Desvenlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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, but 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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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)."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been taking Pristiq 50 mg 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 genetic testing done, and Pristiq was on 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."

• lilmi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2024

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "It took me about a week to fully adjust to this medication but now that I have, it is helping me dramatically. My intrusive thoughts have subsided, and I don't feel like sleeping my life away. I can function better overall, and my anxiety and angry outbursts have subsided as well. Side effects were nausea and feeling a little woozy. Pupil dilation, and some trouble getting good rest. Now that I am adjusted though, there are no side effects. Would highly recommend."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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 psychologist, which I did for the first time in my life. He changed me to long-acting Xanax XR and 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 had 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."

• 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 every day, and felt groggy and tired every day. 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 antidepressant I’ve used in the past."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "This medication has given me such relief from my depression, it’s amazing. I don’t metabolize SSRIs, only SNRIs, 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 antidepressants to find which will work for you personally."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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. A few slight 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 excited for the future. Hope this helps."

• LC1004
• June 11, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

• waffles
• February 5, 2017

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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 of 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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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 SNRIs can cause violent behavior. Please be careful with this drug!"

• Seaweed
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2020

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I did genetic testing, and it showed I should use Pristiq for depression. For the first month, it was wonderful. Then I stopped sleeping, would just start to drift off and then suddenly wide awake. I am trying to wean off, been crying non-stop for weeks. Out of control anger and screaming. Suicidal thoughts are constant. This has never been me. I have always been joyful, optimistic, and outgoing. I’m now locked inside, afraid of going out in public due to erratic behavior. I am beginning to think the genetic testing is done by the makers of this drug."

• Sunsh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I had been depressed for many years and tried just about everything out there, nothing worked. Then my doctor put me on Pristiq. I am now feeling like a new person. I have been on it for 2 years now and never want to go off it. I have, however, forgotten to take a dose, and the next day was awful. Mood swings in the snap of a finger, tears over minor things etc. Great medicine."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I started Pristiq 3 months back with 50 mg dosage for mild depression. On the first 2-3 days, I felt a bit lightheaded. 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."

• speedy
• December 20, 2009

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "At 27, I have suffered from manic depression for over 10 years now and always thought I could manage the depression naturally. Was given Pristiq last week after seeing my family doctor in tears over feeling resentful towards my partner since the birth of our daughter and also stressed and unable to cope. After a bit of convincing from my Dr, I decided that my family staying together was too important not to try it and I have to say WOW! I feel like a new person and wonder with horror just how long I could have gone on talking myself out of what in the end has completely changed my life for the better! I adore my life suddenly, have no feelings of anxiety or fear or resentfulness. Hope it lasts."

• Aubs
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "For years I refused medication for my depression and anxiety disorder. I had tried a few in the past (Lexapro, Effexor, etc.) but they hadn't helped or caused me to gain weight. After having my baby, my anxiety and depression became so bad I couldn't leave the house. I met another lady who suggested this medication. I was really hesitant, but I had to try something for my baby's sake. This medication has really changed my life. I am a different person completely. I feel strong and don't remember the last time I cried (I used to be a daily crier!). I am still anxious sometimes but life doesn't seem so hard anymore. Everyone that knows me has noticed the difference in me. It took about three days to get used to it, but it's been great since."

• mafro...
• August 6, 2016

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I was on Pristiq at 100 mg for several years. I was happy and positive, free from anxiety and depression. Earlier this year, I made the mistake of tapering and discontinuing the med due to feeling dependent and experiencing sexual side effects. I ended up having difficulty with memory and would cry at everything. I have tried to go back on, and after 12 weeks, I've made improvements but nowhere near where I felt before. I function, but I have difficulty sleeping, have crying spells, and feel terribly depressed, especially in the morning. I'm going to try Lexapro now since it worked for a close relative; hoping it helps me turn the corner. If you're on Pristiq and it's working, don't stop! Discontinuing this med was a big mistake for me."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2008

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "As others have described, I have seen a huge change after the first 2 doses. Recent emotional and mental stress, along with going through menopausal changes, threw me completely off balance. My doctor prescribed Pristiq, and I cannot believe the huge change. My head is so clear and balanced, I feel like the slate has been wiped clean. My eyesight also feels clear. I suppose that is because my brain is in better balance. I believe this to be a wonderful improvement on this type of antidepressant, and I will continue to take it for as long as it helps. The only side effect I have is slight nausea, which should subside in a week."

• Much...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 5, 2017

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been on pretty much every antidepressant that is out there. Nothing has really helped and the few times I felt a slight improvement in my condition, the side effects outweighed the benefits. Pristiq has been totally different. Within a week of starting it, I see a positive change. My overall mood is better, I have more energy, and I am more productive. Also, when my mood does take a dip, it seems that the 'bottom' has been raised. In other words, the lows aren't as low as they once were. I have only been on it a couple of weeks, and I am told that I still may not be experiencing the full benefit, which is great considering how much better I already feel. No side effects whatsoever. Very grateful for this medication."

• Marsh
• August 12, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After going through a messy divorce with a nasty ex, I developed, for the first time in my life, anxiety and depression. Pristiq has made me feel my original happy, fun self. Highly recommend if you are struggling to find the light during a highly stressful time in your life. This has actually saved my life. In Australia, much cheaper online."

• Tehrr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on Pristiq for about six months now, and so far it's been working quite well. I'm new to taking medication for depression, trying to deal with it on my own, but apparently 29 was the year I decided my thoughts weren't normal. The side effects at the beginning were intense. The most prominent being stiffness in my back and jaw, yawning, dry mouth, strange depth perception issues with vision, feeling jittery/shaky, a heavy chest/anxious feeling, and what I will call vaginal 'numbness.' Most of these symptoms subsided after the first three weeks, thank God because the heavy chest feeling was not pleasant at all! Others come and go, i.e., dry mouth, jaw stiffness, and vaginal 'numbness.' I occasionally feel very happy and excited, and other times quite robotic. However, my thoughts have changed completely since I started this medication, and I think I really needed it to realize that those thoughts weren't 'normal' and to see how much better life can be without them."

• doova
• January 8, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I am 19 years old, and I was prescribed Pristiq for depression about 2 months ago, and I have certainly noticed positive improvements. The first few days on it were very interesting - I couldn't sleep, didn't want to eat, but at the same time, I had a lot of energy and felt pretty good. This phase went away after about 3-4 days, and everything was back to normal. After about 2 weeks, I wanted to get out and do things every day, which was positive, but the depression was still there for the most part. Over the next 4 weeks, I SLOWLY noticed the depression disappearing, and now I find it is a lot easier to brush off negative thoughts that depression brings. Just remember, this drug takes a long time to work. Stay patient with it. My doc also told me that EACH SSRI/SNRI has about a 66% success rate. So, if Pristiq doesn't work for you, try another SSRI and it will have a 66% hit rate. Therefore, after trying 3 or 4 different SSRIs, the chances are very high of one of those working for you."

• ginge...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2015

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have suffered from depression on & off since childhood as I had gone through a lot of trauma in my childhood. I believe my brain was rewired due to the depression I've endured since - that first started when I was 9 yrs old. I've been on about 14 different antidepressants of all types (including MAOIs & mood stabilizers) & none of them had really worked for me. I gave up on everything - & truly believed I'd just had to accept wanting to die almost daily for the rest of my life!!! I finally asked my Dr. if I could try any new antidepressants & he prescribed Pristiq. This is the start of my 3rd month on it & it's changed my life! I'm actually feeling wonderful & have found hope again! On 50mgs/day."

• Kevin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2012

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After suffering from mild depression and anxiety, I was much anticipating to use this medicine to help me. I have to date been on this medicine for close to 5 weeks, and I can say the first two to three weeks may have been hard to get through, but I managed, and I can happily say, this may be the best medicine on the market for fighting or combating depression! I can't remember the last time I have felt like this! Thank you Pristiq for bringing me back to what I used to be!"

• Happy...
• October 25, 2013

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have been on Pristiq for the past 12 months. I started on 50mg and went up to 100 mg after about 3 months. The side effects were terrible for the first two weeks. I have no side effects now except insomnia - however, I have had insomnia for many years. I just have to make sure I have Pristiq as soon as I get up. I am a much happier and relaxed person, and it helped save my marriage. My husband is a saint but only a saint can take so much :)"