Pristiq and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2021

For Depression "I have Borderline Personality Disorder/Depression and have tried about 6 anti-depressants before Pristiq, as well as TMS therapy (which I do recommend), and other unconventional methods. Pristiq is AMAZING! I had such low expectations, but wow. I love it so much. I struggle with holding onto grudges/bad thoughts in the moment. Pristiq makes it so much easier for my brain to move on from one topic to the next instead of dwelling in a black hole. Medications aren't for everyone, and I thought they weren't for me. I am so glad I tried this. Minimal side effects. I have a bit of loss of appetite (which is great because I was previously an emotional binge eater, and now I just eat normally). My sex drive has stayed the same. It's a lovely drug. I am so grateful. I was prescribed 50 mg daily, which ended up being too much. That amount made me a little paranoid and too chatty (a bit like Adderall?). I didn't like it, so I just take 25 mg a day now. And some days I skip it. I like that it works instantly for me each day (which isn't common, I hear?)."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2022

For Depression "I have an extreme panic attack disorder and was on Paxil for about a year and a half, which worked wonders. The only downside was I gained a ton of weight, so I went off it for about a year. Anxiety came back, so I was forced to go back on meds but wanted to try something different since the weight was an issue for me. Started Pristiq (50 mg) about 6 days ago, and today I’m feeling great! Less anxious, but still waiting for the depression to subside. The first few days on it weren’t bad: dizziness, loss of appetite, just kind of out of it. Side effects are starting to get better every day. My sleep is so much better as well, improved only 2 days after taking it. This is definitely a fast-acting anxiety medication compared to many others on the market. Starting 100 mg in about another week."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2009

For Depression "I started taking Pristiq about 4 months ago, and it has proven to be wonderful. I suffer from depression and borderline personality disorder. Almost immediately, I saw an improvement. Before taking Pristiq, I would fly into a rage almost daily. In the last 4 months since taking it, I have maybe raged 5 times. I don't feel so self-conscious anymore. I feel more alive and upbeat. And to top it off, I've lost weight since the drug decreases appetite. My wonder drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2012

For Anxiety "I am a 19-year-old female. I have been using Pristiq for over 3 weeks now. The first couple of days were pretty intense for me, I was very jittery, had a constant feeling of a ball being in the back of my throat, and was constantly thirsty. My second week was great, I started seeing very positive results. Pristiq really suppresses my appetite, but I've only lost a couple of pounds. Constipation is also another thing to be prepared for. I take it in the morning, and it boosts my mood. I am also taking clonazepam for the nighttime. I would recommend this medication for people with mood disorders, but you have to be patient to see results. The first couple of days might frighten you a little, but be patient and see how you feel after a couple of weeks."

• jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2012

For Anxiety "I started taking 50 mg just yesterday, and immediately I noticed a huge difference. I have tried so many other antidepressants that were just awful on my system, but this one so far seems to be great. I have noticed an immediate appetite decrease, which is perfect since I tend to eat due to anxiety and depression. Food just has lost its magic and a lot of its taste. But I still feel hunger, which tells me it's time to eat, and I eat only till I am full. I have also noticed a slight tingling and twitching in my arms and hands, but only slight, and I am sweating more than usual. My jaw feels a bit tense as well, and all of these mild symptoms should go away once my body becomes accustomed to this new drug, so I'm told by my doctor. Happy times!"

• 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!"

• Ce ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

For Depression "I took Pristiq for 4 weeks, and it took away my appetite and my ability to sleep. It made me feel like a zombie. I thought everyone was against me while taking it. I had to stop taking it, as I started to feel suicidal."

• Meg...
• January 20, 2009

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about 2 months now, and it has been going pretty well. I will say that I went on a trip and forgot my medication, and within the first 2 days, I slept 20 hours straight, and I had bad mood changes. When I came home, I went right back on it and have had no problems since. I have no appetite and have lost about 15 - 20 pounds. It makes me feel much more awake. I am on the lowest dosage, and with these results, I have no desire to increase my dosage."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2011

For Depression "I am so thankful for this medication. After years of self-medicating for untreated depression, anxiety, ADD, and mild bipolar and trying other antidepressants (Wellbutrin, Celexa, and Effexor, which is supposedly similar to Pristiq but all gave me nasty side effects), I was given samples of Pristiq and decided to give it another try. Within days, I was back on the right track and feeling better. The only side effects, which went away quite quickly, were mild nausea and loss of appetite. I have realized some people, like myself, just need medications like Pristiq to live a somewhat 'normal' life... nothing to be ashamed of. A diabetic needs insulin... I need Pristiq. Thank you for giving me my life back."

• mak...
• November 7, 2008

For Depression "I have been using Pristiq a little over a month, and I feel so much better. The first week, I was very tired and extremely sleepy. My appetite has decreased, and I've lost 10 pounds. I highly recommend Pristiq."

• 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."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2017

For Depression "My PCP prescribed Pristiq for my depression, anxiety, mood issues, etc. He told me that the drug takes a few weeks before you could see a difference, but I feel like I experienced everything the first day I took the drug. Although my mood and energy improved and I felt better overall, the side effects were so severe I decided to discontinue after the first day. My side effects started with heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and a faint feeling. This later subsided but turned into nausea and loss of appetite, I couldn't eat anything that day, and even water made me gag. That night I slept for a total of 3 hours. I couldn't stay asleep, and the time I did fall asleep, it felt like I wasn't asleep at all. My body felt numb, and my heart was racing."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2012

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq now for 4 months, and it has changed my life for the better. Pristiq needs time to work, though. During the first few weeks, I had no desire to eat anything. Then, after the 3rd week, I got my appetite back. I've gone from 150 pounds 3 months ago to 170 today. Back to where I was. I've gotten my energy back while on Pristiq, and my desire to do things has returned. To those who are optimistic about Pristiq, I recommend that you give it a chance."

• Hea...
• July 13, 2011

For Anxiety "I was very reluctant to go on medication, but my anxiety, which was overwhelming, increased to such an extent I was very unmotivated professionally and personally. For the first 3 days, I felt very nauseous and had little appetite, which was great as it stopped that overeating I had. I lost 2 kg within the first few days, and then suddenly the nausea was gone, my head was very clear, I have been able to concentrate again, and am genuinely surprised at its effect only a week and a half in."

• cof...
• February 10, 2009

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for about 4 weeks now. I have minor depression. I was mainly feeling overwhelmed and super emotional. I am so much calmer now and feel I can handle problems better that come my way. I have a slight decrease in appetite, but at times I am actually hungrier. My gynecologist said it would also help my hot flashes, and it definitely has. The hardest thing about taking Pristiq is giving up my daily glass of wine. I feel it is best to follow the precautions totally. Overall, this medicine has worked wonders on my emotional state."

• klo...
• April 27, 2009

For Depression "I learned that it is best to take Pristiq in the morning because it is a stimulating, time-release drug. I try to take it by 9 a.m. It can affect sleep if you take it later. I had decreased appetite and some nausea, so take with food in the morning. I avoided any caffeine and alcohol, as that can increase side effects."

• Ela...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "It's been nearly 2 years on various doses of Pristiq, and 100 mg each day works best for my mind. Thankfully, I have some side effects that annoy me a lot, like no appetite, nausea, gut problems, and worst of all-killed my libido this whole time. It simply ceased to exist. I continue to take my meds. I'm a widow raising a 12-year-old for the last 7 years after my husband died suddenly, very suddenly, of swine flu. So much has been lost from that day. Inevitably, it took its toll on me. Not a complete person anymore. It's like I feel asexual... But I am alive and kicking."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

For Depression "I have been on desvenlafaxine 25 mg for exactly 6 weeks for panic attacks, social/general anxiety, and depression. I had been using lorazepam 0.25 mg as needed for anxiety for several months before having a mental breakdown and deciding it was time to manage this daily anxiety instead of the up-and-down rollercoaster I was on with the lorazepam. I developed agoraphobia and could barely make myself get out of bed the first week. I was scared to be alone and, at age 46, found myself asking my mom to stay with me while my husband was at work. This went on for weeks. I did notice my depression improved after 2-3 weeks. I was disappointed that it had not improved my anxiety as much as I thought it should, but then that switch finally flipped for me on day 56. Side effects: headache, loss of appetite, tinnitus, fatigue, dizziness. Just tinnitus has stuck. Small price to pay for getting my life back. It’s no joke that it takes 6-8 weeks for relief. Take the pill. Every day. Feel better."

• Kit...
• August 31, 2011

For Depression "This medicine is a miracle. I've tried Prozac, Effexor, and Wellbutrin. Since I've been on Pristiq, I no longer feel sad and cry the way I used to! I'm finally happy! I thank Pristiq for this! The sadness seems to creep back in, however, when I've missed a dose, so it's imperative that dosing remains consistent. I've found taking it in the morning is best, as it does cause sleeplessness. Other side effects I've noticed are constipation, loss of appetite, and substantial weight loss. After reading a few reviews, I laughed as I read another Pristiq user describe how they now 'ramble on and on' when talking to someone! I too, do the same thing! I'm so glad to know it may be a side effect of Pristiq! Take note, my dear family! Perhaps I'm really not a 'wingnut' after all."

• 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."

• Col...
• February 13, 2010

For Depression "My doctor recently prescribed Pristiq for me when I went to see him for help with my mood swings. After a rather nasty incident at a family dinner, I decided that I needed help. My family has put up with these swings for years, and sometimes I cry when alone. I did not realize that I was suffering long-term depression. I am only on day four of taking this medication, and already I can feel a difference. I don't feel as moody or down in the dumps. I hope this effect continues, as my past self was breaking my family up. I do agree with other posts here that it decreases your appetite. I do not feel like eating at all. As for sleeping goes, I have always had a problem in this area due to being a shift worker. I take sleeping tablets."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

For Depression "I experienced 3 of the most common side effects of Pristiq. I experience nausea, loss of appetite, and dizziness. The nausea and loss of appetite were minimal, and I could get along with my day. However, the dizziness, in my opinion, is not a side effect to be taken lightly. I was so dizzy I could not concentrate or do well in class. I had to stop taking it because it was disrupting my schoolwork very badly."

• -as...
• July 26, 2009

For Depression "Wrapping up week 8 with Pristiq. First depression treatment attempt, therefore, unable to compare to similar drugs. Notable: elevated mood, on-and-off headaches, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, decreased appetite, consistent sex drive. Positive effects of the drug definitely outweigh setbacks. Thanks, Pristiq. Everyone is different, and therefore, no two people are expected to react the same."