Pristiq User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Taz...
• July 31, 2013

For Depression "After being depressed for a long time, I decided to approach my doctor after therapy alone was not working. I was suffering severe mood swings, crying every day, anxiety attacks and so on. I am now on day 6 of 50mg of Pristiq and it's amazing. I feel calm, in control, have not cried once and feel really good. Side effects have been nausea, insomnia (hope this will settle down) and decreased appetite. I was putting my family through hell and it feels like I have finally turned a corner."

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 28, 2021

For Depression "Been taking Pristiq for about a year, and I’m definitely no better. If not worse. I have a lot of symptoms that I feel are coming from this drug. I have no motivation to do anything. I have a hard time making a decision. I’m constantly tired. I am mad at the world and often find myself taking out anger on everyone around me. I have no emotions and can’t express myself. I believe it’s time to talk to my doctor about changing my meds or stop taking it altogether. I really feel like it’s changed me and not for the better. Sometimes I don’t even like myself, and I feel like a horrible person. In general, I just don’t like the way it makes me feel. I hope I can get my life back soon."

• Amb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 10, 2018

For Depression "I had been on Pristiq 50mg for around 5 years. It helped me dramatically to get my life back on track. I noticed within the past year that it was not working as effectively as my body had probably adjusted to it, so my doctor upped the dosage to 100mg recently. At first, I noticed some nausea, headaches, and extreme tiredness. These side effects have now subsided after a week, and I’m starting to feel the full effects of the increased dosage. I feel absolutely amazing. I am focused at work, I am getting back into my study, I have started to lose weight again due to my appetite decreasing (I was eating way too much before due to depression), I am much more sociable and exercising again. I was also having trouble with substance abuse, and that has now also stopped. Everyone’s experience with a drug is going to be a different story, but I personally am very grateful for Pristiq."

• Chi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 18, 2015

For Depression "As they say what helps you may not help others but Pristiq for me was a lifesaver. About the 3rd day, I was feeling much better from severe depression with suicidal thoughts. After about 5 days, I was back to reality and never looked back, that was about 3 or so years ago. I take 50 mg once in the morning daily, and since I am 70 years old now, I'm staying on them and not going to try to do without them, I don't want to take a chance and end up back with the most horrible sickness I have ever experienced, clinical depression."

• dot...
• March 3, 2014

For Depression "I have been on EVERYTHING even when it was in test study, Prozac, etc. After being on the test study for Pristiq, I begged to be put on it on a regular basis. I sleep 7-8 hours per night uninterrupted. I am high performance on my job. I have a renewed life, even including exercise. However, this medicine is a 4-tier on my Blue Cross supplemental, and it is very expensive for a 90-day supply."

• hay...
• March 10, 2013

For Depression "This medication is amazing! After 3 days of being extremely sick, I started to feel amazing. I am now 1 month into it and am so happy all the time and have no depressive thoughts at all. It kind of blocks out any sad thoughts. Works perfectly for me."

• c2d...
• June 15, 2015

For Depression "I take Pristiq for anxiety (first) & depression. I don't know what the true definition of 'normal' is, but this is the closest I've felt to it in quite some time. My most recent attempt at feeling 'normal' was with 8 years of Lexapro. My concentration level was on point & my anxiety level was low, but the zombie-like feel, the lack of sex drive & weight gain eventually drove me to find an alternative. After several failed attempts with various other options, I can say that Pristiq has proven to disprove most, if not all, of my concerns. Yes, I still get fiery mad at times (with good reason), but it's controllable. Yes, I still get sad/anxious, but there are tangible reasons & I am now able to pull myself out a lot sooner."

• Tul...
• May 9, 2014

For Depression "My Psychiatrist put me on 50mg Pristiq for compulsive, regular binge eating and anxiety/depression. The first week I was on it, my anxiety-ridden thoughts about food changed completely and I lost interest in binge eating, so I have lost a few pounds so far. I was extremely happy, with virtually no anxiety. I am now on week 2, and the anxiety is starting to creep back in and I'm not quite as happy, so I will be discussing increasing my dosage with my doctor. The loss of interest in food has persisted. Overall, I think this medication is great and I plan to stay on it."

• Don...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2013

For Depression "I've been on Pristiq for about 2 years, started on 50mg, but after a couple of months I started feeling very moody. Doctor put it up to 100mg. Again, a few months later, the same thing happened, had it increased to 150mg. I've been on this dose for over a year. Doctor never thought I would take this dose as I am small-framed and only 55kg. I started taking it at night and found that my mind was going at a million miles an hour. Did not sleep for a week, changed to the morning which works well. As others have mentioned, if I miss a dose I get dizzy. Pristiq has helped me, saved my marriage, and my life. I am calmer, anxiety gone, mood swings gone, suicidal thoughts gone. Give it time, and if all else fails, get help. Good luck!"

• McG...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Why is this a frontline antidepressant? Yes, you read of people having positive responses to it, but it's either this or profoundly negative responses. For me personally, it made my depression worse in terms of cognitive issues, fatigue, and anxiety, which isn't usually a big issue for me. I was obsessing about my girlfriend cheating on me nonstop and had more frequent self-harm ideations. I got off it after only 3 weeks and had night terrors and bouts of anger, with motivations to end my life stronger than any I've had before."

• Cwi...
• September 19, 2015

For Depression "I'd been on Prozac for 5 years, and its effects had started to wane. I was severely depressed with anxiety and extreme tiredness. I was going to bed at 7 pm and had to drag myself out of bed. Everything felt completely overwhelming. I sat with the prescription for about a month. Some reviews I'd read had me terrified. It got so bad I thought there was nothing left to lose. I decided to ensure I'd never run out, and I'd take it at the same time every day. I had a migraine at the very beginning so I drank more water, and I am feeling great. The best part is increased energy. I feel like a normal person. This has been a lifesaver. Would recommend if you have debilitating fatigue."

• Alp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2018

For Depression "I am not sure if this is useful (and this may be just my individual experience), but I was self-medicating my anxiety and depression with illegal drugs and alcohol (abusing both) until Pristiq. My psychiatrist prescribed me 100mg, and not only did it curb my anxiety and depression, but it also removed the appetite for alcohol and drugs. It actually worked so well, I have been abstinent from both for months now. So, if you are using alcohol and drugs to medicate, a useful side effect of Pristiq is that you can get out of that abusive hole of yours."

• Mar...
• May 16, 2013

For Depression "After being in denial, I completely broke down with anxiety and depression. Went to my doctor and prescribed me Pristiq. After a week, I took a big turnaround for the best, so happy! Stick with it, give it a chance to work. Side effects were nausea for the first few days, stomach upset, but don't give up! I have been on Celexa in the past but takes too long to kick in... plus 40 lbs weight gain. Pristiq cuts the appetite, and you're not hungry, at least if you need a few lbs off, this is the medicine to be on!"

• jah...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 24, 2014

For Depression "I was desperate for something that would get me out of the dark abyss that is anxiety and depression, and get rid of the constant thoughts of suicide. I turned to Pristiq - it was new, and made out to be a miracle. And it was. I had no side effects when I started taking it. I was able to get back to work and perform better in school. Everything seemed great. I had my life back. Until, months later, I went my first day without it. The withdrawal symptoms were crippling. Paranoia, a pounding headache, vertigo, and sweating are just a few of the symptoms I experienced in my withdrawal. The headache was so severe I could do nothing but lie down. I still take. Too difficult to quit."

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2009

For Depression "I'm a 40-year-old female, mother of two. I'm being newly treated for depression. I've been taking Pristiq for 5 days. I noticed an incredible difference within 30 minutes of my first dosage. (I know it seems hard to believe) The heaviness between my eyes subsided, and I felt at ease. I am loving my new attitude towards all and everything. I have noticed some side effects, a sore jaw from clenching, and a lack of appetite. I can live with the sore teeth and jaw as long as that is the worst of the side effects, and a bit of weight loss would be great. I notice I'm waking up happier and bright-eyed, instead of miserable and heavy feeling. So far, I'm loving Pristiq."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2024

"I have tried every single medication you can think of for someone with mild depression and anxiety. Who just needed something for life occurrences that happen to the best of us. For some stupid reason, I stopped taking it, and I noticed a major downturn a month after. And I came running back to it, realizing that this truly is the best medication for me. And again, I’ve tried it all under the sun. Side effects were horrible. Took the genetic test, Effexor was the worst for me. Pristiq is literally the best one on the market right now… and this is my first-ever medication comment."

• amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking 50 mg of Pristiq for about 5 weeks now, and just started taking 100 mg a couple of days ago. I am 31 years old, but have been on antidepressants for 10 years. I've tried many SSRIs (Lexapro for several years) and never felt much better at all. I remained depressed and began to try to accept that this is just what my life would be. Finally, about 2 months ago, my doctor's office began doing genetic testing which can guide them on what medicines your body will respond best to. So Pristiq it was. I think my mood has lifted somewhat. I'm really hoping it will improve even more as studies show full benefits take 6-8 weeks."

• 32...
• March 13, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I recently came to terms with my mental illness and decided to seek help. I decided to take Pristiq after it had been sitting in my cabinet for over a month. Day 1 was terrible - I couldn’t eat, I was nauseous, paranoid, socially withdrawn, went to hot yoga and almost fainted (Pristiq makes you sweat a lot! Body temperature skyrockets). Day 2 was not quite so bad, but I was still not sure if I should continue because I felt a lot of brain fog. I felt kind of numb too. Although! No irritability or depressive symptoms on those first two days. So I gave day 3 a shot, and I've been good ever since then. I’m only on my 2nd week now, but I just wanted to write to people who may want to give up after the first week of bad symptoms and tell them my story. Because I’ve felt great ever since then and I have had no meltdowns, haven’t cried once, or yelled at anyone, or questioned my own self-worth. So good luck to anyone who’s going on the same journey. I hope we all find the right cure."

• bro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2022

For Depression "I would not be here without Pristiq. I've been on it for about a year now, but within the first month, I knew I had found the one. I honestly had/have no side effects, but I know from experience (from the multitude of other meds I had to try before I found this one) that meds affect everyone differently. The only downside is that when I forget to take it for 2-3 days, I get 'brain zaps,' but that's the only symptom. Anyway, I would not have fallen back in love with life if it wasn't for Pristiq. To anyone reading this, it took me months and months to find this med, I was miserable, it felt like torture to live. I wanted to give up. I was so close to giving up, but I didn't, and I found something that fit like a puzzle piece. I am so sorry that you are still searching for your puzzle piece, but please, please don't give up."

• Cry...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Pristiq for 2 years now, and I say this is my happy pill. Thankful for my doctor who prescribed this to me. No more depressing thoughts. After religiously following the prescription, I can control my thoughts and emotions. I’m also currently on anti-anxiety pills, but Pristiq is definitely life-changing for me. I’m still on my lower dosage. :) Glad this worked out for me!"

• Peg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 2, 2023

For Depression "I had been on so many different antidepressants over the years. I would have to put on higher and higher doses until I was on the maximum amount but still severely depressed. I was in the hospital again. The doctors did a GeneSight DNA study that compared my DNA with known antidepressants and psychiatric medications. It came back with a list of which medications were classified for my DNA and what my body would have the least amount of problems with and work effectively. It turns out the medications I was on in the past were in the category 'Use with Extreme Caution.' My physician changed me to Pristiq. Within a week, I felt better than I had depression-wise in years and have been doing well for 6 years now. The Pristiq now has a generic pill, much less expensive. Rating in regard to effectiveness +10, side effects in the instructions for use leaflet."

• SRa...
• July 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication isn't really something the average person should take. Desvenlafaxine is an alternative medication if you're extremely sensitive to all other forms of meds. I have taken over 20 different medications before, and I finally had a genetic test and discovered that almost every known psychiatric medication would have a negative effect on my body. Only 4 medications were cleared in green status for me, all new and expensive, Pristiq being the highest recommended. I have never experienced anything like Pristiq, as I haven't noticed any major side effects. Decreased sex drive, headaches, and nausea have always been deal breakers with other medications, but not this one. The only side effect I can say I have felt is perhaps drowsiness, which can be annoying but avoidable with certain actions. If you've taken a plethora of medications, I would recommend a genetic test as you may find you have the same sensitivity as I have, and that Pristiq may be a good alternative."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2019

For Depression "This medication has given me such relief from my depression, it’s amazing. I don’t metabolize SSRIs, only SNRIs, and Cymbalta didn’t work at all (SNRI). I have had no side effects at all. Everyone is different, clearly, it has worked for some, but getting a buccal swab to see what meds your body can metabolize is the newest and most accurate method. That way, you don’t have to try a million antidepressants to find which will work for you personally."

• Bro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2019

For Depression "I have been taking Pristiq 50 mg every morning for 10 days. It has changed my mood and anxiety for the better. I have tried numerous other medications for anxiety and depression, and I had adverse reactions to them. I had genetic testing done, and Pristiq was on the list to try, and I am glad I did that. I have noticed my mood has been better, I feel happier, my depression is not leaving me so down, and my anxiety has gotten better. It’s not a medication that works for everyone, but it has worked for me, and I am thankful for that."

• LC1...
• June 11, 2013

For Depression "I have been on many different antidepressants from the age of 15 till now (22). I have tried Wellbutrin which was decent, Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor, etc. Now I am on Pristiq 100 mg and couldn't be happier. All the years I've been trying to find what works for me, I finally have. My only complaint is that if I even forget to take it one night, within 10 hours I feel awful! Shaky, sweaty, brain zaps, rage, etc. As long as I remember to take it, it's an amazing antidepressant."