Has anyone switched from generic Lexapro (escitalopram) to generic Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) with success? Was on Lexapro 20mg for about 5 years and then it stopped working for my anxiety and panic disorder. Was having bad panic attacks. Doctor put me on generic Pristiq. Started with 25 mg for 2 weeks and then increased to 50 mg while slowly tapering off the Lexapro. I am having horrible headaches and feel agitated. I have been on the Pristiq for 5 weeks now and am wondering if the headaches are from the Pristiq or the Lexapro withdrawal. I am also having regular panic attacks but they don't seem to be as powerful but that may be because he gave me 0.5 mg of Klonopin to use as needed. Doctor says Pristiq is a better drug for panic but I am wondering if anybody has had success with Pristiq for anxiety & panic attacks? Thank you
Lexapro to Pristiq for anxiety?
Question posted by BlessedWithAnxiety on 5 Oct 2018
Last updated on 22 December 2020 by Klonopinkid
Answers
I went from lexapro to Pristiq just fine for anxiety/panic attacks. You will have the headaches getting off lexapro. Took Pristiq for 8 years. Getting off of it is a nightmare because of how the pill extended release works. I had no side effects with Pristiq though.
Hello BlessedWithAnxiety,
Is Pristiq a newer drug for panic... I see advertisement for it on TV? Personally, I never tried this antidepressant! The Klonopin 0.5mg should help you with the anxiety & panic. I too suffer from anxiety & panic (what a blessing it is). I take 0.5mg of Alprazolam when the anxiety comes on, otherwise it gets out of control & it will go into a full blown panic attack.
Take care & hope you will feel better!
Pristiq is a newer antidepressant that has fewer side effects than others. It is an SNRI as opposed to an SSRI which is supposed to be a better option for those that suffer from panic attacks. The headaches have finally subsided and I am feeling better with the exception of feeling a little on the edge at times which could just be the anxiety and not the Pristiq. I just hate having to take the Klonopin as I know it can be addicting but as my doctor said "Don't make yourself suffer."
Thanks for your response! Anxiety and Panic are no picnic!
I just started on pristiq. This is my second day. I am on it for anxiety. Have not had bad side effects yet but it’s early. Is it helping anxiety.
Blessed with anxiety,
Is the pristiq helping with the anxiety. I am on 50mgs for 21 days. Would love to know if it worked for you and how long it took. Please let me know scared.
Lynn 351,
The Pristiq does help with my anxiety. The only problem I find is it makes me feel on edge quite a bit. It almost seems like it is a stimulant - which would be good for people with depression but not good for people with anxiety & panic. I have given it a month and although I have less panic I just feel on edge and more moody. I go to the doctor this week to see what he thinks. I just don't think Pristiq is the right choice for me. Wish you luck Lynn 351.
I see my doctor tomorrow going to try to make it to 6 weeks can’t switch again.
Have you tried any other antidepressants
Related topics
lexapro, pristiq, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, desvenlafaxine, escitalopram, generic
Further information
- Lexapro uses and warnings
- Pristiq uses and warnings
- Desvenlafaxine uses and warnings
- Escitalopram uses and warnings
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