Pristiq User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Chipp...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2015

For Depression "As they say what helps you may not help others but Pristiq for me was a life saver. About the 3rd day I was feeling much better from severe depression with suicidal thoughts. After about 5 days I was back to reality and never looked back, that was about 3 or so years ago. I take 50 mg once in the morning daily and since I am 70 yrs old now and I'm staying on them and not going to try to do without them, I don't want to take a chance and end up back with the most horrible sickness I have ever experienced, clinical depression."

• brookie
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2022

For Depression "I would not be here without Pristiq. I've been on it for about a year now, but within the first month I knew I had found the one. I honestly had/have no side effects, but I know from experience (from the multitude of other meds I had to try before I found this one) that meds affect everyone differently. The only downside is that when I forget to take it for 2-3 days, I get "brain zaps", but thats the only symptom. Anyways, I would have not fallen back in love with life if it wasn't for Pristiq. to anyone reading this, it took me months and months to find this med, I was miserable, it felt like torture to live. I wanted to give up. I was so close to giving up, but I didn't, and I found something that fit like a puzzle piece. I am so sorry that you are still searching for your puzzle piece, but please please don't give up."

• dicea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 5, 2016

For Depression "I was started on Pristiq 50mg a year ago when my moods started to get out of control, as well as my anger. I was so angry all the time, and I felt like I was always on the verge of crying. I experienced no side effects whatsoever from the Pristiq, and felt a noticable difference within a week. I'm not angry for no reason any more, and I don't feel like I have to cry when I drop a spoon. This medication worked wonders for my depression, anxiety, anger and invasive thoughts. My doctor increased the dose to 100mg after I plummeted emotionally, despite the Pristiq. The increased dosage worked! I've been on 100mg for 6 months with no side effects and no complaints."

• Mary...
• May 16, 2013

For Depression "After being in denial, I completely broke down with anxiety and depression. Went to my doctor and prescribed me Pristiq. After a week I took a big turnaround for the best, so happy! Stick with it, give it a chance to work. Side effects were nausea for the first few days stomach upset, but don't give up! I have been on Celexa in the past but takes to long to kick in..plus 40lbs weight gain. Pristiq cuts the appetite ,and you not hungry, at least if you needs a few lbs off this is the medicine to be on!"

• jahnj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2014

For Depression "I was desperate for something that would get me out of the dark abyss that is anxiety and depression, and get rid of the constant thoughts of suicide. I turned to Pristiq - it was new, and made out to be a miracle. And it was. I had no side effects when I started taking it. I was able to get back to work and perform better in school. Everything seemed great. I had my life back. Until, months later, I went my first day without it. The withdrawal symptoms were crippling. Paranoia, a pounding headache, vertigo, and sweating are just a few of the symptoms I experienced in my withdrawal. The headache was so severe I could do nothing but lie down. I still take. Too difficult to quit. "

• Tulsa...
• May 9, 2014

For Depression "My Psychiatrist put me in 50mg Pristiq for compulsive, regular binge eating and anxiety/depression. The first week I was on it, my anxiety-ridden thoughts about food changed completely and I lost interest in binge eating, so I have lost a few pounds so far. I was extremely happy, with virtually no anxiety. I am now on week 2, and the anxiety is starting to creep back in and I'm not quite as happy, so I will be discussing increasing my dosage with my doctor. The loss of interest in food has persisted. Overall, I think this medication is great and I plan to stay on it."

• c2da3
• June 15, 2015

For Depression "I take prestiq for anxiety (first) & depression. I don't know what the true definition of "normal" is but, this is the closest I've felt to it in quite some time. My most recent attempt of feeling "normal" was with 8 years/ lexapro. My concentration level was on point & my anxiety level was low but, the zombie like feel, the lack of sex drive & weight gain eventually drove me to find an alternative. After several failed attempts with various other options, I can say that prestiq has proven to disprove most, if not all, of my concerns. Yes, I still get fiery mad at times (with good reason) but, it's controllable. Yes, I still get sad/anxious but, there are tangible reasons & I am now able to pull myself out a lot sooner."

• 32...
• March 13, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I recently came to terms with my mental illness and decided to seek help. I decided to take pristiq after it had been sitting in my cabinet for over a month. Day 1 was terrible - I couldn’t eat, I was nauseous, paranoid, socially withdrawn, went to hot yoga and almost fainted (pristiq makes you sweat a lot! Body temperature sky rockets). Day 2 was not quite so bad.. but still was not sure if I should continue because I felt a lot of brain fog. I felt kind of numb too. Although! No irritability or depressive symptoms on those first two days. So I gave day 3 a shot & I've been good ever since then. I’m only on my 2nd week now, but I just wanted to write to people who may want to give up after the first week of bad symptoms and tell them my story. Because I’ve felt great ever since then and I have had no melt downs, haven’t cried once, or yelled at anyone, or questioned my own self worth. So good luck to anyone who’s going on the same journey. I hope we all find the right cure."

• amyc
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking 50mg of Pristiq for about 5 weeks now, and just started taking 100 mg a couple days ago. I am 31 yrs old, but have been on antidepressants for 10 yrs. I've tried many SSRI's (Lexapro for several yrs) and never felt much better at all. I remained depressed and began to try to accept that this is just what my life would be. Finally, about 2 months ago my Drs office began doing genetic testing which can guide them on what medicines your body will respond best to. So Pristiq it was. I think my mood has lifted somewhat. I'm really hoping it will improve even more as studies show full benefits take 6-8 weeks. "

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For Depression "I'm a 40 year old female, mother of two. I'm being newly treated for depression. I've been taking Pristiq for 5 days. I noticed an incredible difference within 30 minutes of my first dosage.(I know it seems hard to believe) The heaviness between my eyes subsided, and I felt at ease. I am loving my new attitude towards all and everything. I have noticed some side effects, a sore jaw from clenching, and a lack of appetite. I can live with the sore teeth and jaw as long as that is the worst of the side effects and a bit of weight loss would be great. I notice I'm waking up happier and bright eyed, instead of miserable and heavy feeling. So far, I'm loving Pristiq."

• Cwilli
• September 19, 2015

For Depression "I'd been on Prozac for 5 years and its effects had started to wane. I was severely depressed with anxiety and extreme tiredness. I was going to bed at 7pm and had to drag myself out of bed. Everything felt completely overwhelming. I sat with the prescription for about a month. Some reviews I'd read had me terrified. It got so bad I thought there was nothing left to lose. I decided to ensure I'd never run out and I'd take it at the same time every day. I had a migraine at the very beginning so drank more water and I am feeling great. The best part is increased energy. I feel like a normal person. This has been a lifesaver. Would recommend if you have debilitating fatigue."

• SRano
• July 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication isn't really something the average person should take. Desvenlafaxine is a alternative medication if you're extremely sensitive to all other forms of meds. I have taken over 20 different medications before and I finally had a genetic test and discovered that almost every known psychiatric medication would have a negative effect on my body. Only 4 medications were cleared in green status for me, all new and expensive, pristiq being the highest recommended. I have never experienced anything like pristiq as I haven't noticed any major side effects. Decreased sex drive, headaches, and nausea have always been deal breakers with other medications, but not this one. The only side effect I can say I have felt is perhaps drowsiness which can be annoying but avoidable with certain actions. If you've taken a plethora of medications I would recommend a genetic test as you may find you have the same sensitivity as I have, and that prisitq may be a good alternative."

• Brownie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2019

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq 50mg every morning for 10 days. It has changed my mood and anxiety for the better. I have tried numerous other medications for anxiety and depression, and I had adverse reactions to them. I had a Genetic testing done, and Pristiq was in the list to try and I am glad I did that. I have noticed my mood has been better, I feel happier, my depression is not leaving me so down, and my anxiety has gotten better. It’s not a medication that works for everyone but it has worked for me and I am thankful for that."

• Kitcat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

For Depression "I almost lost my life because of this drug and Effexor. I was on effexor for a year and couldn’t sleep, had massive anxiety everyday and felt groggy and tired everyday. Got switched to pristiq and had extremely real suicidal thoughts that I’ve never had before. Had to wean myself off of it because doctors didn’t understand why I was still not able to sleep all night (would wake up every 2 hours), why my anxiety was constantly spiking and why I was so suicidal. My cognitive thinking made sense but my physical reactions did not. I weaned myself off and my anxiety attacks mostly stopped, I was not depressed anymore and I could sleep again a full 8 hours (which helps with cognitive function a lot). The brain zaps were awful and my agitation was sky high while going off. Now I’m on a high CBD tincture and find it works better than any anti-depressant I’ve used in the past."

• Tano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2019

For Depression "This medication has given me such relief from my depression it’s amazing. I don’t metabolize SSRI’s only SNRI’s and cymbalta didn’t work at all (SNRI). I have had no side effects at all. Everyone is different clearly it has worked for some, but getting a buccal swab to see what meds your body can metabolize is the newest and most accurate method. That way you don’t have to try a million anti depressants to find which will work for you personally."

• My...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 17, 2024

For Depression "After 40 years of therapy and various drug protocols, my PCP insisted we try this med. I would have to check with Dr., but am now 69 years old and since the start of Pristiq at age 44, it has allowed me to live a normal and balanced life, with no negative side effects. We are celebrating 44 years of marriage and are more in love every year thanks to eliminating a family plague."

• Alpha
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2018

For Depression "I am not sure if this is useful (and this may be just my individual experience) but I was self medicating my anxiety and depression with illegal drugs and alcohol (abusing both) until Pristiq. My Psychiatrist prescribed me 100mg and not only did it curb my anxiety and depression it also removed the appetite for alcohol and drugs. It actually worked so well I have been abstinent from both for months now, so if you are using alcohol and drugs to medicate, a useful side effect of Pristiq is that you can get out of that abusive hole of yours."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in anyway. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100mg. If the antidepressant does not work 4-6 weeks please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

• YOLO
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2019

For Depression "I have battled with depression and anxiety since I was in my teens I’m currently 28, I have only been on Pristiq for 4 days now it has changed my life, I don’t continuously think negatively or have panic attacks. Few slightly side effects but I’m willing to push through as I expect they will fade over the next couple of weeks. I’ve never been on antidepressants I’ve always tried to tell myself I don’t need medication I wish I had found this medication years ago, I’m exited for the future. Hope this helps."

• SCano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 15, 2020

For Depression "Here's some really important information for this med. I was given this med to combat depression and it caused some really aggressive side effects. Do your research! This medication is in the country's top 10 of all drug offenders for violent behavior! I had to do some research after I found myself in an aggressive situation without understanding why I was behaving the way I was. I found that some SNRI's can cause violent behavior. Please be careful with this drug!"

• BRMAN
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2014

For Depression "I took 50mg pills for almost 5 months. I could feel the improvement in my mood and in my life as a consequence. No sexual side-effects. Unfortunately I had to stop because it was causing severe hair-loss (alopecia)."

• waffles
• February 5, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for at least six years for post-menopausal anxiety/depression. I tried several other medications without success, but this one is great. No side effects other than headache and mild nausea the first couple days. I feel "normal" 99% of the time - moods have evened out, almost no anxiety/irritability and have an overall happy feeling. I would take it in the morning, as it can cause mild insomnia. I will stay with this one."

• tried...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2013

For Depression "So I had anxiety and depression. My GP prescribed Lexapro initially, then Wellbutrin, then Zoloft (coupled with Xanax). Nothing was working and I was waking up in the morning every day with panic attacks. My GP recommended I go to a Psych, which I did for first time in my life. He changed me to long acting Xanex XR Pristiq. Both have been massively better and Pristiq could be a game changer. The side effects I had adjusting to SSRIs were very very bad but getting on Pristiq has been very easy. Only a headache for 2 days. I recommend people try this. My panic attacks and anxiety literally vanished after 3-4 days. I feel like I finally found what I needed."

• Rumi
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2019

For Depression "I started Pristiq 3 months back with 50 my dosage for mild depression. On the first 2-3 days I felt a bit light headedness. After two weeks my dosage was increased to 100 mg and since then I have continued the same dosage. For me, this medication has worked very well so far. Obviously the medication will not fix everything by itself, you'll have to gradually push yourself to work on your lifestyle changes too for the medication to work properly like taking a healthy diet. I also made it a point to never skip the dosage and I missed it only two days up until now. Thankfully it has worked very well for my depressive and PTSD episodes."

• LC1004
• June 11, 2013

For Depression "I have been on many different antidepressants from the age of 15 till now (22). I have tried Wellbutrin which was decent, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor etc. Now I am on Pristiq 100 mg and couldn't be happier. All the years I've been trying to find what works for me, I finally have. My only complaint is that if I even forget to take it one night, within 10 hours I feel awful! Shaky, sweaty, brain zaps, rage etc. As long as I remember to take it, it's an amazing antidepressant."