Pristiq and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• KRo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2021

For Depression "I don't like this drug. I switched to it thinking it would be better than Cymbalta, but it was not! I am done with these awful drugs and big pharma trying to make money off others' misery! I had nausea, sexual side effects, my menstrual cycle changed, night sweats, hot all the time, anxiety, weight gain, etc....! It is not worth it. The side effects are worse than any depression ever was! Not to mention, all it did was make me numb. I am proud to say I have been off of this for almost a week. I will never take this med again."

• Who...
• June 26, 2019

For Depression "I've been taking Pristiq along with doing cognitive behavioral therapy. I've come leaps and bounds since then, and a lot of that is due to therapy. However, I wouldn't have been able to initially manage the day-to-day responsibilities and stresses without Pristiq as well. Rated a 7 because its side effects are severe at the beginning (wide eyes, hyper alertness, increased anxiety). As well, you need to be very, very consistent to take it at the same time every day or as it is prescribed for you. I really do not enjoy the side effects, it not as they affect my vision, concentration, out-of-world-like feeling, and it can be visually obvious to other people, which just increases my anxiety. My goal is to come up with a healthy plan to go off the medication, as I have now developed tools to manage my PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but I find I get distracted by the symptoms of the medication during times of stress, as they seem to peak almost like they're working in overdrive."

• Rib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed 25 mg Pristiq for depression and anxiety. By day 4, I had the worst panic attack. Day 5-7 just kept getting worse. Crying all the time, increased BP. I have BP issues to begin with, so I probably shouldn’t have been prescribed this. But I did the GeneSight test, and it showed Pristiq to be in the green. Oddly, it showed all SSRIs to be in the red. I had been on Paxil twice with great success. Anyway, it’s been 6 days off the Pristiq, and I am still super anxious with baby panic attacks. I have been taking Xanax to try to help, but it barely touches them. I wasn’t this bad before the Pristiq. I am now going back to Paxil. Hopefully, the third time will still be a charm. Good luck to those trying Pristiq, it is a great drug for some. Just not for all."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was trying this out because I never stayed on Zoloft for long due to the sexual side effects not helped by adding Wellbutrin. I was on Pristiq, the lowest dose, for a week, and I just couldn’t do it. Major crying spells from day 1 and really intense anxiety, both physical and psychological. A few days in, the sadness wasn’t as overwhelming, but I started to feel a weird chest heaviness, and my heart was fluttering (healthy 29-year-old), also was still having a lot of anxiety. Didn’t make it to day 7. Had I not had the chest thing going on, I probably would have tried to stick with it for longer."

• hea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 25, 2022

For Depression "While I took Pristiq, I had difficulty sleeping and higher anxiety. I dropped a lot of weight because the medication made me hypoglycemic. Hypoglycemia has similar symptoms to mania (heart palpitations, racing thoughts, insomnia, etc.). The weight loss is not a reason to take this medication if you're trying to lose weight! I lost a lot of weight within a short period of time also. I almost lost my job because of this medication making me erratic and impulsive. Titrating myself off of this medication was a pure nightmare, but I finally just quit taking it because there was no benefit from the medication. The withdrawals were horrible. More insomnia, irritability, brain zaps, I had a ringing in my head also. Please, please, please don't take this medication because I said I lost weight, because this medication is one I will never, ever, ever take again. Please be safe."

• caz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2013

For Depression "Dr. put me on Pristiq because I was having a bad time dealing with the loss of a loved one. It's my first medication, and I have been on it for 9 months. Although it has relieved my mild anxiety, I have decided that this or any other medication isn't for me. The weight gain has probably been the worst and only side effect for me, after 3 months, I piled on 10kgs. On my pharmacist's advice, I have been lowering my dose on alternate days and am now on my third day without taking it. I feel like I'm a little tipsy/heavy-headed by the end of the day, and that's all so far, but it's bearable, and I still manage to go about my day as normal. Hopefully, this doesn't last long. I have never experienced brain zaps either."

• Al ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Horrible experience. I wish I had never started. I had serotonin syndrome going from 50 mg to 100 mg, I literally couldn't get out of bed for a week, anxiety, major depression, paranoia, dilated pupils, you name it. I went back to my doc, and he immediately told me to stop taking it. We switched over to an SSRI, and now I'm doing a lot better. Again, I honestly wish I had never agreed to taking Pristiq. 0/10."

• jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 12, 2016

For Depression "No effects, no side effects, no nothing. Pristiq was touted as a powerful antidepressant with an anti-anxiety drug built in. Besides clinical depression, I struggle with PTSD, agoraphobia, and anxiety disorders. All the years on Pristiq, my mood ranged from nervous to suicidal. I had several anxiety attacks, always in public places, and certainly was not capable of a normal life. About two weeks ago, I decided to stop my 150 mg per day dose. I experienced no withdrawals. My head was clear. I began to set and meet small goals. I cry a lot, for example, over music. But it's good crying. My thoughts can sometimes be labeled 'irrational,' e.g., I often believe my scripts are placebos. No more Pristiq."

• che...
• October 29, 2015

For Depression "I tried Pristiq for 3 months with no good results. I have social anxiety disorder and typically only become anxious around people. When on this medication, I became anxious 24/7, and the intensity of the anxiety increased. I also suffer from depression. This medication took away all of my good thoughts and negative ones as well. It left me feeling empty and like a robot. I could not talk to people. I have Asperger's syndrome as well and almost lost the ability to speak when on this medication. It is horrible. I would not recommend it for anyone who suffers from anxiety, depression, or Asperger's."

• Gla...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 1, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed more and more of this drug that helped me function, but I have been trying to get off of it for 7 years. 7 years of mediocre existence, of misery, or the lie that I must need it, otherwise, I would not be so anxious and depressed when I try to stop. I am Australian, we have a free but often ineffectual health care, so insurance is not an issue. Seriously, try everything else before you go down the drugs path."

• Anonymous
• August 12, 2009

For Depression "I've been taking Pristiq for almost a year. I feel the best I've ever felt. I have had a huge spike in cholesterol and am on medicine now to control. It is a recognized side effect. If I miss one day, I'm really messed up emotionally and physically. My head feels funny and I have uncontrollable sadness and anxiety. Once I take the medicine at my next dose, all those feelings go away. If I ever need or decide to go off this medicine, I will make sure to take it extremely slow."

• Jac...
• March 23, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started on Zoloft over five years ago when I had uncontrollable mood swings, then changed to Pristiq. The Zoloft stopped the mood swings, and I fairly quickly changed, at the doctor's suggestion, to Pristiq, and the improvement in my functioning continued - far better than I was before. About four months ago, things were going so well I thought I could stop taking it, and after speaking to the doctor, slowly reduced my dosage until I wasn't taking any. I then experienced a strong return of depression, anxiety, and lack of drive. I am now one week into taking Pristiq again and haven't experienced any change yet, but didn't expect to as it can take six weeks to work. On my previous experience with Pristiq, I highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2009

For Depression "Never taken any antidepressants. Initial days were bad due to interactions with other medicines. I had nightmares, lack of sleep, nausea, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Once I straightened this out, I felt great, have a clear mind, and I've lost 5 lbs in about 2 weeks."

• Los...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 19, 2021

For Depression "Any users have what feels like your heart skips a beat/stops briefly and jolts your body? I've been on Pristiq for years, and it seems to be very beneficial in many ways, but these episodes that feel like heart zaps are on my last nerve, and they add to my anxiety."

• Sly...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2019

For Depression "I was switching from one medication to Pristiq. I gave it the full six weeks but found it did not get rid of any of my depression symptoms and actually caused my heart rate to increase, and I felt more anxiety than before. After I told my husband I was coming off it, he then told me that he was glad as I was zombie-like when on it."

• Clo...
• May 20, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "This drug killed the real me. I took it for three months for MDD. The first month of Pristiq was euphoric. The only side effect was insomnia. Week six, I experienced anxiety and panic attacks. I went days without sleep. I asked my doctor if Pristiq caused anxiety. He told me that antidepressants take time to work and encouraged me to try the drug a bit longer. My behavior became erratic. I reacted dramatically, even to the good things. I didn’t feel like myself anymore. Week nine, I was noticeably angrier. My overreactions worsened. Week twelve, I searched online for Pristiq. Anxiety showed up in each search. I decided to not take it the following Sunday. My mother wanted me to wait. I adamantly refused and do not regret this. I was considerably less anxious. I had no withdrawal symptoms. Come Tuesday, I saw my doctor. I asked about anxiety again. He confirmed that anxiety was a side effect of Pristiq. I told him everything. I’m not on Pristiq anymore."

• Meh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am currently taking Pristiq. When I first started taking it, I experienced noticeable side effects, despite being accustomed to antidepressants from having taken different types before. I had headaches, a yeast infection, and a decreased appetite. I could not eat and did not feel hungry. However, it did change me. I had more energy, even though I was still depressed, and started cleaning and doing many things. After a few weeks, my depression began to lessen, but I was also attempting to make myself feel better by doing yoga, meditation, and journaling. I became accustomed to the pill, but if I went 10 hours without taking Pristiq, I would feel strange and experience headaches, brain zaps, mood swings, and anger. After two days, I would experience severe withdrawal side effects such as crying, depressive episodes, and anxiety. After four days, I would feel suicidal and very angry. Although I am still taking Pristiq, I would like to stop taking it. However, I am afraid of the withdrawal symptoms, as I am still a student. Even if it might be helpful, I do not believe it is the answer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2012

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for 3 weeks now. First week, a mild headache and insomnia, but after reading forums I would take it early in the morning, and sleep improved. This is the first antidepressant I have taken. I felt wonderful and thought, wow, this is what I have been missing! Things that bothered me before became insignificant. Week 2, much of the same. Week 3, I feel tired and slightly flat, much the same as I did before. I had an anxious moment but distracted myself and it passed. First time I actively felt anxious. I will continue to see how it goes. Having felt the amazing, stable, elevated mood in the beginning makes me consider riding it out."

• Ive...
• June 14, 2015

For Depression "I've been taking Pristiq for one week. My extreme sensitivity to meds of this type has been long proven. Knowing me well and willing to work with me, my doctor has me on 25 mg Pristiq in the morning with food every other day. I've had ups and downs this first week but am trying to stay positive. I have moments of feeling well and hope they continue to expand. I hope I don't have issues with every other day dosing causing withdrawal in between doses. I also have discovered that drinking coffee with Pristiq heightens my anxiety."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2011

For Anxiety "I was experiencing major anxiety, which I only have when I have major life changes. After getting engaged, moving, planning a wedding, and changing jobs, the anxiety kicked in full force. The doctor put me on Zoloft, which made me very, very nauseous. I lost 10 pounds on it, was miserable as it also caused more anxiety and moodiness. The doctor gave me trials of Pristiq...AMAZING. I had not realized how closed off I was until I tried Pristiq. It increased my ability to have relationships with friends, my fiancé, and even family. Prior to Pristiq, I was very shy and untrusting of everyone. I tried Lexapro too due to insurance requirements. Dislike - for me, it caused weight gain, clenched jaw, moodiness. Long process to find the right medicine!"

• Liv...
• March 25, 2020

"My doctor prescribed this Pristiq to me to treat anxiety and occasional panic attacks. I had been previously on Buspar. I took Pristiq one time, ONE pill, 50 mg and felt fantastic that day. Twelve hours later, I started crashing. The next day and for 48 hours following, I was having the worst anxiety of my life. I could not even work nor eat. I believe that I was almost on a high of serotonin, and then the following days I had none left. I have never experimented with drugs, but I feel like this was similar to a drug withdrawal. I would suggest not letting a doctor give this to you to treat anxiety. I am now on 10 mg Lexapro with 30 mg Buspar."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2022

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 6 days. I am jittery and have no appetite. Still taking Ativan to stop the nervous stomach. Cry every day. I took a gene test, and this drug is supposed to work. Fingers crossed it does. Do I have a chance to ever be myself again? Hard to rate it because I am still having side effects."

• Car...
• August 31, 2011

For Depression "I am currently one month in, and Pristiq is a life saver! After about an hour, I felt energized and extremely optimistic. I cleaned, got out of bed, and wanted to do stuff for the first 3 days. Then, from 3 days to 3 weeks, it was really bad. I had massive mood swings. I'd be feeling really good and then VERY, VERY horrible and low. I felt suicidal, angry, and my self-esteem was super, super low. I'd also have anxiety attacks. Then, after about 3 and a half weeks, it just started working. I felt really, really good! I got up and hung out with friends and started doing things! My anxiety was completely gone. Symptoms I've had are increased appetite, headaches, and stomach pains. Definitely give this medicine a chance and give it time to kick in."

• Mor...
• December 4, 2009

For Depression "Like everyone else out there, for 15 years I have been on and off antidepressants, been on almost every one of them. Been on Cymbalta 90 with trazodone and Xanax. Back in May, stopped all medicines (surgery complications), except Xanax. Severely depressed since then; constant mood swings from being happy one minute, then becoming impatient and finally agitated, and some rage, almost bipolar-like. Condition got to a point where anxiety/panic attacks would leave me in mental breakdown symptoms in crowded places (heart pounding, sweating, etc.) and then typical breakdowns involving sadness and suicide. I thought these symptoms were a side effect from Neurontin. Met with a psychiatrist, on Pristiq ER, Abilify, and trazodone and woke up feeling great!"

• No-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "After being on numerous medications over the years, my doctor decided to try me on Pristiq. I started on 50 mg once daily and took it for about a month. I had headaches almost daily within that time, and it increased my blood pressure. I felt like it wasn't making any changes in my mood or anxiety. Around the 6th week, everything went downhill. Fits of crying and rage, anxiety came back worse than before. I had the worst migraines I'd ever experienced, diarrhea no matter what I ate or drank, severe abdominal pain, and also chills pretty much all of the time. I called my doctor right away because I was becoming very scared and feeling awful. Definitely not a medicine for me!"