Pristiq and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Wri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I would probably give Pristiq a zero if I could. As far as antidepressants go, it was average in terms of mood-boosting, energy-boosting, etc., but the side effects ruined my life. I gained around 15 pounds I can’t lose, regardless of diet and exercise, within around 3 months. And tapering off made me sicker than I have ever been in my life, as well as lose total control of my emotions—crying, angry outbursts, etc. Yes, between depression and these side effects, I would take the depression. By the way, I’ve been off the drug almost a month and am still dealing with the residual effects of the drug."

• Kb3...
• August 9, 2010

For Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for a little over a year and a half now. It has helped with my anxiety amazingly, but I have gained 20 pounds from it. I've done everything to get it off. I have always eaten healthy, and I work out regularly. I cannot get off of it because then my anxiety will come back. My doctor recommends I go to a dietitian to help me with this problem. I was also on Lexapro for a year before this, and it made me gain weight as well. All I want is an anxiety medicine that does not have this side effect, but my doctor tells me there is none."

• 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."

• chl...
• October 2, 2010

For Depression "I was 1st prescribed Zoloft, which for me was absolutely perfect until none of my clothes fit about 3 months into it. I gained 25 lbs, and the weight gain brought new depression and anxiety. I was put on Wellbutrin, which was a 'nice' drug if your depression isn't too severe, and I lost weight on it, but it couldn't hold a candle to my problems. Then, I tried Pristiq (and I also use Valium and Ambien for any additional anxiety). It's a happy medium between the 2 medicines. You won't have the side effects of Zoloft (weight gain, loss of sexual interest), but you'll have a stronger backing against the physical and mental toll of depression and anxiety."

• 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."

• Ala...
• August 28, 2022

For Depression "The first few days on Pristiq, I felt like I was on speed, but my appetite was fierce! I settled down after that and have had very little symptoms (having no headache has been awesome - I had a low-grade headache on my last few antidepressants). However, I have gained 10 pounds in roughly 11 weeks, so unfortunately, that will probably be why I have to go off of it."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

For Depression "It did relieve my depression and anxiety for the most part, but I really had some awful side effects with this drug, the worst of which was that it affected my short-term memory. I got to the point where I could not remember the simplest things. This became noticeable after about 6 months of use. I also believe it caused cystic acne and hair loss (both of which ceased after getting off of it). It caused some weight gain too (but every antidepressant I have taken does, it seems). I had to get off of it. My memory has thankfully returned back to normal. Wish it had worked better for me."

• Tou...
• March 22, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Pristiq about 6 months ago and am currently on the highest dose. It took me a while to commit to taking it because the side effects were awful: headaches, groggy feeling, dry mouth, and constipation. I've been on it consistently now, and the only difference I see is that I feel more numb. I still feel and think the same, but my outbursts have calmed down since the medicine makes me so exhausted. I have also gained a lot of weight from this medication. The good part about this medicine for me is I get coupons for it and basically get it for free."

• cre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

For Depression "Pristiq 200 mg. Maybe it was way too strong. The side effects outweighed the effect by absolute miles. Side effects were I couldn't stand up for longer than 4 hours, got dizzy spells, dropped work from 8-10 hrs/day to maybe 12 hours a week, had really bad nightmares and really bad mood swings. I felt suicidal and continued to have those thoughts for the next 3 weeks. I gained 6 kg in 3 weeks. I had to take Valium and Mersondyl Forte for the down times. I had erection problems, so Viagra to counteract that. I cannot say anything good about it. The best remedy was to start walking, biking, sport, record times, and try and beat those times, achievements. I need a sense of accomplishment. Valium for down times, had to have it anyway."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2011

For Anxiety "I started on an anxiety medication that caused me weight gain, so I switched to Pristiq, which I was told was good to help control weight gain, even reverse it. I have been on it for 3 months, and my weight gain has exploded, putting on 6 kgs. I still feel a little uneasy. Maybe I need to up my dose, but I'm so very depressed that my weight is out of control."

• Roc...
• October 17, 2011

For Anxiety "I've started 50 mg 50 days ago, increased to 100 mg 25 days ago, increased to 150 mg 10 days ago. It has had no effect except for side effects (weight increase and constipation). I don't understand because with Effexor I had a response. Thinking to go to Wellbutrin because of the no weight gain."

• Joh...
• January 25, 2017

For Depression "Pristiq changed my life for the good. I tried others, this was the only one that worked and worked wonders for me. The only downside was weight gain the first year or two, which is now under control."

• Jay...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on Pristiq for 3 years, and wow, it works great. The only problem is I had a lot of weight gain."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2009

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am on 150 mg of Pristiq, and I have gained 10 pounds. This is not an appetite suppressant."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2019

For Depression "Side effects: weight gain, constipation, bloating, and passing wind a lot."

• LU ...
• August 10, 2009

For Depression "I really like Pristiq so far. No problems, no weight gain, etc."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2021

For Depression "This medication worked well for depression, but made me gain 60 lbs. No."

• Puf...
• February 7, 2018

For Depression "Helped my depression a little but not spectacularly. Did little for my anxiety. At 200 mg, I put on a substantial amount of weight and had a much larger appetite than usual."