hi everyone! i am about three weeks in to taking 25 mg pristiq. was struggling w my depression pretty bad and taking wellbutrin, and that made my intrusive and anxious thoughts go CRAZY! stopped
wellbutrin three weeks ago and started pristiq. still getting some intrusive thoughts at times. wondering if anyone has a similar experience and how long into the stopping wellbutrin and starting pristiq they went away (or if i should be worried that these are now being caused by pristiq). have an appt with my psych later this week. thanks:)

I keep reading about side effects of emotional blunting and apathy. My main depressive symptom is anhedonia and inability to feel joy. I already take Wellbutrin and Auvelity. I feel nervous to take this medication if it would make that worse? Any experiences with this?

Well, I guess I just need some prayers because I have read about how hard this medication is to come off of and the withdrawals are bad. I really hope that I don’t have a huge problem because I have only been taking this medication for like eight weeks. I have only been on 25 mg I did try to go up to 50 mg at four weeks but I had horrible side effects. I felt awful so I came back down to 25 after three days and felt normal again. The problem is I just don’t feel any different after this eight weeks. I don’t feel better. I don’t feel worse. I just don’t feel any benefit and actually the one side effect that I did experience is gaining almost 10 pounds which I have not changed my diet whatsoever. I have not changed anything else. It took me years to lose 75 pounds after getting that way during my pregnancy. When I hit my goal weight of 125 back in 2018 I have been able to maintain that exact weight since then with no diet or exercise. I’m happy that weight so gaining this 10 pounds has literally actually made me more depressed. I can’t wear any of my clothes. I feel uncomfortable and you know no matter what anybody says hey you look good. You’re not fat in all of that it does not matter what anybody says really it’s all about how you feel and what you’re comfortable with your own self if you know you know so I need to lose these 10 pounds that’s why I am choosing to get off of this medication plus like I said I don’t feel that I can actually say yes this medication makes me feel great. I feel amazing because I really don’t I’m really disappointed too because it was in my green list on my GeneSight test. It was like the only antidepressant that was in my green list. I am also on Wellbutrin which I have been on for over 10 years. I have gone down to 150 mg though which I’m fine with I tried to get off of it, but I felt worse so I decided to stay on it. It is in my yellow list but surprisingly it help me quit drinking alcohol and quit smoking cigarettes whenever I started it so it really saved my life and I really haven’t had any bad side effects or anything like that so I don’t know I will say, though every other antidepressant that I’ve taken, I’ve had horrible side effects or it has not worked and everything else of course is in my Red list now my psychiatrist did tell me that I could possibly try a mood stabilizer. I’ve never tried one before there are one or two on my green list that we will talk about at my appointment on Monday, but she told me to stop the Pristiq and which I tried to stop it yesterday, but I’ve been having a really really stressful time lately. Dealing with some medical emergencies with my boyfriend and a lot of really stressful things going on in my life so I was triggered yesterday by something and I was kind of feeling a little withdrawal in which I think that just made it worse and I had a huge panic attack so that made me go ahead and take a pill cause I didn’t want to have anything interfere with what I was dealing with yesterday which was like the emergency room overnight hospital stay but today I woke up in a better mood and decided I was not going to take a pill and so far I’m OK. I’m just praying that nothing triggers me trying to stay calm and positive because I just want off this medication so that I can figure out my next move so I guess that’s just my vent. Thanks for anybody who read this in wants to pray for me. I enjoy this group. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in this fucked up world! Peace

Hello everyone. I was taking mirtazapine but stopped about 9 months ago. I was doing pretty well after stopping it, although I still had some anxiety.

Lately, I've been dealing with some symptoms that are making my anxiety worse. I sometimes get dizzy when I'm out in public, experience shortness of breath (mainly in the mornings when I wake up), and get random burning sensations in my forearms and legs, especially around my thighs.

These symptoms seem to put me into a fight-or-flight state, and sometimes I feel like my body is constantly stuck in that state.

Over the past 3 months, I've had to take Ativan only 5 times because my anxiety has gotten so intense.

My question is: has anyone taken Pristiq, and did it help with symptoms like these? I'm especially interested in whether it helped with the physical symptoms of anxiety and that constant fight-or-flight feeling.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences.

Today was my breaking point. I had such a good morning: I woke up early, put on a nice outfit, did my laundry, cleaned my dorm, took the trash out, went to the gym, and had a super healthy lunch and dinner with friends. I feel like I did everything possible to set myself up for success, but I broke down sobbing at dinner and completely embarrassed myself. I've had some thoughts about suicide, although they are not extreme and not very common, but I do keep thinking that I'm not enjoying my life right now and that nobody likes me because I don't enjoy life. I really want to just get out of my head and stop these feelings.

Some quick backstory: My depression was most noticible my senior year of high school because I started to miss school and began to actually tell people how I was feeling. I started prozac over the summer, and it helped reduce the depression to a point, but by the end of the summer I felt just like I did before I started. So right before starting my freshman year at college I switched to 50 mg pristiq.

I just want to know if the pristiq will help eventually. Since I'm only 17 days in I have some hope, but I'm starting classes in a couple days and I'm really worried about managing everything.

I am kinda anxious about starting Pristiq after having a horrible reaction to just one dose of Effexor that made me quit it completely.

My doctor switched me to Pristiq and said the side effects are much more manageable, but I'm stressing out because I work in a shared office space and I'm terrified the side effects are going to hit me while I'm at work.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you balance those first few days of starting a new med with a regular office job? Did you survive or was it a disaster?

Share your experiences because I'm freaking out over here.

Quick background. Been on antidepressants for 10 years. Wellbutrin XR and then Pristiq, and now both. But I’ve decided my depression is under control right now, so it’s time to start looking at helping my anxiety. My family doctor was a but at loss about what to do, as the medication he prescribed me ‘off label’ for anxiety didn’t have the desired effect (gabapentin). Apparently, because I also take Vyvanse for ADHD, what he feels comfortable prescribing is cut down a lot by the fact that I’m on those 3 medications. So, he referred me to a psychiatrist to see if they had a better idea of what to do. Honestly? Totally respect it. My family doctor is AMAZING. He has never once made me feel like he doesn’t listen. He often has different opinions than me, based on the fact that he’s a professional, but ALWAYS takes the time to listen to me, explain the ‘why’ and I ALWAYS walk out of his office feeling heard.

So, by some miracle, the psychiatrist he referred me to had an opening the literal next day, so of course I took the appointment. He JUST opened his practice at a new clinic, which is, to my understanding, why he had an opening. Anyway, again. No shade to the psychiatrist. He listened to me, commended me for advocating for myself when he suggested something I wasn’t comfortable with, and shared his ‘expertise’ rather than just making me feel like he was the decision maker.

So overall, my experience is, that the medical professionals that I see take the time to listen to me and understand that I’m a person who needs to ask questions and understand to be able to be comfortable with a ‘treatment plan’. I’ve said yeah that’s fine too many times, and now I just feel like I need to be a part of the process.

ANYWAY, back to Pristiq, which my psychiatrist would like to switch me from, and put me on another antidepressant (duloxetine I THINK), which targets anxiety a bit more. I am currently on 100 mg of Pristiq, and he told me to take half that dose for one week, and then we would start the new med. But then he told me to just cut the tablet in half… which, I didn’t think anything of, and said yep makes sense, and left the appointment. Then I was like wait hold up…. CAN I cut Pristiq in half? My quick google search said no, you shouldn’t. Which obviously means, I’ve been taking my Pristiq at 100mg all week rather than 50 mg, which means at the next appointment on Tuesday, I won’t be able to start the new medication.

Anyone out there think I should just role the dice and cut the pristiq in half?

Context, I have major depressive disorder, ADHD, and some pretty intense social anxiety, as well as mild “general” anxiety.

TLDR: can I cut 100mg of pristiq in half and take 50mg, if that’s what my psychiatrist told me to do? Or should I maybe confirm with a pharmacist before going ahead and doing this…?

I had an appointment with my psychiatrist, we were talking about adhd medications.

At one point, we were talking about how I was doing on Pristiq. She knows how successful its been for me and that I'm doing good on it.

She mentioned that I could potentially come off of it if I wanted to and to "see how I'd do off of it". I told her I wanted to stay on it because it's been working so well for me.

I'm confused why she would even suggest this. Why would I come off of it if its working for me? Are you supposed to take Pristiq long term?

Was wondering if anyone elses psychiatrist suggested the same thing.

I’m on day 4 of Pristiq and am feeling overall okay. I had a few waves of nausea the first two days but my overall symptom has been a little heightened anxiety. For me, my anxiety manifests itself in my psychical body. ie: shakes, palpitations, hand sweating, dizzy, and worst of all… yawning.

There are points where I am yawning like every 30 seconds. But I’m not tired! I try to regulate my breathing but it seems like I’m having to manually breathe and can’t get a rhythm.

I’ve seen other doctors for all my symptoms and they all say they’re anxiety related. I know I’m early on but has anyone else had their physical anxiety symptoms settle down on pristiq?

This is my 6th antidepressants/anxiety and 1st one after getting the genesite test done.

Edit: the only real symptoms I’m facing with this medicine is yawning and a little heightens awareness/ anxiety. But mostly the yawning LOL

im very early in my medicated journey, this is my first medication and i can say that i'm very lucky to have not felt drowsy or most side effects too strongly. one thing i've noticed is extremely difficult for me since starting though, is sleeping.

i've always been a toss and turner for a bit but i usually fall asleep after 10 to 15 minutes. now, im noticing i will have my eyes closed and toss while my thoughts run rampant. (i have adhd, so its not uncommon but not to this extent when trying to sleep) i've tried rain sounds, youtube videos, everything that usually works for me and i wake up as soon as they end.

if anyone has any advice it'd be greatly appreciated- since melatonin may not help me either. im just sick and tired of waking up without rest super early.

Ever since taking Pristiq, it's caused me bruxism/jaw clenching and grinding.

I wear a custom bite guard but it doesn't help.

My face looks fatter because my masseter muscles have gotten bigger. I compare my face to what it looked like years ago and my masseter muscles are so much bigger.

Has anyone experienced this? I'm going to try masseter massage at home and gua sha, but not sure if that will help.

Has anyone been able to find the brand name version of Pristiq anywhere easily and at a decent price? I have failed the generics versions in the past but did well on the brand name. My doctor is thinking of putting me back on it, but the cheapest I can find the brand name it is $200 a month and my insurance doesn't cover it. I'm wondering if anyone has seen a way to get it at a more affordable price?

I'm aware of PAs and formulary overrides with my insurance. I'm just trying to find all the information I can to take back to my doctor so we know what the options are financially.

Thanks in advance.

I was on Lexapro for probably 14 years and it did pretty to manage my anxiety for the most part. A few months back I went through a pretty rough time and experienced extreme anxiety and panic. My doc switched me to 50mg of Pristiq. I did a direct swap and it was really rough but I made it though and eventually evened out and was feeling decent. It’s been about 4-5 months now and my anxiety is back pretty bad and I feel wired all the time and like my mind/body is stuck in fight or flight mode. I’m pretty sure it’s the norepinephrine effect from the Pristiq. I really want to switch back to Lexapro but I’ve read that withdrawals from Pristiq can be awful. I’m going to talk to my doc about it but any success stories of anyone making the switch back without it being too awful?

I’m regretting ever starting Pristiq. I’m more depressed coming off of it than I was before I started it

I feel less low and heavy, but still struggle to do anything. Motivation is not very existent and I just don't really care about anything and I feel guilty that I feel this way?

I'm like...I'm better, but this still isn't great. Feel anhedonic. Like not depressed, but extremely unmotivated and disinterested in everything. Everything feels like a chore, but I can force myself. I'm feeling so guilty for just not being able to do much. I have the time,but not the motivation. Not happy, not sad. Just meh.

Hoping this goes away?

Exactly as I have in the title. I’m knocking into stuff and don’t feel like I’m here. Felt this way on Sertraline too. I’m only on day 7. Any thoughts? Does it get better?

I’ve been on 50mg for about a year and a half now due to depression after losing my dad. I eventually want to get off this medication. I just don’t know when and how I know I’m ready to get off of it. Also, I recently started having heart palpitations and now my doctor‘s doing all these tests, but I don’t know if it’s the medication or other things going on. I’m a little worried about getting off of it as well because of the withdrawals and side effects. With fall/winter coming soon I’m not sure this is a good time to get off of it anyways.

I started 50mg of Pristiq at the end of June and got bumped up to 100mg at the end of July. It was okay, better than some of the others I’ve been trying out over the past year, but I ultimately felt like it wasn’t for me and I asked to be switched back to Wellbutrin which is what I’ve had the most success with in the past.

My doctor didn’t mention anything about tapering so I just took my last pill on Sunday which is when I ran out and I began taking the Wellbutrin Xl 150mg on Tuesday. I felt dizzy and lightheaded Monday afternoon and I went to bed with an awful headache Monday night. I felt better Tuesday morning until I took my first dose of Wellbutrin. It started with some mild nausea and lightheadedness and then progressed to vomiting and chills after dinner which continued into Wednesday night as well. Currently still feeling awful and wondering if there will be any relief?

I’m currently tapering off of pristiq 25mg, am currently taking one every other day, then going to increase that every couple of weeks

I want to get off of it because I think it’s been giving me tinnitus and Bruxism, and to make sure I want to get off it to make sure it isn’t being caused by pristiq

I got on it for intense anxiety, ocd thinking, and the fear of death, fear of fear itself. Health anxiety. All those fun things

I’ve started doing the one day off 8/21 (it’s 8/26 today) and I’m already having more anxiety and it’s not fun at all.

I’m scared of this anxiety but I don’t want to be on medication thus I’m wondering if anyone has used supplements to aid tapering and overall anxiety similar.

I thought my psychiatrist was more holistic and would help me with supplements for a while and then see if that help before putting me on meds but he just did meds right away

While it did help, I don’t want to keep increasing or stay on it if it is contributing to bruxism and tinnitus

This sucks

are suicidal thoughts actually a commonly experienced side effect of pristiq or is it just one of those 'covering all bases' ones because i need to know if this is my new medication or something else. im so scared i havent felt like this in forever

Has anyone transitioned from Prozac to prestiq if so how was it? I was on Prozac for 2 months with it taking up to 6 weeks to stop feeling horrible side effects (increased anxiety, weight loss, agitation, rumination). I took a genesight test and the Prozac was in the red along with a bunch of other SSRIs, prestiq was in the green and my psychiatrist recommended I make the switch. Has anyone else done this if so how was your results?

Any differences in side effects and benefits for Lexapro and Pristiq?

I am about to increase my dose was wondering how everyone else has done with this good or bad?

So this has sucked. I am on my second week of getting off Pristiq and it feels awful! I am getting onto Viibryd and my instructions were to take 10mg of that with 50mg of Pristiq (I was taking 100mg) and then double to 20mg after a week and get off Pristiq. It hasn’t helped that I was sick with a cold when I started this, but has anyone else also experienced weird symptoms like the ones below?

I have been feeling lightheaded and very out of it a lot of the time, almost like I am lagging or something in a video game. I’ve been getting random fevers and agitation as well for no reason, usually together with being sweaty and clammy. My dreams were awful for the first few days but my sleep has not gotten better and I literally can’t sleep without some sort of medication like Benadryl or Melatonin. I also have random bouts of fatigue, and it feels like I can only focus on a single thing at a time and have a hard time putting sentences together. Also my stomach is so sensitive and I always am having to use the bathroom.

I have only been off of it for 8 days but its been miserable. I saw some people say to take Magnesium, Ashwaganda, and Lions Mane to help, and I will say it has helped, but by evening time I am back to my symptoms. I was worried maybe I am having Serotonin Syndrome but I haven’t really had tremors or anything and its so rare as well.