Pristiq User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• ombre...
• 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."

• Mylif...
• 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."

• TMc
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2020

For Depression "I tried many meds over the years that would only work for a short time. Started Pristiq one year ago. I've stayed on 25mg, which is normally a step-in dose. It works great for me. I was very tired the first three days, but since that time, I haven't had any side effects at all. This med has given me my life back!"

• 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."

• Fckpr...
• 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 & 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/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."

• Jewish...
• July 24, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have fought depression for a long time, and this is the first time in years that something has worked. I lost everything, but now I can rebuild my life. Pristiq has been a miracle. I have taken many medicines, and I was 100% sure nothing would work. Now, with God's help, I have a new life. I felt nothing for the first few weeks, but after a month, I'm alive. Thank you for developing this miracle. All the best. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, BEFORE THIS, I WAS SURE NOTHING WOULD WORK, AND I WAS SUICIDAL. A FEW WEEKS AGO, I WOULD HAVE SAID LIVING IS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE, BUT NOW IT WORKS, MY BRAIN DOES NOT WANT TO SLEEP ALL WEEK AND LOSE EVERYTHING AND BE HOMELESS. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE."

• NYC...
• November 17, 2008

For Depression "This drug is amazing. Before taking it, I would eat non-stop and obsess about food because of my depression. Now, I only eat when it's mealtime and don't even think about it any other time. I sleep great, have more energy, and the only side effects were mild nausea the first couple of days. The depression is gone, and I feel so much better. I'm taking 50 mg once per day."

• dbugg
• December 11, 2014

For Depression "Pristiq for me is a lifesaver! The first 2 days I took the medication, I was tired, but now being on it for two weeks, it is amazing. I used to cry at the drop of a hat, and I had severe anxiety. Pristiq is the only medication that has ever worked for me! Try it! It might save your life too!"

• Root...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2014

For Depression "This medicine has been very helpful to me. I started having extreme anxiety when I started taking Latuda. For two years I dealt with depression, severe anxiety, and killer side effects from the SSRI (avoid them). In 2014 I finally said 'ENOUGH!' I was a little scared to try a different medicine, but life was so terrible I was willing to get some relief. I did not have any side effects when started taking the medicine. Pristiq has given some of my life back. I can function at the day program (which was in jeopardy before Pristiq). I highly recommend this medicine for those who suffer from depression and anxiety, at least give it a try."

• Jessica...
• January 13, 2017

For Depression "I just want to share my experience with Pristiq. I had suffered from depression since I was 15 and tried many antidepressants that made me hallucinate, gain weight, and sleep all day. The day my doctor changed my medicine to Pristiq, my life changed forever. I can safely say that my depression is completely gone. It also diminished my anxiety by 90%. I have absolutely no side effects: no weight gain, tiredness, or dizziness. On the contrary, it gives me energy, and I feel happy and calm all the time. I am more social, I laugh, and live life like I used to. Pristiq saved my life, and I know that for some people it may not be the best, but if you are looking for a new antidepressant, you should definitely try Pristiq."

• Lauren
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication saved my life. I started with Lexapro and was in a sad fog, then moved to Zoloft which was sort of helping at first but didn't do much. Pristiq truly saved my life. It's a struggle feeling like you have to date and go through bad relationships with other kinds to find your perfect match, but you might find your brain medication soulmate someday. Keep going. Keep trying. Because I promise, I promise, I promise it is worth it when you finally find the one that's right for you and you feel human and whole again."

• kt124
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2014

For Depression "I was diagnosed with anxiety and major depression just over a year ago. I am a 19-year-old female and have a very difficult family situation. I first tried Cipralex, which made me really irritable, then I tried Wellbutrin, which gave me a rash. I was then on Cymbalta for 6 months, but I had many side effects and was exhausted. Within the first week on Pristiq, I began to notice a huge difference, much more energy. A month later I almost feel like my old self, lots of energy, I can control my own thoughts, and I can concentrate, which is amazing because I'm in university. I'm so glad I finally found something that works for me, and I'm looking forward to more improvements over time."

• Eliza...
• October 23, 2014

For Depression "This medicine saved my sanity. I had crippling anxiety/panic attack disorder that forced me to take a year and a half off of college. I was a complete and total wreck. After a year and a half of rest/therapy, I decided I was ready to go back to school, within 3 weeks I was totally crumbling, and was completely overwhelmed (anxiety disorder I had worked so hard to treat was rearing its ugly head). I was scared to try another med because my old one made me gain 55 lbs (despite dieting), but at this point I was so desperate. My psychiatrist gave me Pristiq and BAM, a week later I was like a different person. No more constant crying and confusion. Now 10 months later I am doing really well in school and have lost 40 lbs."

• Alex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2024

For Depression "This medication completely changed my life for the better. I had persistent depression for a decade. Now, it’s very rare that I have a depressed mood. I take 150 mg every day. I feel so much more awake and alert as well. If I accidentally forget to take it, I am way more tired during the day."

• Grate...
• 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."

• Daveoh
• November 9, 2013

For Depression "I started Pristiq 2 years ago and have been on risperidone for about 20 years. These two drugs have kept me feeling quite fuzzy and warm. There is not much that I can't tackle in a day. I am like Teflon when it comes to negativity. 100 mg a day. No worries. I have lost about 30 lbs and have quit smoking after 20 years. Pristiq has been my wonder drug. I don't plan on stopping this medication anytime soon."

• Thank...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on many other medications, such as Abilify, Lamictal, and Lexapro, but this was the one that finally helped me fully be better. It does have side effects, yes, and missing doses aren't fun, but I'd say it has easily changed my life for the better. If I was at 30% before Pristiq, then I am definitely at 90% right now."

• fkgaj...
• 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."

• Jenn
• 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."

• MissA...
• 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."

• Anxiety...
• 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!"

• JeffR
• October 29, 2014

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq for just over a month, and I don't have the desire to do anything. I have gone days without shaving or taking a bath. I feel like a zombie unable to make decisions or take care of myself and my home. I find myself sitting all day on my sofa, and sleeping most of the day. My appetite has increased and now my weight has gone up rapidly. After reading a recent post on this medication, I was shocked to learn that only one other person has had the same experience. I am quitting this medication today."

• Glad...
• 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."

• doova
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

For Depression "Was put on Pristiq 50mg about 6 months ago for depression, bad sleep anxiety, which was caused by OCD and ruminating thoughts about not sleeping, which was the root cause of my depression. This constant rumination was horrible, and I was convinced that it was unfixable, and that my life would be ruined by it. It was a horrible and hopeless feeling. After being on the 50mg for a month, I noticed improvement, and then I got put on the 100mg dose, and have had continuous improvement since being on the 100mg, and am now almost 100% better. Depression will tell you that there is no hope, it's awful. I remember thinking 'there is no way this medication will work,' but you must stay patient and you will be amazed how the depression goes away and the nasty thoughts just go away."

• Retro...
• 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."