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Desvenlafaxine for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Pristiq

Desvenlafaxine has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 802 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 59% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 23% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Desvenlafaxine

  • 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. 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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 SNRI's can cause violent behavior. Please be careful with this drug!"

1 / 10
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  • 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)."

7 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • 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 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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"

1 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • 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 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."

9 / 10
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  • Rumi
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • November 21, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

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

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "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."

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  • 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, tried 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 back and jaw, yawning, dry mouth, strange depth perception issues with vision, feeling jittery/shakey, 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, ie. 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."

8 / 10
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  • 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 babies 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 use to be a daily cryer!). 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 use to it, but it's been great since."

10 / 10
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  • Meds
  • November 19, 2022

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "You guys - so incredibly incredibly worth it! Maybe weight gain as a side effect over time but would I rather be a bit heavier than I was or want to die (??) do you know what I mean? Gotta choose your battles in the end imo. Favorite medication ever! Took me from severely dark mood /major depression to HAPPY and at peace every single freaking day of my life for the past 6 months. I'm so thankful for modern medicine! I’ve been a few hours late to take my pristiq and I’ve been fine - no side effects like brain zaps or anything. Which I’ve had in the past from a different med buspirone btw- and it wasn’t That bad… just saying. Don’t be scared to try this med it’s so so worth it- again just my personal experience and opinion but!"

10 / 10
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  • 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 d/t feeling dependent and sexual side effects. I ended up having difficulty w/ memory and would cry at everything. I have tried to go back on and after 12 weeks I've made improvements but no where near where I felt before...I function but I have difficulty sleeping, have crying spells, and feel terribly depressed especially in the am. I'm going to now try Lexapro 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."

9 / 10
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  • 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."

9 / 10
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67 Report
  • 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."

8 / 10
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  • 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 everyday, 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 alot easier to brush off negative thoughts that depression brings. Just remember, this drug takes along 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 doesnt work for you, try another SSRI and it will have a 66% hit rate. Therefore after trying 3 or 4 different SSRI's, the chances are very high of one of those working for you."

9 / 10
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  • 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 anti-depressant and I will continue to take it for as long it helps. The only side effect I have is slight nausea which should subside in a week."

8 / 10
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  • Kevin...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 19, 2012

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "After suffering from mild depression and anxiety, I was much anticipated 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-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/ combating depression! I can't remember the last I have felt like this! Thank you Pristiq for bringing me back to what I used to be!"

10 / 10
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  • 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 :)"

9 / 10
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  • 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 MAOI 's & 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."

10 / 10
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  • Count...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 25, 2015

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I've been on a dose of 200mg for nearly 8 months and I know I couldn't function with out it. It helps level your emotions out, take some control of your life again. Addictive? To some degree yes. It let's you feel normal again and that's a feeling I know I'd do anything to hang on to."

10 / 10
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  • drano
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 15, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I asked to go on Pristiq after a long, difficult road with Lamictal. I had tried countless other anti-depressants and had hit rock bottom. I can honestly say, with me Pristiq has been the best fit. I am not too tired, it helps with my substance cravings, attention span, mood, and hasn't caused any weight gain. I have moments of actual joy and feel like myself again. Yes, in the beginning (first 2 -3 weeks) there were some side effects such as brain fog, fast heart rate, and just feeling funky, but after a month I really felt it working. My friends and family can see it too, and are so grateful to have me back. Side effects to date: At times I get restless legs, when I work out I sweat... a lot (like pure glistening. I wouldn't say it's not sexy) and sometimes I get a racing heart. Overall definitely worth it."

9 / 10
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  • Sharon
  • August 7, 2019

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) "I have had severe anxiety since I was a kid and now Generalized anxiety disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder. Pristiq enables me to drive and stops me from worrying about everything. It helps with paranoia as well. I have no side effects and I tend to have a more restful sleep. I would recommend Pristiq."

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.