Pristiq and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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)."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2009

For Anxiety "Taking Pristiq for severe panic attacks as prescribed by my GP. 6th day into it and already feeling much more calm and clear-headed. Some nausea and a little constipation, but please, if that is the trade-off to feel much better, then so be it. Not planning on a long-term relationship with Pristiq, however. Using this in conjunction with therapy so I can have some relief while I work through finding the real emotional root of my problems. Pristiq is only a band-aid while I try to heal whatever wounds. Give Pristiq a try, everyone reacts differently, but it has truly been amazing for me so far. Good luck to you all."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2012

For Anxiety "My doctor prescribed Pristiq for anxiety. The first two weeks I felt like a zombie. I had bouts of nausea (although I never threw up), and I really just felt strange most of the time. I knew that this medicine had side effects, so I stuck it out. On the fourteenth day, I awoke feeling awesome! I am not exaggerating. I have been taking Pristiq 50 mg for one month now and continue to feel great. Several times a day I actually think to myself how happy and content I am. That never happened before taking this medication. The only side effect that I am experiencing is that it takes me longer to climax. I can live with that, considering how Pristiq has changed my life. Give it a chance to work, and you may find happiness once again."

• hap...
• July 18, 2009

For Depression "I don't know how I have lived for 34 years without this medication. Pristiq has for me been a Godsend. I am now 5 weeks in and have never felt this clear and focused. It's not a miracle worker, the situations I face daily still get me cranky and stressed, but I don't seethe anymore. I used to get angry with my kids for being 'naughty' and stay angry for ages, just getting worse and worse. Now I take the time to be a 'Mum', talking to them and not stressing about the little things they do. As for side effects, I had a little nausea and irritability (which I still have at times, but I have 4 kids under 4, and my husband works away from home), but overall it's much more pleasant in our house. Good luck to everyone."

• 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!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2022

For Depression "Pristiq was a lifesaver. It made me see the positives in the world and be able to navigate the rapid decline in my once happy and wonderful life. It was easier to put my thoughts together, and it gave me strength and courage to see that someone close to me was no longer a good person and had become a danger to me. It is easy to gaslight someone when they are already questioning their own mental health. To have any sort of mental illness can feel like you are a sitting duck. It makes you feel vulnerable, and Pristiq makes you feel like you can and will survive this. Being medicated gave me a clearer head to see what was going on and being able to do damage control. I noticed a change in my cognitive abilities within a few days and a sudden change in taste. One drawback was it gave me horrendous, overwhelming nausea and diarrhea. But to be honest, it's still worth it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in any way. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu-like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100 mg. If the antidepressant does not work in 4-6 weeks, please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of my brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Mik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Lifted me out of a mood of despair. Most importantly, it was the best anger management I ever found. Clear-headed, no anxiety, no side effects other than mild nausea, and that ONLY if I take it on an empty stomach. Don't miss a dose, though, it will make you REALLY woozy. Stopped for a few months, fell into depression, but Pristiq pulled me right back up when I started back. Remember that the Rx says specifically that you may need 4 weeks to notice an improvement. Bear that in mind when you read all these reviews by people who quit taking it after 1 or 2 days."

• 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."

• 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."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2019

For Depression "After having a horrifying experience with Wellbutrin, my doctor switched me to Pristiq, and it's been a life-changing experience. The first few days, I felt a little sick to my stomach, achy, and I yawned constantly. I had to remind myself to unclench my jaw. After that, I started feeling like an actual person again. I'm not having breakdowns every day. I handle stress without beating myself up. I don't have any side effects other than still having to remind myself to unclench my jaw. My anxiety is still a little harsh, which is the only reason I'm not giving it a 10."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

For Depression "I normally don't write these things, but Pristiq is fantastic. I have tried so many medications, and none of them seemed to work. They all had bad side effects except this one. I know it's a bit early, but I've been on it for three days, and I can already see a difference. It has minor side effects in the beginning, like a wee bit of nausea/dizziness and restlessness, but it's so worth it! I feel so happy all the time, it's great, and I also feel more focused and energetic. I used to stress about everything and feel miserable. Trust me, anyone who suffers from depression, anxiety, and stress, you need to at least try this before you try anything. It makes you feel less hungry, so you are likely to focus on food, which is a bonus."

• kol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2012

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "The first couple of weeks of Pristiq were rough. The usual side effects: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness. In the second week, a lot of rage erupted, and I had another post-traumatic stress disorder flashback. But I persisted throughout all of this, and the rewards are finally here. It's now the end of the third week, and I am feeling energetic, focused, and optimistic. Creative ideas seem to flow easier, and I am out there in the world again, taking photos and hiking. This antidepressant is certainly working a lot better than Prozac did and better than I remember Effexor being. Worth a shot."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2016

For Depression "This medication has been a lifesaver! I have been on it for almost 3 weeks, and I am amazed at how much better I feel. I suffered a breakdown just after Thanksgiving and continued to be an utter disaster for a few weeks. I entered a PHP program where the psych suggested Pristiq, something I had been asking my primary psych for months! After about 4-5 days, I began to feel somewhat whole again, and I'm getting better each day. I still have my ups and downs, but I'm now able to get out of bed and shower every day! The only reason I did not give a 10 is because of some undesirable side effects such as nausea and very dry mouth. I am told that by 4-6 weeks this should go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2012

For Depression "I am 26, female, and have been on Pristiq for a little over 18 months. It worked fantastically for the first year, my anxiety and depression were under control for the first time ever. For the last few months, though, I have noticed a lot more side effects. I have gained weight, and although my sex drive hasn't dropped, I find it very hard to reach orgasm. Also, if I miss one day, I have really bad withdrawals: migraine headaches, nausea, dizzy spells, and out-of-control emotions. I think Pristiq is great for short-term use, but I'm not convinced it's good as a long-term option."

• Llc...
• January 28, 2016

For Depression "27, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression about 18 months ago. My doctor started me on 50 mg of sertraline, and it had no effect, so bumped me up to 100 mg, and I absolutely hated life! My panic attacks worsened, my mood was unbearable, I always felt tired and nauseous, which all affected my ability to work. I had enough, so I stopped, but then needed to go back to the doctor to try a different medication, which he prescribed me Pristiq. I feel absolutely amazing! My anxiety has gone, and the depression side of things is a thing of the past! I have been nauseous once or twice since being on it (3 months), but that is nothing compared to the other medication I was on :)"

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 8, 2019

For Depression "I've been on and off antidepressants for 6 years for depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. I've been on Pristiq 50 mg for around 8 months now. I am extremely sensitive to these medications and develop a lot of side effects. However, this drug hasn't made me a zombie like others (Cymbalta is the worst). Had nausea at the beginning, but passed quickly. I get bruises all over my legs and some on my arms. I look like a Dalmatian. I still get 'brain zaps' and dizziness, even if I miss my dose by 2 hours. It's horrid. I'm trying to wean off all mood medications. Apprehensive because of how I feel after only a day. Scored it a 4 because it didn't zombify me. To those thinking of going down the med route, please try other things. Use it as a last resort."

• CT1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2022

For Depression "I’ve been on this medicine twice now, once in my early 30s while in Australia (name brand- 50 mg) and just again at 40 years old (generic- 25 mg). The first time was okay, I lasted about 6 months and it curbed my anxiety, appetite, etc. However, this time was an absolute nightmare— I had to cut it completely off after 5 days. What a significant difference in terms of how my body processed this 8 years later. The fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and inability to function have all just been too much. 1) If you have IBS/sensitive stomach, this is not the medicine for you. 2) Try it when you don’t have any work commitments, there’s no way I would have been able to work these past few days — done with this and other SSRIs and SNRIs."

• lpl...
• December 17, 2008

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 2 and a half weeks. The first day I was nauseated, but I ate and felt much better. The first week I was very hyper in the morning when I took it. I could not drink my usual cup of coffee. In the late afternoon, I felt tired. This week I feel much better, not hyper at all. I feel somewhat calmer, and my husband agrees. I have lost 4 pounds so far, and that is great. I have hypothyroidism and gained 10 lbs from Synthroid. I am taking Pristiq because I have mood swings and horrible PMS. I do hope I feel more of the effects of this medication in the next few weeks. I was on Wellbutrin and Celexa before but had side effects. Pristiq has been awesome so far."

• Ggk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

For Depression "After several years of trying various meds with no success, I did GeneSight testing, and Pristiq was at the top of the list for meds my body will metabolize correctly. I took my first dose 3 days ago and regretted it within a few hours. Nausea that I'm still experiencing. Flushed, feverish feeling, blood pressure way too high, and no energy at all. I've barely been out of bed for 3 days. This stuff is poison. I'm done with all psych meds after my experience."

• 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."