There is an awful lot of money spent on these drugs to essentially just get the placebo effect. Ironically, if the drugs weren’t approved and prescribed, I guess nobody would get the placebo effect, because they wouldn’t be prescribed anything.

I imagine, though, that it would be illegal to sell placebo’s as an effective method of improving depression? What madness.

Thanks for the heads-up and explanation on this.

I’m curious to see whether it has the similar and hated discontinuation effect–or even worse, that lovely rare side effect where you can’t stop taking Effexor, ever.

Otherwise, this is the most blatant patent extender since Lexapro.

If Prestiq is easier to dose, has less side effects, works for the patient, and is covered on insurance…well, I think it’s great that there is another choice for doctors & patients.
Insurance co’s & big chain pharmacy’s would have you believe that every drug in a class works the same - especially generics (oh, did you know pharmacy’s make big $$$$ dispensing generics vs. brands). And that simply isn’t true on an individual basis - and isn’t that what health care should be about? what is right for the individual patient!

I didn’t plan on being a defender of big drug co,’s but I “gotta tell ya” that the generic substitutes I’ve taken just don’t work the same as the “real” medicine… Even though the patent of Effexor is expiriong, we should appreciate improvements on a medicine that can help patients get better and not giveup because it was hard to take or made them feel worse.

Sharon, I’m extremely surprised by your comment of “we should appreciate improvements on a medicine that can help patients get better and not giveup because it was hard to take or made them feel worse.” I may be misunderstanding, but this statement says to me that if a person is depressed, it should not matter what the side effects are as long as the depression is treated. I strongly disagree!

As a person suffering from bipolar disorder, I have been on just about every antidepressant, except lithium, and the side effects they cause are WORSE than the disorder! These side effects are the reasons most patients will stop taking the medication. I would much rather fight the one problem of depression than to fight the ‘zombie-effect’ each day. Do you realize that most antidepressants will make the patient exhausted to the point where they may not be able to function at normal level? Not just a little sleepy, but to the extreme. It’s difficult to focus, remember, understand, even perform simple tasks like driving, washing dishes, writing a letter… Still think the side effects aren’t worth worrying about? Try taking these meds everyday, watch your personality change to someone you have never met before, or take away the ability to learn new things, or even remember the things you used to know how to do. I realize that the drug companies do not care about the side effects as long as they get their money, but, because of these side effects, I am no longer a productive member of society and I begin to wonder if it would just be easier to end this miserable life my doctor and the “meds” have given me. I look in the mirror and watch as my body grows fatter and fatter, and my mind grows duller and duller. Wonder drugs, antidepressants are not. They only take away the person, not the depression.

I have taken Effexor XR for the past 8 months, and only yesterday changed over to Pristiq. Already, however, I am not doing well. I am ready to hurt my children due to extreme irritability, it has taken me 5 hours to write this little comment, and I just feel like ending it all the longer the day goes on. Still think we should not give up because the drug makes me feel worse?

For more information ideas on Pristiq take a look at:

http://carlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com/2008/03/top-5-reasons-to-forget-about-pristiq.html

I happen to agree with them. Pristiq should NEVER have been allowed on the market. It’s also being touted (at least to my pdoc) as a “new and improved Effexor”. Not by my standards, it’s not.

Lilith,

Let me first disclose that although, I am a Wyeth Rep selling Prisitiq, these are not official corporate responses.

That being said a few key points:

Pristiq is ONLY indicated for Adult Major Depressive Disorder. It is highly unorthodox to prescribe an agent indicated for monopolar depression for bipoloar disorders. In many studies this has increased the severity of manic episodes.

Pristiq has an improved side effect profile over Effexor XR (looking at both PIs). The most common adverse events in Pristiq were nausea (16% in week one)and dizziness. There was NO weight gain and was not associated with cognitive impairment. Although I’m not an MD I would guess that the majority of your presenting ailments are related to either drug-to-drug interactions, AEs from other agents or as a result of your mental health.

You may need to re-evaluate your current course of treatment.

I have come to the conclusion that for many of us antidepressants simply don’t work. I am very disheartened. Since the 1980’s, I have been on most medications on the market, including MAOI’s. I have had more than 35 ECT procedures, including 12 bilateral. Nothing has seemed to work.

On occasion, hypomania manifests itself for temporary relief from depression. Then, my psychiatrist prescribes something to end the respite to return me to depression.

I had been on 300mg of Effexor XR for 8 or 9 months. 2 weeks ago, my pdoc instructed me to eliminate the Effexor and start taking Pristiq. This is my 3rd day without Effexor. I feel no better or worse than before.

My pdoc told me that Pristiq was cheaper than Effexor and that it should work better.

The only reason I submit to medications is to keep my disability insurance. I suspect I would be just as disabled if I took no drugs and did not see a psychiatrist.

BTW: Lithium is not an antidepressant.

I was diagnosed with depression and GAD. I was on Effexor XR and it worked wonders on me. It worked like a charm. Then I hear these news that Pristiq is better because a lower dosage works better than a higher dosage of Effexor. Hey well I got some news: it is NOT TRUE!

I tried Pristiq for about four days and felt like crap. I became anxious and depressed. I was fatigue and shaky. Pristiq did not work at all. It just made me worse. Don’t trust that crap that Pristiq is a better antidepressant than Effexor.

I started Pristiq two weeks ago, after 8 years on Effexor. After the 4th or 5th day I did not feel very well, could barely get out of bed, was crying and so on. So I added one 37.5mg of Effexor to my Pristiq the next day. That seemed to get me over the hump and I started feeling ok the day after that. Earlier this week I noticed that my blood pressure (which had gone up when I was taking Effexor) felt like it must be lower. When I took it, it was like 30 or 40 points lower than it commonly had been. Today I cut my blood pressure medicine in half. My blood pressure was 105/64 this evening.
I have been carrying around a 37.5mg of Effexor in my pocket all week, but today I had more energy and got more done than I have in the last two weeks. I am hopeful this is going to work for me.
My biggest wish is to loose the weight that I have put on the last 15 years as I have worked my way thru one anti-depressant after another.
I don’t care if this drug companies are trying to find a new brand name to market, if they can actually find something that works without all the side effects (I have suffered over the years). I just hope my liver holds out. Apparently my pancreaus didn’t make it.

I have been on all the antidepressants that have come ou and they work fine for a while and then they stop. The doctors finally figured out I was bi-polar and went to a new doctor. He put me on 200mg of Lamictal and I have been on it for 3 years. They gave me Cymbalta and I could not function. I was so sick I did not even want to move. Now they have added 50mg. of Pristiq and I started it today and I can tell a difference. But now after reading some of the blogs I am starting to worry about maybe liver problems. Has anyone taken the Pristiq and are having good results? I really need to talk to someone.

I started taking Pristiq about 1-1/2 months ago for bipolar. I love it! It has decreased my irritability and anxiety, increased my energy and focus, and I feel more normal than I have in years. I’m also taking lithium and seroquel (don’t get me started on that!) and synthroid. Pristiq also works on my peri-menopausal symptoms.

I just started taking pristiq for 3 wks. and can’t tell a difference yet. except a little nauseau. I hope it works for me.

I just got a 2 week sample pack of Pristiq 50mg to replace my Effexor but no one can tell me what the dosage comparison to Effexor is. I take 300mg Effexor a day and my doctor said to take 225mg of Effexor with 50mg of Pristiq for 2 weeks. I just need to know what is equal dosage wise. My husband is very ill & I was let go from my job which I had the health insurance. My Seven Day Avenist Hospital I worked for did not except family illness and let me go because I wan 8 minutes short of my 40 hours for the week.
That is my story Effexor is great for me and with out insurance you do what you got to do…..

I have been on several anxiety medications. They all have caused the normal sidde effects: weight gain, clouded mental state, nightmares, etc etc. Having been on Pristiq for a month now, other than getting a migrane once a week, myself and other have noticed that I am happier and seem to have calmed down my aggresion. This has helped alot nad the best part, there has not been any weight gain.

Well, I started to take Pristiq to replace my Effexor and I fell the difference. Pristiq control more my anxiety and make me feel better. Effexor was like a Sugar Pill now that I take Pristiq. This pill make me feel more normal. But you can’t stop to take it. I miss a couple of dosis and my depression symtoms come out.

I have a couple comments-I have dealt with various degrees of depression for over 10 years-sometimes mild sometimes not. I have tried many of the antidepressants and i know how hard the whole process is… The hardest part of finding an anti depressant is dealing with a. whether it actually works for you -or b.the side effects and discontinuation issues. I would like to say to Lilith- that I feel fro what you must be going through-it sounds like the Pristiq is not working and I would immediatley call your Dr. - The comment by the Rep that it is possible that it may have drug intereactions and is not addressing your specific needs or transmitters is a good point. I don’t think Sharon meant you should put up with that kind of horrible side effects-that you are expereincing… she may have been referring to the milder ones…I say to keep pushing to find a great Doctor who can empathsize and really works with you to find the right thing. Also look at the daniel Amen Clinic on line…he is doing some amzing things with brain scans and it can indicate how to handle..also- not sound like a health freak- although i do bleiev ein nurtion ans certain supplements- but look at taking Omega Fatty Acids 3-6-9 and B12, and Apple cider Vinegar- i have actually felt a difference…I am not saying it is a cure all but can help with feeling better in some cases. iiwsh us all WELL!

Hey…I just got off of Lexapro after taking it for over 3 years….I have gained a lot of weight and that is my biggest concern….After research I am convinced it was the Lexapro….My Dr. just put me on Pristiq but I must admit my biggest concern is will I gain weight….Does ANYONE out there have any weight stories on this medicine? Weither it is good or bad????

Hi,
I was just diagnosed with ADD from a psychiatrist I’ve been seeing now for approx 6 months. I had breast cancer, and its been 5 yrs in remission & my onocologist referred me to my current Dr. of psychiatry. I was truly blessed with my medical care & the Dr’s whom have cared for me & still do. I’ve been taking a medication for depression called Cymbalta. I was told all breast cancer patients are initially put on some type of an anti-depressent for young women facing a such a thing. I was not depressed but followed my Dr’s advice.

Just only 2 days ago I started feeling really unlike ME. Exsample lazy, really bad, fell asleep in a sitting up position alot, sometimes even with a bite of food in my mouth at which time I would awake then resume chewing. Not a good thing to say the least, & I’ve only shared this w/ my best friend, MY MOM. We laugh, because its so ridiculous. My symptoms began to get bad in a fast way. I had a big argument w/Mom said the most hurtful things to her all because she would not come over and help me clean my condo, and I GET so agitated when things are not organized, always lossing keys, the TV remote, I go into a person I’m not.

So I went to see my psychiatrist to reevaluate my medication, Cymbalta (takes the emotion & physical pain out of depression) is what the adverticment says. I don’t think taking anti-depressants is good to do for an extended amount of time, in fact I’m confident about that fact, since I’m in the healthcare industry, and have worked for Dr’s for 10ys plus. Then cancer, no more work, moved back home w/parents @ 38yrs of age and my mom promised me 3months, which turned into 5yrs. I had a nervious melt down, break down, I messed up big time. Got violent, I have a big mouth, meaning loud, but this was the worst. While living w/my folks everything was unorganized, could never find things, and on and on. I isolated in my room, never went to cancer support groups, even when they sent me money for groceries, got me on disability, were called my Angels. I am TRULY blessed. I just needed to move out as it was arranged & promised by my mom, she does not remember but I do and I would’nt have done the move home to her messy, messy, house if it were not promised to me. So went I went nuts breaking screaming yelling this one nite 5ys into a broken promise, I really scared my mom & she called 911.
I was arrested and put in jail and thats where I was prescribed Cybalta. 90 Days. It was awful. The DA put a restraining order in effect, so I could not return back home, could not call, write, nothing. The public defender did not really know how to deal w/my case. She sent me to mental court, where REALLY sick, criminally insane, scary people were sent. I did not belong there. I learned while in jail that if you are charged w/a drug charge, possion, under the influence, sales, things like that they were booked, released, and out of jail in simply 5-6 day at the most.

So I saw the public defender again and said to her well I might have found a glass pipe, (crystal meth) and that might be why I behaved that way. This was a Friday, and I was released the following Monday and the restraing order was resinded, revoke.

Now I’m on Formal Probation for 3yrs. Required to go to counciling w/a clinical psychologist for substance abuse. Weekly I have to give a urine sample to him and also to my probation officer.

Here is my problem, I’ve been diagnosed w/ADD and prescribed Adderall XR one daily. It contains Amphetamine. The ADD symptoms are all gone and I feel complete. I took Retilan in junior high and my grades changed from d’s to a’s. Retilan is for children. Adderall is for adults. Its working, except I probably don’t need the extended release. Today I left my psychologist & went to the psychiatrit & was then going to probation. By the time I arrived a my psychiatrist, 10min away the psychologislt had phoned him and said lord knows. What happened to patient/dr privacy and confidentality. What a big mess and I’m a good person, doing all the things the legal system expects me to do. Also to be on probation for 3yr is costing me a grand total of $5000.00. The substance abuse Dr. gets paid from my medicare insurance, me, the probation dept,& the courts. Now in my opion that sounds criminal, HUH? Paid from 4 different sources for 1 patient? I feel so violated in so many ways. Can anyone perhaps offer some advice? It would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerly,
l.pringle@cox.net

My story is long and unlike anything I’ve been reading on this website, so please understand this is the short version, & I’m having difficulty, & spelling. With me I try to be perfect, a perfectionist @ everything & I’m sure that sounds familar to those of you w/ADD or ADHD.

I have been on 225 mg of Effexor for the past 6 years, originally for depression. I noticed though, that it took care of OCD symptoms that I had been suffering of for many years. ALthough Effexor has helped, I have had weight gain (40 lbs) and increased blood pressure since taking. Any suggestions as to how to transition from Effexor to Pristiq? Thanks

I’m still taking Effexor XR 75mg right now, and now I’m learning about the new Pristiq drug. I take it for Generalized Anxiety Disorder/Panic Disorder, but I read that Pristiq is more for Major Depressive Disorder (I happen to work at a primary doctor’s office). I’m not quite sure if I need to switch over to Pristiq if I don’t have major depression, just panic and anxiety. Does anyone know? Also, I’ve noticed the weight gain, but I thought it was because I wasn’t doing much exercise, but Effexor could be the culprit, and before that it was Lexapro. Effexor works wonders for me, just a bit trepidacious on switching over to Pristiq.

Something I feel that is really important to note is that different antidepressants help different people. Effexor XR may be right for me but not you - Pristiq may be right for you but not me. Unfortunately it is a bit of trial and error. I am still trying to get it right after 14 years. I have been on Effexor XR for 10 of them. I hate being on them becuase I don’ know what permanent effects they might be having on my body. Trying to get of them is a nightmare and I never seem to be able to quite make it. Effexor has been the most successful over others I have been on. I was diagnosed with a brainstem tumour 18 months ago. Have the antidepressants contributed to that?? Does the tumour contribute to (or is it the cause of) my depression?? I don’t know…
I have been on extremely high levels 600mg of Effexor XR down to lower levels of 75mg. The last 2 years I have fluctuated doses from 300mg to 37mg and felt no different on whatever dose I’m on…except for the withdrawal effects…I am trying to get off them at present…very slowly…I have been more depressed than usual and wonder if I should persevere or go back up the ladder in dosages?

I have to ask the same Sherrill did a few weeks ago. Does anyone have a CLINICAL comparison of Effexor to Pristiq?

I had been taking Effexor (300 mg; yes I know that is a high dose) for several years, after spending YEARS trying to find something that works without excessive side effects for me. Due to a job loss and no insurance, my doctor was graciously providing sample packs. Wyeth has discontinued providing them, and has not answered my applications for assistance (no surprise there).

Basically, the so-called “daily dose” (50 mg) of Pristiq is inadequate, and I have had some side effects. Some of those side effects, I am sure, have a lot to due with withdrawal from Effexor (as warned). However, I find the drug inadequate, even when taken twice a day (with dr.’s permission).

However, I find it does take the “edge” off the depression. Some.

Biggest side effect (or lack of positive effect) is a return to having a poor time falling asleep and poor quality sleep, and a return of extensive lucid dreaming. Nausea and bad taste in my mouth, too.

Are there ANY clinical trial comparisons, especially any focused on dosage comparisons?

Must be nice for all of you with med insurance or are not on fixed incomes.

I have been on Effexor XR since it has come out as part of a treatment for a severe, disabling Panic DIsorder. I could never afford the drug, but received samples every month. [so take prozac you say... so yeh it made me crazy]

However, Wyeth in their eternal wisdom, is not leaving Effexor samples anymore with my psychiatrist, so I HAVE to take Pristiq. Have any idea how panicky it make me fell to switch to a new drug?

Wyeth, of course wants everyone switched so they can keep their billions coming in. Meanwhile they are probably trashing all that nearly out of date Effexor XR instead of leaving it for the less than wealthy.

Welcome to the worst medical system in the developed world.

%#$#%@

O.k.- I just started on Pristiq. Has anyone had sexual side effects on this med or on Effexor XR and found ways to deal with them? All the SSRIs give me those side effects…Suggestions? Only nortriptyline did not give me sexual side effects….

I’ve not tried Pristiq but I was on Effexor for a peiord of time and had a HORRIBLE time coming off of it.

For all of you switching from Effexor to Pristiq and discouraged because you feel like Pristiq isn’t working… I fear you are MERELY experiencing the pain of coming off Effexor (obviously I can’t speak for Pristiq - I just really believe it doesn’t have a chance when you are coming off Effexor). It took a good month for me to come off Effexor (after my last pill). I really think you can’t get a good read on ANY other AD until Effexor is truly out of your system.

For that period of time your pain and discomfort most likely are withdrawl. If you can’t stand the withdrawl to see if Pristiq or another AD will work without all the side effects Effexor produces… stay on Effexor. There’s just no way around it. WHEN YOU COME OFF EFFEXOR - whether to no longer be on ADs or to switch to another med - you WILL have bad withdrawl symptoms! Regardless! Either stick it out and get off all ADs, stick it out and get on another AD or stay on Effexor - but plan on withdrawl! That’s my advice!

I have been taking Cymbalta but my depression hasn’t gotten better. I have also been on other depression and anxiety medications. I was on Effeor before as well. And I have never had any terrible side effects or experiences with medication before but Pristiq really did a number on me. I only took it for 3 days but that was enough. It states that it takes a week or so to kick in and feelings of worse depression or anxiety may occur but will get better after being on the pill for a while. But for my own sanity I couldn’t wait around for a week. I haven’t had suicidal thoughts since I was first diagnosed with depression and that was 11 years ago. The second day on the pill I basically snapped. I was seriously considering suicide. I cried day and night for no reason. I barely got any sleep at night due to the increase in panic attacks and my heart racing. I was nauseous, had diarrhea and felt dizzy. My doctor told me it would be fine to switch to this medication but apparently it wasn’t. I called them today to notify them that I stopped taking it on Sunday (the 4th day) because it made things worse. Since I went back to the Cymbalta the side effects of Pristiq have subsided almost completely. But I have never been more scared of my illness than when I took this pill.

Pristiq does seem to help me, I’ve never been on Effexor, but unfortunately, my insurance DOES NOT cover it. And it’s quite expensive. $155! And since Effexor is the next closest thing…looks like I’m switching.

My doctor just switched me from effexor xr to Pristiq because of the sexual side effects I was having with Effexor. She said Pristiq is essentially effexor without these side effects. Since Effexor makes billions in sales, I can see why they would want to take away the side effects. I hope it works! I start taking it tommorrow and i should know in the next couple of weeks. I will let you all know.

I’ve been on Effexor XR for years in varying doses for longterm pain management, not depression. Anyone with info on Pirstiq for long term pain management, please respond to this.

When I tried to get off Effexor XR my body wigged. I did get off it, but then I realized why I was on it and slowly started back with increasing doses, which was why I stopped, it seemed like I had to keep increasing the dose for Effexor XR to stay effective. It was like I was building a tolerance to one dose or another and it would become ineffective. Since I also have AADD (different issue), I need to keep away from drugs that may interact with the Focalin XR or Pre-something that I am on instead of the Focalin XF now.

Anyway, what Effexor XR did for me was relax me, much like the Valium did only on a systemic level. Does anyone know if the Pristiq is designed to do this too? No time to have an adverse effect with my job right now and will have to wait 2 months to try Pristiq unless the risks of switching are minimal. No down time allowed right now with work.
Anyone.

Pristiq I was told was the most exciting new drug on the market since prozac..!Relunctantly I agreed to try it,as I presenty take 100 mg wellbutrin sr twice a day,but my anxixty is off the charts.Ocassionally I take a dissolving,25,klonipin wafer…Well,forget this pristig!!For 8 days I took itsticking it out to get well.I stopped for one day,thinking it must be in my head.Today I took it again,and cried for 2 hours in church,,,where was all this coming from,I asked myself??My God,what is wrong..I now know it is this dangerous medicine.I am irritible,cranky,not nice,and anxiety ridden,I am now aware it is this drug.Stick to it for one month???No way,I am getting off of “this poisin”,before I lose my mind!

Ok I’m back.
I switched from effexor xr to Pristiq 5 days ago. It works! It works great, I’ve never felt so normal. And the sexual side effects i had with effexor are completely gone! The only side effect is drowsiness, so im taking it at bedtime, i took effexor in am. I love this finally I can get my life back!

i just started 50mgs today ill let you know how it goes. i just dont want to gain weight i have worked so had to loose to. i also take wellbutrin, lamtical and topmax. so here goes.

I will be scripted Pristiq this Thursday. I find the reason I will be receiving Pristiq to be very interesting and a good bit disturbing.

I have Medicare Part D and by May of each year I go into the The Gap and can’t afford Brand meds. So, I seek out samples from the docs. One sample has been Effexor. How interesting that the psychiatrist that oversees my Effexor MUST change me to Pristiq ONLY because the slaes rep will no longer supply the clinic with Effexor. ONLY Pristiq will be supplied as samples.

I am NOT happy about this!

Have you read “Dr. Carlat’s take: Top 5 Reasons to Forget about Pristiq” at the bottom of the article above…the top of the comment section. If not, maybe you should.

Hard to know who is right! I only see Wyeth as covering the profitable a** since Effexor’s patent will be ending soon. They needed something to replace Effexor with. Did they do a simple reformulation and rename the medication? Now there is a question.

I started on Pristiq about a month ago for my panic attacks. I have tried taking zoloft in the past and had sexual side effects and weight gain so I was a little hesitant about pristiq. So far so good! Even though it says for MDD (major depressive disorder) it has extremely helped my panic attacks. I used to get them daily and I’ve avoided going places other than home and work and now I am slowly finding that I’m ok since I’ve been on this medicine. The doctor gave me a small prescription of Xanax at the beginning to take until the Pristiq kicked in but I didn’t even have to take one of those. It’s been the closest thing to a “magic pill” that I’ve been able to find. In the first week or two, I had the dry mouth, tiredness, constipation, and nausea- but now that is all gone. The dry mouth sticks around a little bit but that can be tolerated. With the results I’ve gotten, I dont’ plan to go off of it any time soon. My husband and my boss have noticed a difference in my attitude and my husband says I am a lot more relaxed than before. I’ve still avoided going some places but I think that will improve in time….Good luck to the rest of you!

After god only knows how many years on Effexor XR, I lost my health insurance and so my psy. has been giving me samples of effexor xr for the past 6 mos. She gave me a month supply of pristiq, said take right now since you haven’t had your effexor today. take 50 mg daily. more biologically available is how she described difference.
I was on 150 mg per day. Now about 2 weeks in: i suddenly realize that I have been having major crying, despair, overwhelmed periods and have felt as if I have the flu, exhausted … the whole withdrawal thing.
My psy had no idea that there would be any withdrawal from effexor involved.she was told the drug worked IMMEDIATELY, just a seamless switch over.
Don’t know what Im gonna do now!

I’ve got a prescription for Zoloft right now that I need to get filled. It’s my first time trying the medication, but if it doesn’t work out I’ll certainly have to try this. I am curious, however, how common the seizures were and if there are people around the age of 21 used in these studies. I’ve never tried Efexor but I have been on a few different anti-depressants including Prozac, Paxil, and Lithium. All of which either had side-effects I wouldn’t work with, or just weren’t strong enough as an anti-depressant (I’m MDD).

Medications are tricky for me, which was a reason I just stopped taking medications for about seven months… at which point it became obvious to me that I just can’t function too well without them. I hate the medication shuffle, but sometimes it has to happen to find the right medication.
I’ll also have to admit that trying a medication that is new is also extremely scary for a lot of people - because a lot of people will work off of the opinions of others as far as what medications to take. It’s harder to get a wide-range of reviews on a new medication.

However, the fact that there was NO weight gain is an exciting thing. Most anti-depressants have at least two things in common: Weight gain and tremors.
I will be thoroughly researching this medication. Very interested.

I am a diabetic, controlled by Amaryl and Glucovance and diet, have A-Fib and take 3 heart and two blood pressure pills plus Cumadin. I cannot tolerate ANY meds for high cholesterol, so I just have to eat right. So far I have lost 100 lbs. I am now depressed severely and after taking Zoloft for 8 years for breakdown when attacked by 2 rotweilers. It obviously no longer is working, so yesterday my doctor gave me samples for Pristiq for 1 month. So far, a mild headache seems to be only thing I have noticed. I am 74 years old, and am glad to read the comments that say it doesn’t cause weight gain. I can get around so much better, but my sleep apnae didn’t go away as we thought it would. But I could not care for myself if I was larger. I have a daughter that has been on Effexsor for a while and she has gained about 65 lbs. I know she hasn’t figured out which med has caused it, as she has fibromyalgia and takes pain rxs, etc. So, I am forwarding this site to her so she might consult with her Dr. to see what he says!
Thanks for everyone’s comments, and I will be watching for the newest ones and will let you know how I feel after giving it a good try! I believe I feel better already, as my voice has a tremor at times, and I have not noticed it the two days on Pristiq. Does anyone know it Medicare will pay for Pristiq?

My doctor just switched me from Effexor XR to Pristiq. Last night was the first time I began taking Pristiq and I have to tell you that the side effects have been awful over the last 24 hours. I was anxious all night and could not sleep as well as vomiting. I did not think that the Effexor side effects were as bad as how I feel right now.

I have been on lexapro for about 6 months now and all I want to do is eat everything. I have been diagnosed with extreme anxiety no depression, and so my DR changed me from lexapro to pristiq. I have been on it now for 2 weeks and I am so depressed. I don’t know if it is the switch from the lexapro to the pristiq but it doesn’t feel good.

after 6 years of taking Paxil; it was very effective for my irritability, but I gained 30# in 5 years. A 4′11″ I was over 180#, had high blood pressure and required a c-pap machine for severe sleep apnea. I had gastric bypass surgery 1 1/2 yrs ago and lost 40#. I stayed at that weight loss for over a year. Last December, I weaned off Paxil, and within 3 months, I lost another 15# and have had no weight gain for 4 months now. Without the paxil I became a raving bitch again. Dr put me on Welbutrin and haven’t noticed much improvement so Dr started me on 50mg Pristiq. I have been on it for 8 days now, and the last 3-4 days I have been feeling VERY tired with little energy. I don’t know if it is the Pristiq, but I will stick on it for at least 2 more weeks to see if the fatigue goes away. I THINK my anxiety has improved and so far no weight gain.

hey i was on effexor about 4 years.and about one week ago.i was gaven a sample of pristiq the first day. i thought it was great but three days after i got worst and then just got so bad i just cant take it anymore. i feel so bad.i cant sleep.and when i do the nightmares are so bad.i dont wont to go back to sleep.i am going back on effexor today.and calling my Doc.that is some BAD stuff!(pristiq)

I was taking Lexapro for about one month. It only helped me a little. I was still depressed and couldn’t sleep at night. I was also having really bad night sweats, so bad that my pillow and sheets would be soaked in sweat. I went back to the Dr and he put me on pristiq. I wasn’t expecting much because I have been drepressed for a long time and nothing worked. I first I bacame a little dizzy, and then after about an hour I was so happy. I havn’t been this happy in a long time. I also had so much energy and motivation and just wanted to work all day and not stop. I haven’t experienced any side effects and I am sleeping good again. I also have not been obsessing about my past mistakes and failures like I was which was a major problem for me. I do have some strange dreams at night sometimes though, but usually I only remember them very little when I wake up. I’s still sweating, but very little. I have been on Pristiq for about one week. I don’t know why some of you are having so may side effects. I guess everyone is different. I once tried Zoloft and it kocked me out and all I wanted to do was sleep all day. I am so happy that I went back to my Dr and tried Pristiq. I feel like am normal again and am also thinking faster and more clearly. Goodluck everyone…

No on ever discusses the withdrawal effects of Effexor XR. They are nightmarish and few patients are able to withdraw completely. It is a traversty that the FDA does not require withdrawal protocal but assumes one can/will
be affected only by SIDE EFFECTS, an entirely separate issue. The two worst antidepressants to withdraw from are Effexor XR and Paxil. I’m quite sure Pristiq is being marketed the same way as Effexor was/is regarding side effects only. No withdrawal information provided except to taper off slowly. Truth be known, many many people fail to withdraw after multiple attempts. It is much more profitable for drug companies if one cannot withdraw. Expect the same from Pristiq as it, too, is an SSNRI. Wyeth is simply a disgrace.

No on ever discusses the withdrawal effects of Effexor XR. They are nightmarish and few patients are able to withdraw completely. It is a traversty that the FDA does not require withdrawal protocal but assumes one can/will
be affected only by SIDE EFFECTS, an entirely separate issue. The two worst antidepressants to withdraw from are Effexor XR and Paxil. I’m quite sure Pristiq is being marketed the same way as Effexor was/is regarding side effects only. No withdrawal information provided except to taper off slowly. Truth be known, many many people fail to withdraw after multiple attempts. It is much more profitable for drug companies if one cannot withdraw. Expect the same from Pristiq as it, too, is an SSNRI. Wyeth is simply a disgrace.

Hi Carline,
Actually nowadays the withdrawl effects of Effexor XR are pretty widely known - at least if you go out on the web and do some searching. I assume that Pristiq will have the same withdrawl or similar. Even the GPs I’ve come across are aware of (and scared of) the withdrawls from Effexor.

And it’s becoming even more widely known that there is extreme withdrawl from almost every SSRI and SNRI out there.

For the folks switching from Effexor to Pristiq, I am sure the docs have good intentions but most of your side effects sound like the wicked withdrawl syndrome from Effexor. Regardless of some opinions, brand-name drugs, generics, and different forms of the “same” drug will all work at least slightly differently on your system. Personally I wouldn’t want to switch just for the sake of trying something new, if what I was on was already working.

Twelve years ago I had a Major Depressive episode that lasted two years. We tried almost every antidepressant and the only one that worked was Effexor XR. The doc started me at 150mg and there I stayed for ten happy, stable years. In the two years of experimentation, I had the whole range of awful side effects but I will tell you, if they had relieved my depression even slightly I would have put up with anything.

Over the past year I began experiencing extreme fatigue. (sleeping 20hrs a day even after 4 shots of espresso for example) This is the type of fatigue and mental confusion that Lilith discusses above. After every medical test in the book we concluded my body chemistry had changed and the Effexor was sedating me.

It took me five long months to come off of Effexor, and I had to switch to part time work to do it. But the wonderful life it gave me for 10 years made it worth it and I have no ill will against the drug.

Unfortunately after finally getting off Effexor it became clear that I truly have Major Depression. I entered another Major Depressive episode almost immediately (took us a few months to recognize it as I declined, I was in total denial). Doc tried everything (again) but first and foremost we tried the only drug that hadn’t been tried on me ten years ago, Prozac. And you placebo arguers out there, please note that going on the Prozac should have made me all better - I thought for sure it would work like a charm! I was shocked and devastated when it didn’t. Well, nothing worked… Wellbutrin… Prozac… six different antidepressants in different combinations. My insomnia was so extreme that 10mg of Ambien plus 2mg of Xanax would not put me to sleep or keep me there. I was getting suicidal, couldn’t even work part-time. I had two catatonic episodes. It was difficult to make it even hour to hour, let alone day to day.

Finally he decided to try Pristiq, (it had just been approved). One week later I was more myself. No more panic attacks, and by two weeks no more crying fits. I am back to work part time and hoping to be full time soon so I can begin paying off the monster loan I had to take out so I didn’t lose my house.

I do have side effects - no libido, higher blood pressure, higher cholesterol, stubborn weight gain, intermittent nausea, dry mouth. But even if I were to go back to the extreme fatigue, I now know it would be worth it to not feel the way I did while in that major depressive episode.

This is a situation where there are very few side effects I can imagine that would personally stop me from seeking relief from my depression. It was that bad.

So my message here is, don’t give up on Pristiq as being “just another effexor”, or “just another drug”. Also, don’t give up on a drug because one person experiences certain effects on it - everyone is truly different. In the months where we were trying to find something for me that worked, I had some extreme ups and downs that occasionally would make me think a drug was working. But usually after a week I would crash again back into the depths. That doesn’t make the drug bad, it just means it doesn’t work for me. Twice in my life now the only thing that has saved me from looking at extreme solutions such as shock therapy or hospitalization has been a form of venlafaxine. And hopefully since Pristiq has less side effects, I won’t experience the sedation I did on Effexor. If I do, I’ll find some way to deal with it.

Good luck to you all in finding something that works for you! Don’t give up!

I too have been switched from effexor xr to pristiq and told there would be no side effects that is was the same thing. I have been taking it for about a week now and feel terrible. I think I am going to have to go back on my effexor. It is not worth this terrible feeling. I am lightheaded and short tempered and very nauseated. I just don’t know what to do.

I have never contributed to one of these sites before, but I felt a need to give my input on Pristiq. About 4 years ago, I had a debilitating panic attack (couldn’t walk) and was diagnosed with panic disorder. I was on Lexapro for about 3 years and it worked, but I went from underweight to flabby despite working out & dieting. So, I went off it. About 9 months later, I had an episode of vertigo and extreme dizziness from an inflammation of my vestibular nerve. Since they were thinking brain tumor, stroke,etc. initially and made me wait 2 months to complete all my tests,this brought on the worst panic attacks of my life. No way was I goin back to Lexapro so my dr. gave me Pristiq. I have to say, the 1st few days were hell. Nausea, headaches, anti-orgasmic and even worse anxiety. I also suffered another panic attack. By about day 7, I was getting remarkably better. The only weight gain I think I’ve had is the weight I gained back after I lost about 10 lbs. from being in a constant state of panic. Think about it, when you are having extreme anxiety or panic attacks your body is burning so much energy it’s ridiculous. Pristiq is not metabolized in the liver, so negligible weight gain is reasonable. The anti-o thing is totally gone now, too. I guess my point is, if you can stick it out, it will probably work really well, although I think anti-depressants affect everyone differently. Good luck to everyone!

I took pistiq for the first and last time yesterday. It made me feel like I took a diet pill, edgy and hyper and rather sick to my stomach. Last night I was up all night, throwing up, stomach cramps and could not sleep if i wanted to. I had enough, I will look for something else.

Anti-depressants have been my life savior for over 30 years. For the past 14 years Effexor was the main medication. Yes, withdrawal is a major problem, but I made it a non-issue because I need the pills. Weight gain is an issue, but I work hard to keep it minimal. Given the alternative, there is no choice but to continue the meds. Effexor was better than any of the many meds I had taken before.

Having entered the Medicare Gap (I call it the doughnut hole) Effexor samples disappeared. After 2 months of toughing out the $400 monthly cost (dosage 375mg a day) switching to sample available Pristiq was more attractive. Anything about drug changes causes anxiety attacks etc., but cost plus the promise of no longer involving the liver made it more enticing. I switched cold turkey 3 weeks ago.

As a veteran of depressive conditions for over 60 years, I know that Pristique has made me emotionally, creatively and physically active-wise better. BUT as a veteran of only 3 weeks with Pristique, the first 2 I was evil - wicked - mean and bad and nasty. Certain adverse situations that I could previously work through I would go Ballistic suddenly, caustically, visciously. Tears, hysterics, recriminations, threats were predominant. I can’t be sure that I am truly past that yet. The world should thank me that I live alone.

BUT, the last 2 days my ankles and feet are very swollen. I have other medical problems that could cause this, but have never had it before. My arthritis is a little worse, or am I working in the garden more? I have a harder time remembering specific words, or is age taking its toll? How much of the FDA testing was done on people switching from Effexor vis a vis being new to anti-depressants?

Are there answers to any of these questions?

As an aside (those already bored with this can skip to the next posting): My other meds are for diabetes (insulin, glucophage, actos) blood pressure (lisinopril because is generic - stopped Cozaar because of The Gap) high cholesterol (Vytorin), another anti-depression med (Wellburtin SR - change to the generic due to The Gap) and some sidebars - Iron and Thyroid. Monthly costs exceed $800.

There is excessive family history for diabetes, depression/schizophrenia, high cholesterol esp. triglycerides. My only depressive hospitalization was 72 hour suicide hold when I was laid off, COBRA expired, and I did (and still) not want to fight life and needs for meds without finances any longer. I consider myself doing a “dance” on a fine line of maneuvering between meds/finances/living and tolerating these “challenges”.

If you are truly depressive but think that the pills are part of the problem, you are deluding yourself. That Catch22 proves it. You are not well. You have to work to accept your condition and devote your energy, thoughts and emotions to making the situation tolerable.

Oh yes, I think that Pristiq also makes me even more verbose. Do you agree?

Same ole story here. I had severe depression & pain attack me 8 years ago. Up until then I had been leading a very active life, work full and over time, exercised daily, had a list of friends whom I interacted with and were very involved with. My weight was around 129-135. After depression I was started on Effexor xr and it worked for a period. Then it stopped. I was tried on Celexa and it worked for a period then stopped. On and on and on it goes. I have been through so many drugs and side effects, then coming off of them and those side effects from that continual process. I too have decided at times to just try and stop them, because I thought I would be better off maybe.Not sudden stops but the slooow stopping and the horrible pain and misery that goes with it all. I now weigh 213pds. I have lost down from my highest 244. I have no-life. No friends. No work. Now once again the doc is trying something new and it is the Pristiq. I am waiting to see if my Insurance pays for it before I even start trying the samples of it. I promise you this is about the 20th med. that they have tried on me through the years. Then back over again sometimes. I feel just as some of you I am sure, a “Guinea Pig”, being used for trials. Same thing here with my health deteriating and now I am on a whole list of meds. I feel for each and every one of you. I really do……..

I’ve been taking pristiq for a month and Ilove it! I feel so much better I have to take them at bedtime though because they make me sleepy, But I will tell you this Effexor does make me sweat horrably and if i missed a dose i would feel awful. Effexor has changed my life for the better, but I can’t stand the sweating! now with this new drug i am becomming a different person I can think better, smile and mean it and even laugh i have not done that in a long time thank you Pristiq you changed my life.

I will start the Prestiq 50mg today. I will come back and update you in a few weeks on how I react with it. I am on so much other meds that I don’t know how they can keep from reacting with each other(interacting). J.

i HAVE BEEN BATTLEING WITH DEPRESSION AND MOOD SWINGS FOR AWHILE NOW OVER A YEAR STARTED AFTER MY MOM DIED. THING IS I AM A NURSE AND KNOW ALL THE CLASSIC SIGNS TO LOOK FOR BUT WAS IN DENIAL AND WELL JUST DIDNT WANT TO BE ON ANY MEDICATION. THEN I HAD A PANIC ATTACK WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK. WELL THAT WAS IT FOR ME SO 5 DAYS AGO I STARTED ON PRISTIQ 50MG. FIRST DAY WAS OFF KILT AND I FELT LIKE ME TEMPER WAS RISING OVER THE SIMPLEST THINGS. MY APPEPITE IS NILL TO NOTHING~ NOW THATS A SIDE EFFECT I LIKE..LOL BUT OTHER WISE NOTHING REALLY ELSE NOT TIRED OR MOODY BUT AGAIN THESE THINGS DO TAKE TIME TO KICK IN.

I’ve been on Pristiq for 30 days now (50 mg/day). I was taking 75 mg/day Effexor XR for several years before that. My experience has been that after some Effexor withdrawal symptoms the first few days, I have felt much better. My mood is definitely improved, I’m not snapping at people, and I’m dealing with the depression better.

The bad news is that I seem to be gaining weight. I already have genetically high cholesterol and my count was over 300 last time I had it tested. I think I need to switch, maybe to Wellbutrin, which seems to have fewer side effects.

Aside from the weight and cholesterol issues, I think Pristiq is better than Effexor XR. At least is has been for me…

have any of you females had any problem with their menstrual cycle? I have been on Pristiq for about a month now and have been having some break thru bleeding. my periods have always been like clock work. this is the only change that i have made so i guess that it is what is causing it. hopefully everything will equal out soon.

I have been taking 300mg of Effexor XR for over 2 yrs. For the past couple of months I’ve been extremely irritable, jumping down my dear husband’s throat for the slightest thing, crabbing about everyone and everything, and crying over the littlest things. I saw my pdoc on Aug. 19. He said this is not unusual for women who’ve gone through menopause (and men who’ve gone through andropause). Irritability, anger and crying are how depression is often expressed. He discontinued my Effexor and gave me a 2 week starter pack of Pristiq. I’ve read most of these posts and am wondering how it will be for me. I have bipolar disorder. Was finally diagnosed 18 months ago after over 20 years of depression, anxiety, etc. I had a MAJOR manic phase that lasted for months. Though it was horrible, I finally got the correct diagnosis. I can’t begin to count the different meds I’ve been on over the years. Many I’ve been allergic to. Some work for me for a while, then I have to switch. As with the Effexor to Pristiq switch. I’ll have to wait and see …

I am just now exploring all the information on Effexor XR. After trying several other types of medications; Effexor XR was found to be the one to help me. I had a horrible time with menopause, the most awful mood swings! About one year ago I went from 75mg to 150mg per day. When my perscription runs out and my husband doesn’t get it filled,(he handles the money), I will begin having laughing, crying spells; very uncontrollable and never know when they will hit. I am in one of those times at the moment. I truly would like to be off the drug, and it bothers me that I read in one of the above comments that it will be very difficult to do so, if ever.

Oh, my goodness! Just at another site for Effexor XR and the side effects that I read have been just awful! But, it helped me understand what is going on with me today. As I said above, have been without my med for 3 days. I have my scrip filled, but have horrible fullness in my ears, and just a weird feeling all over! I see my MD Thursday and I hope to get some answers, because I don’t like feeling this way at all.

I had been on 300mg of Effexor for almost 7 years and 4 weeks ago my Dr. suggested I try Pristiq. I was scared to death because the Effexor had worked so well for me. I had some side effects, EDD, bled profusely from little nicks and scrapes, etc. I have suffered from depression for over 30 years, lost a brother and sister to suicide and had a father that was institutionalized back in the early ’60s so I have good reason for being reluctant to switch away from something that helped so much.
The good news is I had no problem switching over after a couple of uncomfortable days and feel great. I feel much more mentally sharp and focused than when I was on Effexor. EDD symptoms are gradually getting better. I have noticed that I will have an occasional night of insomnia, maybe 1 night in 6.
Overall I would recommend trying Pristiq

PITUITARY TUMOR, FIBROMYALGIA:

I was put on Effexor when I was 30 and now 42. I went off of Effexor
and onto Cymbalta about a year ago.

When I was first put on Effexor I was nice and thin and healthy. The Effexor worked great and made me feel the best I’ve ever felt. Then I gained about 10 lbs. About a year later, I started having symptoms
of fibro.

Years later, after 5 attempts to go off of it only to have withdrawal
symptoms like going off of heroin, I was and still to some extent
dealing with:

35 lbs overweight
constant sugar craving
round face (not pretty anymore!)
dowagers hump on back
rapid mood swings
PMDD
tired / exhausted a lot
chronic constipation
huge, fat, bloated belly no matter what I did
hypoglycemia
confusion, mental fog
and a host of lovely fibromyalgia symptoms

I was so debilitated, I could not work and only had my SSDI income. I
ended up homeless, living in my van with my cat. Because of this
added stress, the pituitary tumor, which I didn’t know about, became
“activated”.

I started lactating even though I was not pregnant. I lost nearly all
muscle in my thighs so I was in a wheel chair part of the time. My
period stopped, and my mood swings were crazy. I could just sleep all
day.

That is when I found out I had the tumor. I went to several doctors.
All the neurologists, endocrinologists, and general physicians came to
the same conclusion. Even though they could not legally say it, they
said it in a round about way to make sure that I knew they were
certain of it but could not actually come right out and say it… yes,
it’s kinda funny in a sad sort of way! They all were convinced it was
the Effexor. Now, these are not some fly-by-night docs… two are
highly respected in their fields and two were voted “Seattle’s Best”.
These were doctors you have to wait to get in to see. And I could
only get in because I had a referral and/ or I was diagnosed with a
brain tumor and had the MRI to prove it.

I don’t know what else to say to convince people that Effexor DOES
cause pituitary tumors. Now… please keep in mind that it may be the
case that one has a predisposition to a pituitary tumor and the
Effexor aggravates the condition or brings it about entirely.

The muscle fatigue is the most devastating thing for me and the most
challenging thing for doctors.
They say that the tumor itself does not cause this. When a woman lactates,
there may be some muscle fatigue. However, to the extreme that I had
it, they blame on fibromyalgia. Before the tumor though, I did not
have this kind of muscle pain while trying to walk up even the
slighted elevation and forget walking up hill. I know the Pituitary
tumor aggravates the fibro to extremes. Therefore, I insist there is
a connection between the tumor and fibromyagia and wonder if all women
who have fibro have something going on with their pituitary. I think
there is a cure there in that connection somewhere. Doctors don’t
know what to make of it.

I was put on Bromocriptine and it has helped very much. I stopped
lactating, my period started, and I have better energy. Recently, I
was put on Cytomel for low thyroid and that stopped my hair from
falling out.

Pituitary tumors don’t kill anyone… they are benign. It just makes
me wish I were dead. And I have Effexor to blame for all of this.

Please feel free to email this post to everyone you can think of! LOL I would love to see it go around the Internet until the makers of Effexor have to answer to it. Or maybe a class-action law suit is started. I think a cool 50 Million should compensate for ruining my life.

A year ago February, I got out of yet another three month stay in a psyche ward. One of the many meds they had me on was 600mg per day of Thorazine. My regular psychiatrist said that it was barbaric! I was completely disfunctional, so he changed my meds.

I have a tendency to build up a tolerance to my meds, ending up suicidally depressed and hospitalized. For the past nine years, I’ve been committed at least once a year each year.

One of the meds that he put me on was Effexor. I’ve been taking 300mg daily, along with Mirtazapine, Seroquel, Rittalin, and Topomax. We just added Prozac for my increasing depressions during the ten days before my period.

I’d already gained a serious amount of weight when I started taking medications on a regular basis a decade ago. I’ve now been out of the hospital for a year and a half, which is amazing! And so far, this year I’ve lost thirty pounds of the eighty that I gained way back when.

Whilst I am not free of some of the side-effects these meds, I’d rather be where I am mentally right now, than off them and probably dead.

I wish you all the very best with your medications. One of the glaring disparities between physical pain management and mental pain management, is that the former work instantly, while the latter involve long weeks of “wait and see”. This should be addressed by the drug companies, but won’t until there is pressure put on them.

I was diagnosed with depression for years without all my symptoms being addressed. I
discovered while researching online that I am actually Bipolar and have been all my life.
Luckily, my symptoms have been ‘mild’ compared to some of yall’s. My heart breaks to
hear of such pain! Anyway, two years ago, when I was diagnosed w/Bipolar, my dr
started me on effexor, lithium, seraquel, and others that were tried and discarded.
Currently, I have been taking Effexor (225mg), Seraquel (300mg), Depacote (500 mg)-
instead of Lithium. My dr told me yesterday he was switching me to Pristiq because he
would no longer be getting free samples. I don’t have insurance now but did have
excellant benefits through the County job I used to have. I made the mistake of telling my
‘friend’ , also my manager about the diagnosis as well as the symptoms and side affects I
was experiencing. I had been there 5 years and had glowing reviews each year. I believe
the Bipolar scared them because the made up reasons to fire me and had a security guard
present during the process of telling me what I was ‘guilty of’ and removing my
belongings. NEVER in the this county office’s history had a security guard been
requested. It was humiliating!
I have been at my current job 2 years and am careful to keep my medical problems to
myself. I gained 80 lbs and cannot afford the medicine dr wanted to give me to help curb
my appetite (Topomax). I tool my first Pristiq this morning and am praying that I can
stand the transferfrom Effexor. Hang in there everyone and thanks for listening!

Last Dec., I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. My neuro prescribed weekly Avonex injections for the MS. One of the side effects of Avonex & having MS is severe depression. For many years, I’ve had daily migraines which the Avonex is making the migraines more painful. For migraine prevention, over the years, I’ve tried Prozac (made me nauseous) & Effexor XR (didn’t help the migraines but made me feel happier) without good results. Since the MS, I’ve been on Celexa even increasing to 60 mg daily which hasn’t helped the depression or migraines. My neuro recently prescribed Pristiq 50 mg for my increased depression & to see if it would help the migraines. The first few days, I experienced nausea & decreased appetite. Great… I’ll be happy if I can lose a little weight. I also noticed that I was feeling sadder, even keeping a frown on my face. My brain seemed more foggy & during sleep, I had very vivid dreams.

After a week on Pristiq, my husband & I took a mini-vacation to the beach for relaxation. Unfortunately, my depression worsened to the point of crying while I was in paradise. And the dreams were getting more vivid & strange. On the 10th day taking Pristiq, one of my strange dreams was about me planning to murder one of my son’s dearest friends. I even planned how I was going to buy the gun Yikes… I feel the Pristiq was turning me into a really crazy person! I wasn’t willing to continue taking a med which altered my mind into homocidal thoughts.

Since I’d only been on Pristiq for 10 days, I felt that abruptly stopping it couldn’t have worse withdrawal effects. The next day, I took an Effexor XR 75 mg. Within a couple of days, I felt much happier & way less depressed! It’s only been 5 days on the Effexor & my brain could be hearing positive vibes but I truly feel better. Even my daily migraine pain has lessened.

I know that ADs affect every person differently but I wanted to give more positive “kudos” about my experience with Effexor. So far, I haven’t had any other side effects.

For those of you who are happy with Pristiq without negative side effects & that it seems to help your depression… GREAT! I just wanted to share the negative side effects & the reasons I have chosen to not take it. For today, I’m a happier & more energetic person with the Effexor XR. I’ll continue keeping my fingers crossed that many more good days are ahead.

To add to my above post… since I’ve stopped taking Celexa then Pristiq & have started on Effexor XR, my brain fog has virtually disappeared. I’m thinking more clearly & sharper.

Hugs!

I’m the one whose body swelled up after 3 weeks on Pristiq. My internist switched me back to Effexor and the swelling went away immediately.

The meds dr. next switched me to Cymbalta (low dose to start.) It’s been about a week. I prefer the Pristiq - has anyone else had swelling?

I took Effexor XR for 6 years, anywhere from 225mg to 375mg a day. It’s the only antidepressant that ever worked for me more then about 25%. My doctor put me on Pristiq about 7 weeks ago. I took 1 tab, 50 mg. I became very emotional, crying over anything and everything. My doctor told me to take 2. After a few days I was very restless and agitated, now I’m taking 1 and a half tabs times three days, I’m still restless and agitated, plus emotional. Pristiq isn’t affecting me at all the same, or even close, as Effexor did.

I am experienceing stomach cramping in the morning after taking Pristiq. Also after being on it over a month have gone from never haveing constipation to constipation to now Irritible bowel and stomach cramping. Is there a better time to take it AM vs PM?

I am having swelling in feet and ankles even though I take a daily water pill. I’m not sure it’s the Pritiq. I have been on Prestiq since 8/28/08. Other than the swelling, I am doing okay. I was very irritable for the first week after switching from Effexor. I’m have mild head aches daily. Otherwise, okay.

I switched over from Effexor xr75 3 weeks ago. The first two weeks were OK, but I was GRUMPY. I am better now and it not only treats my anxiety and depression but the pristiq has been helping my adhd too! I had no weight gain with effexor and no sexual side effects and have had both with pristiq so I guess everyone is different. I have been sleepy too but thought it was my Allegra D. I will try taking Pristiq at night instead..what a good idea! And to everyone who says that anti-depressants are evil..you are free to not take them, but they have made my life liveable and productive.

I have been taking Pristiq for 19 days and I am no happier at all. I called my doctor today and he said give it a few more days. I had to get Ambien to sleep at night. If I don’t take Ambien, I’m up the entire night. I haven’t slept an entire night unless I take the sleeping medicine.
I can’t go to the bathroom either.
Like many of you, I have tried everything, so I’m not giving up.
I thought the Pristiq would have kicked in by now. It’s very frustrating waiting around to see if I’m going to feel better. With other anitdepressants, I felt the affects after a week. Has anyone else waited as long as I have for Pristiq to begin working? These 19 days have felt like two months.

I’ve been taking Pristiq (50 mg) for ten days. It was prescribed as a possible preventive drug for headaches. I was supposed to give it 6 weeks to see if it helps. Unfortunately I’ve experienced unusual, persistent headaches every day I’ve taken it. I found this site by searching “pristiq bleeding” since I, too, experienced “breakthrough bleeding” which is totally alien to me. I’m glad somebody else has experienced this; I now have more reason to suspect the Pristiq. It has also ruined my sex life (no orgasm) so far. Both of these symptoms I experienced while on Topamax, so it’s not unheard of to have menstrual problems and sex problems with these drugs, even though the mfr. says otherwise. After reading what a heavy-duty drug this is and how bad the withdrawal might be, I’m quitting the drug ASAP.

I gave up taking Pristiq after two weeks. I was extremely emotional, agitated, naseaus, had persistant headaches, swelling. The dr put me back on Effexor but only 75 mg once a day (I had a few samples left)when I was taking a total of 225mg a day. I’m guessing he thinks if we can keep the dosage down, I may be able to pay for them. Ha! But…I cannot go back to the person I was before Effexor! After only 5 days back on Effexor, I am so much better. I guess I will do whatever it takes to get what I need. Good luck all!

I started taking Pristiq 50mg after numerous years of taking Effexor 150mg. I felt great the first day. My second day I was a bit anxious. I went back to my doc and he said to give Pristiq a few more days. If I was still anxious he would give me something for that. Effexor is a good med, but I am willing to give Pristiq a try. It is less Mgs and less side effects.

I have been dealing with anxiety and depression but I just recently started taking medications for the condition when I realized that it was taking over my life. I started on lexapro with xanax to control my moments of panic which helped but I wasn’t getting any sleep, plus I was having some really strange dreams. My doctor switched me to pristiq which helped but I can’t afford it due to it not being covered. Then she put me on effexor xr and I totally felt like the bottom fell out of me! I was having suicidal thoughts and I couldn’t get out of bed. I would get ready for work and just couldn’t go. My life can’t stop for depression! So, I went back to the clinic and got a new doctor who suggested I go back to pristiq and helped me with the financial aspect of the meds (which is now covered by my insurance, hooray!) I started back on pristiq yesterday and already I can feel a huge difference from effexor xr.

Here’s the draw backs I had to effexor xr: depression, flatness, anxiety attacks, can’t think straight,”BG”’s (that’s the bubble guts, need I say more?) suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable emotions

here’s the side effects I had for pristiq- dry mouth and the occasional weird yet entertaining dream- all I need for those is sugar free gum, bottled water and a sense of humor.

It seems that all of you are having a very similar problem. It is side effects at the beginning of therapy. If you take time to think about it, you are more than likely having a combination of withdrawal from Effexor, in addition to some effects from Pristiq. If any of you have ever missed a dose or multiple doses of Effexor you know that irritablility, nausea and headache are withdrawal effects. It is not a safe to assume that the new drug is the problem and discontinue.
In addition, the alternative in the SNRI is Cymbalta. If you think that you have horrible side effects with Effexor XR or Pristiq try taking Cymbalta. Nausea, vomiting irritability to say the least.
The effects of these medications take time. Be patient and good luck

I have learned after years of trying every different medication out there, that each person’s brain chemistry reacts differently to different medications. Just from reading through these comments, you can see that side effects of various meds vary greatly from one person to another.

You have to find the right medication that works for you and is congruent with YOUR brain chemistry.

Also, everyone should be aware that getting on and off of medications require a transition period, and no one should jump to conclusions based on just a few days on taking something.

So don’t read that one medication works great, or works horribly and jump to your own conclusions. You will have to take the time to find the drug that works best for you. Trust me from experience that it will benefit you in the long run.

Like many of you, I’ve treated for depression for many years and have used one drug after another. I also have several autoimmune disorders for which I take many, many meds. I’ve taken Effexor in the past and didn’t have any intolerable side effects but after several years, I was weaned from it because I had developed double vision which can be a rare side effect. HOWEVER, the double vision turned out NOT to be from the Effexor. I was one of the fortunate and did not have a problem coming off of the Effexor.
About a month ago I had to discontinue Cymbalta because it wasn’t working any more and I was given Pristiq. I am now taking 100mg daily by my doctor’s prescription and feeling much better and without many side effects.
I just want to remind everyone that they must make sure their pharmacist knows all of their meds and can check for interactions. A few of you may be having problems from the interaction of Pristiq with one or more of the other meds you take. I’ve had this problem at times. Once symptoms were so serious that my doc thought I might have MS, but when a particular med for depression was stopped, I got better, and when another med I was on was stopped, I got to be my old self again. Don’t be so fast to conclude that the new med alone is the cause of serious side effects. Check with your pharmacist and your doctor about drug interactions.
Sounds like some of you are not willing to give a new drug a chance before deciding to stop it. Try to last a little longer and the side effects may get better. Obviously if you are having very serious side effects, you may have to stop, but give it a chance before declaring that you can’t take it. Work with your doc about what to do. Don’t stop any med on your own, sometimes there are serious consequences.

I was taking Effexor XR 150MG with no problems. My insurance covered it, and only having to pay $10 a month has not been a problem.
About three months ago, my doctor requested that I switch to Pristiq - a “new and improved” version of Effexor. He gave me a free 30 day trial, and then wrote me a prescription. Once the 30 day trial was complete and I went to fill my prescription - I came to realize my insurance didn’t cover Pristiq. So to get my month’s refill, I had to pay $150. I’m a college student who struggles to make sure my bills get paid each month. So this $140 jump from Effexor to Pristiq was a hard pill to swallow. (Excuse the pun).
The thing that got to me was I couldn’t find a noticeable difference between Effexor and Pristiq…(other than my wallet feeling MUCH lighter)
It was around this point I began seeing another doctor who told me that Effexor was NOT being replaced by Pristiq. Effexor was simply becoming generic. He even told me I could switch back to Effexor if I chose to. I couldn’t be happier. So if you miss your old Effexor, don’t think it’s gone for good.

effexor is not something that can ever be stopped cold turkey, and presiq is not exactly the same but just from the same class of drug with some changes. most of you are probably suffering w/d symptoms from not being weened off the effexor.
I am just starting prestiq, with taking no previous antidepressants, atleast not in a very long time. I am looking forward to some relief from the severve depression that is really debilitating me. I dont like taking happy pills, but I just can’t fight the depression any longer since my husband now has cancer and I need to be strong and ‘THERE’
for him.
I am just taking samples and hope my insurance covers this.
good luck to everyone.

I have been on Pristiq for less than 2wks after being on Effexor for 9yrs. It is horrible. I have resorted back to the horrible monster that I was before I was dignosed with my disorder. My husband has to lock me in my room so I do not cause physical harm to my children or even to him. I have had 3 major panic attack since starting this medication. I will scream and crash through the house one minute and dropped to a heap of hot tears the next. I want my old pills back!

I have been on Pristiq for less than 2wks after being on Effexor for 9yrs. It is horrible. I have resorted back to the horrible monster that I was before I was dignosed with my disorder. My husband has to lock me in my room so I do not cause physical harm to my children or even to him. I have had 3 major panic attacks since starting this medication. I will scream and crash through the house one minute and drop to a heap of hot tears the next. I want my old pills back! I have never been so miserable.

It took me two years to be weaned off of Effexor. It was the worst time of my life. The withdrawal literally disabled me, but I had to continue on with my life. I’ve taken every antidepressant on the market and Effexor was the worst one I ever took. It didn’t help with my panic attacks or flash backs, but the doctors were reluctant to take me off of it because of the horrible withdrawal. Any drug associated with Effexor is off limits for me!

One side effect that I have experienced with Pristiq that I haven’t seen mentioned is that all of the “snow” and “static” in my vision is gone. The difference is comparable to watching an old tv from the seventies vs. a new high definition set. I suspect it has to do with the ingrediant desvenlafaxine since the SSRI drugs only ever put me into seritonin syndrome. Amitriptylin is the only antidepressent that I have had any success with up until now. I have never tried effexor.

Hi All,
I live in Australia and have been taking efexor xr 150mg for some time now. I was previously on an SSRI Luvox which made me gain so much weight. Since being of efexor I have lost the weight and I am happier than I have ever been. Pristiq is about to be released in Australia and I am not going to change. I feel so bad for all of you having to worry about money in order to get a med that helps your depression, in Australia we have a PBS scheme where you only pay $35.00 AUD for meds and if you are on any sort of pension you only pay $5.00 AUD so everyone can afford medications. Perhaps you should talk to your government. Everyone deserves to be able to live a normal happy life, depression is an illness.

Last year after being on Effexor xr 150 for 8 years, I decided I wanted to see what I was like without it. I felt a part of myself was missing. My withdrawal took nine months but I did not experience any haorrible side effects. Well, big mistake. I fell right back into the dark hole and as a result lost my job, 5 yr relationship, etc. I’m back on the Effexor xr 150, but it’s not working like before now. I don’t know why my MD will not just up the dose. Now he wants me to start Pristiq next week. First he started me on Zonegran (mood stabilizer) then wants to do the switch. I am anxious about this because I am a single mother who has no support system like family around and can not get crazy for the sake of my poor son. I can’t go to the neighbors and tell them “hey, I may wig out next week”. I’m hoping it goes smoothly as it has fo some people on here.
Seems like Austrailia is the place to live.

I’ve only taken one Pristiq so far, this morning, and within an hour I actually felt different and, I have to say, better. Immediately I thought ‘This is a mindfulness medication’ because everything I did received calm, focused attention. I know it’s ridiculously early to make any determination but, after a month of feeling really bluesy, Prosac no longer working, this gives me great hope, not only for the future but for today!

Thinking about switching over from Effexor XR (150 mg) to Pristiq. Have lots of perimenopausal symptoms that have been eased greatly with Effexor except I sweat like crazy and have constipation. Also, there is the loss of interest in sex and no orgasm (which certainly explains the lost of interest).

Anyone else in the same boat?

My doctor prescribed Pristiq for my withdrawls coming off percocet for almost a year.Helped immediately!Anyone going through pain pill withdrawls should at least give it shot it helped me.

Think of the Effexor (venlafaxine) molecule as a tinker toy molecule with two arms on it, one called Des
and one called Lis. The Des arm had all the good effects and the Lis arm had all the bad effects. Wyeth chemists figured out a way to remove the Lis arm so you get the “good” without the bad arm. The bad arm was more sedating and flattening and addictng. The good arm is more energizing and calming and brightening. Unfortunately when you switch from Effexor to Pristiq, you lose the bad arm and the withdrawal really sucks. The discontinuation effects are what kill you. Classic discontinuation effects are dizziness, spaciness, irritability, “electric shock” sensations, nightmares, tremor.

Wyeth should really stress tapering off Effexor in the switch to Pristiq. The reps don’t really stress this to the prescribers at all and it does not appear in the glossies they provide, so most prescribers find out the hard way, when their patients call them complaining that they feel terrible. Adding back in some Effexor ALWAYS helps, thats how I know it’s the Effexor withdrawal and not the Pristiq causing it. It’s best to go down one incremental dose of Effexor each week when starting Pristiq. I now give my patients sample packs for this process, and now I get no more complaints. Please ask your prescribers about this. In the long run, I think that Pristiq will be the better drug because there will be fewer cases of withdrawal symptoms with it.

Irecently wrote about my experience getting off effexor: http://leeleeweltschmerz.blogspot.com/
I admit that it’s not easy and the risk of relapsing is ever present in my mind but considering the thing that I’ve experienced (military WAR veteran) being able to finally live life without the effexor induced fogginess is worth it.

Thank you all for contributing your stories. I look forward to trying Pristiq. I had an amazing initial response to Effexor — things felt very vivid and I felt calm, powerful, and present — but unfortunately it caused urinary retention and prostatis, which caused me to have to discontinue the drug. I am hopeful that those side effects won’t arise with Pristiq, as I haven’t read about them on the Web or in the prescribing information.

I can understand people’s frustration in no longer being able to access Effexor samples. But any corporation (not just drug companies) is legally bound to maximize profits for its shareholders, and it doesn’t make financial sense for a company to push a drug through samples that it’s phasing out. The answer is health care reform. We missed a golden opportunity back in the ’90s when we had budget surpluses. Hopefully Obama will live up to his campaign promise, and something can still happen even with the mess we’re in.

Best of luck to all in your journeys.

I am a male, 46 yrs old. I had been taking Effexor XR 150mg for 2 1/2 years. The drug did what it was supposed to do, but the side effects for me were sensitivity to sunlight and the excessive sweating that came with it, occasional drowsiness while driving, a minor urine problem, clouded thinking, embarrasing problem of remembering and a feeling of being constantly medicated.

My doctor recommended I try Pristiq 50mg. I went cold turkey from Effexor to Pristiq, the complications were minor, “Brain freezes” in the afternoons which were eleviated by taking Tylenol. This went on for a few days. I increased to 100 mg thinking the “brain freezes” might be too low a dose of the Pristiq. Anyway, either the dose was too low, or I weaned off Effexor, because the problem is gone.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone, and am very pleased with the results!

My doctor prescribed Pristiq for me several months ago. This was after I have been on just about everything on the market. It has worked wonderfully. I have lost weight while on it and feel tons better. The only other side effect I have had has been the sweating but it is getting better. Thank you for this medication!!!

I have been struggling with anxiety since I was a teenager. I was on Effexor for 4 or so years but then went off it in 2006. I was doing great for the first 3 or 4 months off Effexor but after that I have been dealing with horrible anxiety ever since. Panic attacks, emotional rollercoaster, social anxiety to the point of not even being able to go to the grocery store. I was a major hypochondriac and OCD…constantly victim to my over active mind and the game of ‘what if’ that was always going on in my head. I wanted so badly to get better naturally, I tried everything, working out, meditation positive affirmations on a daily basis, and even some natural supplements like l-tryptophan. Nothing worked, I had mental breakdowns like every 2 weeks. It was even hurting my relationships with my loved ones. I finally broke down and decided to get over my pride and try medication again. My dr. prescribed me Pristiq 50mg and the first 2 weeks were horrible…I lost 8 pounds which was really nice but I never wanted to eat and was really nauseous. After about 2 weeks the nausea went away and after about 3 weeks I woke up on a Sunday morning and was inexplicably happy….Pristiq has improved my mood and since I have not been emotionally eating I have kept off the weight I lost in the beggining. I have had little to NO anxiety, not one panic attack, and have been waking up feeling well rested. It used to be so hard to wake up for work in the morning, and now its no problem. The biggest thing its helped me with is the social issues…I haven’t interacted with people normally in years…(I used to get hot, nauseous, feel like falling over - just from bumping in to an old accquantence or a lunch meeting with my boss) I can finally be myself! Happy, calm, and grounded.
I have only been on the medication for a month and a half, so who knows if it might stop working eventually, but if it is in part placebo then I don’t think it will. I don’t even care if it is mostly a placebo thing, I’ll take it over being unhappy and paranoid all the time. And yes, I worry about long term side effects but honestly I would rather enjoy life and live it to the fullest and deal with the damage later, than be a hermit crab because I cant go out in public and live to be 90.
Also, aside from the first week and a half or so sucking, I haven’t had side effects. I have been less stressed so my skin has cleared up, I’ve lost weight, and most importantly, no panic attacks. The first 2 weeks I also had ZERO sex drive which I was worried about but that has since disappeared (thank god!!)

I guess my point is, if you go on this medication, you have to give it like 3 weeks before you see any results and the side effects diminish. I myself, have had a good experience with it. Better than Effexor…although I’m not sure why since they are essentially the same thing.

All you people need to remember EVERY PERSON IS DIFFERENT!!!

Smile and Good Luck to you all!!!

I have read all of the posts in this thread. I am looking for something to replace the Lexapro I took myself off of a month and a half ago. The weight gain began to be too much for me. Since then I have felt anxiety on a daily basis and I just can’t shake it.

Allison’s story was so familiar. I have had panic attacks since 7 years old and I am now 39. It’s been off and on but I just can’t get rid of it! I also have OCD, all the anxiety disorders.

I too have tried lots of herbal things. And while they help a little, only Xanax kicks the attacks in the butt. But when I am in panic mode, they come in waves all the time. That’s not living.

I was on Lexapro for about a year and a half. It was helping a lot with my anxiety, and rarely having attacks, though occasionally I still did. Took more to get me there though. I started gaining weight about a year into it, even though I hadn’t changed eating habits or exercise habits, and it wouldn’t budge eating even less and exercising more. That, I am not used to. I am 5′7 and 117 1/2 now, after losing the Lexapro weight. The doctor didn’t seem to be concerned or share my dismay when I weighed last. Grr…so I took myself off of it. The withdrawls from the Lexapro have been moderate. The anxiety has been the worst part. At first I was really irritable and I knew it. I tried to keep it cool, but it was a challenge. I also cried very easily. I am highly sensitive anyway, but the Lexapro helped a bit on that. It also helped my ocd I think.

Then I started taking the herbs. L-Theanine, Passion flower, Kava kava, valarian, more magnesium, b-complex, chamomille teas, you name it. While all this helped a tad, I still have the anxiety underneath it. And that could be withdrawls still from the Lexapro. I have read it can take like, a year, to get SSRIs from your body. Jeez!

I have been a guinea pig too and stayed away from them for most my life. Last year I had to get on the Lexapro. Good thing, because then my Mom passed away last year. It helped me cope, but now that I am off of it, I have all these intense feelings to contend with that were eased by the Lexapro.

Anyway, I have been considering trying this Pristiq. I am just so nervous about taking a new pill and all the harm it can cause to my body. I am very health conscience and also very sensitive to meds. I have had some bad experiences with meds in the past and I also don’t savor the idea of having to be a slave to a pill. I really just don’t like it that I have to take a pill to interact with people, or go out in public, or take a trip. Ugh!!! And I am a spiritual person and a Reiki Master, and know that I need to be lighter and life this wonderful life. I just wish I weren’t so damn afraid of everything.

Thanks to everyone that has contributed on here and here’s to us all in our journey to be happy and safe and peaceful in this life.

Hello there ladies,

Well, I’ve spent about an hour just reading your comments, and for some, I might have an answer.
First of all, I’d like to disclose that I am a mental health professional, so I have been dealing with depression, anxiety, and medication for some time, professionally and personally.
Effexor as well as Pristiq work on executive functioning, such as being able to get off the bed, cook a meal, go to work or school and so on. So, Prisitq and Effexor work well for people who have been diagnosed with either depression, anxiety, or ADHD/ADD.
The message is that these two medications supposedly re-create the chemical balance in our brain.
Anyway, I have been taking Effexor, 225 mg for the past 3 years. It has done wonders for me. It primarily relieved from a constant dizziness that I was experiencing for many year. Secondly, I’ve noticed that I was not as irritable and “ready to fight” as before.
Recently my primary care physician switched me to Pristiq-50mg.
My advise is: NEVER DISCONTINUE the medication you’re taking abruptly!!!
If your doctor tells you: “Here’s is Pristiq, now stop taking Effexor” or whateever you were taking before, then that doctor is WRONG!, and for some reason they still have a license to practice.
You need to cut down your previous medication, while you start taking the new one.
E.g: for the first two-three days, take Effexor 150 mg and Pristiq 50 mg. Then, for another three days, take Effexor 75 mg and Pristiq 50 mg. Another 3 days take Effexor 37.5 mg and Pristiq 50 mg. After that, just stay with Pristiq.
ALthough both medications have a similar chemical compund, they are NOT the same. So, the transition has to be made gradually to give time to your brain to re-adjust.
I am NOT a medical doctor, however, I have witnesed many MDs (medical doctors)using this method with my patients including my MD using it on myself.
I’ve started Pristiq a couple of weeks ago and right now, am experiencing some dizziness. I am not completly off Effexor, but this is just my body. Everybody experiences different transitional effects.
Good Luck to all of us!
NOTE: From my understanding, Pristiq 50mg should work just as well as Effexor 225mg.
Please ask your doctor!!!

I am switching from Effexor XR 225 mg a day to Pristiq.
My doctor cut my Effexor XR back to 185.5 mg split up 3 times a day (75mg am, 75 mg pm and 37.5mg before bed). I also take the Pristiq in the am
I am miserable!
I can’t seem to think straight.
I am very, very, dizzy.
Does anyone have any advice.???
I thought that by taking the Pristiq I wouldn’t have withdrawal from cutting the effexor down.
I guess I was wrong.
My doc says to hang in there.
Help~~~

I have been on Effexor XR for 4 years for relief from hot flashes due to surgical menopause. I just started seeing a psychiatrist for another matter. He is trying to convince me to switch cold-turkey to Pristiq because ther are fewer drug interactions (I am not taking other drugs that would react badly. He says that Effexor and Pristiq are very close to the same drug and I should not have any problems switching. He gave me Pristiq samples. I still have several months of Effexor left, and after reading some of the comments on this list, I am not eager to switch any time soon. Every time I go there they mention the Pristiq again. Do Drs get a kickback from the drug manufacturer if they switch a patient to one of their new medicines? I am starting to get suspicious.

For those of you switching from Effexor to Pristiq, I would caution you not to blame the Pristiq for how you feel; blame the Effexor. Over a year ago, I went off of 150mg of Effexor to nothing (in step decreases of dosage), and it was one of the worst experiences of my life (horrendous withdrawal symptoms). I swore never to touch the stuff again. However, I just started Pristiq three weeks ago, and it seems much milder in terms of side of effects. I haven’t had those zapping sensations in my head that I had with Effexor (well, actually once, but I’ve been experiencing them occasionally even after being off of Effexor and on nothing for months–I think it may have permanently altered my brain). Anyway, I would definitely hang in there!

I have tried almost everything except Lithium, which I can not take due to a thyroid problem. My Dr. convinced me three weeks ago to try Pristiq. I have been taking about 2 mg. of Xanax for 7 years after having Thyroid cancer and I have to be in a state of Hyperthyroidism to decrease any nodules, etc. I was very scared to try another drug, I have really bad Medicine Anxiety along with GAD and PTSD and Borderline tendancies, but I agreed to try Pristiq…..My husband is thrilled at the new ME, maybe this is the real ME, I don’t know how to explain the transformation. I did have a few brain zaps the first couple of weeks and maybe some headaches which were a result of taking Pristiq but for the most part I do feel very different, calmer, sleep better, (although I take Ambien almost everynight too). I am trying to wean myself off the Xanax and The Ambien, but scared to start this now. I read that Pristiq causes heart failure. (Anyone know anything about this?) That scares me too, but I think at 54 I have realized if taking a drug the rest of my life makes my life better, richer and makes people around me happier then I suppose it is like the diabetic who must take their insulin each day.
I think it is just amazing how many people need medication to cope in this age and time, but I look at all the brilliant people who didn’t make it and took their own lives. I am a writer and sensitive to several attempts of suicide, so I am very hopeful, it is like a ray of sunshine has escaped the closed shutters and it is shining on me.
God Bless all of you, I mean that.

I have read about others having blood pressure spikes and also that it raises your cholesterol. Also, that it increased heart rate in subjects. I have anxiety issues, so that doesn’t sound too good to me. I was all set, too, to ask dr. about this med in December. Now, I just don’t see the point of it. I have been trying to find others to try now…even though they don’t look good either. I don’t want to be a guinea pig any more! I read that last post about heart failure? Egads. Wtf are they trying to do to us?!

Okay.. I had taken Effexor XR, 225 mg for almost three years. I started taking Pristiq 10 days ago and this is my testimony.
The Effexor XR helped my depression, but I gained 30 pounds. I was always hungry. I mean always and I eat a healthy diet. I lost 8 pounds for a while, but the hunger pangs were severe so I ate larger portions. I have horrible sexual side effects, I mean no sex drive whatsoever! Now that I have been on the Pristiq and I am taking the 50 mg tablet switching directly from Effexor XR, the first 3 days I was dizzy for a couple of hours after I initially took it but then I got so much energy. I was always tired on the Effexor and had to nap every day, but not now! I also have my sex drive back and my husband was quite surprised! I get hungry, but I am a “normal” hungry now. I am hoping that I will once again lose the weight, but too early to tell. I feel happy, happy and energetic and still can sleep at night. With Effexor XR, I could not wait until 11 pm rolled around so I could go to bed. Many times I went to bed at 9 pm. Now it is 11:30 pm and I am writing this note, getting sleepy but not exhausted. To those of you with some minor side effects, hang in there. I mean I did go through withdrawal from the Effexor. I felt like I had the flu for a week (but it wasn’t the flu), a really bad headache and body aches, but that is all gone now. Everyone is different, but for me, it has been worth it.

I was switched to Pristiq about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I have actually lost wieght just from being off my other antidepressants and being on this. (I had gained like 20 pounds in 7 months being on others)

I stumbled across this website while looking up information on Pristiq that might try and convince me to stay on this med. I’ve just completed 1 week of this new Rx after being on Effexor 150mg for almost 5 years. Effexor worked wonders for me and I didn’t want to change. My doctor thought Pristiq would be a “cleaner” drug for me to be on and because I’d begun experiencing some new axiety, which had been under control for quite some time, he thought going up on the Effexor wasn’t the answer.

I want my Effexor back and after reading all these posts cannot decide what to do. I’m a licensed health care professional and should be able to make an informed decision. I did a tapering dose of Effexor for 1 week and have felt horrible - anxious, irritable, short-tempered with family and co-workers, flat affect, crying and feeling like my skin is crawling. New symptoms I’m having include headaches (which I didn’t have with Effexor), increased appetite and some swelling sensation around my eyes. I’ve read about Effexor withdrawal for a long time and have pondered changing meds before, but feared the horrible side effects. I honestly don’t know if I can tolerate “not” having Effexor in my brain. I felt so normal on it and now feel abnormal.

I thank everyone for their candid comments about their experiences. Reading these at least helped me understand what I’m going through and to know that others have and are experiencing similar issues, questions and problems related to the Effexor vs. Pristiq debate.

Hello all, I found this page while looking for information on the med that I recently started taking… Pristiq. I have had a lot of changes take place in my life over the past year such as moving out on my own and in with my girlfiend, having a baby, starting a new job. I was starting to feel so stressed from everything that I could bearly take it anymore. I couldnt sleep, I was constantly irritated and fighting with my girlfriend, and contantly worrying about finances and such. So I went to the doctor and explained to him what all was going on in my life and how I was feeling and he gave me some samples of pristiq. I have now been on the med for 5 days and I do feel like I am happier compared to before. Most of my worrys are gone exept that now I am constantly worried about what this med is doing to me. I have never been on an AD med before so this is all new to me. I find myself thinking about this all the time and I have thoughts like… What if the med makes me crazy?… Whats going to happen when I am ready to stop taking this med?…. Is this safe for my head? I have a sister who has been diognosed with paranoia/skytzofrania (I know whats not how you spell it but i’m not sure how it’s spelled) so I always think about her and worry that I might snap one day like she did. The med seems like it’s helping put me in a better mood and make me less irritable but I cant stop thinking and worrying about the toll that it may take on me….

First I want to say Thank God I found this discussion. Secondly, I hope to God that my husband of only 2 months will understand that the recent fits I’ve had could very well be attributed to my change in medication.
I’ve been on Effexor XR for I don’t even know how many years now off hand. After trying a few other antidepressants I fell in love with Effexor. The rages I use to have completely quit. Within the last year my doctor also prescribed me with Lamictal. I was having mood swings while I was at work. He recently gave me samples of Pristiq because they were replacing Effexor. I finally finished my last prescription of Effexor and started taking the Pristiq. Well I’m a week into it and have had two spells of completely tearing my house apart with fits I use to get before taking the Effexor. I’m afraid I may have pushed my husband to the point of wanting to get a divorce already because he has no clue where this Tracey came from.
I finally put 2 and 2 together this morning after having another fit last night and thought I’d check the comparison out between my old and new meds. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner and I really don’t know why my doctor didn’t discuss it with me first. I realize now that I must be going through the withdraw symptoms from coming off of the Effexor. I know that I would feel really weird if I missed a dose in the past. I haven’t had that “weird” feeling so far, but I know that what I’m going through right now has to be withdraw symptoms. I hope my husband and my house will withstand the wrath of Tracey until I get ahold of my doctor so we can figure out a better way of switching me over to Pristiq. If that is even what we decide to do. I thought that Effexor would no longer be available. I didn’t realize that it was just going to be going to generic. I’m not apposed to switching though if some of the side effects of the Effexor will no longer be an issue. I’d love to lose the weight I’ve gained since I’ve been on it.
To finish, thank you all for your posts. I guess I don’t need to tell you how much reading this has helped me feel like there is hope. Especially after wanting to die after the fit I had last night. Thank you all and God Bless you.

I’m glad I found this discussion group. I just came off 225 mg of Effexor XR (cut by 75 mg per week)to 50 mg of Pristiq. I feel a little shakey, my head is cloudy and have been getting a rash for the past 2 days which causes intense itching but is helped by topical cortisone. My pdoc switched me because I felt that the Effexor was not working as well after 6 years. For months I’ve been struggling with feelings of emptiness, some agitation and possible ADD symptoms.

As for the weight gain, I have lost 13 lbs over the past 10 weeks because I started going to Weight Watchers and started an exercise program. I am also in a 12-step program that gives me tremendous support.

I have learned not to get too caught up in reading the side effects because then I get more anxious. I hope to be able to weather the change of meds without too much trouble.

Similar story to others: my doctor tried to switch me from Effexor XR (150 mg/day, for 11 years) to Pristiq (50 mg) without tapering. She gave me weeks and weeks of free samples.

After three days I was so sick I could barely walk straight. I had to call her from the pharmacy and beg for an emergency prescription for Effexor because I was so sick I couldn’t work and was having crying jags, lightheadedness, dizziness - this after just 3 days.

She switched me back to Effexor after expressing surprise that I would have such a reaction. I think she must never have switched anyone before. It is ridiculous to assume you can take someone off of Effexor without tapering properly.

Pristiq is a patent extender because Effexor is going generic. Period. Wyeth is pushing doctors to push it on their patients. It’s incredibly irresponsible. If your doctor suggests switching you without first tapering you properly, BE VERY WARY.

Twenty days ago, I had to change from Effexor XR (300mg), with no taper(cold turkey), to Pristiq (50mg 1st week, now 100mg) since I ran out of insurance benefits for name brand meds for the rest of this year. In Oct. I had to pay $350.00 for Effexor, and I couldn’t afford that again as I also take Lamictal and pain meds. Anyway, I can get samples of the Pristiq.

Since the 1st day, it has been hellish. I’m experiencing the usual Effexor withdrawal symptoms of…

terrible headaches, dizziness, confusion, forgetfullness, disorientation, out-of-body floaty feeling, ‘brain zaps’ at times- with my brain feeling like a soaked sponge with electric current running through it, a lingering feeling of falling (which feels like when I went to the CN Tower and looked down from the glass floor at 342 meters up), definite changes in sense of smell and taste, muscle aches, and just pure mental anguish.

As each day passes, it seems to get a little better.

I’m certainly no expert, but I’ve done extensive research, and I have tried these… so here are some things that may help with the withdrawal symptoms…

Fish Oils with Omega 3,6 &9.
B-Vitamins- including B3,B6,B9(folate) & B12.
I also believe praying helps immensely.

Wow…I did a search for “when the best time to take Pristiq would be” and ended up here. I have read all the blogs and FINALLY understand what is going on. My Dr. switched me from Effexor to Pristiq. I had been taking 75mg in A.M. and 150 in P.M. Once my 75 ran out I only took the 150 and when it ran out moved on to the Pristiq. Well, this is day 4 and I am about to climb the walls. The dizziness is killing me and the insomnia driving me crazy. I still have the” Jimmie Legs” (RLS) that I noticed didn’t seem to bother most on this board. That got so bad I had to start taking Mirapex. Well, with this med I am still needing the mirapex but taking only 10mg instead of full 20mg as it will knock me out. I had been taking Effexor for a couple years and the last few months needed to increase the amount due to extreme stress at work/home and finally a meltdown which I ended up on STD and finally losing my job. The Dr. mentioned that Pristiq would eliminate the leg syndrome and a one pill would equal all the Effexor I was taking. I now see from all the posts I am in withdrawl. Thank the Lord, I thought I was losing it. The medication works for me other than the dizzy/leg thing and INSOMNIA. I thought maybe taking the med in the A.M. was not the right thing since I was not being able to sleep and that switching to P.M. might help. I just want off the rollercoaster. This is not a fun ride. One thing I have noticed is that I am not hungry very often and sometimes forget to eat. I had that with the Effexor but this is more pronounced. I am hoping that I can lose some of this weight I gained from the Norplant that started all this. I also wondered myself how you could jump from one med to another. I see on here that some lucky people had intelligent, if not caring physicians that helped them along. All this makes me want to slap mine in the face the next appt. I see him. Hmmm…that might make me feel better. I wish everyone on this board well and that they all find their way. I understand and feel each of you and your pain.

I have not tried Effexor; however, I have struggled with taking Zoloft for depression, as it makes me sleepy and stupid. I have ADD and depression, and I am VERY happy with the effects of Pristiq on both. In fact, this is the first antidepressant I have taken that doesn’t make me sleepy and stupid - to the extent that I may be able to reduce or eliminate my Ritalin. I’m thrilled with this drug. However, every person is different, as others have said. I wonder if those previously taking Effexor are suffering from the infamous “withdrawal” effects when they try Pristiq. And…I haven’t tried NOT taking Pristiq yet - may not want to!

Hi all again.
I am now on my second month of Pristiq. My Father is dying and my sister is dying. I am coping because of the Pristiq. No other way. I have lost 7 lbs. I am happy, upbeat, feel like the sun will shine again.
Hang in there with it, really give it a month. The insomnia, headaches, “weird feelings” will pass. I have convinced my daughter to give it a try and she is in her second week and each day feels better emotionally.
I only pray it is the real deal and will not be recalled in a few months like Celebrex and other drugs for heart issues.

No side effects now except no appetite, which I can live with. No sexual side effects.
I am a 54 yr. old female and take Xanax and Ambien too when stress gets too much.
Chin up. Hang in there.

Pristiq is allowing me to finish my novel which nothing else has come close to doing in the last three years.
Good Luck and God Bless each of you in your struggle to get out of the darkness.

Like nearly everyone above, I have been taking
EffexorXR for a few years(300mg/day)with good results. Lately the familiar face of depression was showing itself just a little too frequently again, so my doctor suggested I was suffering “burn-out” and switched me to 50mg Pristiq. As a nurse, I knew that Effexor is extremely difficult to suddenly stop, so I asked the doctor about that. Her initial response was that I should have no problems… followed by the advice that I could add 175mg Effexor every other day if I did suffer symptoms. I have been fighting nausea, light-headedness, the urge to burst into tears at any moment, and general malaise for the past two weeks; but am trying to tough it out without throwing in Effexor. Wish I would have done this search sooner and been just a little smarter by trying to taper off instead of the sudden switch. A little bit of an old xanax prescription has been my lifesaver. I am hopeful Pristiq will offer me the “glass is half-full” outlook that Effexor used to…

I have been on Effexor for two years or so. My doc recommended Pristiq last week, and I have now been taking it for four days. It is wierd, but I have had some weight gain, and am wondering if anyone else has had this side effect.

I have been on Lexapro and didn’t realize that it was the tablets that were making me put on weight until I’ve read these posted comments. I’ve just started on Pristiq today and hope that it will be better. The Lexapro has just stopped working after a few years. Thanks for all the stories which make the switch a little less scary./

I just started pristiq yesterday and I have ALREADY started feeling better. So far I am EXTREMELY happy with it. I’ve been on several different anti-depressants in my life, and NONE of them have compared to pristiq, even just for taking it for 2 days.

Has anyone used Pristiq for Panic Attacks? My doctor prescribed it to me but one of the side effects is Panic Attacks, which is what I am trying to treat. Not sure if I should take it, as I do everything to avoid having them. I really don’t suffer from depression so I guess this is an off label usage of it. Any thoughts?

i hope this chat room is for real. i’ve never done this before..if it is thank you. so many answers tonite and i am so grateful. i’ve been in such despair, and did not know why. doctor out of town and i’m just winging this hell. went off 225 mg 0f effexor after too many years to count onto pristiq, and have felt deathly, migraines, bad nausea, and uncontrollable crying and feeling just a little mad. doc told me for the first 2 days to cut effexor to 150 mg, and then just take pristiq. be sure to wean yourselves off of effexor. thanks to this page and opinions i have learned this.. right now just holding tight, taking 50 mg.og pristiq and praying for relief. also, taking xanax to calm down, so i don;t cry so much and tigan for nausea which does not help. 1 ambien for sleep,thank goodness. thank you all for enlightenment. i wish my doctor had known as much. denise

Hi all,
This is my first time talking about the nightmare that is effexor. I’ve been on it since I was 19, I am now 30. I’ve wanted to get off of it for years, but could not deal with the withdrawal symptoms…and to be honest, not being able to get off it is more depressing than depression! Not to mention the fact that no-one believes me when I try to explain the horrors of withdrawals…
Anyways, My doc suggested the pristiq route, as I could get free samples, and I don’t have insurance. So here’s my beef with that: I take 75mg effexor, every 3 days or so, which I’ve been doing for years(that’s the only way I could wean myself down). Supposedly 50mg of pristiq is equal to 150mg effexor, so my doc said to cut it in half. Despite the fact that wyeth says “NEVER” cut the pills, I tried it yesterday… and basically the pristiq shattered. I tried it with three more pills, with a pill cutter, same results.
Now I may sound like a conspiracy theorist, but why is there only one dose of pristiq, that can’t be cut? I’ll be damned if I’m gonna start taking the equivalent of 150mg effexor, yet it seems like Wyeth is trying to force that on people… prob because its harder to get off. Anyways, I gathered up about enough pieces to make a half of Pristiq, and took my first dose last night. I’m hoping it is a fairly smooth transition, but I have my doubts after years of monstrous effexor withdrawals. We’ll see. In the meantime, I don’t understand why there hasn’t been a class action in the US against Wyeth over Effexor… I kno they had one in Britain…

Dear Kelly,
I caught your post as I was flipping through the Internet. I had been on 325 mg of Effxor XR for several years, and through keeping a medical journal and working closely with my wonderful Psychiatrist, I felt this might be a good time to begin to lower my dosages.
I have Depression as well as GAD and I take Ativan for the anxiety, which we all know is habit forming, and I am also an addict/alcoholic. I thought - and doctor agreed - to try reducing the Effexor and see if it calmed my racing thoughts and then I can eventually stop the Ativan all together. (I have cut the Ativan by more than 33%.) I am stabilized on 225 mg of Effexor XR!
I was scared by all the feedback about the difficulties of getting off of Effexor, but I am doing it slowly and carefully. I’m at a good plateau at the moment and thing I’ll stay here for the moment.
The first 2 weeks were the worst, didn’t think I could do it, but I wasn’t physically ill and I had the option to increase the amount at anytime. I tried to read the posts from others without projecting “worse case scenarios” on to myself.
Come on by Psych Central and read our Community listings and other bonus tools.
Anytime you want to chat…I’m here.
Scooterb

I’ve always had chronic anxiety problems. Four years ago, I admitted myself into rehab for alcohol abuse. While I was there, I was put on Effexor XR. It was a miracle drug for me. Since then, I haven’t desired a drink or needed any xanax. Two weeks ago, I switched to Pristq because my insurance won’t pay for the Effexor XR and they don’t sample it anymore. I started feeling the anxiety creeping back up and am switching back to the Effexor XR today!! If I have to pay $140 a month to feel as good as I have for the past 4 years, then it is worth it to me. Maybe I didn’t give the Pristiq a chance, but I believe in “don’t fix it if it aint broke”. Good luck to everyone out there with the unfortunate luck to have anxiety/depression problems. It is a horrible feeling, but there are many meds that work for each individual that make life worth living happily. Talk to your doctor and tell him everything you are feeling and he will find the right one for you, even if you have to try different ones. Happy New Year to all !!

Hi all - I have been on Lexapro for approximately 4 years (after Welbutrin and a couple of others). I saw my doc yesterday and she decided to switch me to Pristiq. I have always taken my lexapro at nite because it made me so tired - she told me to take the Pristiq in the morning. I really know nothing about it and so I’m doing some research. I have also put on an incredible amount of weight - my doc doesn’t really attribute it to the Lexapro but after reading all the comments here - I do wonder. I’ll let everyone know how it goes!

Hi All,

Saw your posts and wanted to share that today I experienced very bizarre and severe withdrawal symptoms from Pristiq.

I alleviated them by taking a Prozac, which I had read 3 years ago was a good “buffer” drug to wean oneself off of Celexa, which I was on for 2 months in 2005.

Like many of you, I enjoyed my experience taking Prisiq; I did not even experience side effects. I didn’t notice a huge difference in my mood, perhaps a little more energy and a little less anxiety, which was nice.

For six weeks, I had been taking sample tablets of Pristiq I received from my doctor. I have an appointment to see him again tomorrow, so when my samples ran out a few days ago, I figured I’d wait and get more from him instead of paying to fill my prescription.

Well, that was a big mistake. Today, I found myself struck by a bizarre, unexplainable panoply of symptoms. The symptoms included: dizziness, nausea (but not food-related); disorientation; vertigo; hypersensitivity; balancing issues; severe, uncharacteristic irritability; light and noise sensitivity; feelings of a migraine onset without the accompanying headache; shakiness and weakness in my arms and legs; and an intermittent humming sound in my ears.

For 2 hours, my husband and I were baffled at my dis-ease. Finally I remembered having a similar experience with Celexa.

Thankfully, when I had the Celexa problem, I discovered a post from some kind soul who said that Prozac was a good buffer drug for getting off Celexa.

Well, an hour ago, I took a generic Prozac (dug one up from an ancient bottle in the back of my medicine cabinet), and I feel FINE now.

Thank God.

I’ll take one tomorrow night and the next night, and God willing, I’ll be successfully off this drug.

If you’re experiencing similar symptoms, or flu-like symptoms (which I experienced with Celexa withdrawal), I highly recommend the Prozac remedy.

Best of luck to you.
Science journalist in Los Angeles

I’ve been taking Lexapro for quite some time but complained to my doctor about sexual side affects. Doc switched me to Pristiq samples which I’ve been taking for about 2 weeks and find myself frequently nauseous. Anyone experience nausea/frequent upset stomach on Pristiq?

I’ve been struggling with something, thought it was just anxiety but now am pretty sure it is a recurring kind of depression. I’m ADD and take Strattera and that has worked wonders for me over the past several years since I was diagnosed.

In any case, I have worried about the side-effects of an antidepressant so I’ve been reluctant but my doctor prescribed Pristiq and just what I’ve read on this page has really made me feel a lot better about trying this route. I understand the issues with getting used to a new medication so I’m prepared for some adjustment. I’m really hoping that the norepinephrine reuptake inhibition helps bolster the Strattera (as that is what Strattera does) and that the addition of serotonin reuptake inhibition helps fix whatever else has been bugging me.

I should also say that I am a Wyeth employee. That means I get Pristiq free. But I am a patient first. And that’s my main concern.

This stuff is junk. Just look at the studies. My pdoc called it a “fraud” and “money-making gimmick.” Switched over to it 4 months ago and now I am deeply depressed. Went back on effexor xr today.

I guess I’ve been VERY lucky in that I’ve been on pretty much every anti-depressant mentioned (well, I guess not LUCKY in that I was mis-diagnosed with unipolar depression when I had bipolar) but I was on these anti-depressants for months & months with increasing dosages & then when they finally maxed out on what dosages they could give me I stopped cold-turkey & started on another!!

FINALLY, I was diagnosed with bipolar & started on a mood stabilizer, anti-psychotic & an anti-depressant when needed (during the winter months–have SAD).

I NEVER had any of these withdrawal effects described. Maybe my other symptoms were so strong that they covered them up?

I have been on Pristiq for 3 months now. The first month was great, I was not really hungry, lost 3 pounds and was less angry and aggitated. A miricle! Then came motnh 2 and in 2 weeks I gained 12 lbs! (this was BEFORE the holidays!) Since then, the scale keeps creeping up…1 lb a day! I can’t talk it anymore! I worked SOOO hard last year to loose 30 lbs, I am not going to let a medication ruin all my hard work! Sooo frustrating!

First let me say this - I am bipolar. That being said, I can honestly say one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt - everyone reacts differently to every drug on the market. What may work for one person, may not work for another.

I personally have had a much better response to the Pristiq, and I USED to be on Effexor (400mg!!). The Effexor made me tired, didn’t do much to increase my “happiness” or relieve the depression. Worst of all, I had major sexual side effects. As a man in my early 30’s, this was worse than the depression itself! LOL But since I switched to Pristiq, I am more able to “reach completion” LOL

I know several people, friends, who suffer from bipolar disorder. Some respond to meds, some don’t respond at all. Some respond to one drug, some to another.

I try to take the professionals advice and stick to a regular treatment plan, and if one drug doesn’t work, I try another. So far, the combination of Lamictal (400mg) and Pristiq (50mg) has worked best of all the other drug combo’s I have tried.

Anyway, that’s just my thoughts on the matter. If one doesn’t work, try another. And don’t give up…things WILL turn around, it just may take longer than you would hope for or expect.

MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YOU!

I am a male age 38. I should be a poster child for Effexor XR. That medication WORKED for me and changed my life. Before I took it, I was anxious, jumpy, and antisocial. I tried every other type/brand of antidepressant and always felt like a zombie.

After Effexor XR, I was calm, cool, easy going and was able to do public speaking, teaching and other stuff I was too anxious to do without it. The most prominent side effect I had on Effexor was morning drowsiness.

After being on Effexor about 8 years tho, my sex life died. The switches were turned off. No sex drive, complete ED. Taking Viagra worked on the mechanics, but nothing helped with libido. As a result, I am now braving the waters with Prestiq. I have been on it since Jan 1, 09. I had nausea on day one and felt a little “funky”. I continued to take Effexor XR with Prestiq for about 5 days (in low doses - I would dump out the capsule to about 25% of the 75mg dose).

I can honestly say that there was no major withdrawal for me when I weaned off Effexor. My libido is back, ED is gone. My only disappointment is that Prestiq does not handle anxiety as well…I feel a bit jumpy again…but its worth it to have a sex life back! The jumpiness may actually be energy that I’m not used to having!

Conclusion: if Effexor worked for you and you want your sex life back, switch to Prestiq, but don’t go cold turkey…take Effexor with it for a few days. I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV…haha. Good luck!

After being on a low dose of Paxil for 5 years for severe GAD (and Hypochondria). It truly saved by life, but after 5 years I just couldn’t deal with the grogginess I felt every morning. I was content, but just not feeling motivated to do more than the minimum. This fall, for some unknown reason, the anxiety started creeping in and my hypochondria gradually tried to worm it’s way back. To top it off, I was having depressive episodes, which was new for me.

My Dr. tried to increase my Paxil, but it sedated me so much it was hard for me to sit in my chair at work, and I found myself closing my door and taking hour long naps in my office every day. I finally had enough and went to my doctor for tests, and to request a different AD.

She suggested Lexipro, but I insisted that I needed more energy so she gave me some Pristiq. I took my Paxil on top of the Pristiq and reduced my dose by 5mg each week until done. I had NO Paxil withdrawal, and other than a couple of days of fogginess, I have had ZERO side effects on Pristiq.

I haven’t tried Effexor, so I can’t comment on the difference, but I can tell you that after two weeks Pristiq has made me an entirely new person. I feel motivated, energetic, and optimistic. I get so much done now and feel there are not enough hours in the day to do what I want to do. I can actually complete my job each day, and come home and do more than just watch TV (which I actually hate) and doze on the couch.

I am going to see my Dr. tomorrow and suggest that rather than switch to generic Effexor like she had proposed, that I stay on Pristiq. I know from experience that generics don’t always work as well or consistently, and Pristiq has been so amazing that I am willing to make sacrifices to pay more each month for it.

For me, it has been a wonder drug. It makes me feel like I haven’t felt since I was a teenager, all with no sedation, no grogginess, no sexual side effects…nothing. Do I still cry sometimes? Yes. But it’s all normal emotions, not like the stunted emotions that traditional SSRIs were famous for.

My advice? Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it…and given it an honest shot.

I have been trying to wean off of Effexor.
I was on 187.5mg.
I am down to 75mg
My psych. put me on PRISTIQ to help with the withdrawal from Effexor.
But she put me on 50 mg in the am
and 50 mg in the pm.
I am so nauseous. I thought it was from Effexor withdrawal, but reading this I now think my dosage of Pristiq is too high.
Does anyone know what the dosage of Pristiq 50 mg is equal to in Effexor?

Hmmm. I have printed out the free voucher 4 Pristiq but am not sure that my pdoc will be down with this.

My first reaction to Prozac was fabulous. So good that my ex-shrink supported my getting off it 4 good. Then the depression returned. As with everything I have taken, the second time around is an utter failure.

My initial “tour” with Effexor several years ago was not so bad, and I’m not sure why my then-shrink steered me away. (He also prescribed “all the benzos I could eat” and have spent a whole year reducing my Klonopin from 2mgs to about 1.) Zoloft was great for two and a half years. When I retried it, again, it was hell.

Basically, if I try stuff again, it doesn’t work well at all– in fact it makes me feel worse!

I tried Effexor again and it was hell and I couldn’t wait to get off it and weaned. Cymbalta worked well for about two-and-a-half months and then quit.

Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, etc. all sucked. Remeron made me sleep, but it did nothing else beyond that.

Pretty much tried everything– even committed myself to a psych ward, even though I wasn’t suicidal at that time. Those places are holding tanks where they keep you doped up, take all your sashes, spiral notebooks, and other things that you could conceivably hang yourself with.

Huge transitions in my life. Husband decided that marriage was over after 21 years. Moved. No job, and I am having one hell of a time maintaining my freelance writing career– which was never a huge income-draw. So much for homemaker as a “real job.”

Suicidal ideation a lot but hanging on as I know this solves nothing and would be horrible for my two grown sons, to boot.

Pdoc wanted to bring out the big guns– MAOIs. No way! She may suggest some different “atypical anti-psychotics.” Zyprexa? Abilify? Probably the former b/c it is probably less agitating. But who knows? I will find out tomorrow.

The other generic ones like Risperdal, etc. just make me feel crappy and do nothing for my motivation. Seroquel just zones me out and makes me useless too.

I’m probably Bipolar II but have had no manic episodes for years! I’m currently on 200mg of Lamictal down from 400. I notice no difference at all!

Am I crazy to think that Pristiq may be different enough than Effexor to be beneficial?

I am so heartbroken reading all those comments, as I am just realizing I am not alone in this pharmacological nightmare. Just been back from the doctor who just switched me to Pristiq, after putting me on about any other drug in the universe.

Prozac worked like magic the very first time 17 years ago, but ever since its been nausea, migranes, losing too much weight, sleepiness or restlessnesss to a point which has been so much worst than my initial symtoms.

I am 33 and have been suffering from major depression for the last 20. I have seen dozens of psychiatrist, psychologists, anything. Besides exercise (which is so hard to get to, as most of the time Im at a point I can barely move) nothing has helped.

I know people are different, and something which may have saved one person will have no effect on another. But after about 20 kinds of anti depressants, is there even any use to keep bothering?

I feel like my only hope may be ECT, and am wondering if anyone has tried that and had better results. Or if anyone could tell me where can i find a doctor who will be willing to go ahead with that procedure. (seems like such a bloody taboo)

I really doubt this new magic pill will fix me (especially after reading about the patent expiring, just shameless).

So sorry, MissMisery.

Today my pdoc actually gave me a sample of Pristiq even though Effexor XR was pretty bad. She actually thinks it’s different than Effexor. I asked her about its effectiveness in “drug-resistant” depression. She has tried it on five patients in this category and said that one of them actually responded to it. The difference between E and P, she said, was that it took getting up to a certain dose for Effexor to become an SRNI whereas Pristiq does start in that category. So we’ll see. If the symptoms don’t get worse or start to improve, this might work. (Here’s hoping!) I have had some success– but the past year has been VERY difficult in so many ways.

I am adding the swimming back to my regime. I’d been doing it for 30 years and stopped when I moved.

Many of my problems are situational, but even when they were not, I still fought depression.

I’m not willing to try ECT, but I’m sure that there are doctors willing to administer it.

I have been taking effexor xr for years. Since my doctor will no longer be able to give me free samples, he suggested I take Pristiq. I started with a positive attitude, but the changes I see are that I’m very tired, have some increased anxiety, and have bloating and frequent bowel movements…3-4 a day. Three times(since I got on the pristiq six weeks ago) I have been up all night on the “pot.” I finally decided this is enough and called my doctor to see if I could change back to Effexor, so I can be myself again and get out of the house and away from the pot! Only problem is that it will cost me $150.00 a month. Let’s see, do I want to give up food or clothing??????????????????????

Me again. Day three. VERY tense and yesterday, I was extremely tired. Cannot tell if things are worse or the same. I wonder if it is worth it to stick this one out. I tend to give up kinda fast. I’m also wondering if I should try taking it at night. Probably worth a call to my pdoc. . .

oh man. kind of a long story for me. Was on Lexapro, didnt work. Then Effexor for about 3+ years. Finally one day I had a pretty srong and very scary hallucination. Freaked me out and quit cold turkey. Then went to Paxil, was crazy tired for about 2 weeks. Lost weight then gained it back. Im still not sure if it made me worse or if it just kinda quit working for me.
Now I am on day 3 of the Pristiq. I did no weaning from the Paxil, just straight up started the Pristiq (50mgs). I definitly Have the same poopy problems. Maybe not as bad but have had some cramping, bloating and very wet and frequent BM’s. Why is it bothering my stomach so bad???? Emotionaly, today I seemed to feel better but with ups and downs. The anxiety is still there tho. So I have xanax for the panic attacks and really hard days. At least that way I get some sleep. Also noticed some hot flashes, shakes and nausea to where i had to vomit. I have EAD, SAD, & AMDD. Jeez, alot of letters there. My insurance does not cover the Pristiq however and it is very expensive. My doc loaded me up with sample packs. Im gonna give it a fair chance, I just hope the stomach problems cease. Things are hard enough without having to deal with the side effects.

I have taken effexor xr about 4 years.I still felt depressed but I wa also mixing alot of vodka and a few hydrocone.I stopped the hydrocodone,stopped the vodka,I have a glass of red wine innstead.I went to see my doctor and he suggested pristiq ,because it is like effexor,but it is new and more expensiveand you usually get what you pay for. So anyway i have read all these comments and am totally scared to quit my effexor that works okay for a new med.(pristiq)

I was on Effexor XR for about 6-7 years. Started with 75mg but for the majority of the time was on 150mg a day. The worst part about Effexor XR was that if I forgot to take it I felt so incredibly sick I had to go take the dose and go to bed and wait for the meds to start working. Huge headaches, nausea, dizziness. I switched to Pristiq in April 2008 because Effexor stopped working for me. I tried a ton of other meds too… lexapro, zoloft, and none worked. The transition from lexapro to Pristiq was fine but the I moved to Australia and they weren’t selling it yet so my doctor put me back on Effexor XR. The transition was horrible. Sickness, irritability, etc. My doctor actually got Pristiq for me here prior to it being released and I felt much better once on it vs. Effexor. This week I forgot to take pristiq and felt ill but it was no where near as bad as it was when I was on Effexor. To each his own. Maybe because I was on Effexor for so long it just stopped working and the slight change in formula helped me.

I have been on Effexor XR 225mg for 2 years. I am successfully being treated for the chronic depression but am getting tired of the ‘vivid’ dreams, weight gain, nervous left hand, short-term memory loss etc. My physician is switching me over to pristiq this week. As discontinuation of effexor is horrible my physician assures me that I shouldn’t go through withdrawls since it’s basically the same med. Will keep you posted.

I took Effexor Xr for 10 years. I got off to try without using anything. It didn’t work so my doctor put me on Pristiq. I am on my third week and I jusst called the doctor to get back on Effexor Xr. Pristiq didn’t work at all.

Pristiq is horrible. My anxiety is back don’t
feel happy. First week was sick taking it. Wasn’t worth it.

Tiffany-I understand completely! The first 2 weeks were one heck of a honeymoon. I felt better than I ever had before and lost about 5 pounds. The next 6 weeks were ok, not depressed but my mood was not lighter than before the pristiq and my weight started climbing. My gp denied that it was the pristiq emphatically. “Could not possibly be the cause” were his exact words. So I stayed on it for a couple months thinking I had to keep lowering my calorie count. Well, over those 4 months I gained 31 pounds. I stopped taking it last week -that was a nightmare for the next 5 days. I am feeling better-last evening was better and today looks promising. No more muscle cramps, nausea and bone wracking chills. The headache is much better as well. This was supposed to be a short term medicine so I didn’t mind spending the $145.00 when my insurance company refused to cover it. When reps say that all insurance accepts this script, they are not being entirely truthful. Please be extremely careful about starting this or any meds on the market these days.

I was taking Effexor for a couple years and it was good and helped. I didn’t like the vivid dreaming (okay, I did! but was really tired in mornings). My chlorestoral went up quite a bit & I’m very healthy/athletic, so it wasn’t expected. So, I tried Pristiq. Like Lexapro the low dose didn’t work. I am on 200mg now and it feels good, the same, except no side effects. My doctor said there are lots of clinical studies done at 200, 300 & 400 mg, but that Wyeth only published the two lowest dosages to try and minimize reporting of any side effects. I wish they made 200mg tablets.

My cholesterol numbers went up but thank goodness the ratio was still great. I had tried taking 2 of the 50mg tabs like my gp had suggested and got violently ill. The insomnia from the 50mg dose was horrible especially since I already have sleep apnea and had spent almost a year getting it under control. Constipation, bloating, swelling, insomnia, irritability and extreme weight gain are not worth it. I went off cold turkey 5 days ago and the fullness in my ears along with the vertigo are diminishing rapidly. The muscle cramps and nausea are 90% gone. I hope to get back to normal soon. I won’t be surprised if we see some ambulance chaser running a commercial about it soon.

3 days into the 50mg pristiq and other than a slight headache and a bit of increased energy I am doing okay. I was terrified of quitting effexor cold turkey but I’ve been pleased so far.

The honeymoon phase is really great. There are some who have no side effects whatsoever but just be careful. The majority of us have horrible side effects. That is why the fda wanted to ban the drug when it was first introduced (look up wyeth pristiq and menopause).

I wasn’t a big believer in antidepressants, but jeez, pristiq has worked wonders on me. I haven’t been this happy and outgoing since i was a teenager and I’m 29 now. I have a hard time believing that the way i feel could be a placebo effect. anyway, if anyone is wondering about the effectiveness, in my case, it’s a godsend.

I made the decision to stop taking pristiq and today is the 9th day. Over the last 5 days I have experienced some horrible side effects and looked them up. Wikipedia had a lot of information as well as the harvard medical website. Seratonin syndrome is most likely what most of us have been experiencing. Hard for me to explain it but the websites were dead-on about all of the side effects and symptoms. This is a horrible way to die-the way that my skin had gotten yellow was an overlooked sign of liver toxicity as well.

p.s.-I wish the drug reps would stay off this board.

Let me start by saying this: I never personally have knocked the effectiveness of Effexor-but beware at some point you will start to get side effects from it and they get worse and worse until the positives of the drug outwiegh the negatives of your mental illness. THEN its too late, you are in big trouble because its not like any of the other drugs you have been on. I have been on the usuals Zoloft, Prozac, Welbutrin to name a few and my only complaint about those were the poop-out effect. Now you want to get off Effexor and you realize that you cannot just nicely wean off and God forbid you cold turkey it. Its horrible-dizzyness, nausea, vomiting, sweats, shaking, brain “zaps”, and it lasts for months even if you wean over a long period-4 to 6 months we are talking about. Its no freaking picnic to feel like a physically ill head case for that long! It took me over 4 months to get off Effexor after being on it for 2 years and I am worse now mentally than I have EVER been. The worst part is I recognize it yet it takes everything in my power to control it-often times I can’t and I spaz on my husband and daughter-like massive fits of rage! I only suffered from mild to moderate depression before-what the?-now I am a total nut job except I know what is going on?! Its disturbing!!!

If you are looking at going on this drug I urge you to find another drug-find something-ANYTHING else, I don’t care what ANY doctor or health care provider will tell you about Effexor or even this new drug-the reasons people need it and that for some people its not an option to use something else, blah blah blah. NOBODY can say anything about Effexor until they have been on it and have tried to get off of it! It should be pulled from the market as far as I am concerned! Or at LEAST health care providers need to be PROPERLY educated before prescribing it AND the product needs to be labeled accurately! But as we all know, the FDA and the Drug manuafacturers are in bed together and supporting the colleges that educate our young doctors…And drug reps-they ought to be shot in my opinion! So read as much as you can about this drug and make the educated decision yourself. If nearly 20,000 people have signed a petition against Wyeth and its drug, Effexor how many thousands more have suffered like I have described? Nobody else should have to go through this! This is not just a prozac or a zoloft here-this is a POWERFUL drug and should be treated as such. You don’t see doctors casually prescribing drugs like Lithium to people because it “might” be helpful for a condition-absolutely not! Effexor should be no different. The potential problems from it are often hidden and by the time you realize it-its too late! You think that the new one may be better or safer-its probably not-its just to avoid losing the revenue when the patent on Effexor runs out! So why trust another drug by the same company? Stay away from these anti-depressant drugs made by Wyeth!!!

Shannon, I am so very sorry you are suffering with this. I have only been doing it 2 weeks after having taken pristiq for 9 months. I guess if I quadruple the nightmare I am going through I would be in your shoes. It is terrifying but you can survive this. My f*d up doc put me on pristiq to lose weight. OMG! He only read the first two lines of the instructional pamphlet then prescribed this poison to a pt with sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes. This caused seratonin toxicity 5 months ago and he just kept adding meds instead of ‘fessing up and admitting his mistake.

I started on Pristiq about a month ago. Even though they are similar, it must be somewhat different from Effexor XR because I tried it before and it made me really sick. With Pristiq, I had a just a little bit of dizziness and nausea but it went away after a week or so. It made me feel a lot better by the third week but I wouldn’t say I feel as great now in the fifth week. We’ll see. I say give it a try and monitor your symptoms/possible side effects carefully. It may work or it may not but everyone is different and it is worth a try if you suffer from depression.

I’ve been on Pristiq for 2 full weeks after being on Effexor XR225 for 3 years. I’ve noticed that I sleep more soundly than I have in years and I wake refreshed instead of dragging my rear out of the bed every morning. I haven’t noticed weight gain/loss.
So all in all, I’m going to keep monitoring the situation and keep thanking God that he gave us brains to figure out our maladies instead of just having to live with them.

The more I read about this stuff, the more convinced I am that no one should be on it. It is a killer and wyeth knew it all along. Ssri’s are not safe at any dosage nor are they safe for any length of time. Please look into these before it is too late. They cause depression for pity’s sake. Why take a pill that is known to cause depression when that is supposed to be the reason you are taking it?

After being on again and off again effexor for several years, my doctor gave me Pristiq to try to help the anxiety that i continued to feel. While I have only been on this drug for a week, I have felt much better. I feel like I have more energy, am more focused (which has been a problem) and just more alive. I hope this continues. Will keep you posted

Nancy, please read at least a few of the previous posts on this board. Everyone feels ok for the first couple weeks, then slowly this stuff loses effectiveness (it is effexor after all) and starts wreaking havoc with your body.

I took pristiq for a week and felt anxious and feverish and just awful so i stopped a few days ago. I have had the most terrible dizziness and nausea. I hope it goes away soon because i cant function properly being this dizzy all the time. Has this happened to anyone? How long does it last? Be careful of this drug!

This worked like a charm for 2 weeks. Then it really pooped out on me. My depression is back, worse as before.
I also have terrible insomnia and trouble achieving multiple orgasms, as I could before taking Pristiq.
I’ve lost 80% of the sensation in my clitoris and nipple areas.
(I can only pray this isnt permanent. any other ladies experience this side effect?)

Pros.. I lost weight initially and had bountiful energy. But like i said, that subsided after 14 days.

I guess I will just stay on it because its one of the only meds i can afford through an assistance program.

I meant to say “not as bad as before”. It alleviates some of my symptoms, but I still have lots of negative thoughts, unexplained sadness, etc.

I am terrified. I have never taken meds before and I am actually seeking professional attention for the first time at the age of 24 after a life time of stress and depression. I pray, I read, I journal and use positive affirmations. I started too feel completely out of control (crying, angry outbursts, suicide attempts, quit my job, no social life, risky behaviors). I dont doubt that it is clinical depression, but there has to be a better solution. My psychiatrist immediately pushed meds and I tried Zoloft for a week. Anxious, sweaty, unfocused, crazy… So he switched me to Pristiq. Both he and my therapist keep talking about the importance of me finding the right drug. When is someone going to do some real therapy and help me cope?! I dont want to be one of these people spending years and years bouncing from one drug to the next blaming it for the bad and giving it credit for the good. There has got to be a better way. I want my life.

I count my blessings that I did not undergo the horrendous withdrawals I have read about from the effexor xr. My heart goes out to you that have suffered so much!

I took 300mg of ef xr for 1 year, back in 2004, when my workers comp doc 1st diagnosed me w/major clinical depression and sad, gad. It followed a 2 week stint on Lexapro that did nothing but make me ball my eyes out all day for absolutely no reason! After moving across country from Fl to Cali, I took myself off ef xr cold turkey because I felt “all better.” No withdrawals what so ever. But then again, I had just taken up crystal meth, so if I did have withdrawals, I thought it was the crystal. I do recall feeling electric shocks in my brain, but my boyfriend, (now my husband, praise the LORD!) said he got them too, so I thought it was from the crystal.

I got back on the effexor after a few months, as Cali has a great health program for the poor, at least for the poor who lived in S. Lake Tahoe! But I was concerned about doing meth and taking AD’s together, and I was getting pretty heavy into the drug use, shooting up, staying up for a week at a time.

My daughter (youngest) at 7y was kidnapped, and my boyfriend’s ex had just killed their 4 y old son and 2 other people in a horrific head on collision, so we were in a crushing grief and he had prior experience with meth and I wanted to try it cause I was told it makes you want to clean your house, and helps curb your appetite. I had no idea of the “spun-out trip” I would be on for the next 3 1/2 years! We shot up every day for a year, until I got so delusional and paranoid my bf had to take me to the ER. They gave me a shot of halidol, and I eventully passed out and they sent me home.

After that, I decided I needed to get help, not for my addiction, but for my mental health. I went to health and welfare, and they put me back on effexor. It helped, I had developed panic attacks, especially in grocery stores. I really wanted counseling, but we had to take my truck to the scrapper, so I couldn’t get to meetings as I couldn’t depend on a ride. We tried to stay clean, and managed to cut way back on our using, from nearly every day, to 2-3 times a month for me. My bf was sneaking much, much more, but he hid it from me cause he was worried about my mental state.

the effexor did work for awhile, but I just didn’t take it regularly, really pretty sporadically!

We ended up moving to Idaho, a friend had invited us to come out and get a fresh start. We vowed to stay away from anyone affiliated with meth. My bf and I knew if I was going to get well, we had to stay clean. That lasted until we became homeless, and were camping out on the Snake river for about 6 weeks. That last week, someone came to the river to camp and they had some meth, and we smoked it with him. I hardly had any, but got all paranoid and crazy again. I hid it pretty well though.

Finally, we got a house, and while walking our dog and our wolf one day, we noticed a white wolf chained in front of this house down the road. A girl came out to talk to us as she had seen our beautiful wolf, Autumn. We could tell she was wired on crank.

We made a mental note of it, so we could get to know her and get a hook-up for meth. A few weeks went by, and we got her to get us some. It was total bunk! We ended up getting in some trouble with the law, and viewed it as a wake up call from God.

We stayed clean for about 6 months, than messed up again. We regretted it instantly. And again managed to stay clean for 6 or 7 months. Since being in Idaho, we have used maybe 8-10 times in the 2 years we have been here.

We kept praying to God to take the desire to use from us. It is definately working!!! In the meantime, I went back to mental health in July of 2008. For the 1st time, I was honest with my new doc about my prior drug use. He put me on nortryptiline. I hadn’t used meth in nearly a year, but I am here to tell you, if felt like I had just done a big blast. I was hallucinating HARD. I had extreme paranoia, to the point I thought my bf and our 2 friends we had known for 4 years were out to get me! I actually had to call the crisis line, first time I ever did that in my life! I could not stop crying, hysterically! Crisis line was no help whatsoever. It was the weekend and I wanted my doc so bad! I had to wait til wednesday!

Well, I went home and went to sleep. Woke up feeling fine. Got on the web and researced nortrypt. Says not to use in bipolar patients—-bad reaction.

So when I went to doc and told him all that had happened, he started asking me questions more in depth than he had when I first saw him. He gave me a bipolar dx!!!

He put me on the number 1 med he said he would take if he were bipolar (which he is not) Lamectal. Wow, that stuff made me feel so happy!!! But, I got the Stevens Johnson syndrome with it (life threatening) so I had to quit immediately. Bummer!

He had me on seroquel too, which did help with the paranoia, and helps me sleep better. We tried cymbalta (yuck!) Lithium, and when I couldn’t tolerate it, he put me on Prisiq, along with the seroquel. That was 4 months ago. He told me it helps with fatigue, and to take it in the morning so it wouldn’t keep me up at night. Even his nurse commented that if I take it any later than 12 noon, I wouldn’d be able to sleep. That got me jazzed, cus even before my meth use, I was always so low energy (the main reason I was attracted to meth was for energy!)

I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue. Have had 2 neck surgeries with hip bone from my own hips in place of the discs that were blown out in 2 different accidents 10 years apart, major knee surgery in 2001, partial hysterectomy also in 2001, much needed but unaffordable shoulder surgery, arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylosis. Basically a good candidate for pain management, but alas, here in Idaho there is no help for the poor!

I stayed the course throuh the Pristiq side effects, because my doc had told me there are 23 different meds for the bipolar, and it is just a matter of what works for each individual. I did not want to be one who went through them all.

Immediately I noticed the boost of energy. I had spent months in bed, and I was sick of it! I jumped out of bed happily….wow! I did have dry mouth, frequent bms, headache, all tolerable.

Then I got the no orgasm side effect. I knew it too would pass, and now I am happy to say that it has! MY darling, incredible man and I got married October 17, 2008. We went to hell and back, to borrow a quote from June Carter Cash describing her and Johnny, but with God’s grace we made it, and we couldn’t be happier!

I don’t believe any drug is perfect, but I know that I need to be on something to level me out, and that when I think I am “cured” is just a sign the meds are working. Having read all these posts has really helped me to be thankful for my wonderful, patient, understanding doctor. Thankful for my incredible husband, truly a gift from God! Thankful for all your stories and this forum. I have yet to get into any counseling, but telling my story to fellow mental health patients feels good.

I noticed my post is the only one that mentions illicit drug use, and I hope I have not offended anyone. I am just being real. I want you all to know my true story so that I would have the opportunity to tell you all how Jesus saved me, pulled me out of that deep dark pit, forgave me for my self-destructive behavior, cleaned me up, and gave me the courage and desire to glorify His holy name by giving my testimony.

For those of you who don’t yet know the love of Jesus, I urge you to step out in faith, believe that He is God’s Son, who came to earth and died for us, so that we could be forgiven for our sins and be accepted by our Creator, our Heavenly Father God, and receive the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Without Jesus, my husband and I would probably still be shooting up meth, if we were still alive. He kept us alive to tell our story, and help others who are going down that road. Believe in Him, He is real, and He loves you so very much.

Thank you for listenting, and I pray each and every one of you finds the perfect combination of meds for your condition. The Great Physician is able to meet all your needs, physical and emotional and spiritual, if you will let Him.

God bless you, be free!!! Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Love, Heather

I have tried nearly every drug known to man and gave up for a long time until I just couldn’t cope and luckily there was this new pill called Pristiq that my Dr said we could try. Of course I got online and researched the crap out of it and was very discouraged by what I read. I decided it was my last ditch effort so I started it despite all the negative feedback and lo and behold I feel like a different person. I mean I am me but a newer happier, calmer, anxiety free (for the first time without benzos) me FINALLY something that worked. I can’t tell you how nice it is to get up and look forward to my life. I haven’t lost my temper once since week one and I smile non stop.
I hope no one else gets discouraged by negative posts and it keeps them from trying something that just may be their miracle in a pill. Everyone is different so if you like me have almost given up and are settling for a life of depression and anxiety PLEASE try Pristiq first and give it at least 3-4 weeks.

Best,
Jenny

Some of these comments scare me as it sounds as if the people are diagnosing themselves. The one comment where the person was on Effexor for 8 years; then started Pristiq and added Effexor in — YOU CAN’T DO THAT! Plus, it takes months to wean off Effexor!!!

Also, someone who has bipolar wrote in and said they feel they want to hurt their kids on Pristiq! Hello! If you have bipolar, you can’t ONLY be on an anti-depressant as it will make you MANIC! You need a stabilizer too.

Geesh!

What are the DIFFERENCES (supposedly) of Effexor and Pristiq? Is this just a Wyeth scam?

I was on Effexor for 6 years and it took me 6 MONTHS to wean off of it completely — I got head “zaps” dizziness, nausea, confusion. It FINALLY subsided. Makes you wonder what these drugs are actually doing to your brain!

I have terrible depression and I never get “high” like manic, or do stupid things, but I get VERY IRRITABLE, either ON or OFF anti-depressants.

Anyone have any suggestions for what Rx’s might work best?

As a pharmacologist by training I must take issue with your statement concerning Pristiq that “this is the first time a drug co. has shown that a lower dose is more effective than a higher dose” to the contrary every product on the market for any disease state or condition has a dosage at which the efficacy does not improve with dosage escalation. The real issue here is why is a lower dose effective? The amount of drug available in the systemic circulation immediately upon dosing is greater with Pristiq because it has been combined with a succinate salt (greatly enhances absorption).

The comment by Lilith about starting Pristiq and feeling no drug works and just wanting to end it makes me feel sad because that’s exactly how I feel sometimes (well, a lot of the time lately).

I have never been prescibed Effexor, I actually was first on Zoloft 50mg for anxiety dealing with a transition over a year ago. I stopped taking Zoloft once I felt more comfortable and my doctor said it was safe to. Within the last few months, I had been feeling an onset of deep sadness, which I hadn’t felt since a member of my family had died years back, and I went to see my doctor. Oddly, he put me back on Zoloft. Since I had been feeling depression-like symptoms and not anxiety-like (which I would have recognized) I went back within 6 weeks expressing no positive change.

My doctor then gave me a few sample packs of Pristiq, claiming this would be targeted for my depression and should work. Almost immediately after starting Pristiq, my anxiety returned, possibly stronger than it has been before. My common symptoms in the past were waking up with stomach pangs, racing thoughts, trouble breathing, yadda yadda yadda. But with Pristiq, I have those symptoms along with lack of appetite and EXTREME sleeping problems.

I normally take 1-2 hours to fall asleep and that never bothered me much. Now, I cannot fall asleep before 1 am, and I wake only a few hours later, unable to return back to sleep before I have to start my day. I have been on Pristiq for 2 weeks now and am shocked how much of a negative impact the side effects have had. Last night, I literally did not sleep at all. I have slept 5 hours wihtin the past two days and am getting noticible dark circles under my eyes.

I’m disappointed with Pristiq primarily because it didn’t have ANY positive effects. Not one. Sure, I might be jumping the gun by saying it doesn’t work for me, and I’ll give it a few more weeks but I don’t know how much more I can take. I’d rather deal with mild depression than immense anxiety.

I am only a teenager…

My husband was given samples of Pristiq by his doctor. (Samples, samples, samples … anyone else notice a pattern.) He had been on Lexapro for about a year. He has had trouble sleeping, actually going to sleep was easier, staying asleep was the problem. Doc though the Pristiq would help with the sleep issue.

He was on them for 2 full weeks when he went overseas on a business trip. It was not long before he began experiencing horrible depression and thoughts of dying (not suicide but just wanting to go to sleep and not wanting to wake up). His requested an immedidate return home and thankfully his company agreed. He has an appointment with the Doc upon his arrival.

Question — has anyone else experienced an increased level of depression on Pristiq?

For those who have found Pristiq is a good med for them, great.

(In the meantime, as I read all of your postings I find it very interesting the doctors are giving out samples like they are stickers for being a good little patient at the doctor’s office. GRRR)

I don’t feel that I am depressed but I do have anxiety attacks often. They are not so bad that people notice but I do stress over everything just like my mother did. I have been diagnosed in the past with OCD. A few years ago I started taking Lexapro and loved it. It seemed to stop working for me and it did cause weight gain so I tapered off of it. When I went to the doctor a few months ago complaining of shortness of breath, she said it was anxiety and prescribed Prisiq. I was only able to take it a few days (samples of course) and couldn’t take the insomnia. I have wanted to try it again but then I remember how hard it is to get off these drugs. I still have anxiety but I am wondering if it’s not better to try and live with it. Has anyone had luck using it for anxiety? Another reason I don’t want to take it is that our HR person blabs to everyone what medicines that you are on. I know it’s supposed to confidential but it’s not in our office.

Hi have been off effexor for 4 months & my doc gave me pristiq. I took it before I went to bed & woke up with my eyes dilated, cotton mouth & felt like I was having with drawls even though I havent been on Effexor for 4 months. I could move at all today & i felt like I was just coming down on drugs, blurred vision, major anxiety, xanax took the edge off but just a little bit. I have never had such horrible side effects from one day of an antidepressant & I have tried a few. This stuff is gnarly. Also - I have mild depression and I read in the first notes from a Pristiq rep that is for Adult Major Depressive Disorder. My doc told me is a purer form of Effexor but that is BS. Effexor never made me feel this way. Docs give it to you because they are loyal to the reps & get perks from them that sales for you. This is horrible medication. I hope it wears off in a week like it states because I will go nuts. Especially reading everyone, everyone is having bad side effects & its not withdraw

I am a 17 (18 in two months) year old female. I have just been diagnosed with severe depression a few days ago and i was completely oblivious to the fact that other people werent feeling the same things i was without being sick. I thought it was just normal :]. My dr. prescribed me Pristiq and counceling (im not to sure about the counceling but its not like i have much of a choice). i am 135 lbs so im not to fond of losing or gaining weight wich makes me a bit shy to it but whats a few pounds for happiness :D. I start taking it in three days and my dad is taking me to some nice little tourist town for the weekend to get away. I think its because he doesnt know how i will react to the medicine and after reading some side effects i would probably do the same.I will post back on how it works out for me. Im actually a little scared, reading all the things i have read about it. Its also a bit weird to me that he would put me on something that adults that are way older than me ( no offense !) are on.

first morning on pristiq so far no side effects (but its only bin a short while since ive taken it like an hour or so) other than feelin a little nauseated and i couldnt finish my breakfast. also a weird sort of floaty feeling. my heart raced almost 15 minutes after i took it and has slowed but stayed at a quicker than usual rythm. : / i have school in a couple hours i hope real bad side effects dont kick in there :[

wow i deffinately said so far no side effects then listed about four haha. scratch that

got through the day without any real bad side effects im very please. did not help my depression of course its the first day but i had a feeling of emotionlessness for a while. will post back in about a week

I’ve been clinically depressed for decades. Not continually, but I’d have prolonged very dark periods. I’ve been “stuck” in my circumstances for years and my brother strongly encouraged me to finally take action on my own behalf. So I consulted my family physician who prescribed Pristiq.

I read this forum, wanting to compare and contrast Pristiq with Effexor XR, as there was a substantial difference in price. I concluded that people’s side-effects on Pristiq were their own, not mine, and I would begin.

I immediately observed a number of subtle yet profound positive changes, and these shifts have persisted. I’ve been taking Pristiq for about 10 weeks.

First, I’ve only had a few fleeting moments of darkness. And I can recognize the darkness quickly, and notice that it’s foreign to my now not-dark state. Also, I’ve been exercising and training all my life, but hadn’t in more than a month. After beginning Pristiq, I immediately went back to the gym - it was a natural segue.

Immediately, I become much more active and productive. I’ve always been busy with many projects - now I’m much more efficient and I get a lot more done in a day. And very importantly, I’ve given up much - if not most - of my resentment and annoyance at the work I have in front of me.

Remarkably, my dreams [while asleep] have become much more interesting and much less threatening and scary. Bad things frequently happened in my dreams. Now I’m on adventures. Complicated plot-like activities are going on. And, my dreams are much more vivid - I remember long snatches of conversaation and much of the content when I wake up. I’m not buried under a vague morass of malaise and unhappiness.

There are other wonderful unexpected benefits of Pristiq’s normalization of my brain chemistry. My singing is much freer and much more on key. I’ve developed a new passion for the music of Miles Davis - for all my preceding years I found his music disturbing and unpleasant. Now I find it fascinating and uplifting and creative. As well, I have a brand new interest in Metallica.

So, singing, Miles Davis, and Metallica - for me, this implies that my horizons are broadening and I’ve been able to let go of a lot of baggage. I don’t know what that baggage was - and don’t care. It’s gone and that’s good.

I’ve had minimal side effects with Pristiq. For the first few days I had mild constipation, but that resolved quickly. And the first two nights I took a little longer to fall asleep, but that also resolved immediately. No other side effects.

The notion that my issue was a brain chemistry imbalance is very freeing. I’d always felt there was something deeply wrong with me - the depression was something wrong. Now I think the depression was a direct result of a brain chemistry imbalance. Pristiq restores my normal brain chemistry, and I have been returned to my normal state of happiness and creativity.

In response to Layla…
yes my depression got much worse after being on it for less than 3 weeks. I also became extremely tired, irrational, and had suicidal ideations.

Hello, my name is Tosha. This is my first time being on any AD, so I don’t actually know what to expect from them. I did feel horrible during my first 2 weeks but I feel fine now. My concern is about bleeding between periods. If anyone has experiencd this while taking PRISTIQ, please let me know how long it lasts. This I don’t like.

I have been on PRISTIQ for about 2 weeks now. I went to my Dr. for what I thought was ADD and she told me that I was severely depressed.Until now I didn’t realize that I was holding so much stuff in
and that it was doing this to me. Other than not sleeping well the first three nights, and head aches the first two days and having an extra period this month (this I hope doesn’t continue)I have had more energy than I have had in years and I don’t think about food 24/7. So far so good!

Pristiq did not work for me at all. I had been on Effexor XR a year or so prior to starting Pristiq. I wanted something that worked the same wasy, but was less toxic to the liver. I tried the 50mg dose for 1 month and then went up to 100mg for another 2 months. It was a waste of money at $50 a month with insurance. I’m now back on Effexor and starting to feel better. I also take a low dose of Elavil q HS and 100mg of Lyrica q HS and prn.

General antidepressants are not for bipolar disorder. There are other medications that work well and some that will stabilize moods. I am a nurse working in psychiatry and know this very well. Pristiq does not usually cause weight gain in individuals but more often weight loss.
Remember that all medications act differently in different individuals. What is good for one may not be good or effective for another.
Also, remember that side effects often occur within the first few days to few weeks and often go away after a while. Most often those who stop the medication do not give it a chance to let your body adjust to it. Do not stop it until you talk to your doctor! Doing so could cause more problems and more serious effects! Call your Doctor and tell him what problems you are having and follow his instructions.

I have never taken antidepressants because I never needed them until several months ago. I have been on Pristiq for 2 months now and it has absolutely worked wonders for me. I just wished I would have taken it sooner because I was extremely irratable, especially with everyone around me from my children to my co-workers to my friends. I lost the energy and drive to do the things I liked to do and I would not be able to do those things w/o Pristiq. I don’t know how other meds affect people but after having depression for 5 years and just now getting relief, I really hope others will find relief some way too, whether, it is thru Prisitq, Prozac, Cymbalta or something else. I haven’t experienced any weight gain at all, in fact, I don’t get hungry like I used to or think of food like I used to but then I guess that’s because I find delight in doing other things besides eating. I esperienced all the side effects the first week then they tapered off by the second week. I have been able to get a good nights sleep, which I hadn’t had in 5 years. What does bother me a bit is that I do get sleepy during the day but if I take a 10min nap during break or lunch, it usually takes care of the problem. I feel more centered and focused. I can concentrate better and am not forgetful like before. Pristiq has really given me a little hope and better outlook on my daily living…

About Lilith on or about May 17th commented she is so irritable and ready to hurt her children”???? Did anyone find concern in that ? I know we are all trying to cope an express but somethings work for some and some things work for others but to feel she is that unstable says her doctor should have her off of that quickly and monitored to restablize her since she has kids. I would want the same. I hope she is fine by this time. We all have extreme moments

I’m am currently on Effexor 300 mg and Valium 5mg up to 3 times a day. I am on the medication for panic disorder and extreme anxiety. Today my doctor recommended I go on Pristiq. Being an anxious person I hate going on medicine and worry about side effects. I am slowly coming off the Effexor and going onto the Pristiq. I took Paxil for about 4 years and was taken off of it. I was weened off of it but nothing was given to me while I was being weened off of it. It was so horrible. I said I will never go through that again. I felt crazy! I am scared to try this new medicine, but I need something. I am really scared though.

About 4 yrs ago I was having a major depressive episode. I think depression has been part of my picture for most of my life–I think it’s part of my family’s genetic picture. But this time was worse and it was making life unmanageable. I couldn’t get any work done and while not suicidal, I was thinking about death a lot.

I went to see a wonderful psychiatrist who put me on Effexor XR. It changed my life!! It was one of the best decision I have ever made. I felt emotionally better within days. I did not, however, like the side effects of going on Effexor. I felt nasuea and headaches for the first two weeks that made me want to quit. But I rode it out and those effects went away.

One of the “bonus” things I found was that Effexor reduced my overall anxiety dramatically. I wasn’t aware how much it affected my life and what a pain in the ass I was to be around. I went as high as 225 mg/day on Effexor but eventually dropped to 150 mg as a good dose for me. The 225 mg level gave me “brain zap” sensations from time to time.

But I gained a lot of weight, which I think I probably can’t blame totally on Effexor. I think being peri-menopausal, being too sedentary, life stresses, etc. add into that picture, but Effexor seems to make the weight stick like glue for me.

So this year, I felt like I was in a good enough place I wanted to try something different to see if I could eliminate the weight. My psychiatrist recommended trying Pristiq at 50 mg. My transition was really very easy. I did NOT taper off Effexor at all. I went right to Pristiq per my pdoc’s instructions. I had a some of that headachy & nausea stuff in week one, but not bad really and not as bad as when I started Effexor.

I did find that 50 mg. of Pristiq was not enough and my doc bumped me to 100 mg. That fixed the mood stuff that I didn’t feel was being addressed at 50 mg., but now I am concerned about my blood pressure. I think it’s gotten very high on the 100 mg. level and will be seeing my primary care doctor about this soon.

I have lost 10 lbs since I got onto Pristiq, not nearly what I want to lose. But now it feels like I *can* lose weight with increased activity and cutting back on how much I’m eating.

Overall, both Effexor and Pristiq have been very, very effective for my depression and anxiety. I really wanted to post this for all of you who are reading all of the messages of complaints. I just want to really stress how much you cannot tell how these drugs will work for YOU without trying them. And if you do give it a try, try to have some supportive friends and/or family help you during the time you’re trying them. It sure helped me.

The positive change in my life being on these medications has been huge for me (and my partner!!). I will never again accept living with depression. Life is so much better now. I’m still broke, I still worry, bad things still happen in my life, but I can experience joy and happiness too! I hope each and everyone of you reading this finds the right answer that works for you. Please keep trying until you find that answer.

Best wishes to all.

I had to switch from Effexor to Pristiq when I lost my job and health insurance (some psychiatrists are giving out samples like candy). I don’t know whether it was from the Pristiq or withdrawing from the effexor but I gained a bunch of weight. I have hunger pains from the supposed “New Effexor” that I never had before I started the Pristiq. I also have been really moody. I just decided to go back to Effexor and pay for the meds, rather then deal with the emotional/physical distress I’ve been going thorough on Pristiq.

hello im glad that your here involving us them and those. i have been on effexor xr since 2002. just recently in april 2009 i decided that enough was enough and that i had to do something and take charge because nobody had any clue to what it was like to be in my body. one day back in 2002 i was shopping in the grocery store with my boyfriend by my side and so suddenly i found my self flat out on the store floor,i was crying i was scared i thought that i had been shot in the back,i lay looking up at my boyfriend and asked him what had just happened.since them i have become to understand that what was happening was my brain was giving off electrical shocks and it would travel down my spine and it would exit out my heels my best bet was to stop sit and dont even move, not even blink an eye and just lay flat out on my back and focus on one spot on the celing. afterwards it leaves me feeling emotional with drawn from the loved ones especially the children because one minute im perectly normal then the next minute im in bad shape. i have a regular physican and i have told him of these issues on more then one occasion and i try to address this on every visit. you know it took me by supprise. i have been diognosed with deppresion,vertigo i get dizzy,ringing in my ears i wouild get the jitters like every time i would take the medications,i also would throw up and my gag reflexs would get like totally out of control my bowels were any where from all normal to constipation.one day i had noticed that my bowels looked normal except that you could see small white specles,i freaked i called the doctor made a lab appt took in a sample and was later called and told everything was normal.i was told that you can ingest effexor by opening the capsule and simply sprinkle it on some yogart,and so twice a day i take 150mg capsule i decided one day to wean myself free of the effexor and wouldnt you know that i dont have the tiny white beads in my stools any more. my bladder is week my vision was 20/20 its now on to glasss, hot sweats headaches and i never suffered from any kind of headachs or eyeache,very emotional cant sleep and if i force myself to sleep anxiety stricks, once i do fall to sleep its then hard to get up.im weaning off of the effexor xr due to all of these symptoms and more. i have completly STOPPED i do feel wounderful have had very few episodes of the shocking in my brain and those shocks that im refering to as (FEW) only lasted for the first at most seven days and really they were diffrent in there attach to me it sounds silly but it made my brain feel like it was falling off a ledge or say a shelf lol. i dont have as many sleep issues any more i dont sleep ten to sixteen hours a day any more and im up when everybody else gets up. i have more control over MY LIFE rather then the effexor having the control.im learning how to meditate and by doing that im turning my own energy into this fighting mechanism that is like an army of one. my defense is to mentally attack the shoking syndrom by replacing it with simply pleasure such as laughing or giggling that way when the shocking dose happen my energy is up and running and the defense is to kill off the impulses, few are going to laugh and i expect that to happen you have to remember we are in control of our own feelings and actions. and no i dont laugh out loud nor do i act out loud in foolishness. alot of your proffesional doc lawyers judges try to wounder what they do to keep there selfs to a much calmer person im sure the practice meditating. im a 46 yr old grandmother and a mother of three im 5ft 3in tall 140 lb with atlete body. im thankful and blessed to come this far and to me it dosnt matter how tall you are or your physical statue or how much you weigh. depression can cancer on any one its lously hateful very jealous and smothering and it can claim any one. Depression seems to increase by the thousands i never knew that the impact was so intense. Good Nite to all of us them and those. sonja,north bend oregon

I thought I would add to all the ohter effexor people, changing to pristiq. I’m a 24 yr old female. Who in the last few months has been around the ringer. I started taking effexor in 2004 for server anxiety disorder and post-tramatic stress. I would also use ativan when needed. I had many many side effects with effexor. You name it I had it! So I went off the effexor by weaning. On to welbutrin, from that to cipralex to a few others and in the end I eneded up far worse that I had been in the the last few years. So now I’m taking pristiq and welbutrin in the morning, and seroquel at night! If you ask me this is complete B.S. I wish so much that a few years back I would have sought out professional help using cbt. Then I wouldn’t be in this dependable state of the money making medication madness.

I have been on every psychotropic drug I have ever heard of since first being talked into medicating my life long depression in about 1991. I am now 66 and trying to find some way to end my life without it being apparent that it was at my own hand. I took Effexor XR from around 1995 until Pristiq came out. I was told that it is a metabolite of Effexor with fewer side effects. I have not noticed any fewer side effects. I take 40mg dexedrine SR in the morning along with 100 mg Nuvigil and supplement the stimulants twice more daily with 30 mg Adderal (amphetimine sulfate) as I feel the depression deepening and my focus waning. I have not been able to work for 6 years, since I made the mistake of telling my firm of my struggle. I was gone withing 3 months as I might be a risk to the firm. I & they knew I could ot stand the torment they would heap on me if I sought a legal remedy. I titrated off all my drugs (without Dr. approval) in late 2006 and was rewarded with 17 shock treatments (ECT). They did not seem to have any effect and, in a zombie like response to the doctors, I went back on the medications. I am still so depressed that I simply want to leave quietly and apparently normally to avoid causing the pain that I read suicide causes in a family. Oh, did I mention that I take 20 mg Sonata and clozanapam at night. I am a legal drug addict with no relief in sight. I tried CBT without noticable effect.

For Mike,

Mike, this is only my humble opinion (IMHO):

I have been treated for 24 years for depression and then finally diagnosed correctly as bipolar. I do know what it feels like to suffer depression your whole life. I am 56 years old. I do believe that bipolar illness is my correct lifelong diagnosis. It sounds to me like perhaps you are not located in the United States because I do not recognize some of the names of the meds you have taken? Medications are a must for me if I want to optimize the quality of my life. But there are additional factors I cannot live without.

First, I have a deep spiritual connection to a power greater than myself. I can honestly say that it was this connection that got me through my darkest hours of despair. I am not, in any way, speaking of religion. I am speaking of faith in a loving, all caring being. He/She is with me constantly and guides me when I am lost and desperate.

Second, I have only recently learned that, contrary to my own preferences, I cannot barricade myself in my home and struggle with my demons alone. I need people to laugh with, to cry with, people who understand what my suffering is about, people to rejoice with when I feel good, and people to care about when they struggle with their illnesses. This gives my life meaning.
This is hard for me because I am a loner personality. But I have had to learn to change.

I don’t know if this helps but please consider what I have said. Suicide is a crappy solution to the ills of this life.

I have been on Effexor XR for 12 years. I pay cash for this med. For the past two years I have been ordering it from Canada Drugs (just google them to find their site) and it is much cheaper. You can get the cheapest generics from India. But their production standards are not the same as in the US or the UK. So I get the generic from the UK through Canada Drugs. It’s still substantially less than paying cash in the US pharmacies. While it is still not legal to order drugs from Canada if you live in the US (like I do), I have never had a problem receiving them. I don’t want to switch to Pristiq. I am fortunate that 300mg Effexor XR works for me, even after 12 years. For those in a real financial bind, you can get the non-extended release formula of Effexor in a generic. It is cheap, but you have to take it 3x a day. Wyeth-Ayerst does not have an indigent (poor Person) program unless you are below the poverty level. However, other companies do. I am also on Seroquel (made by Astra Zeneca) and I receive it FREE after I have spent 3% of my annual income on medications (ANY prescribed medication, from ANY company, not just AZ drugs). For example someone who earns $20,000 will get their meds free after they have spent $600 dollars. This is a God send because Seroquel is expensive. So in the end maybe check out each companies indigent patient program before you get on a new drug, especially the newly available. The newest are not always the best. Look at Lithium — it’s been around forever and is still considered the best drug for bipolar. The side effects SUCK, so no one prescribes it. But it works. So maybe we sacrifice efficacy for ease of use. It’s an individual thing as far as what you’re willing to tolerate (side effects, dosing regimen, etc.)

One thing to note from a scientific point of view, no one really understands the brain chemistry behind these drugs. It’s not like we can crack a head open and check on a person’s serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc. levels and activity. So don’t give up. Be your own best advocate in finding the right regimen. No one is the same. It’s all individual biochemistry (I have a PhD in biochemistry). So when you read another person’s experience, take it into consideration, but not as fact.

Be well. Take care of yourself. There is always hope.

Our Pdoc gave my 16 year old daughter samples of Pristiq 8 weeks ago. She was on Prozac. We tried zoloft, wellbutrin, abilify, Lexapro, and celexa. She suffers from severe social anxiety with comobib depression. The first two weeks she had a little bit of a rough time. At two weeks she told me she was very depressed and wanted me to call the Doc. I did but, our doc was on vacation. I would have to bring her in to see the partner. Only trusting her own doc she told me she would hang on for the next week. By the time that week was up she was completely changed. Like a miracle! She was happy, social, less irritable, more in control. She even invited people over-something she has never done! She told the doc she was at a 2 and now she’s a 9. Turned out she just needed that extra week. She has had no side effects other than a decreased appetite, some sweating, and a headache once when she skipped her dose. It is worth giving some time for the medicine to take hold. After 2 years of trying different meds, it is awesome to see how happy my daughter is now. Thanks Pristiq!

Just finished reading everyone’s posts…wow…lots of stuff going on. For me, I can tell you that I have been on Pristiq for 6 days and can already tell that its working. I had a stress related/panic attack at work and was sent to the emergency room for high blood pressure. The ER doctor treated me and sent me to a GP –that’s where I learned of the rx. Since then, I have probably lost about 8 pounds…I make myself eat because I really have no appetite. But, I’m ok with that. Also, starting on the 4th day I started feeling like my myself. I can only hope that this continues. I have so much energy and really am thankful for the dr who helped me. One thing that is bothersome is a constant headache BUT thats such a small thing compared to the tremendous stress I was under. Good Luck to everyone.

I wanted to try to help with my comments here. Pristiq, and other anti-depressents, are not treatments for bi-polar illness in general, but for the depression part of it. It is to treat the symptoms, not to mean the person has depression.

Likewise, lower dosages of some bi-polar medications can be helpful for people with long-term, stubborn depression. This is almost always a small dosage meant to “boost” the original antidepressant. It doesn’t mean the person has bi-polar illness.

I have been diagnosed with long-term, atypical depression and tried many typical antidepressants. Like a great deal of people they were helpful, but the side effects made resuming a normal life difficult (for me it was the “sexual side effect” that made orgasm & arousal difficult).

I’ve been very happy with Pristiq — it is the first antidepressant with so little side effects!! However, for me personally, it is not as strong as Effexor, and I am working my way through different meds to “boost” it and get to enough relief. My doctor doesn’t want to give me more than 200 mg.

Well, just my experience than Pristiq can be great if your primary thing is you have really annoying side affects with Effexor or similar drugs. Also, 37.5 mg isn’t enough to do anything (although this worked well for a petite, female friend). Boosting is common, it is okay if the drug works decently but “not enough”, you have other choices.

Thank you all so much for you community spirit and sharing you comments, much love.

Pristiq in not indicated for Bi-polar. If you are taking this drug get off it. It is contraindicated for mania.

i have taken Effexor XR - 75mg most of the time - for four or five years now after unsuccessfully trying many other things. I have an undetermined “mood disorder” - has not been identified as bipolar or depression. I had been feeling great and decided the RX was getting too expensive (I pay cash now) so my pdoc and I mutually agreed that I was fine to stop the Effexor XR. After a VERY GRUELING withdrawal that lasted over a month, I mean I didn’t know if I could make it through, those withdrawal feelings finally went away. I was so sure at that point that I would NEVER take Effexor again, after such an awful time getting off of it.

Now, three months later, I am again depressed and extremely anxious. Wondering if I am truly over the withdrawal? Can it take longer than most think? I wake up with a stabbing sensation in my gut (right below my two ribs in front) and dread at getting out of bed. I can’t eat and have lost 10 lbs. Everything in every moment is hard to do. I meditate, take vitamins, exercise most days at least 30-60min, and have been trying everything I know possible to alleviate this depression/anxiety pain.

To be certain, lIfe circumstances are changing, stressors are rising, my dog of 17 years died, and I need a job. So, I called my doctor to tell her I think I need to go back on the Effexor XR. I went in to see her today and she very strongly suggested I begin taking Pristiq. She said it’s just like Effexor - same stuff - and it’s free because she has samples. I started today with my first 50mg. I am suspicious of the “free” aspect of this medication. So far my side effects are as follows: dry mouth, sore throat, blurry vision, extreme diarrhea/gas, sweating, trembles, and a constant dull head ache. But guess what - the stabbing sensation in my gut went away.

From some posts here it sounds like the withdrawal is just as bad as that of coming off of Effexor XR? Would this be accurate? I do need something. Don’t know if I should just go back to Effexor, which is about to be or is now cheaper now that it will be generic, or if this Pristiq is truly better or worth taking - it’s free today, but when the samples run out…… how tied to this med will I be?

Love and blessings to all of you who are trying so hard. Keep the faith.

I forgot to mention that Effexor XR is the only medication I take - have sworn off xanax because it usually just adds depression when the effects wear off. any wise words are welcome.

thank you all for your posts, you are inspiring to me.

Okay, update. Took the first and LAST Pristiq ever. I was up all night. Fell asleep, then, 45 min later, awoke to full blown panic attacks - over and over all night. had 5 -6 panic attacks where could not breath, sweaty, extremely panicked and wanted to call 911 but I knew it was just panic attacks so I roughed through it. I will never take this again. I don’t remember ever having this side effect from Effexor XR.

I have Fibromyalgia (FM) also causing my depression.

I’ve been on Pristiq since 9/2/09. No bad side-effects. Slight change in my depression.

However, PAIN RELIEF!! I was taking Vicodin 2-3x’s daily from excruciating lower back pain from the Fibro. I would have to say that 99% of that pain is gone. Too much rain here in FLA gave me a few days of discomfort, but rain has cleared up & I’m feeling ok now.

I just have to share my daughters story with you all. When she was 5 she started having episodes of panic but at the time I was going through a panic disorder myself and didn”t recognize hers…sadly. When she was in elementary and junior high it was almost impossible for her to get through the day. She would cling to me, cry not to go and I tried helping her every way I knew how. Finally a dr. put her on Zoloft when she was 11. She took it for about 2 mths and was doing better when I weaned her off. She did much better for a few yrs and then in her late teens it hit her hard. She cryed all the time, mood swings were terrible, she was scared of dieing and wasn”t functioning normally. She began to seem VERY suicidal and at this point I knew if someone didn”t help her she may very well take her life. Maybe you believe in God or maybe not but I am a christian and I believe through many hrs of prayer and tears God helped us find a christian Dr. He sat with her for a few minutes evaluating her and just REALLY listening, giving her the time she needed to explain what she was going through. He said she had GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) and prescribed Pristiq to her and also anxiety med. She is like a different person now. She is tired first thing in the morning after taking her meds but in a couple of hours she begins to feel more alert and herself. I firmly believe this medication saved me from going to my daughters funeral instead of one day going to her wedding. The only side effect she is experiencing now is recently she is having drenching night sweats and crazy dreams. I believe her hormones are out of sorts from the meds so she is going to have bloodwork done to check. She has been on Pristiq for about 1 yr now. She finally found something and someone to help her get her life back. Yes, I do worry about side effects since it is so new. I wish we knew more about it in that area. God Bless you all and just take it minute by minute, day by day.

It took a long time and a lot of patience to titrate off of 300mg Effexor SR while titrating up on Pristiq. Having gone off of Effexor one time in the past, I am convinced that carefully and slowly decreasing the amount of Effexor is the only way to get through the terrible withdrawal effects. I was originally on 200mg Pristiq but have reduced the dosage to 100mg day one; 50mg day two, etc. I guess it is working. My suicidal thoughts are somewhat abated but my focus and extreme exhaustion stay with me as does anger and immagination (real or fantasy?) of betrayals. Someone mentioned sleeping 20 hours. I do that some days after taking the Pristiq along with 40mg dexedrine SR, and Nuvigil. The only thing that keeps me awake is Adderol during the day. I still have little or no focus and spend hours lost somewhare in my mind. I feel exercise would help but cannot get going. I have had major depression all my life (almost 67 now) and it is in my family. I am seeing it in my sons but coming out as anxiety. My dad was clinically depressed until he died at 90. It is an insidious disease that too many see as a personal failing. “Just try harder–get over it.” I even feel that it is a personal failing that I should be able to gut through even though my intellect tells me otherwise.

I want to thank the people who gave me encouragement when I first posted in late August.

Hi everyone. I’m into my 3rd week of taking Pristiq for depression and anxiety. I tried Cymbalta but had terrible side effects. So far I’m still not feeling too good but am feeling better off the Cymbalta. All your comments have been extremely helpful and I hope I have as much success on the Pristiq as some of you have had.

I have never been on effexor but have been on Pristiq since Dec. 08. I have PTSD, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorder and personality dissasociative disorder. This medication has worked wonders for me and am starting to rebuild my life. It did take a few weeks for it to start working though. I have been on 7 different antidepressants, two of which has caused suicidal tendencies. I am on medicaid and now they are saying that they will not cover Pristiq and I have to start taking effexor. I take 50 mg 2x a day and me and my docotrs all feel that this change could be deadly. If approximately 300mg of effexor equals 50mg of pristiq that would mean I would have to take about 600mg of effexor. Wow that is a lot of pills to take and since they are not time released the effect will not be the same. Also from what I have read Pristiq’s chemical makeup has a natural sedative in it and from what I have read Effexor does not. Not only will I have to take like 6 pills a day of effexor with the major side effects and effects happening at once I will have to go on sedatives, so more pills, also which is not time released. So at least 3 times a day I will not be able to function depending on when and how often I will have to take the sedatives. Now this will mean that the progress I have made will be gone and I will turn into a zombie with vertually no chance of becomming functional again. And that’s if I don’t become suicidal and try to kill myself again. Ok so does anyone have an alternative to this change because I don’t.

I just switch from Effexor to Pristiq because the weight gain was so horrible. It has been a few weeks and I do not notice anything significantly different. Although I feel like my appetite has increased! I am really, really hoping to lose the weight from effexor! What has been everyone’s experience with weight once on Pristiq?

Second thing- I have come to find, after a long journey through the jungle of antidepressants, that you cannot rely on any pill to be your refuge. Now, I feel antidepressants help me greatly, but I have learned that I need to create a web of self-care particularly involving exercise, diet (Omega-3 pills are said to really help with depression), regular meditation/relaxation, and other coping skills. I highly recommend the book “The Mindful Way through Depression” by John Kabbat-Zinn and colleagues.

To offer some hope through all this, you may not feel totally in control of your body and its chemicals, but remember that you do have some power to influence it through activities like exercise, diet and of course the belief that you do indeed have the strenght of mind of alter some things (this is why placebos are always needed in any study). So good luck and keep on staying on top of the research b/c we are always discovering new ways to help combat depression and anxiety (many of which are not through psychotropics).

Wow. Finally found a versatile compilation of experiences to compare. Again, the on every different med for 17 years. Tried a couple of other classes, Remeron made me morbidly hallucinate, Risperdal gave me a prolactima (brain tumor on pituitary glad, had one D cup boob and one C cup, having implants, the D was impressive but not when it’s only ONE and stopped menstrating) So that didn’t work. Was on Effexxor for a year, added in Wellbutrin when it started to droop. Also on Buspar and Amitriptyline. Major depression diagnoses. Most recent trial was Topamax. Lasted the 8 weeks, lost my boyfriend, almost my job, went through a fourth facial reconstruction surgery in mental hell, lost all of my friends (who suddenly decided I was a horrible shallow vain user of a person after being friends for years. And that I wasn’t “fun” anymore for the last year, hmmm I broke my FACE in three places, who WOULD be fun?) and became a hermit. Now, the Topamax is gone, the boyfriend slept with someone else so when I started acting like “me” again, I found out and I am back to square one, alone except for my online diary friends, and one friend that has stuck through this.
I digress. I recently FINALLY got to see a psychiatrist. He affirmed it is not bi-polar, it is major/clinical depression. The Wellbutrin was removed when I did the Topamax. I had previously reduced my Effexor (SPEAKING OF WHICH I DON’T GET THE INSURANCE ISSUE. ONLY EFFEXXOR XR IS NOT COVERED. I TAKE GENERIC EFFEXXOR TWICE A DAY AND IS CHEAP. ASK ABOUT IT, I HAD NO DIFFERENCE FROM XR) to as low as half a 75 mg day and night with never a withdrawal. Was up to one and half morning and night when I saw the Psych, after getting off the Topamax, to try and keep my spirits up through surgery and other problems
He also decided to try Pristiq. I have now realized I think I am causing my OWN withdrawal problems. Because I never had reduction problems before, I dropped one pill per dose weekly. The first week on Pristiq, he had me take half a pill and reduce half a dose each morning night of Effexor. I am to titrate down one pill per week on Effexor and second week am now at one 50 mg Pristiq in the a.m. I dropped my morning pill instead of halfing morning and night and this week has been HELL.
I have gotten to the point of uncontrollable crying by the end of the day, I have Valium and Xanax for stress and NEITHER touches this. I obsess on my recent losses and the effects on my life from the most recent surgery. I have no energy, no motivation. The first week I was doing really great in the day, (taking Pristiq in the morning) but now, this week it is getting worse and worse. Night before last I was so torn up about all the recent losses in my life I was vomiting. Any idea how bad it hurts to barf with a broken face? Only one month out from a huge metal plate being drilled into your jaw? Yeah, rough week.
ANYWAYS, sorry I am rambling, I am putting as much out there as possible to help anyone that I can, and to get feedback that I can, because I am scared and this time, mostly alone.
What I am feeling today, is that ONE *I* messed up the downward titration. I am picking up a refill for my Effexor at lunch because I work 20 miles from home and will immediately switch to half a tab am/pm. When my psych calls me back, I am going to ask about the Pristiq in the morning or night. I think mornings are working okay, except for combined with the withdrawals this week.
Honestly, I feel that I am simply removing the Effexor because after one week at half, and almost a week at 50 on Pristiq, I am only getting worse rather than better. BUT, again, if I stuck out 8 weeks of total hell on Topamax, I can give Pristiq a couple weeks, once I get the Effexor titration back on track I hope this off center, half fuzzy, pseudo me feeling will back off, along with the crying jags, the self-pity, obsession with things I have lost and have no control over and constant negativity.
I HAVE found that reading and trying to follow some Buddhism ways of thinking are greatly helpful, when I can make myself focus enough to do it. They actually focus on so many of my issues related to my depression it is uncanny, but when in a state like right now, I am unable to reach out to anything helpful because I am too mired in my own fear and negativity.
I will be checking back because I really want to see how many of you do that are checking back in, and myself as well and am beyond glad I found somewhere with more than 1 or 3 posts on what someone went through, as well as the variety of reasons for people being switched.
If you are losing your Effexor XR because of insurance, ASK about the generic. A pill twice a day is better than losing something that gives you your life back.

I’m like the other poster; just my first day after taking Pristiq. I feel different. It’s a little strange after being the way I have been since my mom died, i haven’t taken an anti-d in seven or eight years. Wondering if this will last. i am going to my first social event tonight in months. I hope this works for me; the last year and a half have been friggin’ horrific, I’m just not the old me that I used to love being.

Pristiq is the best ad I have taken and I’ve been on them all. I used to have panic attacks in work meetings and now I don’t. It is a lifesaver.

I have been on Pristiq for 3 months now and I love it but for some reason it does not seem to be helping with my depression as much as it was. Before nothing could make me cry but now I am having crying spells. Has this happened to anyone taking Pristiq? Does the dosage need to be increase? Anyone know about this?

Jennifer,
I have not had any weight gain on Pristiq and I have been on it 3 months. However, like you, my appetite has increase tremendously but it is very, very, odd that I have not gained any weight at all. I eat like a horse but do not gain any weight. It has been a life saver for me although I do feel that it is not helping as much as it was with the depression. It might be because of the time change and lack of sunshine and the holidays get me down because I am single and do not have a boyfriend. My children are grown and holidays are split with ex-husband and his wife and their other inlaws. That might be my problem right now. Teri

@ Teri —

I found this site by Googling. I have been on Pristiq sample packs since 7/21 and my doc ran out of sample and gave me a month supply of generic effexor and I am concerned because it causes weight gain ?… whereas, i have lost 10 lbs over 3 months .. if you look a at the chemical compound.. the word DEV does not appear in the generic effexor .. wonder if the dev is some extra chemical .. kind of ’speed’ lol. I feel the same way you do .. Great for two mos and over the last month I feel lately kind of emotional and when that happens I feel the tears .. which as a guy i frickin hate BUT and i noticed when i drank a bit of alcohol .. it kind of wore down the pristiq power. But i feel it has sort of worn off a bit . Also I noticed it is getting harder to wake up in the morning… I get 6-7 hours of sleep and I just want to sleep sleep.. First time AD user… 31 yrs young.. maybe the 30 thing hit…

HUGE difference between generic Effexor and Pristiq. Total different absorption rate and side effects. I am now OFF of the Efexxor, took over a month because of side effects and on the Pristiq 50 mg morning and night. Like I used to take the Effexor. Being in the 5th or 6th week now, just Friday I started feeling different. I do not know if it is the med finally kicking in, or just an upward flow, but I haven’t cried or gotten really angry all weekend. THAT is surprising. And I’m awake all day, though part of that is the Provigil. Usually when I start a new med, I notice the changes within days. But this one I was WORSE within days. Now my fingers are crossed that MAYBE there is a chance Pristiq might do it for a while……………even my libido is working a little bit, and that is a lot more than before.

I’m a non-biased biochemist by training and education. He says his comment wasn’t tainted by any conflict of interest as a drug rep, but my opinion is definitely uncensored,blunt, and totally honest.

About Pristiq vs. Effexor: Venlafaxine is a chiral drug compound. What does this mean? As an example, our right(D-) and left(L-) hands are mirror images of each other that cannot be superimposed to appear identical. Effexor is a blend of D and L-venlafaxine. They figured out how to purify the D form of the drug away from the L- form. Pristiq is pure D-venlafaxine. The D- and L- forms of venlafaxine are mirror images of each other just like our hands are. Each form of the drug can have very different effects on our mind and body though. If we were to substitute the protein in our diets with D-amino acids instead of the natural L-amino acids, we would be unable to metabolize it and would become malnourished. Depending on each individual person’s metabolism, some people might be able to interconvert the L-venlafaxine in Effexor to the D-venlafaxine form. Other people might be unable to do this efficiently. They say Pristiq is better at lower doses. It is possible that the people who do better on Effexor are unable to convert L-venlafaxine into D-venlafaxine. Effectively, they are on low-dose Pristiq. If someone is fine on Effexor, switching to Pristiq shouldn’t be better unless the L-venlafaxine in Effexor is causing negative side-effects. My wife’s on Effexor and a beta blocker for her mitral valve prolapse heart condition, and I’m on Pristiq for help with anxiety/depression.

I have been on Pristiq for a little over three months. Independently, my wife, kids, and myself have noticed huge improvements. I’m on Adderall for ADD too (been taking for the past six years since being a grad student in a research lab). I’ve noticed that my blood pressure and heart rate went up on the Pristiq. My doc tried me on Lexapro and I HATED it and was back on Pristiq in about a week.

I was having insomnia at night and irritability and anxiety during the days. Waking up was extremely difficult prior to beginning the Pristiq. I am the type of person who will try everything under the sun to modify my lifestyle or behavior to “treat” or “cure” emotional and personal problems. Depression and ADD are both hereditary in my family, but I was able to avoid the need for an anti-depressant until after exhausting all of my options and resources and turning age 32. My wife has been trying to get me onto an anti-depressant for a couple of years.

Pros: I’m a kinder, less irritable, less volatile father and husband. I sleep better. I wake better. I have definitely been helped with my anxiety by this. I have not been a zombie on this

Cons (the bad and ugly of Pristiq): I disagree with the drug rep who said cognitive side effects haven’t been observed. Really?!? I went from having the memory of an elephant to not being able to remember where I dropped the toilet paper after I wiped my butt in the bathroom. I felt like I was going crazy for a while. I have to take special care to do things like remember where I parked, remember where I left something, remember everything I was at the store to buy. To compound my memory problems, we moved into a new house just prior to my starting Pristiq. I felt helpless until I finally got my garage re-organized. I ended up just buying some new tools until I found the ones I had misplaced or couldn’t find. Crazy because I never had that problem before. That may not seem like much to a drug rep, but it annoys the hell out of me. I have had to work very hard to counter the worsened short-term memory.

About when and whether ANY antidepressant might become the appropriate to start taking:

Please consider the following issues. I will say that if your life or personal choices are the underlying reason for you’re depression, taking the meds won’t help worth a lick. These meds aren’t magic pills that should be turned to unless they are your last resort. Improve your life by improving decisions. If you find there are factors that are beyond what you can control, influence, and/or avoid (ie. job environment) then give these meds another look. That is how I saw them. I hope I don’t have to be on this even after my stressful work environment improves. Two big reasons I resisted taking anti-depressants were the zombie effect, loss of cognitive function, and the withdrawal problems everyone experiences when stopping an anti-depressant. Again, I don’t want to be on this my whole life!!!

In the event that there is a disruption in the availability of a drug because of economic or weather-related disturbances, what do people plan to do if they are all of a sudden without their magical anti-depressant? If someone is going to choose to start one of these drugs, I’d recommend gradually adding an emergency stash of it as you are able. Just explain that to your doctor. Your insurance won’t cover your surplus meds though. That would have to be out-of-pocket.

Verdict: I am grateful for Pristiq. I find myself more like I was before I became anxious, tense, and depressed. I’m a nicer, kinder, more balanced person on Pristiq. I don’t know if I’d have been functional enough to complete my PhD without this medicine. I seriously doubt it.

GregRogers at 8:56 am on March 5th, 2008
“There is an awful lot of money spent on these drugs to essentially just get the placebo effect. Ironically, if the drugs weren’t approved and prescribed, I guess nobody would get the placebo effect, because they wouldn’t be prescribed anything.”

I imagine, though, that it would be illegal to sell placebo’s as an effective method of improving depression? What madness.”

I agree with that “placebo effect” of taking something prescribed and if in the second paragraph you said that the drugs could do worse (”improving depression”) I would say that they could do more harm by making one behave like a real psychopath (and do not realize that) when under their influence!
I did “my duty” and tried four different anti-depressive drugs with distance in time and respecting all the indication thinking that they could help at least as a placebo; At the first one I stopped after a week when I noticed that I became aggressive, other drugs had different bad effects… The last time I said okay I have to stay on one drug for longer time; I resisted for 5 months *without any improvements but I thought “it’s maintenance” till I got worse than before. and I was attracted attention upon an another strange behaviour. So no more drugs of this type for me! We have a joke (I have just interrupted my last anti-depressive, an “effexor” class): “A psychotic believes that 2+2=5; a neurotic knows that 2+2=4 but that’s annoying him.” I sincerely prefer to die neurotic than behaving like a psychopath from now on

I have been on Prestiq for a few weeks. It does seem to help with depression and I like the side effect of decreased appetite, but did experience an unusual nosebleed where it soaked through almost a whole roll of paper towels. I have not had a nosebleed since I was 9 (I’m 43 now) and I have not bled like that since before my hysterectomy due to really heavy periods. When I donate blood, I tend to be a fast donor who can fill it in 3 minutes. I think this drug can be really dangerous for those with bleeding issues to begin with.