Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Hocke...
• October 2, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I want to share this to anyone else out there who is considering this drug. My 15 year old was switched from Viibryd to Pristiq, a little over a month ago for a total of 4 weeks on the med. The longer she took it she had an increasingly worse headache to the point of nausea and insomnia. After 4 weeks she started to titrate off it because it absolutely was making her worse, both mentally and physically. She had horrible suicidal thoughts daily. She titrated off the 50mg to 25mg and got sick, throwing up and severe headache. She then came off the 25mg to nothing and has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms now for 3 days. She stopped as of 3 days ago. After talking with 2 psychiatrists and a natural doctor she basically has to "ride it out". Just for reference: she has tried Cymbalta, Effexor, Viibryd, and Abilify in the past years, none of them really relieving her depressive symptoms. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION. It has been a trying experience."

• Steven
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Pristiq has done amazing for me. After several failed attempts at finding the right medication, Pristiq has been the best for me. Effexor was good but raised my BP to high. For those who say it makes them feel less yourself, how do you know what yourself is like when you're depressed? I don't know about feeling myself but it greatly increases my mood and decreases my depression and anxiety. I take 100mg a day. Also, ask your Dr. About getting genetic testing to find out which type of medication will do more for you. Not everyone who has depression has the same type. Some have dopamine defects and some serotonin/norepinephrine. Pristiq is for those with serotonin and norepinephrine. "

• Leena...
• September 1, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was prescribed Pristiq (50mg) for Major Depressive Disorder and severe OCD. Before going on the meds about 12weeks ago I read a lot of online forums and was terrified after reading innumerable horrible reviews! I have to say that this medication has changed my life, I feel normal again; I have energy, I am happy, I am motivated and my relationship has improved drastically! Everyone reacts differently to medications but do not be scared to try it based on the reviews you see. I experienced moderate side effects for the first 4 weeks; drowsiness (really strong in the first week), nausea, insomnia and headaches. I never experienced the 'brain zaps' and most side effects went away after week 4."

• Never...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2021

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Major depression and anxiety disorder run in my family and I've been suffering from these two things for the majority of my life. Needless to say, I've tried a variety of antidepressants, many have worked for a bit then stopped, but non have helped with both the depression and anxiety. My psychiatrist changed me over to Pristiq on August 15th, 2021 and we slowly started the increase from 25 mg to 100 mg. With the 25 mg and 50 mg I didn't notice a difference in the depression and felt like my anxiety was getting worse. I started on 100 mg in October and as of now I've noticed a huge difference. The anxiety has improved and the feelings of daily dread caused by my depression and loss of interest have improved incredibly. I feel a lot better. Note, I am also doing CBT therapy via Zoom once a week, so I'm sure that has helped too, but this drug has made a huge difference. I actually don't feel terrible anymore. I'm interested in doing things again and am no longer isolating myself"

• Mike1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Lifted me out of a mood of despair. Most importantly, it was the best anger management I ever found. Clear headed, no anxiety, no side affects other than mild nausea, and that ONLY if I take it on an empty stomach. Don't miss a dose though, it will make you REALLY woozy. Stopped for a few months, fell into depression, but Pristiq pulled me right back up when I started back. Remember that the Rx says specifically that you may need 4 weeks to notice an improvement. Bear that in mind when you read all these reviews by people who quit taking it after 1 or 2 days."

• Ash
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 24, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was put on Pristiq 10 years ago and it saved my life I had no side effects apart from dry mouth. Only 4 months ago I started to get anxiety and depression so I thought prisitiq was not working and decided to come off it and go on lexopro. This was worse thing I ever did. I had so many side effects on lexapro my body hated the SSRIs. I then decided to go back to Pristiq with lots of hard work. I was on Pristiq for 2 weeks and I feel amazing again no more depression or wanting my life to end. This drug has helped me so much and I am so grateful I found this amazing pill."

• emmy
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2021

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I took this for a period of time when I was in high school and then went to take other medications because I didn't think this would work for me. During the pandemic while in college my MDD and anxiety got worse I decided I had enough of this and I went to my doctor to get a new medication she put me on Cymbalta. I tried it for 4 days and got so sick so I went off of it I went into my medication cabinet and saw Pristiq and I was like I have nothing left to lose and it worked so well and actually helped my mood and intrusive thoughts I went back and told my doctor and she did end up getting put on a higher dose 100mg but Honestly give this medication a try not just a week like I did the first time give it at least a month it saved me."

• Bee
• November 1, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I’m 36, female. I was started on pristiq in hospital (suicidal). diagnosed Bipolar 2 / dissociative disorder NOS. Mirtazapine and olanzapine (prn) were in the mix in hospital but I stopped taking them when I left. I have been on 50 mg Pristiq for 6 months. It did kick me out of an impossible place at the time. Two things I noticed early on: 1. It obliterated sexual function! I may as well have genitals made of styrofoam. This did not improve over time. 2. Memory- I can't remember words and often say the wrong one, I blank out and forget what I’m doing or forget what I’m talking about mid sentence. This has gotten progressively worse. A few months in - intense confusion, strange pains throughout my body, face pain, exhaustion, constant headache, limp lifeless hair, dissociating A LOT (quite extreme shutdown, can’t move or talk). At the very least it isn’t working. At worst it’s making me demented. Somewhere in the middle it skews my dissociative tendencies toward total shutdown."

• Shannon...
• January 29, 2022

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "So far I am on day three of Pristiq. I was prescribed 25 mg but was very anxious to even begin it because it is an SNRI. And I suffer from crippling anxiety really bad so taking a norepenephrine made me overthink this medication. The doc said that I could cut the 25 mg pill so that I would be on 12.5 mg, when you cut it it is no longer extended release. So far I have noticed I have more energy and I'm actually staying in the moment as well as smiling and no doom and gloom. I was having really bad DP/DR prior. It was a constant struggle to stay in the present moment. The chatter was so loud in my head. It has stopped now. And I get a boost of energy with the 12.5 of Pristiq. It lasts until evening time which is fine because then I can take my OTC meds to unwind for evening and sleep. I've been sleeping a lot better. I'm actually not afraid to leave my house. And the intrusive thoughts aren't steering my day like they used to. So far so good."

• Lee
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2018

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was diagnosed bipolar with major depression 10 years ago. I have tried other medications (lexapro, cymbalta, lithium), but found the only thing that they did was make me tired, angry and lash out. Pristiq was then prescribed and since taking it my mood has improved considerably. No more dark thoughts, panic attacks or social anxiety. I am on a very high dosage but it works for me. The only side effects I have is insomnia, mild nose bleeds and a slightly higher blood pressure. I’ll be on this for the rest of my life, but it’s better than being depressed and suicidal."

• Losti...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2022

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been on Pristiq for about a month now, and feel absolutely numb, and constant suicidal thoughts. Loss of appetite, not to mention libido only add fuel to the fire. Please remember this is only my experience. I have preexisting GI issues, so this medication has caused loss of appetite and extreme weight loss. I'm dual diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse, but have been off drugs and alcohol, now working on mental health. Pristiq makes me want to go back to drugs to feel good and sociable again, but I won't do it. I just want to feel the life come back into me. It's been gone for so long. I'll keep searching for the right anti depressant. Not to mention I'm in Bolivia, so psychiatric care isn't top notch. But I'm hopeful I'll get there. Thank you for all your posts. Positive and negative."

• Arez...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2023

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been on Pristiq for about 4 years now and this medication saved my life. Prior to pristiq, I was on Lexapro for 7 years which stopped working, hence why I had to switch to Pristiq. Pristiq is a great medication and works quicker than other meds, I saw major improvements in 5 days. I do get anxiety and depression sometimes, however, I feel pretty well most of the time. I started on 50mg, now on 100 mg, and would increase my dosage as required as advised by my doctor. Give this medication a go, personally, for me, I had minimum side effects."

• Vick
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2020

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking this medication for a few years now. I am lowering my dosage and I am scared to get off of it. It has helped me so much, in my work place, dealing with emotions and daily chores. I do not want to be stuck on medication forever but I know this works for me. I rarely take any other medication such as Dayquil or Pain meds. I do not drink or do drugs. I do have a hard time when I miss my medication. I take it every morning so if I miss a morning I don't take one till the next day. If I miss more than a day I do have side affects such as dizziness, emotional, eating disorder. I was never a person to do something daily but I was desperate to get better. I have reached a level of steadiness with my medication and I am learning new coping skills to wing off of my medication. I suggest you try it."

• Daisy
• April 2, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I started taking Pristq about two weeks ago and I'm throughly happy with the results. It's been a major life savor and probably be Dead if it wasn't for it. I was on Celexa for about 2 and a half years and all of a sudden it stopped working and it was the absolute worst time in my life !!! I couldn't take it anymore and scheduled an emergency appointment with my mental health doctor. He put me on Pristq and I couldn't be any happier. It took about a week for it to kick in but when it did I was a completely different person and everyone and their Grandma noticed a major change in my moods. I have more energy , I'm not laying in bed all day stuck in my own thoughts and I'm on cloud 9 with my depression. Although I do notice I sweat more often and poop a lot more but I will take it over contemplating my suicide. Also I suggest taking it the mornings at the same time everyday . It wakes you up and gives you more energy so daytime is the best time."

• Britt...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 10, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking Pristiq for about almost a year and a half. I was diagnosed with GAD and MDD. This medicine has me constantly feeling like an emotionless zombie. I don't want to socialize, I feel like a mute. I am used to being the life of the party, but I constantly find myself being irritated and angry and the slightest conversation. I don't find conversations to be interesting anymore. I still have panic attacks, I'm still stuck in my house. I sleep so much, It feels like I never get enough sleep even though I sleep at least 12-15 hrs a day. I feel like this has honestly made my depression worse. The worst part of it all, I can't get off of it. The side effects are the worst I've ever had. I do not recommend this at ALL!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 5, 2022

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have struggled with major depression and anxiety since I was 13. I have previously been on Zoloft (didn't work for me) and fluoxetine (worked for a while but stopped being effective). I've now been on Pristiq for 4 years and it has been a huge help to me. I still struggle with some anxiety at times but depression is hardly something I deal with anymore. A few years ago I never thought I would be able to say that. This medication has really helped lift me out of the darkest place I had ever been. (Along with counselling) Only thing that worries me is coming off of this eventually. I've heard that it's a really hard drug to come off of with a lot of withdrawal symptoms, even when you taper off slowly. That does make me nervous because I'm on 150mg which is a high dose. I hope one day I will be able to come off of it but it's definitely something people should be aware of before starting this med. I know everybody is different so I'm sure for some people withdrawal isn't as bad."

• Jaybles
• October 16, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Pristiq has a rough first 3 days for some but I tend to just feel...weird. agitated at worst. After the initial adjustment I have seen a real good turn around. I'm able to go about my day and get things done, I no longer have this film of benign sadness overlaying all my other moods. I'm mostly asexual, so I'm not much affected by the drop in libido. I can have fun at nightclubs and not be overwhelmed by all the stimulus. My memory is better and while my appetite is bigger than before, it feels diff than the frantic anxiety that caused me to over eat off the meds. I can easily drink some water and be satiated till next mealtime. The withdrawal symptoms are disorienting and extremely unpleasant. Nausea, brain zaps and mania thats on the more angry side. Just take exactly as prescribed and be prepared if you're switching medication. TLDR: It does its job and does it well. It takes more effort to do sexy things, but worth it. don't take unless you plan to be on it for a while."

• Maryl...
• November 23, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Im 28 years old.. always been anxious, depressed and I have ADHD. I tried medication for my deficit disorder before ( concerta, vyvanse, ritalin ) I always had major heart palpitation on them and always had to stop. ( took it max for 2 weeks ) About 1 month ago I lived a shitty separation and I was very depressed, the worst breakup I experienced in my life.. i was constantly anxious, no appetite, concerned, couldnt work couldnt sleep, constantly sad and miserable... I went to see my doctor and asked for help... for something to boost my mood, control my anxiety and the most important..no weight gain. Im on it since a month and honestly I lost 10 pounds. I have no side effects and I feel better than ever. Im happy and smiling all the time"

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2017

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After reading the reviews of Pristiq, I am amazed at the number of people that have had the DNA test and end up on Pristiq. When I took the DNA test, Pristiq was the "only" antidepressant found suitable for me. I have been on several antidepressants one being Prozac that worked very well for me for years with no noticeable side effects. I began to wonder why Prozac was in the list of antidepressants NOT to use when it had worked so well for me? I took the Pristiq for a few days and the side effects were so horrendous that I had to discontinue. The cost is also prohibitive for some people. My co-pay with insurance was about $300. I have a very dim view of the drug and the DNA test that shows only Pristiq as suitable for my gene makeup!"

• ShimpyC
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Have had experience with several other antidepressants and so far Pristiq has had 0 undesirable side effects. No allergic response, no first week horrors, no insomnia, nothing awful what-so-ever. I feel optimistic, happy and no longer manic. Hoping to check back in a few months time to give further updates."

• Amanda...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2023

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was trying this out because I never stayed on Zoloft for long due to the sexual side effects not helped by adding Wellbutrin. I was on Pristiq the lowest dose for a week and I just couldn’t do it. Major crying spells from day 1 and really intense anxiety both physical and psychological. A few days in, the sadness wasn’t as overwhelming but I started to feel a weird chest heaviness and my heart was fluttering (healthy 29yo) also was still having a lot of anxiety. Didn’t make it to day 7. Had I not had the chest thing going on I probably would have tried to stick with it for longer."

• Saman...
• October 26, 2015

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After having my daughter last September, I fell into severe PPD and anxiety. I tried many types of meds, but had minimal if any relief and most left me more exhausted than I was to begin with. I started Pristiq Aug 6th of this year after having a DNA profile of the meds I could tolerate (not very many!) and with every week, I've felt better. Every week (except for the first few weeks), I've been able to look back and see how much I feel more like myself again and how much my anxiety has lessened. Almost 12 weeks since I began and I am very thankful for it. Remember, it's not a quick fix, no antidepressant is, it definitely took time."

• DD0
• June 2, 2017

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking Pristiq for 5 years it took a month to get used to but after that the anger, depression and anxiety was almost completely gone. I was very calm and not much rattled me. Then surprise I was given the generic about 2 months ago, the anger and anxiety is back full force. Now I am going to have to try something else because the generic doesn't work. Sorry world I'm full of anger and anxious, here we go again."

• Vikin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I am bipolar with major depression and anxiety. I have tried everything, I think, on the market. Pristiq has been the most effective. I take three 50mg tabs daily in the morning. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, Hashimoto's, high cholesterol, fatty liver, fast heart rate, as well. I've been sick since childhood, but managed my life without meds until my 40's when I got diagnosed with bipolar/depression. One day I missed a dose and right away I got withdrawals. Never miss a dose. This is powerful stuff. This is a medicine of last resort if nothing else works."

• Annar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2017

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I am 34, its my first week on it. I didn't realise how bad things really were inside my head until now. At first I had 2 days of nauseous bouts but by the third day I felt less caught in a loop and yesterday I went to 100mg and while thinking of an old friend I had a slip back in a moment of time and with a good memory in my brain I felt a rush of elation inside me like butterflies. I actually felt something. I've been suffering for so long and it almost seems too good to be true. I'm so thankful."