I started taking Pristiq 50mg 5 days ago for depression. So far I felt absolutely nothing, not even side effects. The only difference I noticed was an increased sweating. It's almost like I'm not taking anything. Yesterday I had a really bad crisis and I'm asking myself if I should keep taking Pristiq for a few more days or if I should ask my doctor to change the medication. How long until I can feel the effects of Pristiq?
How long does it take for Pristiq to work for depression?
Question posted by mariliamarilia on 8 Jan 2018
Last updated on 8 June 2022
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4 Answers
I started pristiq generic 50 mgs 2 days ago. So far I can feel better gastric motility and slightly more strength especially upon initiation of a movement.
If I see this did u take it morning or night and did it end up working out for u? Thanks
I'm in month 4 now. No change. Should I stop?
After 45 days my psychiatrist increased the dosage to 100%, and it really started to work for me. So it took me about 2 months to feel the effects of the medication. Definitely don't stop on your on, but maybe you can tell your doctor about it and he/she can find you a better dosage or another antidepressant...
Hi, marilia! You have to be very patient with psychiatric drugs because they just don't work instantly like aspirin does. Many people report some improvement in about 2 weeks, but it can take 4-6 weeks to feel the full effects and 6-8 weeks for the drug to reach steady state therapeutic levels in your bloodstream.
As Sidekick says, sweating is a common side effect of Pristiq so we know it's starting to take effect. You're lucky that you're not having other side effects too, although the majority of people don't.
Give it some time, and if you're not starting to feel better in a couple of weeks let your doctor know but I think you'll do fine.
Now that I think about it, I think I had a loss of appetite (I completely forgot to eat today), but that doesn't bother me at all. I'll wait a few more weeks before ask my doctor about it. Thanks for the help!
Ha! Could be:
"Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite, decreased weight"
"Dermatologic
Very Common (10% or more): Sweating (up to 21%)"
Well, we know it’s in you if you’re sweating! Lol. It can take some time, so be patient. General rule is to look for benefits around the two week mark, and expect a full response around the 4 week mark. If at week 3 nothing has changed at all, give your doc a call. It’s way to soon for you to just quit it though.
I'll wait a few weeks before ask my doctor. Thanks for the help!
Is it good for bad anxiety?
Related topics
pristiq, depression, major depressive disorder
Further information
- Pristiq uses and safety info
- Pristiq prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Pristiq (detailed)
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