What is Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)? The newest antidepressant approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which will hit the U.S. market in a few months. Pristiq is a drug similar in composition to Wyeth’s existing antidepressant, Effexor XR (which loses its patent protection in …
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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 agree. I have tried generics of several ssri’s and they didn’t work for me. I got depressed on them. I wanted them to work because they cost me less! But they just didn’t. I’m told by my doctor that many people have that problem with the generics of psychotrophic drugs. I wish the insurance companies would get that message!
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……..