Pristiq and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• myb...
• July 24, 2009

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this now for 30 days, and on the 13th day, I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach. I also did not feel emotionally well for a few days after. I lost weight the first week, and my appetite has been suppressed somewhat. I continue to lose a few pounds a week. The doctor thinks the side effects I have had will diminish, so I will be taking this for another month."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2010

For Depression "Initially, this medicine gave me nausea and loss of appetite and sex drive, but those symptoms went away. After two weeks, I must say that I'm feeling better, but I'm still hopeful that after the full four weeks, I will be doing better. Don't be scared of bad reviews, you need to try it first to see how your body reacts to it."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2012

For Depression "Munik.... Thank you so much for your review. I was telling a friend that I was feeling anxious and irritable today and wasn't sure if my new medication (Pristiq) was for me. It's been 2 weeks, and thanks to your words of encouragement, I'm hanging in there. I must say I have noticed a decrease in my appetite, which is much needed, and have felt like exercising for the first time in years."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2012

For Anxiety "I started taking Pristiq since I was having anxiety, slight depression, and mild panic attacks in my job (I'm in sales). I was taking Lexapro on and off for a couple of years, but felt it wasn't working anymore, so my doctor recommended Pristiq. I am 3 days in and feel great! I've experienced slight nausea (but food helps), decreased appetite, dry mouth, and slight jaw clenching. Also, my first two days, a couple of hours after I took it (which has been in the morning), I would feel extremely tired. But I would snap out of it and feel great. Overall, I feel happy, calm, and focused. I hope to only be on Pristiq for the short term, but while I am going through this difficult time in life, it will be my miracle."

• Emm...
• February 21, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Honestly, I’ve been on a lot of different antidepressant/anxiety medications (Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta, etc.). I’ve been taking it since July 2020, and yes, it takes your body a few weeks to get used to the medication, but the side effects aren’t as severe as some of these other reviews, or at least they weren’t for me. I had nausea, extra energy, felt kind of like you drank a coffee, loss of appetite, the brain zaps were no picnic either, but try not to freak out if it happens, it’s normal. It seemed to be working for me after the initial side effects go away. It felt great for awhile, but now I see why people can’t stay on these too long. I’m starting to get the 'zombie' side effects, pretty much can’t cry at all, and I feel emotionally detached, annoyed frequently, very tired, drained."

• Lif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Pristiq has changed my life. I am confident and happy. I put myself out there and now have two new job offers, when doing job interviewing in the past was a huge issue for me. Obviously, everyone is different, but this medication is worth a try! My only negative side effect is that I no longer have much of an appetite, so I have to remind myself to eat."

• She...
• February 7, 2016

For Depression "It's only been day two for me, and I will not be taking another one of these. Side effects straight away: sick to the stomach, no appetite, massive headaches today, no libido, horrible taste, and to be honest, all of these effects are bringing back my anxiety. My headache is not going away. I am going to choose nature tomorrow and get myself better the healthy safety way."

• Str...
• May 23, 2011

For Depression "I have been on Xanax for well over 6 years. I informed my doctor that my anxiety has been out of control, and I didn't know what to do. I was not at all depressed. (Just tons of stress.) I work overtime at a highly stressful job, and I am a caregiver to my 32-year-old husband, who just recently became disabled last year. The doctor sent me home with a 30-day sample and asked me to try it out. I was very hesitant. I came on here and read the reviews, a few days later, I decided to try it. I am on week 2... Only complaint is that I am constantly thirsty, hot, and not hungry. Stress less and in a better mood overall. Very pleased!"

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2009

For Depression "Have been taking Pristiq for 4 weeks and am feeling great. More focused, relaxed, and energetic. Can think clearer and no anxiety. Had dry mouth, dizziness, and loss of appetite for the first couple of days."

• Pom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2017

For Depression "I know one week of treatment is not a fair chance to give a medication to judge its effectiveness; I'm only reviewing the side effects. I was on the 50 mg dose, and the first 2-3 days were fine; no side effects noticed. However, my appetite significantly decreased to the point where I had to force myself to eat, or I would go an entire day without eating. And I couldn't eat much when I did eat. I had cloudy urine and didn't have a strong flow, which made me think I had a UTI without the burning. Lower abdominal pain, some diarrhea. Lethargic all the time, no motivation to do anything. Not depressed, just didn't want to get out of bed. Felt sleepy but couldn't sleep, even with sleep meds. When I did sleep, it was very broken."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

For Depression "I'm on week 4 of taking Pristiq. I had nausea, loss of appetite, foggy head, sleepiness during the day, and sleeplessness at night for the first week. The side effects are all gone now, and I think I'm starting to feel a bit less depressed. I think this medicine affects a person so gradually that it's hard to tell for sure if you are improving. But when I look back to 5 weeks ago, before I started, I think I'm less depressed. I take 50 mg in the evening. I was taking it in the morning because my doctor said I might sleep better at night if I took it in the morning. But I found that I was very sleepy in the early afternoon when taking Pristiq in the morning. So I slowly changed to taking it at night."

• jan...
• August 30, 2009

For Depression "I've been taking Pristiq for 2 full months now. It helps me get up and out of the house, and I don't feel as hopeless. People aren't getting on my nerves as much either. Continuing side effects for me are sleepiness, headaches, and a rise in blood pressure. I'm seeing my doctor to taper off as the side effects are too much. In the first few weeks, I noticed a dramatic loss of appetite, which has unfortunately gone away. I have some weight to lose. For a while there, I was eating like a 'normal' person, which was really nice. I've been on everything, most recently Prozac and Cymbalta. Just don't know if there's anything left to try."

• tig...
• January 25, 2011

For Depression "I was very apprehensive about taking yet another antidepressant, however, I decided after much prodding from my doctor to give it a try. I suffer from moderate anxiety and depression. I was in denial about it, and it took a lot (I mean a lot) of my hair coming out from stress for me to admit that I was not okay. I am a 26-year-old woman, so this was a big deal to me. When I first started Pristiq, I was determined not to like it. I did suffer from most of the side effects (dry mouth, never hungry, excessive sweating, jitteriness, not feeling 'right,' and sexual problems), but after sticking it out for about 5 weeks, the side effects really started going away. The only one that I have a problem with now is sometimes my heart will race."

• Tim...
• August 31, 2011

For Depression "I am a 31-year-old male and have been on Pristiq for a week. It is too early to tell, but so far it is amazing. It has removed that 'barrier' that kept me from feeling happiness, and I now feel like I am driving with my 'bright lights' on. I also have adult ADHD, and I can focus much better on tasks at hand. I also enjoy my job for the first time in years and don't leave work angry every day. The only side effect that I have experienced is that it takes me longer to climax during sex, which really wouldn't be considered a problem. I hope this medicine continues to work, and I will update as I am on it longer. My appetite has also decreased. So far, nothing but thumbs up for Pristiq. This is the first out of six medicines that I have tried that I would recommend."

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2011

For Depression "I've been on 50 mg Pristiq for 2 weeks now. As a 39-year-old male with anger/depression issues, I've already seen a change in my behavior. I stay pretty mellow and let the small stuff roll (the things that used to make me really angry). It's just starting to kick in, so I still get angry, but not near as much. I've also lost 8 pounds in less than 2 weeks. Side effects have been mild headaches, loss of appetite, and the weight loss. I experienced night sweats and weird dreams only once."

• mam...
• October 29, 2010

For Anxiety "I am on day 10 of Pristiq for severe anxiety from PTSD. I have been on Lexapro off and on for 10 years, which works wonderfully for anxiety but caused me to gain 30 pounds and made me feel so tired. After adding Wellbutrin to the Lexapro with no success, we tried Effexor XR. It made my heart race. After 3 days on Pristiq, I felt wonderful, but by day 9, I was experiencing severe panic again, which could be due to the switch from Lexapro to Pristiq without weaning off the Lexapro. My doctor wants me to stick with it for a month, so I'm taking 1 mg of Klonopin 2x a day to try and keep from having panic. My appetite has decreased, but I love it. Lexapro made me want to eat everything in sight. I just hope this works."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on Pristiq for a few years now at different dosages: 50 mg - Positives: loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling great. Negatives: your body gets used to the medicine until it seemingly no longer works. The side effects of loss of appetite, sleep patterns, etc. do stop after about 3 weeks. 100 mg - Feel good, appetite normal. Negatives: you will feel drowsy to exhausted. Again, my body seems to get immune to the dosage. 200 mg - Positive: feel good and normal energy levels. Negative: major weight gain, constipation, and you feel the cold/hot flushes. These side effects don't wear off with time at this dosage."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2010

For Depression "Took Lexapro for 5 years, gained 30 lbs (am very active), fell asleep at stop signs, very lethargic. Finally spoke with people who had had the same effects, weaned off. Terrible crash, lost 15 lbs. Started Wellbutrin, had energy, which was wonderful; rages were awful. I have started Pristiq with Wellbutrin wean; Pristiq 1 day, Wellbutrin the next for a week, then 2:1, 3:1, etc. I am optimistic. I feel better just addressing the problem and relieved to find some help. Am raising 3 children and want better for them. Worth mentioning, abrupt change of any medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms. Beware and make sure that you read the signs. Headache, nausea, mood swings, sweats, appetite loss, etc."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

For Depression "I've never been a depressed person until now. I call it a situational depression. I tried to handle it on my own at first, but got so tired of crying all the time and decided I needed help, something to get me over the hump. So, I've been on Pristiq for about a month. At first, I felt like I was in a Benadryl haze for about a week. Just felt strange. One night about a week ago, I woke up with the worst night sweats I've ever had, like I just ran 10 miles. Drenched! I could have wrung out my shirt, gross. I also have zero appetite. I wasn't hungry until about 5:00 today and just had half of a salad. I seem to get full fast. As far as my mood, much better. I'm not crying my eyes out every day, which is so refreshing. I feel less anxious."

• ash...
• September 29, 2011

For Depression "I just recently started taking it (a little less than 2 weeks ago). The first day, I was very giddy and kept getting a tingly feeling from my head to my toes. Then it stopped after the second day, but I did experience hot sweats, loss of appetite, nausea, and lack of sleep. The sleep was the worst thing! I woke up almost every hour every night for 2 weeks straight! I was either waking up and feeling wired or waking up because of the hot sweats, and I'm only 23! If you want advice, do not take caffeine until some of these side effects go away because it will make you way more wired than usual and you'll feel very uncomfortable. Also, do not drink alcohol. One sip of wine and I felt dizzy for at least an hour!"

• cym...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2019

For Depression "I started Pristiq to help with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The anxiety went totally away, which was awesome (hence the 2 stars). Everything else sucked. It reduced my depression about 30%, pain about 10-20%. I looked at the most common side effects of Pristiq, and they were increased or excessive sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, sleep problems (insomnia), loss of appetite, tightness in your jaw, but for me, I was so flat emotionally and ended up gaining 40 pounds, it was like my body never got the cue that I wasn't hungry. I also dealt with constipation, sexual side effects, and general blahs. Going off the medication was the hardest part. I gained 10 pounds in a month going off it, I was in a very dark place, very emotional and rage-y, and had severe dizziness for like two months. While not having anxiety was great, the apathy and weight gain, as well as minimal depressive symptom relief, made this one a no-go for me."

• dep...
• April 23, 2010

For Depression "I have been on and off of meds for quite some time, Prozac being the longest, 4 years, but then it just stopped. On Ativan 2 mg 4 times a day, or however I want to take it. I just started the Pristiq like 3 days ago. The first dose was the worst. Throwing up, sick to my stomach really bad... couldn't eat a thing nor drink anything, BP went up, and I just couldn't relax, my legs just want to shake *RLS*. But today is the 3rd dose, and I'm not as sick, but still no appetite, my vision is somewhat blurred, didn't sleep very well even with the Ativan. But I'm not as moody and mean as I was 3 days ago. So I guess it's working..."

• emi...
• August 3, 2011

For Depression "I feel great! I have had a positive effect from this medicine as well. My appetite has gone away a little bit, but that's okay. I still eat when I'm hungry. As far as sexual mood being affected, mine wasn't. I have energy also."

• Tre...
• May 21, 2011

For Depression "I took my first dosage around 5 pm, and by the next morning, I felt drunk and disoriented. My side effects are as follows: grinding my teeth, awaking off and on all night, shaking, dilated pupils, mild stomach ache and headache, fatigue, weakness, nervousness, loss of appetite (which I was okay with), and diarrhea. I couldn't stand for very long, therefore, I didn't even attempt going to work. So, I stayed in bed all day, and probably by 4 or 5 pm that day, I felt a lot better. Still groggy, but I could function. I skipped taking another dose and went to work the next morning, feeling like it was still in my system, and I felt good. I'm weaning onto the medicine by 1/4 of the pill for a week, then 1/2 the second, and so on. Seems to be working and no side effects."

• jus...
• December 17, 2010

For Depression "I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years and recently have been advised that I needed to change my medication. I was on paroxetine for about 10 years and am on day 9 of Pristiq. Nausea, insomnia, and dizziness have been the worst side effects, however, I was taking it in the morning, and it was making me so sleepy that the doctor suggested taking it at night. I noticed a huge difference in my mood yesterday, having not taken it in the morning, I was extremely anxious and cried all day. I took it last night and immediately felt more relaxed, so I am hoping that in a few days, the sadness and despair subside. I have also had a decrease in appetite, probably due to the nausea. I am going to stick with it and hope for the best."