Pristiq and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2023

For Depression "I was on Pristiq for about 4 years. And 3 years before that, I was on other antidepressants, i.e., Paxil and Zoloft. The good thing was with Pristiq I did not gain weight as I did with Paxil (20 lbs!!). And I seemed to be functioning quite well. But over time, I started to notice I was not acting like or feeling like myself anymore. I lost interest in things, didn't want to be around people, and felt strange. So I decided to taper down to the lowest dose, 25 mg, and then stop it altogether. And it was very difficult to get off. The withdrawal was terrible. It created flu-like symptoms, and the worst was nausea, chills, and sweating. Then... new symptoms appeared... irrational thinking, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of not being in control (for no reason). The withdrawal lasted several months until my body finally learned how to function off the medicine. Now my brain is doing much better, and I just practice self-help, eat a clean diet, and exercise. And I don't hold stuff in anymore."

• 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."

• 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."

• caz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 29, 2013

For Depression "Dr. put me on Pristiq because I was having a bad time dealing with the loss of a loved one. It's my first medication, and I have been on it for 9 months. Although it has relieved my mild anxiety, I have decided that this or any other medication isn't for me. The weight gain has probably been the worst and only side effect for me, after 3 months, I piled on 10kgs. On my pharmacist's advice, I have been lowering my dose on alternate days and am now on my third day without taking it. I feel like I'm a little tipsy/heavy-headed by the end of the day, and that's all so far, but it's bearable, and I still manage to go about my day as normal. Hopefully, this doesn't last long. I have never experienced brain zaps either."

• Blo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 30, 2017

For Depression "Gained 30 pounds while on prednisone. It was my 5th medicine to try. I was skeptical, but it actually worked. Pristiq made me so sleepy and in a constant state of la-la land. Gained 30 pounds while on prednisone and started Pristiq at the same time. I have gone a year and a half and still haven't lost the weight. It's different for everyone, and weight gain isn't normal, apparently. I tapered off the 100 mg almost a month ago, and now I have so much energy! On the meds, I was still depressed but was okay with it. Off the meds, I'm attacking the issues head-on and trying to make up for the last 1.5 years stupor. I'd just had enough of missing out on life. Good meds if you want to sleep through life and just not have to think about issues anymore."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

For Depression "I have been on Lexapro for 4 years and have gained 40 lbs. I have always been able to control my weight, but have gained steadily 10 lbs a year since beginning Lexapro. Other than the weight gain, overall, I felt like I was doing good on Lexapro until the last 6 months or so and even tried to get off of it, but was not successful. I went to see my doctor, and she switched me to Pristiq. I feel so much better mentally and physically. I have been able to drop some weight and feel that there is hope for getting these extra pounds off. I'm not nearly as lethargic and wake up in much better spirits than I have in a while. I am hopeful this medicine will work for me and that I am also able to lose the weight."

• Mic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Pristiq 200 mg for over 2 years, and it has worked well for me. I have tried a number of SSRIs, and this has been the best but isn't perfect. If I forget to take my tablets at breakfast time, by mid-afternoon, I feel very nauseous, lose balance, and feel tired. Routine is important with these tablets. Side effects for me include some sexual performance issues, some weight gain, and poor short-term memory. I have had problems with generic versions of Pristiq, so I stick to the real stuff now."

• Pri...
• November 13, 2011

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been on Pristiq for 3 months. Before this time, I have been having severe bouts of rage and anger due to PMS. For 2 weeks a month, I was not able to control myself. On this medicine, I am under full control! No more screaming or fits of rage. No more shaking from such anxiety. I am on 50 mg. I would highly recommend this medicine. My only side effect is weight gain. I have gained 15 pounds. I'm dieting and exercising to combat this effect. I'm not going off this medicine for that reason. It's the only one that has worked for me."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2011

For Anxiety "I was experiencing major anxiety, which I only have when I have major life changes. After getting engaged, moving, planning a wedding, and changing jobs, the anxiety kicked in full force. The doctor put me on Zoloft, which made me very, very nauseous. I lost 10 pounds on it, was miserable as it also caused more anxiety and moodiness. The doctor gave me trials of Pristiq...AMAZING. I had not realized how closed off I was until I tried Pristiq. It increased my ability to have relationships with friends, my fiancé, and even family. Prior to Pristiq, I was very shy and untrusting of everyone. I tried Lexapro too due to insurance requirements. Dislike - for me, it caused weight gain, clenched jaw, moodiness. Long process to find the right medicine!"

• Cee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 30, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was put on Pristiq as one of my last resorts, after being on multiple antidepressants from every class and having severe reactions to them all. At first with Pristiq, I didn't realize anything was wrong. I thought, 'Wow, finally, something that may just work!' Although there was no change in my depressive state. Well, we are now almost 5/6 years later, and I have realized, by going back in my journaling (that has tapered off so much over the years), that I did and do have some bad side effects from this medication. I have lost my enjoyment for life that I did have. I used to actually like to do things like play video games, go shopping, read books, go to the movies, go to the gym, clean (I loved cleaning), etc. I have developed what my GP had diagnosed as hypersomnia, but it started right after my dose was adjusted to 50 mg, and I just feel lazy, and from all of that, I have gained weight. My depressive state is worse than ever. Now, to get off this stuff."

• S D...
• April 13, 2017

For Depression "I have BPD II, PTSD, and anxiety with agoraphobia. I've tried a lot of different meds and gone unmedicated as well, probably over the last 15 years or so. Right now, I'm on Lithium 900 mg. Just stopped Gabapentin 900-1200 mg. On Desvenlafaxine 100 mg (start, 50 mg) about 1 year. Since I started, I've been lifted out of a suicidal and debilitating depression. Taking into consideration lithium, my moods are more leveled out, and I don't feel like crying at the drop of a hat. I don't feel completely hopeless. However, I do feel unnecessarily agitated, sleep issues - too much or insomnia, low energy, incessant nausea. I've also gained an incredible amount of weight, without appetite. DNA test 'green-lit' Pristiq... Going to see the doctor today."

• 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."

• ATa...
• September 7, 2009

For Depression "Reading most of the reviews on here just makes me wonder why not me? I'm a 28 female with bipolar I, anxiety disorder with agoraphobia, OCD (obsessive thoughts, but thankfully nothing severe), and adult ADHD. I'm far from a stranger to the world of therapy, medicines, etc., since I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder at 14. I've been taking Pristiq for about 2 1/2 months. First noticed I felt more tired, then after a few weeks, I noticed I felt more anxious than usual and little things would bother me (more) than before, and I actually feel more depressed in the sense that I didn't actually feel depressed as in sad, worthless, etc., more just kinda blah. But I actually feel more sad and unmotivated now. I've also gained about 10 lbs, and Pristiq is the only thing different."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2011

For Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for about a month now. Before that, I was taking Lexapro for over a year. So far, I like the Pristiq much better. Both worked to keep the anxiety and panic attacks away, but with Lexapro, I gained 20 lbs and had zero energy. All I wanted to do was eat and sleep. With Pristiq, I have tons of energy! I no longer want to lay in bed all day. I don't have much of an appetite, so I'm hoping I can finally lose the weight I gained from Lexapro. I'm very happy I switched to Pristiq and hope it continues to work for me."

• del...
• November 11, 2011

For Depression "Took it for about 2 years - get ready for weight gain, loss of interest in everything, extreme tiredness, zero interest in sex. Sure, my 'depression' symptoms felt a little better (but would have had at least the same result with a healthy diet and exercise). It took the 'bad feelings' away, but it also took the 'good feelings' away. When I weaned off Pristiq, every five seconds I felt like an electric shock in my brain (that's the best I can describe the feel), it was the worst 2-3 weeks of my life."

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2019

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for five months. I have gained 10 pounds. I was placed on this medicine for mild depression and hot flashes as I had entered menopause. At first, it helped, then, I noticed my hot flashes were coming back twice as strong, but truly what troubles me more was the significant weight gain. I tried to reduce the loan amount that I had been given and found that I had such dizziness that I almost wrecked my car. I knew it had to be the medication as I drive for a living in sales. I’m so disappointed because it helped so much at first. I hope you have better luck."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2010

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for about 5 months now, and after an initial positive reaction... it has let me down. After about 2 months, my dosage was increased from 50mg to 100mg. All was well for another short time until a massive and quick weight gain began (25 lbs). I was constantly tired but a complete insomniac. Neck and jaw tightening were also a constant. My dose was lowered back to 50mg, which helped, again for only a short time. I am now on my 4th day off the drug and feel 'crashed.' Wishing everyone the best."

• Kee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2015

For Depression "I started this medication for bulimia. It worked - partially. From the day I took it, I did not purge the entire time I was on it. I still binged, though, and I gained weight. I didn't have an urge to exercise, and ultimately that is why I am going off it. As well as the lack of energy, motivation, and interest to exercise, that spilled over into the rest of my life. I lost interest in socializing, working, cleaning, and cooking (very hard to just do anyways). I stopped sleeping, and after a year, I didn't want to even watch TV or read. It's VERY hard to get off of, and I insist people read reviews on withdrawing. It's been tough physically, although I feel better mentally already. It served its purpose, but I should have gone off it after 6 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2012

For Depression "I had been on Lexapro for over a year, and it was working great, with the exception of having zero libido. With my relationship at stake, I decided to try Pristiq. After about a week, I realized that I was back to my old irritable, pre-medicated self. I have been crying at the drop of a hat, snapping on loved ones, and I have been nauseous almost every day. Not to mention I went from 125 pounds to 137 pounds in a month. I talked to my doctor today, and she suggested trying Viibryd."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2009

For Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for 9 months. I feel great and found the anxiety greatly decreased, but have recently noticed my weight increasing despite eating and exercising the same amount. I attribute it to the Pristiq, even though it doesn't list weight gain as a side effect."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 31, 2020

For Depression "I have been on this drug for about 2 years. It certainly worked for treating anxiety, as I never had a panic attack while on the drug. I am, however, in the process of stopping it due to the side effects. The main side effect that I am no longer wanting to put up with is always feeling hot. It is not pleasant. I have also put on 7 kg of weight over the 2 years, but can’t be sure that this is linked to the drug. I will try a different medication, as they all affect people differently."

• Kky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2018

"I started Pristiq for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and Major Depression, mostly in response to a horrible breakup. With treatment, I found myself completely rid of anxiety and nervousness, my appetite returned, and I started to eat normally and function. Although not incredibly satisfied, it did help with my depression, but I decided the side effects were horrid and not worth it (weight gain, sweating, emotionless numb feelings, headaches, and decrease in sex drive). Pristiq is also very difficult to get off, as the withdrawals are significant. Very, very good for anxiety in my case, okay for depression - horrid side effects."

• Anonymous
• October 11, 2010

For Depression "I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, have struggled with eating disorders not specified, and major depression. Two years ago, I began taking Pristiq after having tried Lexapro, generic Zoloft, Zoloft, and even Prozac. All of the previous medicines had horrible side effects like weight gain, night sweats, hallucinations, and mood-altering capabilities. Pristiq was the first medicine that made me feel 'normal again.' I got on it, began taking it steadily and not drinking on it. I was relieved of anxiety, weight gain, and depression. After my boyfriend found out I was on it, I quit cold turkey due to some inhumane remarks. I DO NOT suggest coming off it suddenly EVER! I went downhill so fast; Pristiq truly is a miracle medicine!"

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2011

For Panic Disorder "I take 100 mg. It works, but side effects were I was always tired and gained weight. Took Wellbutrin with it when I was taking 50 mg. That made me feel close to normal, but I got headaches and gained weight. I was good enough with just the Pristiq, but not great. The doctor then added Dextroamphetamine, which now has me feeling normal, like when I was in my 20s. I have motivation, energy, focus, no panic, no depression, and once again feel the wide range of emotions as they are meant to feel. I am able to take joy in the small things in life and not dwell on the downsides. My weight has also adjusted back to pre-medication size."

• Anonymous
• September 6, 2010

For Panic Disorder "Pristiq did a good job reducing my symptoms dramatically. However, it gave me so much in return, which made my life complicated! I mean 50 lb weight gain over a year that keeps growing every month. I also cannot sleep at night as I could before. I see very vivid dreams and nightmares almost every night! It makes me wake up feeling tired. In addition, I had withdrawal symptoms when I once forgot to take my dose. I had vertigo, nausea, headache. I absolutely could not function."