No side effects or appetite increase. I am also going through an extremely tough and stressful time in life at this point, and once I was upped to 100 mg, I have noticed an increase in my mood positively. Like I said, I had sworn off meds for years, but I feel like this one may be working. Give it a try and work with your doctor."

• Hap...
• August 2, 2015

For Depression "I had a major breakdown and was put on 50 mg Pristiq, increased to 100 mg. I noticed an immediate improvement (on the 50 mg) because it stopped the uncontrollable crying. I have been on the medication for 2.5 years but got severe headaches if I missed a pill. I reduced the dosage to 50 mg for a year and still got headaches and dizziness if I missed a pill. So, as I am no longer depressed, I am coming off this medication. I reduced the dose to 1 tablet every second day for 2 weeks and this is now the 3rd week. I have now been without the tablets for 4 days and have noticed quite a lot of dizziness but no more headaches. I am feeling good about myself and have returned to my positive outlook on life. I am happy to be coming off this medication."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking this medication for 2 months. In the first month, I suffered almost all of the side effects, including loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, loss of sex drive, and difficulty sleeping. Two months in, and I find myself having episodes of feeling really angry and crying for no reason, to the point of not eating and just sleeping. I am seeing a psychologist and have yet to discuss with them why I am still feeling depressed and now angry with or at myself."

• kha...
• December 30, 2009

For Anxiety "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!"

• Plu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2017

For Depression "After five antidepressants, this is the one that brought me back to myself. I'm not 100%, but I was at 40% and now 80% myself. I am able to laugh again, appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, and enjoy my kids without yelling due to being constantly overwhelmed. My insurance switched me to generic Pristiq, and within a month, I started feeling the anxiety and depression return. I was back to feeling like a zombie and, in addition, had withdrawal symptoms from stopping the name-brand Pristiq, including headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and insomnia. I have switched back to name brand 4 days ago and feel a tiny bit better, but praying name brand Pristiq kicks back in quicker. No generic!"

• Lee...
• September 1, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."