[route66]

Hi I just had a quick question for anyone who has been on Pristiq or knows anything about it? I have been on everything at one point or another and my doctor started me on Pristiq in November. It is working ok but I keep getting a tightening in my chest and shortness of breath-not constantly but at least a few times a day for a few hours. I haven't ever had this feeling before-i am 26 5'7 and 130lbs, so its not that. If anyone else has experienced this please let me know! Or if you have any ideas what I should do? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[Psyched]

Route66,
Some antidepressants have side effects that affect breathing and heart rate. I would urge you to talk with your doctor about the symptoms you're exhibiting and go from there. He/she may need to adjust your dosage or find an alternative that you BOTH can live with. As most people here will tell you, my favorite saying is that it is the patient's responsibilty to be his/her own advocate; doctors can only help us with what we tell them is wrong. Good luck and have happy holidays!

[Aliceisalive]

Hi,
I'm also on pristiq as of about a week ago (somehow its supposed to replace the effexor i was taking) what are you taking medication for in the first place? I know that I have anxiety issues and some drugs that are supposed to make it *better actually makes it worse. And shortness of breath is one thing that goes along with anxiety. Definately talk to a doctor about that...

[Esprit]

I've tried Pristiq 3 times - stopped and started. Each time I get a really red rash around my neck and chest. Eventually it seems to go away. Recently I was put on Diovan for some elevated blood pressure and with Pristiq I'm now having shortness of breath!! I have asthma but this is not like asthma. It's the feeling you can't get your breath like a heaviness. I'm going to have to stop 1 or both of these. Anyone with similar symptoms?