Pristiq and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• rbc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 16, 2020

For Depression "I never write reviews on ANYTHING online, but after being prescribed Pristiq for anxiety and reading multiple negative reviews, I thought I'd write about my positive experience with this medication. I am 31 years old and have been experiencing moderate to severe anxiety my entire life. Last summer, I began taking this medication, and I won't lie... the first 4 weeks were rough. Decreased appetite, increased anxiety, and just very spaced out. Saying this, once you get past the 4-6 week adjustment period, this medication is LIFE CHANGING. And yes, I know that this medication does not help everyone who takes it, but I encourage people to tough through the adjustment period. I honestly wish I knew about this medication earlier. And yes, there are still lows you will feel, this is life. This is not a magic pill... but completely takes the edge off. I wake up feeling great most days, I have increased motivation, little to no self-doubt, increased appetite, increased sex drive, etc... the list goes on."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Jan...
• October 4, 2008

For Depression "I just started Pristiq Exrelease 50mg about 6 days ago. I am just learning more about this drug. All these comments are very helpful. I have much hope. I have anxiety issues, panic disorder, and some depression. I have also noticed decreased hunger. Please continue writing, it can make a big difference to people like me. Thank you!"

• Gra...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2019

For Depression "After 20+ years on SSRIs, I have a new lease on life with only 25mg of Pristiq. I’m alert, in a positive mood, and have lots of energy. This has lasted for 6+ months. This drug is so much better for me than any of the SSRIs (I tried probably all of them). The only reason I give 9 stars is because of low appetite and constipation side effects."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

For Depression "On my first day of Pristiq, I noticed an immediate surge of energy (coupled with a racing heart and a feeling of disorientation). I am somewhat sensitive to medications generally, so I was prepared to experience some of the side effects. What I have experienced in my first week is tiredness, irritability/difficult sleeping, grinding teeth, nausea (vomited 5 times on night 1, which settled on the second day), loss of appetite, and general stiffness around my neck and back. I trust these symptoms will settle in the coming weeks but thought it may be valuable to share my first week, for those who are a little sensitive to medication. In regards to my mental state, I can safely say my mood has been moderately chilled, unfazed, and without any anxiety."

• Fer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2022

For Depression "Don't suffer! I started with severe depression and anxiety. I used to have terrible panic attacks and anxiety episodes. Going through the day was tremendously hard, and I couldn't wait to be back home to sleep at 6 p.m. I was having a terrible time and getting used to calming my anxiety with alcohol. I was afraid of starting on meds, but when I discovered that I was coping with anxiety through alcohol, I got very scared, as there is alcoholism in my family. So I started with Pristiq. I had what I expected: dry mouth and a lot of thirst (the good side is that you get super hydrated). I lost my appetite, so I needed to force myself to eat and avoid sugar lows, especially when working out. By the third month, I started to feel alive again. I started to enjoy other people's company. I know it sounds cliché, but I started to see bright colors again... don't suffer!"

• 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."

• Mar...
• May 16, 2013

For Depression "After being in denial, I completely broke down with anxiety and depression. Went to my doctor and prescribed me Pristiq. After a week, I took a big turnaround for the best, so happy! Stick with it, give it a chance to work. Side effects were nausea for the first few days, stomach upset, but don't give up! I have been on Celexa in the past but takes too long to kick in... plus 40 lbs weight gain. Pristiq cuts the appetite, and you're not hungry, at least if you need a few lbs off, this is the medicine to be on!"

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For Depression "I'm a 40-year-old female, mother of two. I'm being newly treated for depression. I've been taking Pristiq for 5 days. I noticed an incredible difference within 30 minutes of my first dosage. (I know it seems hard to believe) The heaviness between my eyes subsided, and I felt at ease. I am loving my new attitude towards all and everything. I have noticed some side effects, a sore jaw from clenching, and a lack of appetite. I can live with the sore teeth and jaw as long as that is the worst of the side effects, and a bit of weight loss would be great. I notice I'm waking up happier and bright-eyed, instead of miserable and heavy feeling. So far, I'm loving Pristiq."

• Alp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2018

For Depression "I am not sure if this is useful (and this may be just my individual experience), but I was self-medicating my anxiety and depression with illegal drugs and alcohol (abusing both) until Pristiq. My psychiatrist prescribed me 100mg, and not only did it curb my anxiety and depression, but it also removed the appetite for alcohol and drugs. It actually worked so well, I have been abstinent from both for months now. So, if you are using alcohol and drugs to medicate, a useful side effect of Pristiq is that you can get out of that abusive hole of yours."

• 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."

• sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2013

For Depression "I have suffered from anxiety and mood swings most of my life. But since my divorce and living alone, the depression was becoming debilitating. Feeling paralyzed by fear and barely functioning, I was taking Xanax. Friends and family were very concerned that I was going to drop off the edge. I am highly sensitive to medication. Having tried over half a dozen antidepressants with side effects, I thought I was doomed to a life of torment. A friend was taking it and liked it, so I tried it. I did have side effects in the beginning - nausea, loss of appetite, racing heart - but most are now gone. I still clench some and my jaw gets sore, but I am so much better! Four months was a big turning point for me. So, don't lose hope!"

• 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."

• Mon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2013

For Depression "Been on this for about a week. So far the pros are: I am much calmer. I have a very stressful job that used to have me yelling and wanting to pull my hair out. Now I'm calmly discussing issues with a reasonable mind. Also, I noticed I have more energy and a much more positive outlook on life. I've even lost a few pounds because my appetite is somewhat suppressed. The cons are: very vivid dreams. Just about every night I have a very lucid and lengthy dream about something in my life. Another con is the first few days I felt a little 'out of it' as others have said, but that stopped after about 3-4 days. The last con is that it's expensive. I have two insurances and still had a copayment. But I like it so much, it's worth the price."

• cdo...
• November 30, 2008

For Depression "This new Pristiq has worked wonders for me. I have tried practically every antidepressant medication out there. I have bipolar 2 disorder, and most of the time, taking an antidepressant alone without a mood stabilizer always set off severe mania. That has not been the case with Pristiq. Not only do I feel a million times better in every way, this drug has really decreased my appetite and I have definitely lost at least 10-15 pounds since I started taking it about 7 weeks ago. I also take a little bit of Xanax to better manage my anxiety. However, that only enhances the already great results that I have experienced with Pristiq."

• sbo...
• October 25, 2008

For Anxiety "I have been taking Pristiq for 3 days now. I take it to help with anxiety. I have lost 7 pounds in 3 days and I feel great. I'm calmer now and I have more patience with my two-year-old son. I had a slight problem with nausea, and I had no appetite, but apart from that, I can feel a huge difference in only 3 days."

• dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2013

For Depression "I'm 20 years old and just started Pristiq 4 days ago. It's my first time on antidepressants, and I noticed a change immediately! I can actually enjoy my days and not cry excessively or have as many anxiety attacks. The only side effects I have are nausea and loss of appetite. But I highly recommend it!"

• 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."

• Hdg...
• April 25, 2021

For Depression "I finally was able to wean off of this awful drug! I should have stopped taking it the first week when I couldn’t sleep and had zero appetite from stomach pains. I began taking it in the fall of 2018 when Lamictal started giving me mood swings. Once I got past the first month, I thought all was good. Since then, I have been out of work three different times for weeks with severe dizziness and fatigue. Come to find out this medication was causing my blood pressure to significantly drop! Apparently, with this, you have to increase your sodium intake because this can happen (if you already run on the low side). I’ve put on weight from the lack of energy, and weaning off of it is like no other because you can NOT cut it. It took me over a month to get here (disclaimer: I did talk to my therapist and doctor). It is now April 2021, and I wish I would have gone with my gut instinct and been more persistent about not taking this."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2009

For Depression "Pristiq has significantly helped my depression. I am finally able to wake up and get through the day like a normal person! Initial side effects (first few days to a week): dizziness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, fatigue, waking up in the middle of the night, jitteriness. Ongoing side effects: dry mouth, frequent urination, jaw tension, falling asleep earlier than normal, inability to have an orgasm, and decreased appetite. The side effects can be a bit annoying, but the benefits far outweigh the side effects."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2010

For Anxiety "I am on my 4th day of Pristiq. I felt better almost immediately. I suffer with anxiety and negative chatter in my mind. I feel calmer, more relaxed, and the chatter in my mind has gone. I don't have trouble sleeping at night, my appetite is decreased. I am feeling weird though, my head feels heavy, and I feel a bit spacey, zombie-like. I am hoping it passes."

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

For Major Depressive Disorder "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."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2019

For Depression "It was awful! I cried nonstop, couldn't sleep, loss of appetite. I felt out of control, so my Dr. increased the dose to 100 mg, and OMG! I finally had to tell him to get me off of it. Weaned off of it over a month and was so scared of possible withdrawal issues - absolutely none. Getting off was the best thing ever. It was definitely not for me."

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2013

For Depression "I'm 22, and my doctor changed me from Effexor to Pristiq for my OCD and OCPD. The most noticeable side effect is definitely the appetite loss, but I don't seem to be losing much weight, thankfully. If I'm busy and don't think about it, I go all day without food-it's nuts. Also, I am having a lot of headaches, but I cannot be sure it's the medicine. I sweat a lot on this, and if I take it too late in the day, I cannot sleep. My OCD seems to be in check-much better than Effexor. I've been taking 50 mg for 5 months now."