Pristiq and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Alj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2021

For Depression "I've recently come off Lexapro due to some side effects, loss of sex drive, and ejaculations without orgasms. How weird is that? Anyway, I'm now on Pristiq, and the fog has lifted. You forget how good life can be when you're in the spirals of depression. But be active in your care and keep trying different meds because one day you'll succeed. I think Pristiq is my 6th attempt at finding my happy place. For some of us, there is a family history and a very real reason we are depressed. If your brain is constantly reuptaking your feel-good hormones, then it's out of your control until you can balance that out. I wanted to write this to give some hope and to keep trying. You are important, and you deserve the best health you can achieve. Good luck and keep being brave."

• 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."

• Gla...
• January 1, 2015

For Depression "Was totally down in the dumps for some reason, even though my life was great. Finally, I could take no more as my mind was giving me nasty thoughts to end things. Immediately went to the doctor, and he prescribed me 50 mg of Pristiq which sent my mind out of control. Now my whole being was in trouble, refusing to go to work and be around my family. Immediately went back to the doctor to be put on 100 mg, and I can say I have never looked back. Totally changed my life as I am myself again. Yeah, a few sexual side effects but I can live with that. I'm just glad to be back."

• Ano...
• April 11, 2016

For Depression "Absolutely no side effects. I lost weight on this medication, however, if you do not want to lose weight, talk to your psychiatrist, and they can prescribe medications that can help you gain weight if you are underweight. This medication worked perfectly on my depression, and I have not relapsed since I was weaned off it. No sexual side effects, it actually helped my sex life. I am so happy I tried it."

• Kev...
• January 23, 2014

For Depression "Went to the doctor complaining of anxiety. Was waking up and not falling back asleep or even worse, could not fall asleep. Was also having anxiety attacks. The last time this happened, I was prescribed Effexor, which was a nightmare, and Celexa, which did nothing for me. Ended up quitting my job and with time off, I returned to normal. Quitting my job this time is not an option, so the doctor put me on Pristiq. Noticed a positive effect within 7 days, and I have been on it for a month now. This drug has worked absolute wonders for me. I have had no side effects at all (and no sexual impotency)."

• 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."

• c2d...
• June 15, 2015

For Depression "I take Pristiq for anxiety (first) & depression. I don't know what the true definition of 'normal' is, but this is the closest I've felt to it in quite some time. My most recent attempt at feeling 'normal' was with 8 years of Lexapro. My concentration level was on point & my anxiety level was low, but the zombie-like feel, the lack of sex drive & weight gain eventually drove me to find an alternative. After several failed attempts with various other options, I can say that Pristiq has proven to disprove most, if not all, of my concerns. Yes, I still get fiery mad at times (with good reason), but it's controllable. Yes, I still get sad/anxious, but there are tangible reasons & I am now able to pull myself out a lot sooner."

• 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."

• 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."

• Rup...
• September 19, 2015

For Depression "As a skeptic and someone who hasn't had good experiences with antidepressants, I must say this medication has been amazing. I must have tried 6-8 different types and always felt they either didn't work or the side effects were too unbearable. I went to my GP to go back on to Lexapro as it was the one I did best on (but lost all libido), and he suggested Pristiq, which is similar but not supposed to come with the same side effects. So far (8 weeks in), I'm pleased to say it has been a blessing. It has had a major impact on my depression, which was getting disturbing, and I am feeling no immediate side effects."

• 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."

• 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."

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2024

For Depression "It's helped me, but it's not perfect. It's the only antidepressant I've tried that didn't cause me to be anorgasmic (includes: Prozac, Cymbalta, Lexapro, Effexor, and probably others I've forgotten), but my libido is gone. I was on 50 mg for several months and decided to up it to 75 mg because I didn't feel like it was helping enough (I'm still very irritable). It hasn't really helped to up the dosage, my libido is worse, and now I'm gaining weight like gangbusters because my appetite is huge. I'm hungry when I've just eaten."

• Mex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2013

For Depression "A little over two years, due to a job change and move, I suffered many anxiety/panic attacks. One of them landed me in the ER. I was then diagnosed with depression. I was put on Pristiq, and with time, it started working. I took the medication for about 18 months and then very slowly went off. I don't like being dependent on medication. My main reason for going off was my sex drive. You are very limited as to what you can take while on antidepressants. I am starting to feel like I am slipping into depression once again, so I will probably start again. Pristiq worked wonders for me."

• Jen...
• July 19, 2013

For Depression "I had an unexpected medical issue and was initially prescribed Buspirone to help deal with the ensuing depression. It took so long to kick in that all the other medicines I was taking made me suicidal. I talked to my doctor who recommended a relatively new antidepressant called Pristiq. From the moment I started taking it, my life changed for the better, no more suicidal thoughts, and my days returned to normal. I took it for six months until I felt I no longer needed it. I reduced my dosage as directed and weaned myself off it. There were a few brain zaps as the dosage decreased, but once I understood what was going on, everything was fine. The only downside I can think of was a decreased sexual drive, but with a great partner, we worked our way through it."

• Has...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2017

For Depression "It's an amazing drug. I have started having GAD due to the nature of my job, I had tried several meds, and nothing worked for me. Pristiq made a huge difference in my life, where I felt alive again. For people afraid of withdrawal symptoms, I have weaned off Pristiq over a period of 2 months with no issues. Now, after 2 months pristiq-free, I am scheduling an appointment with my GP to go back on Pristiq as stress levels have heightened again. The only side effect I had was a lower sex drive, which can be stressful yet manageable. That's the only reason I have rated it a 9."

• bee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 21, 2017

For Depression "Originally I would have given this drug 10/10. I had anxiety so bad that, at one point, I could not even leave the house without having a panic attack. On Pristiq, from my experience, a few wonderful things will happen: 1. You couldn't have a panic attack if you tried to talk yourself into it. 2. You will not gain weight (I lost weight originally and then went back to normal after 6 months). 3. Your depression will subside - though there is a BUT with that. The not great: 1. It is really hard to get off of, brain zaps, no step-down options. 2. You become a bit zombie-like, lost creativity, etc. A lot of not caring so much. 3. Sexual side effects, though they do improve over time. Solid 5/10."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2013

For Depression "I was on Prozac, and it wasn't working anymore. I tried Pristiq, and for the first couple of weeks, I didn't feel 'right.' Then, I started feeling much better. I also take a prescribed supplement called Deplin because my body doesn't absorb folic acid-a source of my depression. I don't know if it's the Deplin, the Pristiq, or both, but I don't get depressed anymore. I do get kind of 'mean' when I drink coffee with it. My sex drive is loooooow, and achieving orgasm is difficult. I also suffer from dry mouth at night. But, I'm here to rate the medication on how well it helped my depression, and it helped so very much. It's expensive, even with insurance."

• Sar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2013

For Depression "I was on Prozac, and it wasn't working anymore. I tried Pristiq, and for the first couple of weeks, I didn't feel 'right.' Then, I started feeling much better. I also take a prescribed supplement called Deplin because my body doesn't absorb folic acid-a source of my depression. I don't know if it's the Deplin, the Pristiq, or both, but I don't get depressed anymore. I do get kind of 'mean' when I drink coffee with it. My sex drive is loooooow, and achieving orgasm is difficult. I also suffer from dry mouth at night. But, I'm here to rate the medication on how well it helped my depression, and it helped so very much. It's expensive, even with insurance."

• Mel...
• June 4, 2014

For Depression "I have tried 3 different antidepressants throughout my life, and I have been on Pristiq for a year now. It worked really well to help my depression, but 2 downfalls for me are massively low libido and withdrawals before the tablet is due to be taken. Tingling, slow vision, what seems like electric currents going off in my head. Weaning off will be the biggest challenge due to the rapid onset of side effects. I have read from people who tried to wean off them and failed because they were quite unwell."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2009

For Depression "I don't represent anyone but myself (I'm always skeptical about these posts). I know everyone is different. I've been depressed to one degree or another my whole life and have tried nearly every medicine that's come along, from the early tricyclics through MAO inhibitors to SSRIs/SNRIs. None worked well enough in the long run to compensate for the side effects (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, others). After 3 years of mild depression and no medicines, things got severe again. I'm in week 3 of Pristiq. Mood improved within 24 hours, and I feel as though my brain's turned on again. I have mild side effects (sleep and jaw clenching), but these are tolerable for the mood improvement. Hope it keeps working and wish everyone good luck."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2012

For Depression "I am 26, female, and have been on Pristiq for a little over 18 months. It worked fantastically for the first year, my anxiety and depression were under control for the first time ever. For the last few months, though, I have noticed a lot more side effects. I have gained weight, and although my sex drive hasn't dropped, I find it very hard to reach orgasm. Also, if I miss one day, I have really bad withdrawals: migraine headaches, nausea, dizzy spells, and out-of-control emotions. I think Pristiq is great for short-term use, but I'm not convinced it's good as a long-term option."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2008

For Narcolepsy "On Pristiq since it became available, switching from Effexor XR to Pristiq. Less sexual side effects so far than any other SSRI or SNRI I have tried. Still controlling my cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and REM-related phenomena of narcolepsy. So far, so good, and no complaints or problems."