Desvenlafaxine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• DD0...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2017

For Depression "I was given the generic after taking Pristiq for 5 years, this does not work for me at all. Depression, anxiety, and thoughts are all over the place. Been taking the generic for 2 months. Have to try something else now because this is not good."

• Zyz...
• April 19, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm wondering about generic Pristiq. My pharmacy dispensed 50 mg tablets of generic Pristiq about a month ago. My pdoc was surprised since she didn't even know there was such a thing. I took them one time and experienced profound anxiety and depression. I have been in to see her three times since. I still feel like I'm being affected by whatever was in those pills. My doc upped my Klonopin (which I did NOT want to do), but we had no choice. I am now still on the brand name Pristiq but had to go up 50 mg. I don't know what the deal was, but I would advise anyone taking Pristiq to stick with the brand name. I am just now starting to feel 'normal' again! I have read that the patent on Pristiq won't be up for several more years!!"

• Al ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Horrible experience. I wish I had never started. I had serotonin syndrome going from 50 mg to 100 mg, I literally couldn't get out of bed for a week, anxiety, major depression, paranoia, dilated pupils, you name it. I went back to my doc, and he immediately told me to stop taking it. We switched over to an SSRI, and now I'm doing a lot better. Again, I honestly wish I had never agreed to taking Pristiq. 0/10."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "This is the worst experience I’ve had on a medication. Pristiq made me more depressed than ever and increased my suicidal thoughts. I started having uncontrollable crying spells so bad I was leaving work because they just wouldn’t stop. I know for some people it may work, but this has been the worst time I’ve ever had on this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2014

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Pristiq was a miracle for me. I was originally put on the 50 mg, and my mood drastically changed from depressed and anxious to happy and functioning. Do NOT forget to take it, though. I forgot to take a dose one day, and I was a mess the whole day. When I finally took it again, it didn't work as well, so I had to have the dosage doubled. Then I ran out and couldn't get in touch with my psychiatrist, so I spent about a week off of it. I was extremely depressed and had to be watched closely by my family and boyfriend to make sure that I didn't hurt myself. I tried going back on it, but it no longer worked. I'm not sure if I hadn't had those mishaps with taking it if I would still be on it, but it was definitely a lifesaver while it worked."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2017

For Anxiety "This review and rating is for the generic of Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). I was recently switched to the generic due to my insurance policy. Took it for over a month, and I have been getting panic attacks, heart palpitations, insomnia, and depression. It was as if I wasn't taking any medication at all! I seem to have a sensitivity with certain generic drugs (also cannot take generic birth control pills). My doctor agreed and put me back on the brand name, and it was a lot of hoop jumping with the insurance company to get this mail order pushed through and to avoid their $700 penalty fee for going back to brand names. If you are hesitant about the generic, definitely try the brand name!"

• Lis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 6, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Eight years ago, I had a hysterectomy and afterward suffered deep depression. Pristiq took me out of a deep pit and made me able to live a normal life again. One caution: Make sure that your doctor is prescribing and your pharmacy is filling the name brand and not the generic. When I switched to the generic, it did absolutely nothing to help me and, in fact, made my depression worse. And after just one day back on Pristiq proper, I have peace and calm again and happiness."

• che...
• October 29, 2015

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I tried Pristiq for 3 months with no good results. I have social anxiety disorder and typically only become anxious around people. When on this medication, I became anxious 24/7, and the intensity of the anxiety increased. I also suffer from depression. This medication took away all of my good thoughts and negative ones as well. It left me feeling empty and like a robot. I could not talk to people. I have Asperger's syndrome as well and almost lost the ability to speak when on this medication. It is horrible. I would not recommend it for anyone who suffers from anxiety, depression, or Asperger's."

• Gla...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 1, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed more and more of this drug that helped me function, but I have been trying to get off of it for 7 years. 7 years of mediocre existence, of misery, or the lie that I must need it, otherwise, I would not be so anxious and depressed when I try to stop. I am Australian, we have a free but often ineffectual health care, so insurance is not an issue. Seriously, try everything else before you go down the drugs path."

• Jac...
• March 23, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I started on Zoloft over five years ago when I had uncontrollable mood swings, then changed to Pristiq. The Zoloft stopped the mood swings, and I fairly quickly changed, at the doctor's suggestion, to Pristiq, and the improvement in my functioning continued - far better than I was before. About four months ago, things were going so well I thought I could stop taking it, and after speaking to the doctor, slowly reduced my dosage until I wasn't taking any. I then experienced a strong return of depression, anxiety, and lack of drive. I am now one week into taking Pristiq again and haven't experienced any change yet, but didn't expect to as it can take six weeks to work. On my previous experience with Pristiq, I highly recommend it."

• My...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 3, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I have been on Pristiq for almost 4 years. I have almost no go-to pain on this medication, however, the side effects of no sexual drive and no emotions are so much better than the excruciating pain I was in. I highly recommend this medication for fibro, but please read every bit of information you can about trying to get off of it. Makes you want to die with the withdrawal. And I don't have health insurance, so I have to pay $335 per month, but it is so worth it to be able to function in life."

• Ros...
• July 7, 2017

For Depression "I had great results with Pristiq, but since switching to generic over 2 months ago, it hasn't been nearly effective. I have increased my dose twice, and I feel more depressed than when I started Pristiq."

• Meh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 27, 2023

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I am currently taking Pristiq. When I first started taking it, I experienced noticeable side effects, despite being accustomed to antidepressants from having taken different types before. I had headaches, a yeast infection, and a decreased appetite. I could not eat and did not feel hungry. However, it did change me. I had more energy, even though I was still depressed, and started cleaning and doing many things. After a few weeks, my depression began to lessen, but I was also attempting to make myself feel better by doing yoga, meditation, and journaling. I became accustomed to the pill, but if I went 10 hours without taking Pristiq, I would feel strange and experience headaches, brain zaps, mood swings, and anger. After two days, I would experience severe withdrawal side effects such as crying, depressive episodes, and anxiety. After four days, I would feel suicidal and very angry. Although I am still taking Pristiq, I would like to stop taking it. However, I am afraid of the withdrawal symptoms, as I am still a student. Even if it might be helpful, I do not believe it is the answer."

• Mor...
• December 4, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Like everyone else out there, for 15 years I have been on and off antidepressants, been on almost every one of them. Been on Cymbalta 90 with trazodone and Xanax. Back in May, stopped all medicines (surgery complications), except Xanax. Severely depressed since then; constant mood swings from being happy one minute, then becoming impatient and finally agitated, and some rage, almost bipolar-like. Condition got to a point where anxiety/panic attacks would leave me in mental breakdown symptoms in crowded places (heart pounding, sweating, etc.) and then typical breakdowns involving sadness and suicide. I thought these symptoms were a side effect from Neurontin. Met with a psychiatrist, on Pristiq ER, Abilify, and trazodone and woke up feeling great!"

• Mor...
• December 4, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Like everyone else out there, for 15 years I have been on and off antidepressants, been on almost every one of them. Been on Cymbalta 90 with trazodone and Xanax. Back in May, stopped all medicines (surgery complications), except Xanax. Severely depressed since then; constant mood swings from being happy one minute, then becoming impatient and finally agitated, and some rage, almost bipolar-like. Condition got to a point where anxiety/panic attacks would leave me in mental breakdown symptoms in crowded places (heart pounding, sweating, etc.) and then typical breakdowns involving sadness and suicide. I thought these symptoms were a side effect from Neurontin. Met with a psychiatrist, on Pristiq ER, Abilify, and trazodone and woke up feeling great!"

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 20, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I am leaving this comment to increase awareness of the difficult withdrawal one can experience when trying to get off Pristiq. I have been trying to get off this drug for the past few months. The first step was reducing my dose from 100 mg to 50 mg, which I managed to do without too much difficulty. After achieving this, I started to skip one pill each week, then two, etc. This process was the most difficult. Skipping one pill was okay. But skipping two has led to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including brain zaps, paresthesia, hyperarousal, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, auras, crying outbursts, and detachment. This really gets in the way of life. Yeah, I wouldn't have started on this drug if I had known about the horrible withdrawal process. I really, really wish the doctors would inform their patients of this."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 27, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Took the dose of 100 mg for about a year with Remeron and never noticed anything helpful about it. The only reason I stayed on it was because of the horrible withdrawals I had to deal with. This past week, I finally kicked it after taking 25 mg for about 3 months. Absolutely horrendous. Didn’t want to eat, I am dizzy, I’m shaky, have horrible constant vertigo/brain zaps, and got thrown into a depressive episode worse than I ever had before. I realize it was the withdrawals' fault. Do not suggest taking it unless you have experience with withdrawal."

• djk...
• January 30, 2018

For Depression "Please listen to this testimonial. The generic Pristiq does not work. Yes, it's cheaper than the name brand, but it does not work. I was on the name brand for 2 years and so happy. Then the price went up, and I decided to try the generic. I was the biggest jerk to everyone. I have pushed away people I love (especially my husband), and no one wanted to be around me. I also developed a wicked alcohol problem because I was so angry, depressed, anxiety through the roof, etc. I have been back on the name brand for 5 days now and feel like my old self again. I don't know if it will repair my marriage from the damage I have caused, but would love some prayers."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I suffer from anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. 9/10 because it's working for me, but it's only the second antidepressant I've used. I was prescribed Cymbalta but had terrible nausea, body tremors, hot flashes, and panic attacks. With Pristiq, I had nausea for three days, but it was bearable, and I was really restless. I had so much energy I walked around the block three times a day or more in the first week. It did stir up my depression, and I had suicidal thoughts, which is quite controversial because I never want to die and know in myself I would never do that to my girlfriend and my family. I had insomnia on the second night after starting my Pristiq, but have had no insomnia ever since. All my side effects were gone after a week, and then I was given a prescription for it. Life-changing stuff."

• rog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "This drug made me feel as if I was always running out of time, as if I couldn't stop and enjoy anything. I felt down most of the time on it; not significantly so, but enough to make me want to quit it."

• odd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Pristiq made me even more depressed and anxious. I had to check myself into the hospital because of suicidal thoughts because I was on this medication. I'm sure this helps many people, but it hurt me. Once I came off it and went on Lexapro, I started doing much better."

• lov...
• April 14, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Both my husband and I started taking Pristiq for about a month, and it has changed our lives. We are both what we once were and are 'supposed to be.' It has cleared our concentration, thinking, and memory issues, and we both feel 'normal.' Gone is the out-of-the-blue sadness, anger, and lack of motivation or interest in anything. We both feel great now, and we are both losing weight like crazy. It's been 3 weeks for me, and I am already down two pant sizes! I can hardly believe it! I am not starving constantly anymore, like I used to be on other medicines, and I eat when I need to instead of eating to fill an emptiness. I love Pristiq so far."

• lov...
• April 14, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Both my husband and I started taking Pristiq for about a month, and it has changed our lives. We are both what we once were and are 'supposed to be.' It has cleared our concentration, thinking, and memory issues, and we both feel 'normal.' Gone is the out-of-the-blue sadness, anger, and lack of motivation or interest in anything. We both feel great now, and we are both losing weight like crazy. It's been 3 weeks for me, and I am already down two pant sizes! I can hardly believe it! I am not starving constantly anymore, like I used to be on other medicines, and I eat when I need to instead of eating to fill an emptiness. I love Pristiq so far."

• lov...
• April 14, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Both my husband and I started taking Pristiq for about a month, and it has changed our lives. We are both what we once were and are 'supposed to be.' It has cleared our concentration, thinking, and memory issues, and we both feel 'normal.' Gone is the out-of-the-blue sadness, anger, and lack of motivation or interest in anything. We both feel great now, and we are both losing weight like crazy. It's been 3 weeks for me, and I am already down two pant sizes! I can hardly believe it! I am not starving constantly anymore, like I used to be on other medicines, and I eat when I need to instead of eating to fill an emptiness. I love Pristiq so far."

• ATa...
• September 7, 2009

Desvenlafaxine 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."