Pristiq User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• DDano
• October 28, 2018

For Depression "I was severely depressed for 8 months. Hospitalized for 3 weeks, suicidal. I tried Zoloft which had worked in past but got no result the second time, then at the hospital they switched me to Cymbalta. Took highest dose possible and got no relief. I then remembered I had had good results with Pristiq in the past. So I asked my doctor to change the meds again. She wanted to add Abilify to my Cymbalta but I asked to try Pristiq again. At first it was hard but after about 10 days WOW !!! I finally am back to myself. I am so relieved it was the longest and most awful 8 months of my life...I just wanted to die and now I am back loving life, so so grateful, full of energy , exercising, cooking for myself etc. !!!"

• Shell
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 5, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Pristiq literally saved my life!! Diagnosed with major depression (although more so undiagnosed bipolar II), I started on a controversial 300mg daily nearly 14 years ago now. I’ve reduced to 200mg daily and will stay on it for life absolutely no side effects whatsoever. I am happy, social productive and successful and at complete peace within myself. I spent almost 10 years on the medication roller coaster before an amazing GP took a special interest in my case whilst co authoring the book “Brain Fuel Depletion” I was so lucky to be under his care, I owe him my life! Pristiq may not be for everyone but may my story inspire you to persevere and keep on trialling different meds until you find your right fit.....I promise you, it’s worth it"

• TMc
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2020

For Depression "I tried many meds over the years that would only work for a short time. Started Pristiq one year ago. Iv'e stayed on 25mg which is normally a step-in dose. It works great for me. I was very tired the first three days but since that time I haven't had any side effects at all. This med has given me my life back!"

• Alex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2024

For Depression "This medication completely changed my life for the better. I had persistent depression for a decade. Now, it’s very rare that I have a depressed mood. I take 150 mg every day. I feel so much more awake and alert as well. If I accidentally forget to take it, I am way more tired during the day."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2014

For Depression "I want to share my experience because I was terrified when I first started Pristiq. It was the first time I'd taken an antidepressant following a severe depressive episode. I read so many negative things about Pristiq and people over analysing it. It took 6 weeks to work and yes I had dry mouth, headaches and nausea but they passed after a few days. The anxiety went away gradually and I felt like I could control it again. The depression lifted too and I could function. I went cold turkey to come off it (Dr supervised) and yep side effects but no big deal. The brain zaps were full on but they lasted about 4 days. I feel great. Of course I'm doing lots of exercise and eating well too...but Pristiq helped."

• Fckpr...
• February 14, 2020

For Depression "I would not wish upon my worst enemy the hell I went through with this drug. My doctor at the time suggested this antidepressant to help maintain my growth & help my energy... this was the first year it existed and of course was expensive because there wasn’t a generic brand, it ruined my life. Everything in the small print happened to me. I slept on average 2 hours on my bathroom or kitchen floor because I felt suffocated in my bed. Everything irritated me physically. All I did was clean as if I was trying to get rid of something so toxic (pristiq) that my life depended on it (it did..) I lost a lot of my hair/eyebrows and I was going crazy, literally. Eventually I got off it, which was like detoxing from a hard drug, such as heroin or meth. I was on it for 6 months- I have been off it for many years, but I still struggle with the reality of what it took away from my life- so many years trying to pick up the pieces of the horrific reality I lived while on Pristiq."

• NYC...
• November 17, 2008

For Depression "This drug is amazing. Before taking it I would eat non-stop and obsess about food because of my depression. Now I only eat when it's meal time and don't even think about it any other time. I sleep great, have more energy and the only side effects were mild nausea the first couple days. The depression is gone and I feel so much better. I'm taking 50 mgs once per day."

• dbugg
• December 11, 2014

For Depression "Pristiq for me is a life saver! The fist 2 days I took the medication I was tired, but now being on it for two weeks it is amazing. I used to cry at the drop of a hat, and I had severe anxiety. Pristiq is the only medication that has ever worked for me! Try it! It might save your life too!"

• Root...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 17, 2014

For Depression "This medicine has been very helpful to me. I started having extreme anxiety when I started taking Latuda. For two years I dealt with depression, severe anxiety and killer side effects from the SSRI (avoid them). In 2014 I finally said "ENOUGH!" I was a little scared to try a different medicine but life was so terrible I was willing to get some relief. I did not have any side effects when started taking the medicine. Pristiq has given some of my life back. I can function at the day program (which was in jeopardy before Pristiq) I highly recommend this medicine for those who suffer from depression and anxiety, at lease give it a try."

• Jewish...
• July 24, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have fought depression for a long time and this is the first time in years that something has worked. I lost everything but now I can rebuild my life. Pristiq has been a miracle. I have taken many medicines and I was 100% sure nothing would work. Now with Gods help I have a new life. I felt nothing for first few weeks but after a month I'm alive. Thank you for developing this miracle. All the best. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, BEFORE THIS I WAS SURE NOTHING WOULD WORK AND I WAS SUICIDAL. FEW WEEKS AGO I WOULD HAVE TOLD LIVING IS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE BUT NOW IT WORKS, MY BRAIN DOES NOT WANT TO SLEEP ALL WEEK AND LOOSE EVERYTHING AND BE HOMELESS. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE. "

• Jessica...
• January 13, 2017

For Depression "I just want to share my experience with Pristiq I had suffered depression since I was 15 and tried many antidepressants that made me hallucinate, gain weight and sleep all day. The day since my doctor changed my medicine to Pristiq my life has changed for ever I can safely say that my depression is completely gone. It also diminished my anxiety by 90%. I have absolutely no side effects no weight gain, tiredness, dizziness. On the contrary, it gives me energy, and I feel happy and calm all the time. I am more social, and I laugh and live life like I used to. Pristiq saved my life, and I know that for some people it may not be the best but if you are trying to look for a new antidepressant you should definitely try Pristiq."

• Grate...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2019

For Depression "After 20+ years on SSRIs, I have a new lease on life with only 25mg pf Pristiq. I’m alert, in a positive mood, and have lots of energy. This has lasted for 6+ months. This drug is so much better for me than were any of the SSRIs (I tried probably all of them). The only reason I give 9 stars is because of low appetite and constipation side effects."

• kt124
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2014

For Depression "I was diagnosed with anxiety and major depression just over a year ago. I am a 19 year old female and have a very difficult family situation. I first tried Cipralex which made me really irritable, then I tried Wellbutrin which gave me a rash. I was then on Cymbalta for 6 months, but I had many side effects and was exhausted. Within the first week on Pristiq I began to notice a huge difference, much more energy. A month later I almost feel like my old self, lots of energy, I can control my own thoughts, and I can concentrate which is amazing because I'm in university. I'm so glad I finally found something that works for me, and I'm looking forward to more improvements over time."

• Eliza...
• October 23, 2014

For Depression "This medicine saved my sanity. I had crippling anxiety/panic attack disorder that forced me to take a year and a half off of college. I was a complete and total wreck. After a year and a half of rest/therapy I decided I was ready to go back to school, within 3 weeks I was totally crumbling, and was completely overwhelmed (anxiety disorder I had worked so hard to treat was rearing its ugly head). I was scared to try another med because my old one made me gain 55lbs (despite dieting), but at this point I was so desperate. My psychiatrist gave me Pristiq and BAM a week later I was like a different person. No more constant crying and confusion. Now 10 months later I am doing really well in school and have lost 40lbs."

• Daveoh
• November 9, 2013

For Depression "I started Pristiq 2 years ago and have been on risperidone for about 20 years. These two drugs have kept me feeling quite fuzzy and warm. There is not much that I can't tackle in a day. I am like Teflon when it comes to negativity. 100 mg a day. No worries. I have lost about 30 lbs and have quit smoking after 20 yrs. Pristiq has been my wonder drug. I don't plan on stopping this medication anytime soon."

• Thank...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on many other medications, such as Abilify and Lamictal and Lexapro, but this was the one that finally helped me fully be better. It does have side effects yes, and missing doses aren't fun, but I'd say it has easily changed my life for the better. If I was at 30% before Pristiq, then I' am definitely at 90% right now."

• fkgaj...
• December 29, 2014

For Depression "My wife unexpectedly told me she wanted a divorce and I was devastated. We have two small boys. I instantly saw a psychiatrist who prescribed me 50 mg of Pristiq. It seemed to help somewhat but I would still breakdown into hysterical crying fits. After 15 days she put me on 100 mg and I've been fine ever since. I feel like I can deal with this now. I have not had any negative side effects, except shaking my leg. I do have insomnia but I had that from the anxiety of the divorce and I'm prescribed something to help me sleep. I can't say for sure if the Pristiq causes the insomnia, but I do feel a little amped. Overall, it's better than I thought as I generally don't feel like I'm on something and feel like myself."

• Nguntil
• March 19, 2024

For Depression "I was on 0.5mg Clonazepam for almost a year, and I don't need it anymore, thanks to Pristiq. I was on Zoloft, Lexapro, citalopram, Viibryd, Prozac, nortriptyline, you name it. Side effects were unbearable for me with my lupus. I finally did a gene test, and Pristiq is the only medication in the green column. I did have mild side effects, and they went away in a week. Please do the gene test; I highly recommend it. I don't want anybody to go through all these horrible side effects from antidepressant medication."

• Jenn
• December 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had been on numerous meds that weren't helping. Horrible anxiety and depression. Extremely irritable. I decided to try Pristiq anyway and within an hour this sense of calm rushed over me. I felt so at peace. I'm more alert. I don't need constant naps. I'm positive and life is great. At first though insomnia sucked but every night it improved and didn't last long. I'm sleeping great now. Its been a few weeks and I'm still struggling with constipation. I had headaches at first too but not anymore. It has destroyed my appetite though. I can miss my dose by hours and not experience the "brain zaps" or feel any different at all unlike others. I feel absolutely amazing and it has by far boosted my marriage more than I could ever imagine. I can even see the spirits of my kids lifted immensely. I don't obsess over things like before and I'm more relaxed. I've had no sexual side effects, I can still orgasm and I've actually been more in the mood bc I feel better."

• Anxiety...
• April 10, 2015

For Depression "I have nothing but amazing things to say about Pristiq. I went through a 5-year toxic relationship, lost everything including myself, tried to rebuild my life after leaving him but could not stop feeling 'heavy'. Felt numb. Had anxiety, could not sleep and pretty much felt like I was living in the dark. Went to see doc, started with 50 - no side effects so after 2 weeks he upped to 100mg and after three weeks I started to feel better and after a month I was truly amazed. Its been just over three months and I feel better than ever. I can't believe I suffered for so long. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it just isn't enough! Best thing I ever did for myself. Thank god for health benefits! Its expensive!"

• JeffR
• October 29, 2014

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq for just over a month, and I don't have the desire to do anything. I have gone days without shaving or taking a bath. I feel like a zombie unable to make decisions or take care of myself and my home. I find myself seating all day on my sofa, and sleeping most of the day-My appetite has increased and now my weight gone up rapidly. After reading a recent post on this medication, I was shocked to learn that only one other person, has had the same experienced. I am quoting this medication, today."

• Lauren
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication saved my life. I started with Lexapro and was in a sad fog, then moved to Zoloft which was sort of helping at first but didn't do much. Pristiq truly saved my life. It's a struggle feeling like you have to date and go through bad relationships with other kinds to find your perfect match, but you might find your brain medication soulmate someday. Keep going. Keep trying. Because I promise, I promise, I promise it is worth it when you finally find the one that's right for you and you feel human and whole again."

• MissA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

For Depression "On my first day of Pristiq, I noticed an immediate surge of energy (coupled with a racing heart and a feeling of disorientation). I am somewhat sensitive to mediciations generally so I was prepared to inherit some of the side effects. What I have experienced in my first week is tiredness, irritability/difficult sleeping, grinding teeth, nausea (vomited 5 times on night 1, which settled on second day), loss of appetite and general stiffness around my neck and back. I trust these symptoms will settle in the coming weeks but thought it may be valuable to share my first week, for those who are a little sensitive to medication. In regards to my mental state, I can safely say my mood has been moderately chilled, unfazed and without any anxiety."

• Glad...
• January 1, 2015

For Depression "Was totally down in the dumps for some reason even though my life was great. Finally I could take no more as my mind was giving me nasty thoughts to end things. Immediately went to the doctors and he prescribed me 50 mg Pristiq which sent my mind out of control. Now my whole being was in trouble and refusing to go to work and being around my family. Immediately back to the doctors to be put on 100 mg and I can say I have never looked back. Totally changed my life as I am myself again. Yeah a few sexual side effects but I can live with that I'm just glad to be back ."

• megan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 10, 2023

For Depression "Pristiq saved my life. I was suffering from suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, and depression for 5 months after getting covid. I tried lexapro, which was awful for me. After that I was against taking any other antidepressant, but my mental health continued to decline. I reached out to my provider, who ran a genome test to narrow in on which medications would be best for my body to metabolize. It showed pristiq and wellbutrin, so we picked one. Pristiq was the choice and after bumping it up from 25mg to 50mg, I made a complete recovery with my mental health. I have been on it for 9 months and am now going to start to taper off. If my mental health starts to decline again, I will 100% being using Pristiq again. Hope this helps someone!"