Desvenlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

• Gigi
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2021

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Been taking Pristiq for about a year and I’m definitely no better. If not worse. I have a lot of symptoms that I feel are coming from this drug. I have no motivation to do anything. I have a hard time making a decision. I’m constantly tired. I am mad at the world and often find myself taking out anger on everyone around me. I have no emotions and can’t express myself. I believe it’s time to talk to my doctor about changing my meds or stop taking it altogether. I really feel like it’s changed me and not for the better. Sometimes I don’t even like myself and I feel like a horrible person. In general I just don’t like the way it makes me feel. I hope I can get my life back soon."

• Melissa
• February 25, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I love this. I used to have major mood swings. I feel so much happier. I'm a recovering meth addict. I started this medicine in rehab. 6 months at 50mg and life couldn't be better. All of the anxiety and nerves, tics and repetitive thoughts I no longer have. Pristiq and AA saved my life."

• KCWard
• August 3, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking Pristiq for 6 months. The first two months, nothing happened. The third and fourth months were great. I was well balanced, no longer angry all of the time. I had motivation to do things, and I felt like I finally had the ambition to do something with my life. And then Pristiq just stopped working for me. As if my body had grown immune to it. I am still talking it regularly every day but I feel just as horrible as I felt before I started taking it. I am going to see a doctor next week to find out why it just stopped working for me. It's not fair! I read so many reviews on how it has changed peoples lives and fixed their depression. I was so happy to think that I'd gotten the same result. I can't find a reliable drug."

• Alice...
• July 11, 2014

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "Diagnosed with Cyclothymia, as severely depressed and adult ADHD. Been on Pristiq for 2 years, before that Cymbalta. Although both worked well, Pristiq has helped much more (no meds for ADHD). Had to have the dosage raised today because I must have hit a plateau and started feeling bad again. Doc says the higher dosage for six weeks should help get me back on track and then I can take the regular dose again. For anyone that has quit these medicines cold turkey, please don't do it, can cause seizures/psychotic episodes, talk to doctor. I'll be on these meds or something all my life, so feeling better-no complaints. I'm actually nicer on Pristiq and since I don't take anything for ADHD I'm still very interesting too."

• Peg
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 2, 2023

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I had been on so many different antidepressants over the years. I would have to put on higher and higher doses until I was on the maximum amount but, still severely depressed. I was in the hospital again. The doctors did a Gene-sight DNA study that compared my DNA with known antidepressants and PSY medications. It came back with a list of which medications were classified for my DNA and what my body would have the least amount of problems with and work effectively. Turns out the medications I was on in the past were in the category 'Use with Extreme Caution'. My physician changed me to Pristiq. Within a week I felt better than I had depression-wise in years and have been doing well for 6 years now. The Pristiq now has a generic pill much less expensive. Rating in regard to effectiveness +10, side effects in the instructions for use leaflet."

• Tazzy
• July 31, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After being depressed for a long time, I decided to approach my Doctor after therapy alone was not working. I was suffering severe mood swings, crying every day, anxiety attacks and so on. I am now on day 6 of 50mg of Pristiq and its amazing. Feel calm, in control, have not cried once and feel really good. Side effects have been nausea, insomnia (hope this will settle down) and decreased appetite. I was putting my family through hell and it feels like I have finally turned a corner."

• Amber
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2018

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I had been on pristiq 50mg for around 5 years. It helped me dramatically to get my life back on track. I noticed within the past year that it was not working as effectively as my body had probably adjusted to it so my doctor upped the dosage to 100mg recently. At first I noticed some nausea, headaches and extreme tiredness. These side effects have now subsided after a week and I’m starting to feel the full effects of the increased dosage. I feel absolutely amazing, I am focused at work, I am getting back in to my study, I have started to lose weight again due to my appetite decreasing ( I was eating way too much before due to depression) I am much more sociable and exercising again. I was also having trouble with substance abuse and that has now also stopped. Everyone’s experience with a drug is going to be a different story but I personally am very grateful for pristiq."

• dotts
• March 3, 2014

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been ON EVERYTHING even when it was in test study, Prozac, etc. After being on the test study for Pristiq I begged to be put on it on a regular basis. I sleep 7-8 hours per night uninterrupted, I am high performance on my job, I have a renewed life even including exercise. However this medicine is a 4 tier on my Blue Cross supplemental and it is very expensive for a 90 day supply."

• Dev
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2018

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been on the generic form and so far it has made me sweat a lot but my anxiety has almost gone completely away. My depression is lessening and my concentration and mood have improved dramatically. Before taking it my boss was about to firer me now he says I'm a pleasure to work with and my mood and quality of work have improved drastically. So far it has saved my life...."

• Dont...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on Pristiq for about 2 yrs, started on 50mg but after a couple of months I started feeling very moody, Dr put it up to 100mg, again a few months later same thing happened, had it increased to 150mg, I've been on this dose for over a year, Dr. never thought I would take this dose as I am small frame and only 55kg. I started taking it at night and found that my mind was going at a million miles an hr, did not sleep for a week, changed to the morning which works well. As others have mentioned, if I miss a dose I get dizzy. Pristiq has helped me, saved my marriage, and my life, I am calmer, anxiety gone, mood swings gone, suicidal thoughts gone. Give it time and if all else fails get help. Good luck!"

• hayley
• March 10, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "This medication is amazing! After 3 days of being extremely sick, I started to feel amazing, I am now 1 month into it and am so happy all the time and have no depressive thoughts at all. It kind of blocks out any sad thoughts. Works perfectly for me."

• Mary...
• May 16, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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. "

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

• Tulsa...
• May 9, 2014

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

• Foste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2023

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have struggled with solutions with PMDD for decades. I have been on this medication for 2 years and am finally leaving a review, because I truly believe that Pristiq alone has saved my life. I had run the gamut through antidepressants, bc, diet, and exercise to treat the symptoms of PMDD to no avail. Every month going through the same cycle of anxiety, insomnia, rage outbursts, impulsive thinking, and helplessness to the point of thinking of suicide. I doctor shopped for someone who would believe me that my hormones were doing this to me and I wanted off the rollercoaster. I felt it was a losing battle. I would be this miserable person forever. As a last resort I took a gene test. It changed my life. Pristiq, was the only medication in my "green column" My doctor put me on a varying dosage. I take slightly more or less depending on my symptoms. It has worked. I have my life back, or maybe for the first time. I no longer struggle with sleep, hormones, or anger. I have peace."

• c2da3
• June 15, 2015

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

• Chelsea
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2023

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was on generic Pristiq for almost two years before my panic attacks, anxiety, and depression became creeping back. It also caused hair loss and night sweats that made me have to change my clothes up to 3 times a night and I gained 30lbs with no end in sight. Coming off this drug has been horrendous. I have had full blowen withdrawal symptoms, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. I got put in the psychiatric ward and lost my job. It’s been weeks and I still don’t feel like myself, still can’t work and I'm at risk of losing everything. This medication literally almost killed me and I don’t know if I’ll ever be the same. Beware."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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. "

• Cwilli
• September 19, 2015

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."