Desvenlafaxine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Wil...
• July 11, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "This is the 4th medication I've been on and the hardest one to work through. I suffer from mainly anxiety and PTSD, not so much depression. I am also extremely sensitive to medication and have experienced all of the side effects. Pristiq made me more depressed than ever, and I knew this was not me. I was always tired, then I halved the pill, and it's worked wonders!! Anyone suffering mainly anxiety, I suggest you do this before jumping ship. I have my energy back and am going to the gym almost every day. I also dropped weight using this medication. I'm getting back my life after losing to this drug for almost 3 months. Please try halving the tablet - best advice ever given :) Now I can go back on teaching rounds without suffering social anxiety."

• del...
• November 11, 2011

Desvenlafaxine 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."

• Anonymous
• December 31, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Completely changed my outlook on life. Tried it 2 months ago, didn't seem to work initially, but now I can definitely notice a difference. I was having a lot of trouble just functioning like a regular person, but this has brought back the old me. I really am grateful. If I don't take it for a day or take it late in the day, I start feeling depressed again, so yes, it works. Try it."

• Abs...
• August 25, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Pristiq. Well. It's still early days, but I'd like to share my experience already with this medication. (I'm only on 50 mg, no idea how in the world people are surviving on 100 mg). The first few days can be described basically as absolute hell on earth. The side effects kicked in almost immediately after waking up the morning after taking it (night dose). It honestly felt exactly like coming down hard off ecstasy. I had absolutely no ability to function for hours. Then the nausea, the dizziness, the headaches, the jaw clenching, out-of-body feeling, feelings of euphoria and depression all at once. In short, it was an absolute joy! But it does get better! And it really works a treat. I find myself laughing a lot more, anxiety is half as bad."

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

Desvenlafaxine 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."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2018

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I was on Pristiq for at least two years before my insurance company 'made me' take the generic - desvenlafaxine. I gradually weaned myself off of it. I take 150 mg a day. So I would take a 50 Pristiq with a 100 desven, the next day I would take 100 Pristiq with 50 desven. Now I am totally off of the Pristiq. It's been three weeks and it's not good. I have night sweats, more spacey moments, bouts of depression, trouble sleeping. I will definitely talk to my psychiatrist about this at my next visit. I am on other meds as well. Truly, I have Complex PTSD and manic depression. Yippee......"

• Kay...
• September 29, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I had inflammation due to a skin cancer procedure, which resulted in heart palpitations. The cardiologist prescribed metopropolol. The first day on metopropolol, I felt moody; the second day, depressed; the third day, I had my first anxiety attack. I was 67 years old, never had a panic attack before, and didn't even know what it was. I called the cardio, and they switched BP meds 4 times. I had to take each med for 6 weeks to 'get past the side effects.' We discovered BP meds actually raise my BP. I continued to have panic attacks every morning after quitting the BP meds. The doctor tried several SSRIs, then sent me in for genetic testing. She said that my hypertension might be due to anxiety. She put me on Pristiq, 25 mgs. I have been on it for 3 days now. My stomach feels funny, and my vision is blurry. But the morning anxiety attack was not as intense this morning. I am feeling hopeful."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2022

For Anxiety "I just want to get some hope. I have been dizzy for more than a year. All tests done, no apparent cause. Anxiety, depression, and stress are the aiming explanations. Was prescribed this, I am afraid of the negative reviews, I do not want to start this, get hooked, and still have this fatigue, dizziness, and certain lack of motivation. On top of this sickness, my girlfriend kicked me to the curb. I am really hopeless, I think I am physically sick without any way out. I think I am a good guy, smart, etc., and I have this thought this drug may change the good I am. I quit fluoxetine 8 months ago. It helped, but it made me irritable, or at least I was irritable too often while on it. Please, some light to make the decision."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2018

For Depression "For all my life, I have struggled with depression. In my early sixties, I talked with my doctor, and after testing, he informed me that I have severe depression caused by a chemical imbalance. He prescribed Pristiq. I was on Pristiq for around 3 years. While on Pristiq, I was happy for the first time in my life. I described my life as being pre-Pristiq and post-Pristiq. In 2017, the Pristiq went to a tier 4 from a tier 2, which shot it up way beyond my budget. That's when I was switched to the generic. My experience has not been favorable. Since being on the generic, I no longer feel happy. It seems to only take the edge off of my depression, as I feel depressed and lethargic, with no interest in the things I used to enjoy. I have little energy and sleep for a minimum of 12 hours a day now. I'm retired and was looking forward to the last stage of my life with Pristiq. I'm not so sure what to do next."

• cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Have been on Pristiq 50 for 2 weeks, was previously on Effexor 75 mg for 6 months. Doc has put me on the Pristiq because it is supposed to be easier to wean off of. I don't think these meds have helped my depression at all. The first few days on the Pristiq I was very dizzy, since then, I am even more anxious and depressed. I am seeing my doc in a week to taper off these horrible meds. NEVER AGAIN. I also take Adderall XR 25 mg twice daily for ADHD, these meds usually calm me. I am now having to take Klonopin daily just to get by. Also, my hairdresser noticed how much hair loss I've had. I still don't know if this is from stress, the Effexor, Adderall, or my birth control pills, since all meds can have this effect."

• Tms...
• August 2, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I am on week 2 of Pristiq, and so far I am very irritable, no motivation, and no sex drive. I have read the reviews, and I am feeling more optimistic! Thanks, everyone, for posting! I really want to keep pushing through this."

• Pen...
• April 26, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Started on Pristiq after my dad passed away two years ago, and I was to the point I couldn't handle life. It was great; I was happy, I could cope, I didn't gain too much weight (a little maybe, but I wasn't 'obsessed' with food). My sex drive was pretty much gone though. Because of lack of sex drive and sudden migraines, I went off it after a year. Tried to start taking it again, and it just wasn't working anymore. The number one thing I would warn people about is that it's really hard to stop taking this medication. The side effects with the withdrawals are brain shocks, depression, blurry vision, confusion, exhaustion."

• Ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2022

For Panic Disorder "On this for depression, panic disorder, PTSD. This med wasn't very effective for my depression and not effective for my anxiety/panic disorder at all. If anything, I feel like I had far more frequent and severe panic attacks on it. Additionally, I've been on a lot of behavior meds in the past, and this was hands down the absolute worst to discontinue. If you miss a dose, you will feel it, and if you're not an exceptionally strong-willed and determined person, you may also need hospitalization to wean off of it. Effexor/Pristiq (Venlafaxine/Desvenlafaxine) is notorious for having a rough discontinuation period. I tried weaning off of it multiple times, but the nightmares and depression I had while discontinuing it were so terrible that I kept finding myself giving in and taking the pill so I wouldn't be crying all day. I had to switch to Zoloft and wasn't able to just come off of them, so that's a major consideration people should be aware of."

• too...
• January 19, 2018

For Depression "I was switched to the generic desvenlafaxine manufactured by Greenstone in March 2017 and experienced depressive symptoms shortly thereafter. I worked with my physician and insurance company to switch me back to Pristiq, and my symptoms improved. I just submitted this information to MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. I highly recommend that others who have had similar experiences also do the same. There have been known problems with other generic antidepressants, Cymbalta and Wellbutrin, and perhaps the FDA would investigate generic desvenlafaxine if there are enough complaints."

• Jou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2023

For Depression "I was prescribed this after I lost a sibling for depression and anxiety. Not really sure if it ever truly helped, but it might have kept me numb enough to get through school and working tough jobs. I was on it for 3 years, then had to get off due to it getting expensive. Did a direct switch to Lexapro, and it sent me into something I have never experienced before. Pretty much lost myself, no motivation, horrible critical thinking, down, and didn't want to do anything. Had to reinstate to get back to work, and it didn't get me back to what I was before, just more side effects. Did that for a year and some change. Starting two months ago, I began tapering off from 50mg, and it again has been the hardest period of my life with discontinuation. Nothing I have ever experienced before, which is terrifying. For those getting on it, please consider the withdrawal from this before taking it. It might work, but at some point you will have to get off. That is exactly why it was declined in Europe."

• coc...
• October 11, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I really think this is a wonderful drug for depression if you don't have any severe side effects. I, unfortunately, am experiencing a lot of jaw, face, and eye pain. I went to 5 doctors about it before my psychologist said it was the antidepressant. He gave me Klonopin, which made me moody, depressed, and extremely self-conscious (not to mention sleepy). I've also had 3 anxiety attacks since taking the Klonopin. So, I am weaning myself off of both and am going back to the doctor in a week."

• vja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2018

For Depression "Do not take desvenlafaxine if you are doing well on the name brand. I gained 30 lbs and became super depressed on desvenlafaxine. It was cheaper, but I almost lost everything because of it. I'm back on the name brand and becoming stable again."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2011

Desvenlafaxine 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."

• Glo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 12, 2019

For Depression "I took this for over 5 months for panic disorder and agoraphobia, while going through a divorce. Within a month, I was crying constantly, having uncontrollable negative thoughts and suicidal ideation. I thought that was due to the divorce, so I kept taking the medicine. Finally, after a few people said that my depression was too severe to be about the divorce, I went and asked to be on a different medication. I started Paxil again, and within 2 weeks I feel completely normal. I’d not recommend desvenlafaxine."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 30, 2019

Desvenlafaxine "Taking Pristiq for mild depression and memory loss. Depression symptoms were moderately relieved for about the first 1-1.5 years, but I seemed 'flat' to others and myself, both are starting to return to premedicated levels now, though. My dreams have been so real and upsetting that I do not know if what happened in them is real or not, initially, this was several times a week. It is now down to bi-weekly. The calf muscle cramps that initially happened 1-2 times weekly are best described as seizures, with my leg being twisted into a pretzel while the muscle pulsates and writhes and will not release for usually 10-15 minutes, and then feeling like it is torn up for a few days. This is down to about a monthly occurrence now."

• Dvo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2021

For Depression "I have never been through as much drama from a medication as I did with this medicine. Not only did I consistently gain weight, which has never been a problem for me before, but my stomach was bloated like I was pregnant. I begged my doctor to put me back on my original meds, but she didn’t want to give up on this brand. I was so uncomfortable and could not fit into any of my clothes, not even the dress I had bought for my daughter’s wedding. This is just a side note in comparison to what it did to me mentally. I was on it for 3 to 4 months. I have only ever had very mild depression, nothing serious at all. I basically just didn’t find joy in a lot of things, but I was NOT depressed. Within a few weeks of being on this medication, I started becoming depressed. It got worse and worse until I honestly believed there was absolutely nothing to live for. I did not know nor imagine that it was possible to get so depressed. I just wanted to die. Shocking experience for me!"

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Have been on many things. This medication is primarily prescribed for only anxiety, but there is also PTSD and ADHD. Have done Zoloft in the past on and off since I was 13. Was on Effexor, lowest dose to start, then up to 300 mg, for about 3 years. Left an abusive relationship and was really sick, and got off everything last October due to being sick. Come to find out, I was misdiagnosed with a form of schizophrenia and was put on additional medications that could’ve honestly done some damage. Got reevaluated with PTSD with psychosis and was prescribed Pristiq 25 mg. Mind you, I had every symptom under the sun from Effexor, so I’m not doing very well on the start of Pristiq. I’m going to be honest and say this medication isn’t for the weak, but it is lower compared to Effexor dramatically. My symptoms currently are nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, hard time sleeping (luckily I have meds for this due to insomnia already), and emotional outbursts, mainly sadness or depression."

• You...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2024

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Have been on many things. This medication is primarily prescribed for only anxiety, but there is also PTSD and ADHD. Have done Zoloft in the past on and off since I was 13. Was on Effexor, lowest dose to start, then up to 300 mg, for about 3 years. Left an abusive relationship and was really sick, and got off everything last October due to being sick. Come to find out, I was misdiagnosed with a form of schizophrenia and was put on additional medications that could’ve honestly done some damage. Got reevaluated with PTSD with psychosis and was prescribed Pristiq 25 mg. Mind you, I had every symptom under the sun from Effexor, so I’m not doing very well on the start of Pristiq. I’m going to be honest and say this medication isn’t for the weak, but it is lower compared to Effexor dramatically. My symptoms currently are nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, hard time sleeping (luckily I have meds for this due to insomnia already), and emotional outbursts, mainly sadness or depression."

• Kit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 8, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am having a hard time on the generic for Pristiq. Two years ago, I tried Lexapro with negative effects and a few others after that and had the DNA test, which revealed Pristiq would be best for me. My whole life, I have been a size 2, I exercise every week, watch my weight, I am 46 years old. Of course, I treat myself here and there, but I have gained 20 pounds in 12 months on this drug, and it keeps going up. My blood pressure and potassium have been off as well. I am disappointed, to say the least, because I feel like this is working, but I can't keep gaining weight at this rate. It is just too much. My psychiatrist said it is not from the drug. I have read other reviews that have said the same. I do not want to go off the drug, but I need to figure this out. I am taking 100 mg of generic Pristiq, I take Klonopin and Buspar for anxiety. I have had horrible panic attacks and depression. This drug has helped me so much. Just not sure I can keep going on like this with so much weight gain."