Pristiq User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Finally...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2017

For Depression "I have been on 100mg of Pristiq for three years for depression and anxiety. Without question it has changed my life incredibly. I waited 47 years to have the courage to take an antidepressant and wish with all my heart I had met this medication in my 20's. I started on 50mg but after a two months reluctantly headed up to 100 ... my reservations were for nothing ... this medication has worked beautifully for me. I did have side effects in the first few weeks, beating heart, very thirsty and slight headaches, but they passed quickly and I have been amazed by its strength ever since. I have had some serious life crises to deal with in the past three years ... and often feared the medication would not be able to 'hold' me ... it always has. I have an amazing therapist who I saw for the first two years but no longer need that support, the medication is enough. I used to have so many concerns about taking any such medications - was frequently turned away from them by what I'd read as horror stories online ... I wanted to let you know ... it's not for all of us ... some of us do have great reviews ... maybe not enough of us drop back to pass them on because we got busy with our new lives where wellness is the new normal. I never worry about coming off them, I don't care if I have to take them forever ... as long as I feel this good I'm not ending my relationship with them ..."

• doova
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2019

For Depression "Was put on Pristiq 50mg about 6 months ago for depression, bad sleep anxiety which was caused by OCD and ruminating thoughts about not sleeping, which was the root cause of my depression. This constant rumination was horrible and I was convinced that it was unfixable, and that my life would be ruined by it. It was a horrible and hopeless feeling. After being on the 50mg for a month I noticed improvement, and then I got put on the 100mg dose, and have had continuous improvement since being on the 100mg, and am now almost 100% better. Depression will tell you that there is no hope, its awful. I remember thinking 'there is no way this medication will work' but you must stay patient and you will be amazed how the depression goes away and the nasty thoughts just go away."

• Candles
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2017

For Depression "Psychotropic medications are appropriate for the small percentage of us who would literally die by our own hands if we didn't take them. For that reason, their relative levels of effectiveness are often viewed by us through a completely different lens (realistically) than by those who take them for less serious reasons. Even bouts of major depression don't constitute a definite reason for taking pharmaceuticals. If it keeps you alive & lets you to work towards having something better BEYOND just 'existing', it's working. Try to reevaluate the manner in which YOU are evaluating the medication's effectiveness based upon what it is TRULY intended to do. As with everything in life, maintaining realistic goals & expectations is key to happiness."

• Kay
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Depression "Had a DNA test to recommend what type of anti-depressant I should be taking....I had been on Venlafaxine for years after refusing others. Pristiq was recommended by this test for me to take. I did notice a number of positive changes taking Pristiq......Generic "Desvenlafax." I am more alert, Have somewhat more interest in life. No longer think about dying. It doesn't control my anxiety so therefore I take a mild dose of klonopin when needed. It did not give me energy but helps making me get up and around. I take 50 mg's a day. I do sleep 10 to 12 hours a day....sometimes not waking up during that time but I know that's the depression.I do take Amitriptyline for pain from Spinal Disk Degeneration pain."

• dvaldez
• December 10, 2009

For Depression "For those coming off antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and Zoloft. The venlafaxine formulation in Effexor and Pristiq work in entirely different ways than the medicine you used to take. If you cut cold from your old drug, you will also have withdrawal symptoms despite having started on a new antidepressant. If you are coming off something you've been taking longer than 5 months, ask your doctor to ween you off with smaller and smaller doses first. Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa and Prozac are SSRI's. Wellbutrin (bupropion also market as Zyban) is an NDRI's. Effexor, Pristiq like Cymbalta are all SNRI's. They all go after different receptors in your brain and some of them change how your brain works."

• amybi...
• July 26, 2014

For Depression "I've been taking 50 mg Pristiq in combination with 300 mg Wellbutrin for two weeks, and it's the best I've tried. This week I've been able to handle family and work issues with a sense of hope and able to focus rather than anxiety/ worrying, and that's awesome. I had been taking Prozac and Wellbutrin for years but felt it wasn't working. I tried everything but other meds didn't work or had bad side effects. This made me queasy at first, but my dr. had said that would get better, and it did. I take it at night because in the morning, it makes me tired. So don't give up! There is hope. Hang in there. "

• Anonymous
• March 1, 2009

For Depression "I will start by saying that I suffer from major depression. I have tried just about everything in the book and was starting to just about feel like giving up hope (on medications that is!) and was completely exhausted. My doctor just recently, put me on Pristiq and almost immediately I noticed a difference and have had no side effects what so ever. I have been excited about life and happy to get out of bed everyday now. It has been a drastic change and I am so thankful. I'm not sure how this medicine might take to others, but for me it has worked wonders. "

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2008

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about 2 months. I've tried probably 10-12 other anti-depressents with lots of side effects that made me want to quit them. I feel better emotionally today. I have no side effects and I am able to complete tasks in a reasonable amount of time, without feeling overwhelmed. I have no anxiety issues and I am finally enjoying my life. I only wish the insurance industry would cover this medication."

• Ga girl
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 27, 2014

For Depression "Been off/on antidepressants for 20 years. Been on 100 mg of Zoloft for about 5 years now and was having some adverse effects- gained a lot of weight for starters. Started Pristiq about 3 weeks ago. I feel a lot clearer in the mind- guess I didn't realize the Fog I was in on the Zoloft. I'm not hungry- lost seven pounds in the first two weeks. Had some headaches while switching over. Sleep hasn't been a problem- but I have found that I need to take the meds at the same time in the mornings or I have headaches. So far, so good. Hopefully it will continue long term. I will probably be on meds the rest of my life- I've come to terms with that. Hoping this will be the last one I'm on!"

• Anonj
• April 11, 2016

For Depression "Absolutely no side effects. I lost weight on this medication, however if you do not want to lose weight, talk to your psychiatrist and they can prescribe medications that can help you gain weight if you are underweight. This medication worked perfectly on my depression and I have not relapsed since I was weaned off it. No sexual side effects, it actually helped my sex life I am so happy I tried it."

• Amand...
• December 3, 2014

For Depression "Finally I see hope. After being diagnosed with severe depression (took me 4 years to seek treatment), I tried 5 different medications (plus therapy). They all failed miserably and I lost the hope I didn't even know I had, then tried suicide twice. Finally I was prescribed Pristiq and let me just say... what a difference! It got easier to wake up and get through the day, my self-esteem got better, my anxiety doesn't come as often, and I can even make plans for the future. For the first time I see change is possible. Just don't ever forget to take your pills, you can't really function without them. I got no side effects except for increased hunger/libido, and a bit of difficulty falling asleep. I'm taking 150mg now."

• MAB
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Depression "Initially Pristiq kept me on an even keel. Then it didn’t seem to make a difference. I don’t feel interested in anything. I have gained 20 lbs in six months. I told my doctor and she said to stop taking it. Easier said than done. It made me extremely sick. Headache and nervousness were unbearable"

• Kevin
• January 23, 2014

For Depression "Went to the doctor complaining of anxiety. Was waking up and not falling back asleep or even worse could not fall asleep. Was also having anxiety attacks. The last time this happened I was prescribed effexor which was a nightmare and Celexa which did nothing for me. Ended up quitting my job and with time off I returned to normal. Quitting my job this time is not a option so the doctor put me on Pristiq. Noticed a positive effect within 7 days and I have been on it for a month now. This drug has worked absolute wonders for me. I have had no side effects at all (and no sexual impotency)."

• Gareth
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on many antidepressants and desvenlafaxine had the least side affects. Dose increased rapidly until I was on 100mg morning and night. Recently had some anxiety, paranoia and rage issues. Got a referral for a psychiatrist. He started me on taking the 200mg Pristiq in the morning and taking 30mg of mirtazapine in the evening. Increased my issues over the 2 weeks taking this combo. Now on 200mg in the morning as before and 100mg of quetiapine in the evening. My mood has stabilised but my social anxiety has increased (even with a Valium safety net) and have trouble getting back to work. I'm genuinely glad most of you have found peace but I'm yet to find mine- with a marriage hanging by a thread and a 1yo daughter relying on me, time is not on my side."

• Jo Girl
• November 22, 2013

For Depression "Have been taking Pristiq for just on a month -- relief from anxiety and depression after 3 days and able to concentrate and focus again to full capacity -- no side effects and sleeping well. I was on Efexor on and off for 10 years, with not a lot of relief from anxiety symptoms. Have lost some weight as well, and am starting to feel very positive."

• Johnny
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2018

For Depression "Depression is like being dead while you're alive. It the most scary illness in the world. After doing a genetic test while on effexor (that made my depression worst) pristiq was the best result. I have no side effects, life is good again. Don't loose hope. This medication works, the side effects is due to interaction in the body chemistry, while you do a genetic test you'll find a drug that will balance your brain. I wish you all the best"

• Pristiq...
• March 21, 2009

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq for 8 weeks and believe me, I have never felt better in my life. It works, no side effects. I'm a happy person now. The only thing I wouldn't do is to take Pristiq at night time. I take it at 8:00am, so I don't have sleeping problems. Try it this way. This medicine is wonderful. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY."

• WCano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2013

For Depression "Best medication EVER! After 2 years of feeling angry and upset and constantly fighting with my husband (over stupid things) and having suicidal and self harm thoughts purely from severe depression, I am now feeling 100% absolutely fantastic ALL the time thanks to Pristiq! Before I could barely get out of bed now I have heaps of energy to last all day and am constantly on the go. I LOVE how this medication makes me feel. I'd highly recommend trying this antidepressant."

• beebl...
• April 14, 2015

For Depression "hello, I am a 24 year old male who has been dealing with depression, anxiety, and lack of focus in my life four a couple years now. After a recommendation from a friend i decided to make a change and start on 50mg of prestiq. Im a relatively small person 5'5 130 pounds and immediately felt the effects of the medication. I had a huge surge of energy that was a little overwhelming. I was much more sociable and confident, also my curiosity was dramatically increased and i managed to blaze through several books in a weeks time. This was a huge shift in my normal behavior which was generally lazy and unfocused. Now I've been on the drug for about 3 months and the effects aren't as noticeable but I'd say my life has changed for the better."

• Nguntil
• March 19, 2024

For Depression "I was on 0.5mg Clonazepam for almost a year, and I don't need it anymore, thanks to Pristiq. I was on Zoloft, Lexapro, citalopram, Viibryd, Prozac, nortriptyline, you name it. Side effects were unbearable for me with my lupus. I finally did a gene test, and Pristiq is the only medication in the green column. I did have mild side effects, and they went away in a week. Please do the gene test; I highly recommend it. I don't want anybody to go through all these horrible side effects from antidepressant medication."

• Coope...
• June 7, 2015

For Depression "My Doctor put me one 100 mgs once in the morning and I could tell a huge difference in the way I felt, for the first time I felt like I could breathe, I could see colors again, the tree's, the flower's everything changed from grey to vivid brightness, however this effect was not immediate. I was taking 120 mg's of Cymbalta, 2 60 mg caps. a day, when this was the medicine I was one for years, I fought a good fight with doctor's over years and years. They were telling me I was Bi-Polor and I believed them. It took one great doctor 15 minutes to change my life. I have been on Pristiq 100 mg's for going on 3 years know and I love life again, I can't wait to wake up early in the morning and watch the sunrise and I found out that I wasn't bipolor"

• ccsk
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2014

For Depression "I have had depression for a long time, sometimes more serious, sometimes less serious. In the past 7 years, I think I experience a "re-entry shock" going back to the teaching profession in HK. I need to take it once per day. I did not experience any side effect like sleepiness, dizziness. I can perform my normally heavy duties in my workplace. At first my doctor ask me to take it after evening, but since it will not affect my work and need not be taken after meals, I prefer to take it right after I get up, and I can establish a routine for it easily. Soon after I have taken Pristig, all my negative thoughts and feelings disappear like miracle and many people around me commented that I am happier than before."

• MKate
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2020

For Depression "Pristiq has been a life changer for me. I know it gets a lot of bad reviews on here, because I looked at them before I started it lol. But it may be the med that works for you. I have not felt this good in years. My energy is good, I laugh way more now, I am able to recognize and replace old negative thoughts with more positive ones. I have gained a few lbs but it’s nothing compared to living in depression. I am so thankful for this medication after trying 3 other meds that weren’t very helpful. I hope the good effects continue. Only side effects are sweating and sometimes I’ll wake up in the night and be unable to fall back asleep for an hour or two."

• katy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had my first episode of Major Depressive Disorders for 4 months. I have been on so many SSRIs and other groups of antidepressants like Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Wellbutrin, Vortioxetine, and I couldn't tolerate the side effects (Insomnia, anxiety, heart racing). It was affecting my quality of life. I couldn't work, my relationship with my husband started having more problems, and I had brain fog and couldn't concentrate. Pristiq brought me back again. I felt better after the first two weeks. I have the energy to live in this beautiful world again. My anhedonia is much better. I sleep well and eat well. My relationship with my husband is great and our sex life is fantastic, no libido, no decrease in sex drive. I had minor side effects for the first two days: headache, fatigue. For everyone who reads negative reviews about Pristiq, all of us - we are different, and our bodies react to medication differently. Never give up; try until you find the right one."

• Bpaint
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2023

"Listen guys, it has been a serious battle dealing with depression and panic disorder. I almost lost everything over the course of 8 years. Struggling to go outside, keep friends, make friends, keep a job, work a job... everything... even going into stores. But this medicine at 50mg for only about 2 months now has completely changed that. I mean, seriously guys, it's no joke. First day I was on a cloud, felt at peace. Second day and over the next week it leveled out and I felt in control for the first time in years. The only side effects for me were dry mouth and insomnia, both went away during the first week. This medicine really does work, please don't be scared. We got this!"