Pristiq and Insomnia: What Users Say

• abl...
• April 9, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor had me do a genetic test to see how my DNA reacted and broke down medication. Genomind was the test used. My doctor was able to see my body doesn't respond to SSRI's. My DNA synced with Pristiq. 1st day, I felt more uplifted. I do suffer from insomnia. 2nd morning, I woke up feeling refreshed, smiling. BEST PART! I STAYED ON TASK! I have a hard time with that. After taking Pristiq, I have motivation and not scatterbrained. My thoughts are in place. I wake up less stressed now because stuff is actually being done. Day 3, I was able to conquer a HUGE landscaping task that took me 6.5 hours to do. I felt healthy and my old self. I didn't feel tired. It was a huge difference. I felt good. So good I wanted to exercise. Who wants to exercise? It feels like that missing spark in my brain was reconnected and now I can function properly. I'm a little quick-tempered, it's helped me with that too! Overall, this medicine has been a Godsend."

• Jes...
• September 27, 2018

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 10 days. Day 1-4: Constant migraines, teeth aches, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, no desire to eat, eye pain, brain fog, body pain, restlessness, and anxiety. I felt like I had the flu. By Day 7, I began to notice the physical symptoms go away with such great relief at feeling normal again. My depression felt at bay. I’m glad I stuck with this medication and encourage anyone else struggling at first to wait at least a week! Every day I do something that my depressive/anxious self wouldn’t and I am proud of myself. I can converse with strangers, reply to messages right away, and get up every morning with no feeling of drowsiness and dread for what’s to come. I feel like I am finally taking control of my life. I am still having problems with my appetite and anxiety. I hope anyone else taking this with the same side effects will feel a sense of relief knowing that it will get better!"

• Mun...
• May 25, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking generic Pristiq for several years and it has really helped. Got a refill and the bottle looked different. The pill was also different. After about 5 days, I began to get dizzy, light-headed, had problems sleeping, and felt very anxious. It was from a different manufacturer. Stopped taking it and the dizziness has stopped, been able to sleep, but have been having anxiety. I had no problems until the pharmacy got the supply from a different manufacturer."

• omb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for more than a year now for anxiety and depression. The first month wasn't great, my anxiety increased, had trouble falling asleep, feeling nauseous. After that, these were the side effects that stuck: sweats, it takes more time to orgasm, brain zap when I forget a dose. I definitely feel better, I have a better feeling of control over my life. I don't have suicidal thoughts anymore. It gave me hope that change is possible, and we don't have to accept feeling that way for our whole life."

• 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."

• fkg...
• December 29, 2014

For Depression "My wife unexpectedly told me she wanted a divorce, and I was devastated. We have two small boys. I instantly saw a psychiatrist who prescribed me 50 mg of Pristiq. It seemed to help somewhat, but I would still break down into hysterical crying fits. After 15 days, she put me on 100 mg, and I've been fine ever since. I feel like I can deal with this now. I have not had any negative side effects, except shaking my leg. I do have insomnia, but I had that from the anxiety of the divorce, and I'm prescribed something to help me sleep. I can't say for sure if the Pristiq causes the insomnia, but I do feel a little amped. Overall, it's better than I thought as I generally don't feel like I'm on something and feel like myself."

• Anx...
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I have nothing but amazing things to say about Pristiq. I went through a 5-year toxic relationship, lost everything including myself, tried to rebuild my life after leaving him but could not stop feeling 'heavy'. Felt numb. Had anxiety, could not sleep and pretty much felt like I was living in the dark. Went to see doc, started with 50 - no side effects so after 2 weeks he upped to 100mg and after three weeks I started to feel better and after a month I was truly amazed. It's been just over three months and I feel better than ever. I can't believe I suffered for so long. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it just isn't enough! Best thing I ever did for myself. Thank god for health benefits! It's expensive!"

• 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."

• Ama...
• December 3, 2014

For Depression "Finally I see hope. After being diagnosed with severe depression (took me 4 years to seek treatment), I tried 5 different medications (plus therapy). They all failed miserably and I lost the hope I didn't even know I had, then tried suicide twice. Finally I was prescribed Pristiq and let me just say... what a difference! It got easier to wake up and get through the day, my self-esteem got better, my anxiety doesn't come as often, and I can even make plans for the future. For the first time I see change is possible. Just don't ever forget to take your pills, you can't really function without them. I got no side effects except for increased hunger/libido, and a bit of difficulty falling asleep. I'm taking 150mg now."

• tri...
• December 18, 2014

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about 3 months. I had insane anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia that got so bad I ended up in the ER. I don't care if I ever come off of Pristiq because it works. I am normal again. I sleep, and for about 2 months I almost forgot what it was like to feel so anxious I could hardly function at work or life. I hesitated to start this medicine because my psychiatrist told me absolutely no drinking. I do have a few drinks on weekends and have no side effects from it."

• ERN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2015

For Depression "Pristiq has been a miracle for me. I had depression, anxiety disorder, and panic attack disorder. I had tried many other medications, gained 50 lbs, and was still mentally a mess. I had to take over a year off of school because I couldn't handle the stress. I started Pristiq and within a week, I noticed I was no longer crying at the drop of a hat, was better able to concentrate, and was actually feeling so much better in my mood. I've been taking it for over a year now, I've lost 40 of the 50 lbs I gained on my previous medication, and I'm back at school and doing great. I credit Pristiq with all of my recovery. For the first 2 weeks of Prestiq, I had a side effect of insomnia, but that went away after 2 weeks, it was no big deal."

• vma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2014

For Depression "I rated Pristiq a 9 for the simple fact that although it really helped me get out of depression, I have been having crazy vivid dreams. The dreams are not pleasant or bad, just weird. I have flashbacks about them all through the day, and I can recall almost every little detail. Some might argue that this is not a bad side effect, however, because of this, I've been having poor sleep. All this said, it wouldn't be a reason for me to get off the medication. It has really given me back my life!"

• Fos...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2023

For Depression "I have struggled with solutions for PMDD for decades. I have been on this medication for 2 years and am finally leaving a review because I truly believe that Pristiq alone has saved my life. I had run the gamut through antidepressants, birth control, diet, and exercise to treat the symptoms of PMDD to no avail. Every month going through the same cycle of anxiety, insomnia, rage outbursts, impulsive thinking, and helplessness to the point of thinking of suicide. I doctor-shopped for someone who would believe me that my hormones were doing this to me and I wanted off the rollercoaster. I felt it was a losing battle. I would be this miserable person forever. As a last resort, I took a gene test. It changed my life. Pristiq was the only medication in my 'green column.' My doctor put me on a varying dosage. I take slightly more or less depending on my symptoms. It has worked. I have my life back, or maybe for the first time. I no longer struggle with sleep, hormones, or anger. I have peace."

• Fck...
• February 14, 2020

For Depression "I would not wish upon my worst enemy the hell I went through with this drug. My doctor at the time suggested this antidepressant to help maintain my growth and help my energy. This was the first year it existed and, of course, was expensive because there wasn’t a generic brand, it ruined my life. Everything in the small print happened to me. I slept, on average, 2 hours on my bathroom or kitchen floor because I felt suffocated in my bed. Everything irritated me physically. All I did was clean as if I was trying to get rid of something so toxic (Pristiq) that my life depended on it (it did). I lost a lot of my hair and eyebrows, and I was going crazy, literally. Eventually, I got off it, which was like detoxing from a hard drug such as heroin or meth. I was on it for 6 months, I have been off it for many years, but I still struggle with the reality of what it took away from my life-so many years trying to pick up the pieces of the horrific reality I lived while on Pristiq."

• Taz...
• July 31, 2013

For Depression "After being depressed for a long time, I decided to approach my doctor after therapy alone was not working. I was suffering severe mood swings, crying every day, anxiety attacks and so on. I am now on day 6 of 50mg of Pristiq and it's amazing. I feel calm, in control, have not cried once and feel really good. Side effects have been nausea, insomnia (hope this will settle down) and decreased appetite. I was putting my family through hell and it feels like I have finally turned a corner."

• 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."

• maf...
• August 6, 2016

For Depression "I was on Pristiq at 100 mg for several years. I was happy and positive, free from anxiety and depression. Earlier this year, I made the mistake of tapering and discontinuing the med due to feeling dependent and experiencing sexual side effects. I ended up having difficulty with memory and would cry at everything. I have tried to go back on, and after 12 weeks, I've made improvements but nowhere near where I felt before. I function, but I have difficulty sleeping, have crying spells, and feel terribly depressed, especially in the morning. I'm going to try Lexapro now since it worked for a close relative; hoping it helps me turn the corner. If you're on Pristiq and it's working, don't stop! Discontinuing this med was a big mistake for me."

• doo...
• January 8, 2019

For Depression "I am 19 years old, and I was prescribed Pristiq for depression about 2 months ago, and I have certainly noticed positive improvements. The first few days on it were very interesting - I couldn't sleep, didn't want to eat, but at the same time, I had a lot of energy and felt pretty good. This phase went away after about 3-4 days, and everything was back to normal. After about 2 weeks, I wanted to get out and do things every day, which was positive, but the depression was still there for the most part. Over the next 4 weeks, I SLOWLY noticed the depression disappearing, and now I find it is a lot easier to brush off negative thoughts that depression brings. Just remember, this drug takes a long time to work. Stay patient with it. My doc also told me that EACH SSRI/SNRI has about a 66% success rate. So, if Pristiq doesn't work for you, try another SSRI and it will have a 66% hit rate. Therefore, after trying 3 or 4 different SSRIs, the chances are very high of one of those working for you."

• Hap...
• October 25, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for the past 12 months. I started on 50mg and went up to 100 mg after about 3 months. The side effects were terrible for the first two weeks. I have no side effects now except insomnia - however, I have had insomnia for many years. I just have to make sure I have Pristiq as soon as I get up. I am a much happier and relaxed person, and it helped save my marriage. My husband is a saint but only a saint can take so much :)"

• jel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 21, 2014

For Anxiety "I take Wellbutrin XL 150mg and Pristiq and have been since 2009. Tried to go off of Pristiq twice because my sodium level is a bit low. Within a month of being off of Pristiq, I got my old anxiety attacks, panic, insomnia, etc., so the positive definitely outweighs the negative. Hopefully, my sodium will be corrected now that I'm seeing a specialist for it, but for me Pristiq and Wellbutrin XL work wonders and I don't plan to go off either ever again."

• Alm...
• August 19, 2008

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for 5 days. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken. It is working great, though the first day or two I felt like I was taking diet pills. My appetite is gone and I have lost 4 pounds in 5 days. I have felt a good deal of nausea, but have not vomited. I'm always thirsty and have trouble sleeping (which was a problem before Pristiq), but my doctor gave me Xanax to help me fall asleep. I feel better than I did before. I hope it will work for you too."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

For Depression "I almost lost my life because of this drug and Effexor. I was on Effexor for a year and couldn’t sleep, had massive anxiety every day, and felt groggy and tired every day. Got switched to Pristiq and had extremely real suicidal thoughts that I’ve never had before. Had to wean myself off of it because doctors didn’t understand why I was still not able to sleep all night (would wake up every 2 hours), why my anxiety was constantly spiking, and why I was so suicidal. My cognitive thinking made sense, but my physical reactions did not. I weaned myself off, and my anxiety attacks mostly stopped, I was not depressed anymore, and I could sleep again a full 8 hours (which helps with cognitive function a lot). The brain zaps were awful, and my agitation was sky high while going off. Now I’m on a high CBD tincture and find it works better than any antidepressant I’ve used in the past."

• Anonymous
• September 6, 2009

For Anxiety "I've been on this medication for 4 weeks now. While I'm sure the benefits are still yet to take full effect, I still feel confident in saying this drug has been a major success! I've been diagnosed primarily with anxiety and major depressive disorders, and have been on Paxil, Zoloft, Remeron, and Effexor. I was told to try this for its less likely occurrence of side effects. No sexual side effects! Finally, this kicked in by week 1 with the others. No weight gain - in fact, I've lost 5 lbs with no change in diet or appetite (though I've heard it's common.) I have had a little insomnia, but for me the benefits outweigh the negatives. Hope this helps someone!"

• 218...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Depression "I don’t like to rate this prescription because it does wonders for other people, it just didn’t for me. I was on Pristiq 50 mg for five weeks. I was experiencing all of the side effects, probably because I’m very sensitive to drugs. I ended up going to a psychiatrist, which I didn’t want to at first, but my family talked me into it, and now I am ever glad I did. He helped me wean off of the Pristiq by prescribing mirtazapine 7.5 mg because I’ve been having some problems with insomnia, and it has also picked up my mood. I’m very sensitive to drugs. He also told me how to go about weaning off the Pristiq in a safe way with very few side effects. The psychiatrist also said that if somewhere down the road I would like to stop taking them, that would be no problem as well. My advice: give it a try and see if it works for you, if not, see a specialist who knows how to take care of you the right way. Have a great day and all the best."

• Lee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2013

For Depression "I was on a low dose of Cymbalta for 2 weeks and could not handle the fatigue. I switched to Pristiq 50 mg a little over a week ago. My anxiety is 95% gone, my depression, the negative thoughts are gone. I'm not happy, but I'm not sad either. My irritability and being easily startled have resolved. I'm able to go out without being anxious and am returning to work part-time in a few weeks. I do feel a little tired a few hours after taking the medication, but it doesn't last. My sleep is a little disrupted, with a little nausea, but nothing I can't manage. Constipation is a side effect, but I use Colace (without the laxative). I've lost 4 lbs so far. I plan to stay on this indefinitely at this point. Just relieved to finally have some relief from the anxiety and depression."