Pristiq and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Mun...
• May 25, 2021

For Depression "I have been taking generic Pristiq for several years and it has really helped. Got a refill and the bottle looked different. The pill was also different. After about 5 days, I began to get dizzy, light-headed, had problems sleeping, and felt very anxious. It was from a different manufacturer. Stopped taking it and the dizziness has stopped, been able to sleep, but have been having anxiety. I had no problems until the pharmacy got the supply from a different manufacturer."

• Jes...
• January 13, 2017

For Depression "I just want to share my experience with Pristiq. I had suffered from depression since I was 15 and tried many antidepressants that made me hallucinate, gain weight, and sleep all day. The day my doctor changed my medicine to Pristiq, my life changed forever. I can safely say that my depression is completely gone. It also diminished my anxiety by 90%. I have absolutely no side effects: no weight gain, tiredness, or dizziness. On the contrary, it gives me energy, and I feel happy and calm all the time. I am more social, I laugh, and live life like I used to. Pristiq saved my life, and I know that for some people it may not be the best, but if you are looking for a new antidepressant, you should definitely try Pristiq."

• Myl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

For Depression "I have never wanted to take any SSRI or SNRI, but I became very depressed and was desperate, so I listened to my doctor who told me to try Pristiq and give it 4 weeks. I suffered almost every side effect: yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, tinnitus, sweating, incapable of having an orgasm, vivid nightmares. I took Pristiq 50mg for 4 weeks and I only had 1 day that I was not depressed. I quit taking it after 4 weeks of sleepless nights and a very loud high-pitched ringing in my head. 2 weeks of feeling dizzy and extreme headaches, then 2 months of bad headaches and extreme anxiety. Now, 4 months off Pristiq, I have very high anxiety, headaches, and the worst is tinnitus. Pristiq ruined my life. After researching, I realize that this tinnitus is probably not going away, since it has been 4 months, and I am devastated. The ringing is intruding my brain every second, and my anxiety has grown uncontrollable alongside the tinnitus. I wish I never took Pristiq."

• ccs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2014

For Depression "I have had depression for a long time, sometimes more serious, sometimes less serious. In the past 7 years, I think I experienced a 're-entry shock' going back to the teaching profession in HK. I need to take it once per day. I did not experience any side effects like sleepiness or dizziness. I can perform my normal heavy duties in my workplace. At first, my doctor asked me to take it after evening, but since it will not affect my work and does not need to be taken after meals, I prefer to take it right after I get up, and I can establish a routine for it easily. Soon after I have taken Pristiq, all my negative thoughts and feelings disappeared like a miracle and many people around me commented that I am happier than before."

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

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq for about 2 years, started on 50mg, but after a couple of months I started feeling very moody. Doctor put it up to 100mg. Again, a few months later, the same thing happened, had it increased to 150mg. I've been on this dose for over a year. Doctor never thought I would take this dose as I am small-framed and only 55kg. I started taking it at night and found that my mind was going at a million miles an hour. 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!"

• jah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2014

For Depression "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."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2024

"I have been on Pristiq for over a year now, almost two. The first month or two of this medication was horrible. I had horrible nausea and dizziness. But… after a few weeks, I felt amazing. My anxiety has lifted, and I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I could. My anxiety was truly holding me back in life, and now I’m more successful than I have ever been. Pristiq truly saved my life and future. Stick through the first month of side effects because it really is worth it. Side note, if I forget a dose, I get majorly dizzy, but that is my own fault for forgetting a dose."

• Cha...
• March 24, 2013

For Depression "20-year-old female. I had my first dose at 50 mg this morning. After battling depression and anxiety for about 3 years, I made the choice to start meds when it became too much to bear. What I can tell you about my day is that it's been an experience! Feeling foggy, dizzy, slightly nauseous. The strangest side effects were the extreme hour-long high, fidgeting, and a huge compulsion to clench my jaw/grind my teeth. Regardless of the side effects (remembering it is only day one), I have felt not only happiness but joy, comfort, and decreased anxiety. Before today, I can't remember the last time I had a good laugh."

• fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2013

For Depression "I suffered from depression caused by many different things. Before this medicine, I had hit the point where I was horrible. My marriage was about to end, it was so bad. The first day, I took one as soon as I picked it up. Within a few hours, I was happier. I had more patience, and that horrible ball of tension across my shoulders was gone for the first time in months. I was nauseated and dizzy. I am now on day three, I notice I am handling stressful things better, and I am generally happier. The dizziness has abated, diarrhea and nausea are still there, and I am sweating way more. That is worth it though, to save my marriage and feel this happy again."

• Bac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2017

For Depression "I couldn't be happier with Pristiq as it has helped me get back in the game of life again. I started taking Pristiq six weeks ago, following its recommendations and those who have had success on it. While on daily Pristiq, I also do 30 minutes of exercise (rebounding, walking, swimming), drink 2 liters of water, only 1 cup of coffee/tea a day and no alcohol. Regular bedtime/rise time (8 hours min sleep). Quick results help me to persevere for 3 weeks to form new habits and get control of my life again. The rebounding offset my dizziness, nausea, sluggishness, constipation and 'I-don't-feel-like-it.' Pristiq and a healthier lifestyle have me feeling like my old self again, enjoying life, friendships, good health and work again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2015

For Depression "I have been depressed for coming up to 5 years. Pristiq is the first medication I found that worked. I started on 50 mg and then started 100 mg. I found that I was able to get through the days without falling apart and having constant suicidal thoughts. I have been on Pristiq for a few years now and I have always had very vivid dreams on it, and if I miss a couple of pills, I get very dizzy, nauseous, headaches, and become very emotional. I love this antidepressant, but I fear for my dependence on it."

• Kee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2019

For Depression "After trying many medications and combinations with varying dosages, I was struggling with my depression more than I ever had before. Pristiq really helped me fairly quickly as far as these types of medications go. I had little side effects other than dry mouth, and if you forget to take your daily dosage, you will remember the next day because you will feel dizzy and have these weird electrical zaps in your head. I have been on it for about 5 years, and it has continued to work great. I have motivation and enough things I had forgotten about. I hear myself laugh, and it is the best feeling ever. When the generic brands came out, I do feel they are less effective. Each month I get different generic brands that seem to work differently than each other. I also had no weight gain on this medication, which I know is a big deal for people taking these kinds of medications. I take mine at night because it does make me a little sleepy."

• Hap...
• August 2, 2015

For Depression "I had a major breakdown and was put on 50 mg Pristiq, increased to 100 mg. I noticed an immediate improvement (on the 50 mg) because it stopped the uncontrollable crying. I have been on the medication for 2.5 years but got severe headaches if I missed a pill. I reduced the dosage to 50 mg for a year and still got headaches and dizziness if I missed a pill. So, as I am no longer depressed, I am coming off this medication. I reduced the dose to 1 tablet every second day for 2 weeks and this is now the 3rd week. I have now been without the tablets for 4 days and have noticed quite a lot of dizziness but no more headaches. I am feeling good about myself and have returned to my positive outlook on life. I am happy to be coming off this medication."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking this medication for 2 months. In the first month, I suffered almost all of the side effects, including loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, loss of sex drive, and difficulty sleeping. Two months in, and I find myself having episodes of feeling really angry and crying for no reason, to the point of not eating and just sleeping. I am seeing a psychologist and have yet to discuss with them why I am still feeling depressed and now angry with or at myself."

• JTS...
• May 1, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 9 months now. I had night sweats in the beginning, and they went away after about 3 weeks. I thought the only other side effect I've experienced was when I would forget to take a pill. The next day I would be dizzy and would snap at people. The following day I would be back to normal. I also have a bite guard to help with my jaw at night, but I don't use it that often. I noticed in the past week my depression returning slightly. I was confused because Pristiq has worked wonders for me. I realized I have a sensitivity to caffeine. I love Dr. Pepper and quit drinking it when I started Pristiq. I started drinking DP again and had stomach problems and depression, so no more caffeine! I take 50 mg."

• Pri...
• February 14, 2016

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about a year now, and it is brilliant. Those who have only given it a few days need to give antidepressants a few months for the drug to work properly, it doesn't metabolize like paracetamol or other common meds. The best thing about going from escitalopram to this is that I have emotions now. The worst side effect is dizziness, which isn't the same kind of dizziness that you have after you spin around or get up really quickly. I feel like the term 'sparkly' is more appropriate because it is quick to go up and down in severity. I feel like I also have a bit of photophobia with it too. Be careful with missing your medication, not taking it at the same time every day and alcohol consumption."

• Poe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 4, 2019

For Depression "I took Pristiq for 7 years (daily). In 2012, my life was raining down (stress and worry), and I was knocked off my feet. My “fight or flight” mode was in overdrive (insomnia, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure). My doctor put me on 50 mg of Pristiq and 10 mg of Bystolic. I was able to weather the storm, but I became an emotionless robot. I never laughed, cried, or displayed any emotion, and I had always been the life of the party. Pristiq also kept my blood pressure at the hypertension level, in spite of taking a beta-blocker (Bystolic). My sex life had also vanished. I was also craving naps (often). A week ago, I decided to stop Pristiq (cold turkey). I was in a good place, and after 7 years of Pristiq side effects, I felt it was time to find my emotions again... I’m on day #7 of quitting Pristiq. I feel good. No brain zaps, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, etc. Hoping that my current journey back to the land of emotions continues to go well. I still take a (daily) beta-blocker (Bystolic)."

• kha...
• December 30, 2009

For Anxiety "This medication can't be rated hastily. It can take up to 6 weeks to level off. My first days of Pristiq 50mg were terrible. My first dose at night caused insomnia, jitteriness and dizziness, dilated pupils, nausea, sweaty, and a racing pulse. The following week I felt great with NO ANXIETY! I still felt nauseous however, ate very little (lost 7 lbs), and had a headache daily. The following week my side effects continued (insomnia & TMJ flare up), but my benefits diminished. My doctor then increased my dose to 100mg. Since then, most of my side effects are gone except the dilated pupils & TMJ issues. I've taken Zoloft (ok) & Lexapro (zombie) in the past. Please give this medicine time before you decide you hate it!"

• Coc...
• February 20, 2016

For Depression "On Prozac (Lovan) for 4 years, felt it was no longer helping and read about a type of antidepressant that targets your norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake, not just serotonin. Mentioned it to the doctor, he recommended Pristiq, but I had to stop taking the Prozac for a month before starting Pristiq (hell). Thought I made a terrible mistake as it didn't start working for at least 3 months. The difference is Prozac inhibits you from feeling emotions, whereas Pristiq allows you to feel and be able to deal with them. No side effect, but if I miss a dose in the morning, by lunchtime I'm so dizzy and lightheaded!"

• 151...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 17, 2014

For Depression "I started taking Pristiq 50 mg for major depression, major anxiety, chronic pain. I took it the first day, and it was great! The first week, sleep and headaches were rough, but energy was good. Gradually started decreasing by itself as I kept taking the pills. Nine months later, I was still taking the pills, but I was dizzy, getting brain zaps, CRS, tinnitus, major anxiety, non-stop migraine for two months, bed rest, and had to go to the psych hospital. The psych MD upped it to 100 mg Pristiq, but that lasted a week. My whole spine was hurting, and now I am switching over to a new SNRI that I am not happy about. And still on withdrawal from Pristiq."

• Div...
• April 3, 2010

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have always avoided antidepressants because the times I have tried them, the side effects have outweighed the benefits. I swore I would never take them again. However, several months back, I had an incident at work and almost died. I was having anxiety and depression because of this, and my doctor prescribed Pristiq. At first, it was terrible. I felt dizzy, weak, sick, and had severe sexual side effects. I was more frustrated than before, but made myself keep taking them. After four to five weeks, though, I felt a huge change. The side effects went away, and I felt better than I ever remember feeling before. I don't get angry anymore, and I don't take things as seriously. And now, sex feels better than it ever has. Give it a chance and give it time."

• Hdg...
• April 25, 2021

For Depression "I finally was able to wean off of this awful drug! I should have stopped taking it the first week when I couldn’t sleep and had zero appetite from stomach pains. I began taking it in the fall of 2018 when Lamictal started giving me mood swings. Once I got past the first month, I thought all was good. Since then, I have been out of work three different times for weeks with severe dizziness and fatigue. Come to find out this medication was causing my blood pressure to significantly drop! Apparently, with this, you have to increase your sodium intake because this can happen (if you already run on the low side). I’ve put on weight from the lack of energy, and weaning off of it is like no other because you can NOT cut it. It took me over a month to get here (disclaimer: I did talk to my therapist and doctor). It is now April 2021, and I wish I would have gone with my gut instinct and been more persistent about not taking this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2022

For Depression "I was at first very hesitant to try any antidepressant, let alone a less common one like Pristiq. The 1st week, if not 2, were bad. Heightened anxiety, dizziness, nausea, shaking, vomiting, dry heaving, etc. In the 3rd week, I felt hazy in a dream-like state, however, the panic attacks became much less often. In the fourth week, I felt even better and still had some issues with anxiety, but much less severe, with occasional but manageable nausea. Now I am about 2 months in, and I have not had a panic attack in a while, have had less anxiety, and feel better overall. I did not have any weight loss or gain, as some antidepressants show, and I am now happy I persevered through the first two weeks in order to start seeing results. I wrote on here because I looked at all these before taking it, and I promise you it does better, whether it is this medication or the next, we can tough it out and support one another. I hope this review helps. Best of luck :)"

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2008

For Anxiety "I began taking Pristiq 50 mg approximately 6 months ago, and as reported by the numerous previous posts, I also experienced exceptionally rapid weight loss. The first week, I suffered from nausea, to the point that I did not think I could suffer through it; but my physician said I should continue taking it. I also experienced extreme dizziness, but only for the first few days. I have to admit those symptoms do not outweigh the benefits. Like many others, I am much more clear-headed and focused. I have noticed those negative side effects will return almost overnight if I miss a dose, so my body helps to remind me. I do not want to forget."

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2009

For Depression "Pristiq has significantly helped my depression. I am finally able to wake up and get through the day like a normal person! Initial side effects (first few days to a week): dizziness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, fatigue, waking up in the middle of the night, jitteriness. Ongoing side effects: dry mouth, frequent urination, jaw tension, falling asleep earlier than normal, inability to have an orgasm, and decreased appetite. The side effects can be a bit annoying, but the benefits far outweigh the side effects."