Pristiq and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Som...
• February 25, 2018

For Depression "I suffered from depression when I was in high school. It has improved for some time, then in college I started having generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with panic attacks and depression. I have tried Zoloft before, which I have not found to be effective. Before I used Pristiq, I used to have an irritable mood, short temper, no concentration, poor sleep, low appetite, anhedonia, social anxiety, depression, isolation, I was afraid to give speeches, and had poor expression of emotions. Now on Pristiq, I am more social, funnier, more energetic, having a good appetite, happier, more self-confident, and having better self-esteem. I am not sensitive to rejection, and I give my opinion without thinking twice. It has helped me a lot. The only drawback is that it causes loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. I have been taking it for 2 years now."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2010

For Depression "This is the most amazing medicine! I am on day 7, 50 mg. I am able to focus, I have energy, my appetite is in control, I am calm, no sexual side effects. I couldn't be happier. Also, what I have noticed: my addictive tendencies are gone, like wanting wine almost every night to help me wind down, no longer need it. I take it in the morning when I wake up. I can't wait to be off the medicine someday when I can be my old self again, but this has been a good start to my health. I took Zoloft 100 mg for 2 months and gained 10 pounds. Wellbutrin made me actually overeat as well, and I was so hyper. I guess to each his own, and I have finally found mine."

• Jes...
• October 4, 2016

For Depression "I wish I was told what would happen! The wonder drug. No depression. Little anxiety. Seemed like my problems were fixed with one little wonder pill. 50 mg Pristiq a day... It's been 8 months, and I barely feel anything. This is no way to live life. Sure, I'm not as suicidal, not as anxious, not as depressed, and I'm not flipping my lid every other day, but I am numb, bored, barely characteristic, I don't find joy often, nor do I care to create it. This is no quick fix! Also, in that 8 months, I have gone from 57 kg to 66 kg. Not a welcomed weight gain! Sex life is shit, affecting my relationship as my needs and wants have changed to nearly not caring whether I have it or not. But the worst part is missing a dose! I can't function without it."

• Arc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 25, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been on Pristiq for 21 years after trying almost every other antidepressant on the market. I take 200 mg a day in the morning. And if I forget (and once in a blue moon, I do), I am in tears by the second day, which always reminds me. It has saved my life!!! LITERALLY!!! I would be dead by now if I hadn’t been on it. I also take another antidepressant at night called Valdoxan (50 mg), which was added about 5 years ago. My depression is major and is still not wholly controlled. But I am so much better than I was, and I thank this to Pristiq. None of the others worked for me. I can’t remember if I had any side effects at the beginning, it’s too long ago, but I know I will be on this for the rest of my life - or I will die - it’s as simple as that. The only side effect I experience is loss of libido, which my husband and I happily trade for me being alive. So if you are clinically depressed and want to feel better, ask your doctor about it. Stay safe."

• KRo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2021

For Depression "I don't like this drug. I switched to it thinking it would be better than Cymbalta, but it was not! I am done with these awful drugs and big pharma trying to make money off others' misery! I had nausea, sexual side effects, my menstrual cycle changed, night sweats, hot all the time, anxiety, weight gain, etc....! It is not worth it. The side effects are worse than any depression ever was! Not to mention, all it did was make me numb. I am proud to say I have been off of this for almost a week. I will never take this med again."

• Bas...
• January 29, 2016

For Depression "With perimenopause leading to menopause... came an overwhelming sadness, emotional ups and downs, anger, the black dog visited often for no apparent reason. After seeing the doctor who offered blood tests acknowledged menopause was occurring, he prescribed Pristiq 50 mg, one a day. I had negative preconceived ideas about taking antidepressants due to incorrect information but thought I'd give it a try. It's now nearly three years since I began treatment... yes... they work... side effects: can numb emotions, but not to the point that I can't feel... loss of libido... that's a small price to pay compared to how I felt when the black dog visited. I tried to stop taking Pristiq only to have old symptoms return."

• liv...
• May 30, 2019

For Depression "I was on this Pristiq medication since I was nearly 17 years old, so for almost 3 years. I have tried Prozac, Lexapro, and Cymbalta before trying Pristiq. I had taken a test called YouScript to identify how my body metabolizes drugs. The results showed that I don't effectively metabolize most antidepressants. A psychiatrist said that my only solid option was Pristiq. It was much better than the other ones. It didn't affect my sleep, or cause daytime sleepiness, or make me feel emotionally numb like the other meds, but it was harder to orgasm. The cost is $55-60 for 30 tablets of 50 mg (BC, Canada). Fair Pharmacare doesn't cover it, so my student healthcare did not cover the cost either. I've been relying on my mother's healthcare plan. In Canada, they don't have 25 mg, so I went from 50 mg to nothing, and it was rough the first week, but I was off school and had no work, so it was manageable. I wouldn't recommend this drug if you live in Canada because of the cost, and there's no 25 mg pill."

• Mov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Pristiq for around 9 months now. Initially, getting on it was hard, but then it was the best thing for me at the time, it really got me out of a tough place. But then I started to gain weight, and usually my weight is quite stable, but now I'm bigger than ever. I get an intense pain in my jaw, making it hard for me to eat. I have no sex drive whatsoever, and my memory is shocking, I can hardly think straight. If I miss my dose time by an hour, the brain zaps are terrible, and I can hardly concentrate. I'm heading to the doctor's tomorrow to get off, and hoping I don't put on more weight in the process because the weight gain is making me feel a lot worse. I've given it a 2 as it was super helpful at the start, and it's the only meds that have really helped me mentally, but I can't cope with the side effects."

• Ama...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was trying this out because I never stayed on Zoloft for long due to the sexual side effects not helped by adding Wellbutrin. I was on Pristiq, the lowest dose, for a week, and I just couldn’t do it. Major crying spells from day 1 and really intense anxiety, both physical and psychological. A few days in, the sadness wasn’t as overwhelming, but I started to feel a weird chest heaviness, and my heart was fluttering (healthy 29-year-old), also was still having a lot of anxiety. Didn’t make it to day 7. Had I not had the chest thing going on, I probably would have tried to stick with it for longer."

• Anonymous
• August 4, 2010

For Depression "I am so happy I tried this miracle medicine. I am 32 and was diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and depression when I was 18. I have been on and off Zoloft since I was diagnosed. At first, Zoloft helped with my diagnosis, but I had a lot of side effects including no sex drive, being tired all the time, and feeling flat (not happy or sad). I also tried Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Buspar. This is the only medicine for me. I have only been on Pristiq for 5 days, but I already feel happier, and best of all, hello libido! I thought I was going to live out the rest of my life on a roller coaster of being on and then taking myself off the Zoloft and on no medicines, just so that I could feel closer to my boyfriend. You do not have to choose between happiness and a libido! Thank you, Pristiq!"

• SoD...
• January 2, 2016

For Depression "36. Depression on and off since 15 years old. Tried different meds. On Wellbutrin for 5 years and felt like it stopped working. About August 2015, I was crying constantly, so I switched to Pristiq 50 mg, began December '15, and crying stopped. But so did all of my other feelings. I feel nothing. Plus, zero libido. Zero. That is not good for a marriage. Thankfully, hubby is supportive. Quit taking December 30. Doctor warned me cold turkey would not be good, but trying. Feelings coming back, but too bad-just sadness right now. Wish I never even tried this. Tears are better than no feelings."

• mus...
• May 17, 2009

For Depression "I think my depression is more situational. I'm unhappy with my job, where I live, and being alone. I started taking the 50mg, I felt better the first week, then 3 weeks later started taking the 100mg. I don't notice a change. True about taking the drug when you wake up, it gives you energy. Take it when you wake up or you will not sleep well. I've had a couple of really strange dreams. The problem is that I need to make some changes in my life to really find happiness and really knock out this depression. The only side effect I have is reduced sex drive."

• 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."

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2012

For Depression "I'm 29, female, was on Celexa before. On 50 mg of medicine for the past 2 weeks. Killed my sex drive, stone cold-just gone! Palpitations like crazy. Extreme nausea and dizziness. Sweating through my clothes...underarms, chest, back, groin, everywhere! My whole body is very tense, and my TMJ is flaring like crazy. Feel like a sweaty zombie with palpitations and zero sex drive. Trying to stick with it."

• Cal...
• June 7, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking this medication for almost a year. I have tried every depression medication on the planet. Seriously, I have tried ALL of them. I suffer from crippling anxiety, so I needed something that would help my depression and my anxiety. This medication has worked quite well for both. I have noticed a few things since I started taking these. My sex drive is completely gone. I have constipation issues and quite a dry mouth. Losing my sex drive has been completely terrible, I can't deal with crippling anxiety any longer, so it was worth it. This medication is pretty pricey, about $45 a month with insurance. Before I was taking this, I paid about $4 for 3 months. My doctor gave me a coupon/card, so when I use that, it only costs me $4."

• Tri...
• February 23, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "My Dr. prescribed Pristiq 50 mg after taking Cymbalta because of the terrible side effects. The only side effect Pristiq has given me is the lack of sexual desire, but Trazodone 50 mg, which I also take, balances out that effect. I also take Tranxene 7.5 mg before bedtime and get at least 5 hours of straight sleep! I am doing much better."

• Bin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 5, 2017

For Depression "I have been taking 100 mg for about 6 years. I had moderate OCD, high anxiety, and then a diagnosis of depression before I started taking Pristiq. I have found it has reduced my OCD, anxiety, and depression very well. Lately, though, I have been experiencing intrusive self-critical thoughts and excessive bruxism (teeth grinding). I am 62 and have a heavy workload. My libido has been hugely reduced since starting on Pristiq, although this may in part be due to menopause. I also occasionally experience what I would call LSD flashbacks, of a benign nature. The images I see, only at night, are of extraordinary beauty and are extremely detailed. When I open my eyes, I can still see the images. Has anyone else experienced this?"

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2009

For Panic Disorder "I have suffered from panic disorders for eight years. I have taken everything there is, and nothing has seemed to work. Zoloft helped take the edge off, but it gave me sexual side effects and kind of made me numb. Pristiq is the best thing ever. I noticed almost immediately that it was working. The first week was rough, and I felt a little more anxious. The only side effects I have are, like at night, I sometimes see halos around lights, and I urinate a lot more often. But I feel great. I have only had two panic attacks compared to having one every day. I have only been taking Pristiq for a month. Thank you to the makers of Wyeth, I have my life back."

• dav...
• November 6, 2015

For Depression "I have been on this for about 15 months, starting at 100, then up to 150. I haven't had any side effects apart from a slightly dry mouth and reduced libido. It hasn't done anything for my depression, and I'm now weaning off it (2nd week and so far no issues)."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2009

For Fibromyalgia "Killed my sex drive (the only remainder of my life without fibromyalgia) and gave me terrible dry mouth that did not go away as my doctor said it would. After six months of dry mouth and no libido, along with no symptom relief, I said enough was enough and quit cold turkey. I experienced no withdrawal effects, and thankfully both the dry mouth and lack of sex drive went away soon thereafter. I feel like this medication made me more depressed by decreasing my already low quality of life. It also made me feel as though my emotions were non-existent, which some may view as a good thing, but I prefer to be able to feel and experience emotions."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2010

For Depression "I started Pristiq on 3/22/10. The main side effects were not sleeping well and night sweats. This lasted only about 4 nights. A bit of nausea, not enough that I couldn't handle, and that was it. I am now on my 3rd week, and I am doing fine. I do feel much better and have more energy, since before the Pristiq, all I was doing was sleeping. If someone has never taken an antidepressant, the side effects can be alarming. I went cuckoo and had no sex drive on Zoloft and Cymbalta. Pristiq, whatever is different about this SNRI, seems to keep me at an even keel. I will give Pristiq at least 3 months before I give a full report."

• air...
• June 15, 2009

For Depression "I was prescribed Pristiq in February 2009. While at first, Pristiq seemed like an answer to my prayers in that I felt less anxious and less depressed, this past week I sank back into the deep depression. I'll be seeing a psychiatrist to re-evaluate my medication needs this week. While on Pristiq, I've experienced significant fatigue, intense chest pain, and sexual dysfunction."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2009

For Depression "I am diagnosed with Bipolar I. I take Trileptal and have switched antidepressants several times. I have tried Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac, all having relative success with my moods, but loss of libido forced me to switch. Pristiq has been the best I have tried. Both my moods and anxiety have improved. Still less of a libido than without any medication, but better than any of the other antidepressants I have taken. I still have a faint libido but now experience delayed orgasm. However, the quality of my moods has improved so much that I am more apt to accept this side effect."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2009

For Depression "I am diagnosed with Bipolar I. I take Trileptal and have switched antidepressants several times. I have tried Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac, all having relative success with my moods, but loss of libido forced me to switch. Pristiq has been the best I have tried. Both my moods and anxiety have improved. Still less of a libido than without any medication, but better than any of the other antidepressants I have taken. I still have a faint libido but now experience delayed orgasm. However, the quality of my moods has improved so much that I am more apt to accept this side effect."

• My ...
• December 4, 2009

For Depression "I actually started out with Cymbalta when I had decided the other types of antidepressants had too many side effects... sexual, specifically. I definitely gained a significant amount of weight when I went on Cymbalta (at least 15-20 lbs in the first 4-6 mos). I decided to try Pristiq because my doctor mentioned that there were fewer weight issues. I haven't had any bad side effects except when I forget a dose: uncomfortable brain zaps, as the person had mentioned. Although I still have not lost any weight and consequently have gained weight since the initial weight, which is, as my doctor explained, a cycle... once you start gaining, you keep gaining weight."