Pristiq and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• div...
• September 2, 2008

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 12 days. It has helped me tremendously with my depression issues. A few years ago, I had tried Wellbutrin, Lexapro, and Cymbalta and experienced side effects. I gave up but recently decided it was in my best interest to try something else. Pristiq has completely changed my whole outlook on life. I do have problems sleeping and have dry mouth sometimes but totally worth it."

• mit...
• May 29, 2016

For Depression "Prescribed 50 mg daily. First week, I suffered insomnia so bad I had to get temazepam to sleep. After it settled, I basically compared it to taking ecstasy without a comedown. Be up listening to music, the flowers seemed to be more colorful. Lost 10 kilos (the 10 I put on when on another antidepressant, mirtazapine I think it was), but yes, Pristiq was life-changing. I do worry that being stimulated like an amphetamine, dilated pupils, smiling for no particular reason, confident will probably take years off my life at that rate. Stopped taking after 12 months then to see how I'd go. Second week clean, so irritable, angry, spiteful, and nasty, just putrid mental state, so started taking them again, and same thing severe insomnia, but worth it, in my opinion."

• 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."

• Che...
• September 10, 2012

For Anxiety "I have only been on Pristiq for a week, and I can already tell a difference! My only side effects are jaw clenching, thirst, waking up in the middle of the night, and weight loss. The jaw clenching is tolerable, and if I pay attention to it, I can control it... except when I'm sleeping. The weight loss is awesome. I have been trying for years to lose weight, and in 4 days on Pristiq, I lost 6 pounds! It really does suppress the appetite. Sex is still good, no side effects there. I have been on Zoloft (terrible migraines) and Lexapro in the past. The Zoloft was bad, liked the Lexapro, LOVE the Pristiq!"

• 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)."

• Sea...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 19, 2020

For Depression "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."

• 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!"

• Plu...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2017

For Depression "After five antidepressants, this is the one that brought me back to myself. I'm not 100%, but I was at 40% and now 80% myself. I am able to laugh again, appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, and enjoy my kids without yelling due to being constantly overwhelmed. My insurance switched me to generic Pristiq, and within a month, I started feeling the anxiety and depression return. I was back to feeling like a zombie and, in addition, had withdrawal symptoms from stopping the name-brand Pristiq, including headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and insomnia. I have switched back to name brand 4 days ago and feel a tiny bit better, but praying name brand Pristiq kicks back in quicker. No generic!"

• Lee...
• September 1, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Pristiq (50 mg) for Major Depressive Disorder and severe OCD. Before going on the meds about 12 weeks 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."

• jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 3, 2013

For Depression "I have tried dozens of antidepressants in the past. None of them really worked for me. In 2009, I saw a new doctor who prescribed Pristiq. The beginning side effects weren't great: I had increased anxiety, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. The side effects only lasted the first week. I recently changed insurance and my copay was quite high, so my doctor decided to try something cheaper, which was Wellbutrin. I was on that for 8 weeks, and I never felt worse in my life! I cried all the time, constantly feeling the fight or flight response. The anxiety was unbearable. Recently, I had my doctor put me back on the Pristiq, and all is well. Worth the copay!"

• 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."

• cmd...
• June 15, 2016

For Depression "Switched from Cipralex (escitalopram) as it made me so sleepy all the time and very sweaty at night. Pristiq gave me 0 side effects, and I noticed a change in my energy level pretty much right away. I felt much better all day and would sleep great at night. I also tried Effexor (venlafaxine) since Pristiq has no generic brand and was very pricey without a drug plan, however, Effexor gave me horrible side effects! Terrible insomnia at night (trouble falling asleep and would wake up every hour, mind racing, hard time falling back asleep), tired throughout the day, and very fidgety legs and feet at night while sitting still or laying in bed. I also noticed I would lock my jaw tightly. It also caused very dry mouth regardless of how much I drank."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2009

For Anxiety "I took Zoloft for a long time, and it stopped working. I am so glad it did. Pristiq is 100 times better. It controls my anxiety and leaves me clear-headed, i.e., not numb. I experienced some insomnia and increased sweating during the first week, but it went away. The only side effect I experience now is constipation, which I hope will go away because I don't plan on parting from this medicine for a long time. It's been a lifesaver for me, and I love it."

• 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."

• B1r...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2021

For Depression "I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I never knew life without panic and worry. I did therapy for a year (spot therapy) just to bring my anxiety down enough to try and live a normal life. One day my brain broke. I was scared of everything, I couldn't drive, couldn't work. I thought I had to go to the hospital for help. I've never wanted to take meds (for whatever reason). My doctor put me on Pristiq. It was a bit tough at the beginning. I felt uncomfortable mentally and couldn't sleep, but I felt more calm right away. Then one day it all stopped and I was living life. I've never known a life without constant worry. I feel amazing. I'd like to try and get off the meds in about 8 months as I rebuild myself. I'd recommend trying it, but really, it only will work for some of us. Good luck on your journey."

• PJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

For Depression "I took Pristiq years ago for major depression. Within days of taking it, I was unable to sleep. My doctor told me to hang in there and prescribed Lunesta to help, which it did. He also told me that the Pristiq was 'energizing my brain.' So I stayed on it. Within about 2 to 3 weeks after taking this medication, I began to experience the darkest thoughts ever. It absolutely terrified me. I had never experienced such disturbing and intrusive thoughts in my life. Needless to say, I stopped taking it and went on Prozac, which worked better. Obviously, Pristiq has worked well for some folks, which is great, but it put me through a really big dark hole."

• Lee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and major depression 10 years ago. I have tried other medications (Lexapro, Cymbalta, lithium), but found that the only thing they did was make me tired, angry, and lash out. Pristiq was then prescribed, and since taking it, my mood has improved considerably. No more dark thoughts, panic attacks, or social anxiety. I am on a very high dosage, but it works for me. The only side effects I have are insomnia, mild nosebleeds, and a slightly higher blood pressure. I’ll be on this for the rest of my life, but it’s better than being depressed and suicidal."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2009

For Depression "I don't represent anyone but myself (I'm always skeptical about these posts). I know everyone is different. I've been depressed to one degree or another my whole life and have tried nearly every medicine that's come along, from the early tricyclics through MAO inhibitors to SSRIs/SNRIs. None worked well enough in the long run to compensate for the side effects (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, others). After 3 years of mild depression and no medicines, things got severe again. I'm in week 3 of Pristiq. Mood improved within 24 hours, and I feel as though my brain's turned on again. I have mild side effects (sleep and jaw clenching), but these are tolerable for the mood improvement. Hope it keeps working and wish everyone good luck."

• Gra...
• December 31, 2017

For Depression "The first 3 weeks, I had side effects like anorexia, constipation, and insomnia, but then they all went away, and now I am so happy I found Pristiq. Literally no side effects anymore, sleep great, and feel happier and calmer. I am going through a lot of life changes right now, which would normally make me need hospitalization, but I've been able to stay calm and work through the situations instead of turning off."

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2019

For Depression "It was awful! I cried nonstop, couldn't sleep, loss of appetite. I felt out of control, so my Dr. increased the dose to 100 mg, and OMG! I finally had to tell him to get me off of it. Weaned off of it over a month and was so scared of possible withdrawal issues - absolutely none. Getting off was the best thing ever. It was definitely not for me."

• Emi...
• February 13, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "Diagnosed with fibromyalgia several months ago, probably have had the symptoms for more than a year. Cymbalta made me a zombie, Pristiq has been an answer to prayer. I am pretty much pain-free, unless I exert myself or sometimes just have a bad day. But the good days far outweigh the bad. Still nap occasionally, still have insomnia occasionally, but am totally happy with the way I feel."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2012

For Depression "Been taking 100 mg for around 6 months now for depression and anxiety. I felt an almost immediate effect from Pristiq, did have trouble getting to sleep for the first 10 or so days and felt weird and spaced out a bit, but nothing bad. I now feel great, I have a clear head and great concentration. I'm a lot more social too. I'm much more relaxed and look at life in a positive way. Stick with it, it's the best medicine I have used by far."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2009

For Depression "A suggestion for people that have insomnia problems with Pristiq--take it in the morning. The first week I was on this, I took it at night, and there was no sleeping to be had. I've been on it for 8 months now, and ever since I switched to mornings, I've been sleeping just fine."