Pristiq and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2013

For Depression "I have bipolar disorder, and I was put on 50 mg of Pristiq in May. It worked well for a bit. The psych doc increased the dose to 100 mg last week. I've noticed a huge difference in my anxiety. My anxiety is near gone! I did have headaches, but I've only been on this new dose for almost a week. Oh, at times, I feel a little nauseous."

• Hoc...
• October 2, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "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, the worse headache she had 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 50 mg to 25 mg and got sick, throwing up and having a severe headache. She then came off the 25 mg 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."

• Anonymous
• February 25, 2010

For Depression "I started taking Pristiq about 3 months ago for depression and anxiety. I was prescribed Klonopin as well. Firstly, I had a few symptoms. I had a little headache and a tightness in my abdomen. It subsided after a week or so. You have to give Pristiq time - it didn't start working for me for an entire month, but when it did, I finally knew what normal felt like. No symptoms other than happiness. Sleep is great. Sex is great. Life is great. I can't ask for more. However, I did stop taking it for 5 days with the withdrawals of irritability. So I quickly restarted. I hope this works long term for me."

• Mjh...
• October 4, 2015

For Depression "Worked okay but caused fainting spells. Coming off of it (tapering, per doctor's aid orders) was terrible. I've been told more than once that the way I felt sounded like a heroin addict coming off heroin. I was sick to my stomach, my entire body was in constant pain, every joint and muscle, headaches, I felt cold one minute and burning up the next, exhausted but couldn't sleep, nightmares when I could catch a few minutes and periods of wishing someone would just put me out of my misery. This drug is dangerous! Imagine if someone ran out and couldn't taper off."

• AHA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 6, 2018

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for more than a month. It works immediately within a few days. I am someone who has depression on and off during the course of my life (in hindsight) that I should have taken antidepressants, especially in my adolescent years when I was really down. The doctor suggested Lexapro 3 years ago when another episode happened, but I changed my job. This time, with another job issue, he suggested Pristiq instead. I looked up all the experiences from here and was skeptical for a week before I took the leap and started taking the medication. I was unable to sleep for the first 2 nights that I changed to take it once I woke up, and it worked! Headaches come and go. That's it for the side effect. I did not gain weight and it is not affecting my sex life. I have never felt this happy or normal before for the longest time. No temper at all that I had. I feel new again!!"

• DCR...
• November 14, 2009

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 2 months now. I have past digestive problems, so when I was diagnosed with major depression and panic attacks, I was very hesitant to try any medications, especially with nausea and constipation side effects. Within two days, I felt tired, but things began to seem not so overwhelming. Within a week, I was able to cautiously get back into work and life, and now, I have had only one panic attack and have had nothing other than a headache if I don't take it on time. My energy levels returned within one week, and sex drive within two weeks. I have even lost 10 lbs. I never realized how bad depression was until I began to see colors again, smiling, and everyone kept asking me if I had grown and lost weight."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2010

For Anxiety "I am on my 4th day of Pristiq. I felt better almost immediately. I suffer with anxiety and negative chatter in my mind. I feel calmer, more relaxed, and the chatter in my mind has gone. I don't have trouble sleeping at night, my appetite is decreased. I am feeling weird though, my head feels heavy, and I feel a bit spacey, zombie-like. I am hoping it passes."

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2013

For Depression "I'm 22, and my doctor changed me from Effexor to Pristiq for my OCD and OCPD. The most noticeable side effect is definitely the appetite loss, but I don't seem to be losing much weight, thankfully. If I'm busy and don't think about it, I go all day without food-it's nuts. Also, I am having a lot of headaches, but I cannot be sure it's the medicine. I sweat a lot on this, and if I take it too late in the day, I cannot sleep. My OCD seems to be in check-much better than Effexor. I've been taking 50 mg for 5 months now."

• Bee...
• November 1, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’m 36, female. I was started on Pristiq in the hospital (suicidal). Diagnosed with Bipolar 2 / dissociative disorder NOS. Mirtazapine and olanzapine (PRN) were in the mix in the hospital, but I stopped taking them when I left. I have been on 50 mg Pristiq for 6 months. It did kick me out of an impossible place at the time. Two things I noticed early on: 1. It obliterated sexual function! I may as well have genitals made of Styrofoam. This did not improve over time. 2. Memory - I can't remember words and often say the wrong one. I blank out and forget what I’m doing or forget what I’m talking about mid-sentence. This has gotten progressively worse. A few months in - intense confusion, strange pains throughout my body, face pain, exhaustion, constant headache, limp, lifeless hair, dissociating A LOT (quite extreme shutdown, can’t move or talk). At the very least, it isn’t working. At worst, it’s making me demented. Somewhere in the middle, it skews my dissociative tendencies toward total shutdown."

• Pay...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 11, 2016

For Depression "I was experiencing headaches, like my brain was wound tight with a rubber band, didn't want to get out of bed, no reason to... my doctor prescribed Pristiq. It has been a life changer... head feels much better, depression is gone, life is happy again.... side effects are flu-like symptoms, crashing, if I miss a dose. I take a 0.25 mg. I have tried to come off before and experienced severe headaches and flu-like symptoms, and severe body aches... so I got back on... it is expensive but I buy a 90-day generic supply through a Canadian pharmacy for 120.00. Insurance doesn't pay due to out of the country, but it is still less than what I would have to pay in the U.S.."

• I...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2017

For Depression "I'm taking Pristiq for the second time. I have experienced episodes of depression since 14 or 15 but always managed to come out eventually by my own means. When I was 28, I took Pristiq for the first time because I had a lot of anxiety and was depressed. My side effects were some mild headaches, feeling sleepy during the day, waking up during the night. Now I'm 31 and was feeling very angry, anxious, and depressed because of a 'professional failure.' I'm on day 3 taking 50 mg in the morning, and my mood and anxiety are better already, but I feel sleepy during the day and wake up in the middle of the night feeling ready to go for a full day."

• Kay...
• March 16, 2015

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq now for about 15 months. I started on 50 mg, which only worked for part of the day, I had to be bumped up to 100 mg. I can't remember any immediate side effects, apart from maybe a little headache and dilated pupils due to a sudden burst of energy. They give you a burst of adrenaline. Now the medication has well and truly settled into my system, my body and mind now rely on it for me to actually function. If I miss a morning pill, by mid-afternoon I am grouchy, prone to mood swings, tired, and sleepy. If I miss two days, I am severely tired, sad, prone to rage, and severe swings of depression. I have severe photosensitivity if I miss a pill. I have tripled the freckles on my body, my eyes cannot deal with bright lights."

• Anonymous
• August 10, 2010

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medication for about 2 months now. Started this medication for depression and had the pleasant side effect of appetite suppression for me. I didn't notice anything during the first month of use, but during this second month, I have noticed not being as hungry as well as eating smaller portions. I have also lost 10 lbs in the last month and have more energy. I have had no major side effects, but do have an occasional headache, but Tylenol generally helps that!"

• One...
• June 22, 2009

For Depression "I learned quickly that what works for one may not work for another. I was on Wellbutrin, which worked pretty well for me, except for the ringing in my ears. My doctor then suggested Cymbalta, and I felt worse almost immediately. We stuck with it, and even increased the dosage, but I felt like I was slipping back into darkness. I had neither energy nor interest in anything. I then began Pristiq: four weeks at 50 mg and now 100 mg. I'm feeling better than I have in many months. I had a bit of nausea at the beginning and then some headaches when I first bumped up to 100 mg. In conjunction with an effective therapist I was lucky to find, I'm finally feeling (cautiously) optimistic about this thing called life."

• Mis...
• June 3, 2015

For Depression "I am currently 21 years old, but started taking Pristiq a few years ago. I had previously tried Prozac, then Effexor, but I couldn't see much of a difference. Once I started taking Pristiq 50 mg, I felt the results within the same week. It was great. However, whenever I missed a day, I would feel the adverse side effects almost immediately. Brain zaps, depersonalization, dizziness, foggy thoughts, nausea, sweating, crying spells, headaches... I eventually got off of it (I honestly don't know how), but it was a very difficult 2-week process. Two years later, I am back on Wellbutrin (after a bad experience with Lexapro). Pristiq was definitely effective but extremely addictive. Not something I'd recommend without reservation."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 17, 2018

For Depression "I took this drug for about six months. Headaches, weight gain, nausea, dizziness and head spins, sleepless nights, and my libido went out the window, and I haven't found it since. When I finally went off the drug, the withdrawal was so bad that I wanted the world to know this drug should not be on the market. It is horrible and it messes you up. Yes, it did help with the depression a bit, but no better than some of the other ones out there. Worst drug I have ever been on, including my RA drugs."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2009

For Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for about 6 months now, taking 50 mg for about 6 weeks, then bumping up to 100 mg after that. I have noticed a huge change in mood. I don't fixate on little things and let them bother me for the whole day like they used to. I feel much more confident now, and I am actually smiling lately. Some side effects I have noticed are the occasional headache (I find if I take it at the same time each morning, I don't get a headache), dry mouth, and if I miss a dose, I get absolutely wild dreams, and my anxiety comes creeping back in. Also, I notice it makes me ramble on and on when I talk sometimes, which can be a little embarrassing, especially in work situations. Overall though, the benefits significantly outweigh the side effects!!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2018

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq 100 mg for 4 years. I wanted to begin to taper off them, and over the last few months have cut to 50 mg and am now on my fourth day completely off the medication. I’m having extremely difficult withdrawals, including sweating, a feeling of hopelessness, crying spells up to 20 times a day, nausea, painful headaches, and brain zaps (sounds like zapping and poking behind my eyes), little to no energy. I’m also finding it hard to wake up in the morning. I have a very strong mindset of wanting to come off this medication, and I realize the symptoms are my body trying to heal itself. I strongly urge anyone wanting to taper off this medication to make sure you have support and someone to monitor you."

• ntu...
• March 23, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking this medication in conjunction with Lamictal. Although it is not recommended, my psychiatrist suggested for the first few days I cut the 50 mg tablet in half. I am glad I did. After reading everyone's reviews about the stomach upset and headaches, I decided it might be beneficial. I took 25 mg for about 6 days, then upped to 50 mg. I had slight stomach upset and a few mild headaches. I take it as soon as I wake, no later than 8 am. I have seen a huge reduction in my appetite. I was a binge eater of sweets before I started and at 5'3'' weighed in at 150 lbs. In three weeks, I have lost 4 lbs. This is the most stable I have been since I can remember."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "36 yr old female. Dx of severe depression and anxiety. After getting through the first couple of weeks of almost debilitating headaches, loss of appetite (which I'm already underweight and have tried everything to gain some lbs), insomnia (isn't new for me, but it just makes it much worse), and extreme nausea and overall feeling of complete garbage, this medication has been amazing for me. I had tried just about all of the main antidepressants, and this one has truly helped me so much. I just have a very hard time remembering to take it. After missing just a day or two, when I start to take it again, I have to go through the awful feeling from the side effects all over again."

• rob...
• October 25, 2010

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for just over a month now, and I have to say it is amazing. I was experiencing severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. After only 5 days of being on it, I felt completely back to my old self again. I cannot believe how fast it works. I am able to function normally at work, concentrate, and have extremely high amounts of energy. I take mine in the evening, and I find that I am staying up longer than normal. It is hard for me to fall asleep. I think I might switch to the mornings instead. Otherwise, no major side effects...a few headaches in the first 2 weeks, but they are gone now. Have a few hot flashes and night sweats from time to time. This medicine has helped me, and I truly hope it helps you too. I feel GREAT."

• Fad...
• January 18, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Pristiq has worked well for me and my depression, but it has me concerned that I will have a very hard time if I ever stop taking it. Your body seems to develop a need to have this drug in your system, and side effects from missing even one dose are alarming. Severe headaches and tingling sensations in hands and feet have been my experience. Definitely don't just up and stop taking this if you are already on it. You will be in for a wildly unpleasant ride."

• 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."

• ShB...
• June 9, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had headaches and nausea during the initial adjustment phase when starting Pristiq (for MDD). The only real long-term side effects I’ve had are that I definitely find it much harder to concentrate, and I’m pretty flat all the time. I don’t get the highs, but more importantly, I don’t get the lows, which I have no doubt would have ended my life. It has allowed me to deal with what would normally be very stressful situations (redundancy, loss of contact with siblings) with ease, as it just stops things from getting on top of me, and I have more of a ‘whatever’ attitude, which at times makes me feel like an emotionless robot. I remind myself of how I used to deal with these situations, and being a robot is FAR better for both me and my family. Anyone thinking of trying Pristiq needs to give it time, as there will be an adjustment period. You can’t make any decisions after a week or two. You need to do at least a month to 6 weeks for everything to adjust and settle down to see how it’s really working for you."

• 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."