User Reviews for Pristiq to treat Major Depressive Disorder

"My dr had me do a genetic test to see how my DNA reacted and broke down medication. Genomind was the test used My DR was able to see my body doesn't respond to SSRI'S. My DNA synced with Pristiq. 1st day, I felt more uplifted. I do suffer with insomnia. 2nd morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. Smiling. BEST PART! I STAYED ON TASK! I have a hard time with that. After taking pristiq, I have motivation and not scatter brained. My thoughts are in place. I wake up less stressed now bc stuff is actually being done. Day 3, I was able to conquer a HUGE landscaping task that took me 6.5 hours to do. I felt healthy and my old self. I didn't feel tired. It was a huge difference. I felt good. So good I wanted to exercise. Who wants to exercise? It feels like that missing spark in my brain was reconnected and now I can function properly. I'm a little quick tempered, it's helped me w that too! Overall, this medicine has been a God send."

"It is now 147 days since I first started taking Pristiq. I enjoy the small things. I was in Athens and I found myself enjoying the sight of the mountains in the distance and the sight of trees laden with oranges. I used to not enjoy these small things. I find it easier to stay motivated. I don’t feel listless very often anymore. I find it easier to set goals and to work towards them everyday. I find it easier to control my cravings. I am still not where I would like to be but it is now much easier for sure. I lost 7 kgs simply by moderating my diet. I don’t get angry at people anymore. I am actually happy throughout the day. Happiness is a real part of my being now. I find it easy to be happy even though I don’t have a promotion, we don’t have a house and our savings aren’t so great. My relationship with my wife has improved significantly."

"Pristiq genuinely saved my life, but it shouldn't be used as a frontline treatment like many are reporting. SNRIs aren't for everybody, so if this isn't your perfect match, move along. To everybody reading reviews because they were prescribed this: try it out, and if it doesn't work, try something else. It's not the end of the world, you'll find what works for you."

"Pristiq literally saved my life!! Diagnosed with major depression (although more so undiagnosed bipolar II), I started on a controversial 300mg daily nearly 14 years ago now. I’ve reduced to 200mg daily and will stay on it for life absolutely no side effects whatsoever. I am happy, social productive and successful and at complete peace within myself. I spent almost 10 years on the medication roller coaster before an amazing GP took a special interest in my case whilst co authoring the book “Brain Fuel Depletion” I was so lucky to be under his care, I owe him my life! Pristiq may not be for everyone but may my story inspire you to persevere and keep on trialling different meds until you find your right fit.....I promise you, it’s worth it"

"I have been on many other medications, such as Abilify and Lamictal and Lexapro, but this was the one that finally helped me fully be better. It does have side effects yes, and missing doses aren't fun, but I'd say it has easily changed my life for the better. If I was at 30% before Pristiq, then I' am definitely at 90% right now."

"I had been on numerous meds that weren't helping. Horrible anxiety and depression. Extremely irritable. I decided to try Pristiq anyway and within an hour this sense of calm rushed over me. I felt so at peace. I'm more alert. I don't need constant naps. I'm positive and life is great. At first though insomnia sucked but every night it improved and didn't last long. I'm sleeping great now. Its been a few weeks and I'm still struggling with constipation. I had headaches at first too but not anymore. It has destroyed my appetite though. I can miss my dose by hours and not experience the "brain zaps" or feel any different at all unlike others. I feel absolutely amazing and it has by far boosted my marriage more than I could ever imagine. I can even see the spirits of my kids lifted immensely. I don't obsess over things like before and I'm more relaxed. I've had no sexual side effects, I can still orgasm and I've actually been more in the mood bc I feel better."

"I have fought depression for a long time and this is the first time in years that something has worked. I lost everything but now I can rebuild my life. Pristiq has been a miracle. I have taken many medicines and I was 100% sure nothing would work. Now with Gods help I have a new life. I felt nothing for first few weeks but after a month I'm alive. Thank you for developing this miracle. All the best. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, BEFORE THIS I WAS SURE NOTHING WOULD WORK AND I WAS SUICIDAL. FEW WEEKS AGO I WOULD HAVE TOLD LIVING IS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE BUT NOW IT WORKS, MY BRAIN DOES NOT WANT TO SLEEP ALL WEEK AND LOOSE EVERYTHING AND BE HOMELESS. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE. "

"I've been on many antidepressants and desvenlafaxine had the least side affects. Dose increased rapidly until I was on 100mg morning and night. Recently had some anxiety, paranoia and rage issues. Got a referral for a psychiatrist. He started me on taking the 200mg Pristiq in the morning and taking 30mg of mirtazapine in the evening. Increased my issues over the 2 weeks taking this combo. Now on 200mg in the morning as before and 100mg of quetiapine in the evening. My mood has stabilised but my social anxiety has increased (even with a Valium safety net) and have trouble getting back to work. I'm genuinely glad most of you have found peace but I'm yet to find mine- with a marriage hanging by a thread and a 1yo daughter relying on me, time is not on my side."

"Why is this a frontline anti-depressant? Yes you read of people having positive responses to it, but it's either this or profoundly negative responses. For me personally, it made my depression worse in terms of cognitive issues, fatigue and anxiety which isn't usually a big issue for me. I was obsessing about my girlfriend cheating on me non stop and had more frequent self harm ideations. I got off it after only 3 weeks and had night terrors and bouts of anger with motivations to ending my life stronger than any I've had before."

"One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in anyway. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100mg. If the antidepressant does not work 4-6 weeks please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

"I recently came to terms with my mental illness and decided to seek help. I decided to take pristiq after it had been sitting in my cabinet for over a month. Day 1 was terrible - I couldn’t eat, I was nauseous, paranoid, socially withdrawn, went to hot yoga and almost fainted (pristiq makes you sweat a lot! Body temperature sky rockets). Day 2 was not quite so bad.. but still was not sure if I should continue because I felt a lot of brain fog. I felt kind of numb too. Although! No irritability or depressive symptoms on those first two days. So I gave day 3 a shot & I've been good ever since then. I’m only on my 2nd week now, but I just wanted to write to people who may want to give up after the first week of bad symptoms and tell them my story. Because I’ve felt great ever since then and I have had no melt downs, haven’t cried once, or yelled at anyone, or questioned my own self worth. So good luck to anyone who’s going on the same journey. I hope we all find the right cure."

"This medication isn't really something the average person should take. Desvenlafaxine is a alternative medication if you're extremely sensitive to all other forms of meds. I have taken over 20 different medications before and I finally had a genetic test and discovered that almost every known psychiatric medication would have a negative effect on my body. Only 4 medications were cleared in green status for me, all new and expensive, pristiq being the highest recommended. I have never experienced anything like pristiq as I haven't noticed any major side effects. Decreased sex drive, headaches, and nausea have always been deal breakers with other medications, but not this one. The only side effect I can say I have felt is perhaps drowsiness which can be annoying but avoidable with certain actions. If you've taken a plethora of medications I would recommend a genetic test as you may find you have the same sensitivity as I have, and that prisitq may be a good alternative."

"Over the last 25 years, I was on 20mg prozac for 7 years - stopped working; 20 mg. lexapro for 8 years - stopped working - and 50 mg. Pristiq for 10 years - just stopped working. Now, I'm on Trintellix 20mg. which I like better than the others. Tapering off Pristiq wasn't too bad. My Dr. prescribed the 25mg. tabs which helped to lower the dosage. After 3 weeks - finally off Pristiq! Meanwhile, I was building-up Trintellix from 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 mg. The best results are at 20mg. Also, Trintellix is not just an SSRI. It hits the other receptors that are targeted by SSNI's and Bupropion (dopamine). So, I was able to stop taking Wellbutrin as well after 25 years. Cost is $295 per month - but, worth it. Also, there's no time release (SR or XL) with Trintellex - so, this eliminates the release differences between generic and brand. This is just my experience as a veteran of anti-depressants."

"I was put on desvenlafaxine for MDD and severe anxiety/PTSD/OCD. In the past I had treated all of the above with xanax 0.25mg to 0.5 mg depending on how bad the day was. I wanted to stay away from xanax considering it was a benzo and also wanted something to even me out as opposed to putting a bandaid on. I can honestly say desvenlafaxine is a game changer. I am on 50 mg and saw a substantial difference in my overall mood after about 3 weeks. I am very much less irritable and my mind no longer obsesses over past traumatic events. In addition, my energy level is higher. The only thing I can say in terms of side effects are I am dreaming complex dreams every single night, as opposed to barely dreaming at all in the past. All the dreams have common denominators- the same reoccurring characters and all story lines are involved."

"I have tried a lot of different antidepressants/mood stabilizers for my Bipolar Disorder. Lexapro, Cymbalta, Trileptal,etc. Before Pristiq I was taking 150mg Lamictal and Venlafaxine 75mg. I was changed to Lamictal 200mg and Desvenlafaxine 50mg. At first, I loved Pristiq. It seemed to really help my anxiety. After 2.5 months, I started to feel tired all the time. No energy, no motivation, no drive. I had no interest in doing anything. Talked to my PCP and stopped Pristiq. Now trying Trintellix with the Lamictal 200mg. Hoping for the best."

"I have severe depression and severe anxiety. I have tried EVERYTHING. My mother committed suicide 5 years ago and my father has had depression as long as I have known him so it comes from both sides. Pristiq ER 100mg is the only medication that I have found that helps both my depression and anxiety and in fact, helps me lose weight! It’s expensive but completely worth it. I now have the energy to play with my 4 year old and clean the house, run errands and “adult” in general."

"This is the first review I have ever shared but I wanted to give others hope. I have suffered terribly with anxiety and then depression for the past 4 years. It got to the point where I could hardly function, couldn't sleep, couldn't think straight, no interest in anything, even going into stores was really hard. After trying 10 different medications I was at a point where I had to try something because nothing was helping including SSRI's. I reluctantly gave Pristiq a try and I have to say the experience has been like nothing I have had before. I am on 50 mg and going into week 5 and have been feeling better and better. I had mild side effects which have mostly gone away. I am not 100% back to my old self but the difference is so profound that I had to share to let others know that there is hope. I have combined it with an improved diet and self care and I finally feel like I am on the right track."

"I want to share this to anyone else out there who is considering this drug. My 15 year old was switched from Viibryd to Pristiq, a little over a month ago for a total of 4 weeks on the med. The longer she took it she had an increasingly worse headache to the point of nausea and insomnia. After 4 weeks she started to titrate off it because it absolutely was making her worse, both mentally and physically. She had horrible suicidal thoughts daily. She titrated off the 50mg to 25mg and got sick, throwing up and severe headache. She then came off the 25mg to nothing and has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms now for 3 days. She stopped as of 3 days ago. After talking with 2 psychiatrists and a natural doctor she basically has to "ride it out". Just for reference: she has tried Cymbalta, Effexor, Viibryd, and Abilify in the past years, none of them really relieving her depressive symptoms. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION. It has been a trying experience."

"I want to start off my review by stating that everyone is different; so what worked for me may not work for you. With that said, I was suffering from severe MDD, anxiety, OCD, border lining on psychosis after I had my son last summer. I was so miserable for his first year of life, and then I was finally put on Pristiq after trying about 10 other anti-depressants/anxiety meds. I seriously feel like a normal person again. I can enjoy my family and friends, and am able to maintain my relationships with them. This has been a literal life saver for me, and because of this, I don't mind that my insurance doesn't cover it."

"I have suffered with anxiety and depression most of life. Been on sertaline and after so many years was not working for me, I felt I was going into a deeper depression. I went and changed my meds to pristiq, I can honestly say I feel so much better in myself, more focused, energy and starting to see things clearly then negative thoughts... I can honestly say it’s changed my life for the good :)"

"Pristiq has done amazing for me. After several failed attempts at finding the right medication, Pristiq has been the best for me. Effexor was good but raised my BP to high. For those who say it makes them feel less yourself, how do you know what yourself is like when you're depressed? I don't know about feeling myself but it greatly increases my mood and decreases my depression and anxiety. I take 100mg a day. Also, ask your Dr. About getting genetic testing to find out which type of medication will do more for you. Not everyone who has depression has the same type. Some have dopamine defects and some serotonin/norepinephrine. Pristiq is for those with serotonin and norepinephrine. "

"Hello all, I was prescribed Pristiq (50mg) for Major Depressive Disorder and severe OCD. Before going on the meds about 12weeks ago I read a lot of online forums and was terrified after reading innumerable horrible reviews! I have to say that this medication has changed my life, I feel normal again; I have energy, I am happy, I am motivated and my relationship has improved drastically! Everyone reacts differently to medications but do not be scared to try it based on the reviews you see. I experienced moderate side effects for the first 4 weeks; drowsiness (really strong in the first week), nausea, insomnia and headaches. I never experienced the 'brain zaps' and most side effects went away after week 4."

"So far I am on day three of Pristiq. I was prescribed 25 mg but was very anxious to even begin it because it is an SNRI. And I suffer from crippling anxiety really bad so taking a norepenephrine made me overthink this medication. The doc said that I could cut the 25 mg pill so that I would be on 12.5 mg, when you cut it it is no longer extended release. So far I have noticed I have more energy and I'm actually staying in the moment as well as smiling and no doom and gloom. I was having really bad DP/DR prior. It was a constant struggle to stay in the present moment. The chatter was so loud in my head. It has stopped now. And I get a boost of energy with the 12.5 of Pristiq. It lasts until evening time which is fine because then I can take my OTC meds to unwind for evening and sleep. I've been sleeping a lot better. I'm actually not afraid to leave my house. And the intrusive thoughts aren't steering my day like they used to. So far so good."

"Major depression and anxiety disorder run in my family and I've been suffering from these two things for the majority of my life. Needless to say, I've tried a variety of antidepressants, many have worked for a bit then stopped, but non have helped with both the depression and anxiety. My psychiatrist changed me over to Pristiq on August 15th, 2021 and we slowly started the increase from 25 mg to 100 mg. With the 25 mg and 50 mg I didn't notice a difference in the depression and felt like my anxiety was getting worse. I started on 100 mg in October and as of now I've noticed a huge difference. The anxiety has improved and the feelings of daily dread caused by my depression and loss of interest have improved incredibly. I feel a lot better. Note, I am also doing CBT therapy via Zoom once a week, so I'm sure that has helped too, but this drug has made a huge difference. I actually don't feel terrible anymore. I'm interested in doing things again and am no longer isolating myself"

"I was put on Pristiq 10 years ago and it saved my life I had no side effects apart from dry mouth. Only 4 months ago I started to get anxiety and depression so I thought prisitiq was not working and decided to come off it and go on lexopro. This was worse thing I ever did. I had so many side effects on lexapro my body hated the SSRIs. I then decided to go back to Pristiq with lots of hard work. I was on Pristiq for 2 weeks and I feel amazing again no more depression or wanting my life to end. This drug has helped me so much and I am so grateful I found this amazing pill."