Desvenlafaxine and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Mun...
• May 25, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking generic Pristiq for several years and it has really helped. Got a refill and the bottle looked different. The pill was also different. After about 5 days, I began to get dizzy, light-headed, had problems sleeping, and felt very anxious. It was from a different manufacturer. Stopped taking it and the dizziness has stopped, been able to sleep, but have been having anxiety. I had no problems until the pharmacy got the supply from a different manufacturer."

• Jes...
• January 13, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I just want to share my experience with Pristiq. I had suffered from depression since I was 15 and tried many antidepressants that made me hallucinate, gain weight, and sleep all day. The day my doctor changed my medicine to Pristiq, my life changed forever. 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, or dizziness. On the contrary, it gives me energy, and I feel happy and calm all the time. I am more social, 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 looking for a new antidepressant, you should definitely try Pristiq."

• Myl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have never wanted to take any SSRI or SNRI, but I became very depressed and was desperate, so I listened to my doctor who told me to try Pristiq and give it 4 weeks. I suffered almost every side effect: yawning, insomnia, increased anxiety, tinnitus, sweating, incapable of having an orgasm, vivid nightmares. I took Pristiq 50mg for 4 weeks and I only had 1 day that I was not depressed. I quit taking it after 4 weeks of sleepless nights and a very loud high-pitched ringing in my head. 2 weeks of feeling dizzy and extreme headaches, then 2 months of bad headaches and extreme anxiety. Now, 4 months off Pristiq, I have very high anxiety, headaches, and the worst is tinnitus. Pristiq ruined my life. After researching, I realize that this tinnitus is probably not going away, since it has been 4 months, and I am devastated. The ringing is intruding my brain every second, and my anxiety has grown uncontrollable alongside the tinnitus. I wish I never took Pristiq."

• ccs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2014

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have had depression for a long time, sometimes more serious, sometimes less serious. In the past 7 years, I think I experienced a 're-entry shock' going back to the teaching profession in HK. I need to take it once per day. I did not experience any side effects like sleepiness or dizziness. I can perform my normal heavy duties in my workplace. At first, my doctor asked me to take it after evening, but since it will not affect my work and does not need to be taken after meals, I prefer to take it right after I get up, and I can establish a routine for it easily. Soon after I have taken Pristiq, all my negative thoughts and feelings disappeared like a miracle and many people around me commented that I am happier than before."

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

Desvenlafaxine 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!"

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

Desvenlafaxine 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."

• Lov...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 18, 2019

For Anxiety "I used to have severe anxiety to the point where I had to drop out of public school and began online school. I couldn't leave the house to even get the mail, all curtains had to be closed, and I started getting extremely depressed. After 2 years of therapy and countless medications with no positive effect, my doctor prescribed me Pristiq. A few months later, I was almost anxiety-free and back to public school. That was a little over a year ago, and I'm now the happiest I have ever been. I have little to no anxiety or depression anymore. The only problem I've ever had with this medicine is the withdrawal when I forget to take a dose of it (extreme dizziness and brain fog), but that's avoidable."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2024

Desvenlafaxine "I have been on Pristiq for over a year now, almost two. The first month or two of this medication was horrible. I had horrible nausea and dizziness. But… after a few weeks, I felt amazing. My anxiety has lifted, and I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I could. My anxiety was truly holding me back in life, and now I’m more successful than I have ever been. Pristiq truly saved my life and future. Stick through the first month of side effects because it really is worth it. Side note, if I forget a dose, I get majorly dizzy, but that is my own fault for forgetting a dose."

• Cha...
• March 24, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "20-year-old female. I had my first dose at 50 mg this morning. After battling depression and anxiety for about 3 years, I made the choice to start meds when it became too much to bear. What I can tell you about my day is that it's been an experience! Feeling foggy, dizzy, slightly nauseous. The strangest side effects were the extreme hour-long high, fidgeting, and a huge compulsion to clench my jaw/grind my teeth. Regardless of the side effects (remembering it is only day one), I have felt not only happiness but joy, comfort, and decreased anxiety. Before today, I can't remember the last time I had a good laugh."

• fee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I suffered from depression caused by many different things. Before this medicine, I had hit the point where I was horrible. My marriage was about to end, it was so bad. The first day, I took one as soon as I picked it up. Within a few hours, I was happier. I had more patience, and that horrible ball of tension across my shoulders was gone for the first time in months. I was nauseated and dizzy. I am now on day three, I notice I am handling stressful things better, and I am generally happier. The dizziness has abated, diarrhea and nausea are still there, and I am sweating way more. That is worth it though, to save my marriage and feel this happy again."

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

For Anxiety "I have been taking Pristiq for about 8 months. No problems, no side effects, my anxiety was magically gone. I have tried several medications and had side effects to all of them, so I was amazed when I had 0 side effects to Pristiq. This month my formulary changed and my insurance forced me to change to desvenlafaxine succinate ER instead of the name brand. A week later I feel like I'm detoxing. Dizziness, light-headedness, achy muscles, and my anxiety keeps creeping up on me. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem?"

• Bac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I couldn't be happier with Pristiq as it has helped me get back in the game of life again. I started taking Pristiq six weeks ago, following its recommendations and those who have had success on it. While on daily Pristiq, I also do 30 minutes of exercise (rebounding, walking, swimming), drink 2 liters of water, only 1 cup of coffee/tea a day and no alcohol. Regular bedtime/rise time (8 hours min sleep). Quick results help me to persevere for 3 weeks to form new habits and get control of my life again. The rebounding offset my dizziness, nausea, sluggishness, constipation and 'I-don't-feel-like-it.' Pristiq and a healthier lifestyle have me feeling like my old self again, enjoying life, friendships, good health and work again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2015

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been depressed for coming up to 5 years. Pristiq is the first medication I found that worked. I started on 50 mg and then started 100 mg. I found that I was able to get through the days without falling apart and having constant suicidal thoughts. I have been on Pristiq for a few years now and I have always had very vivid dreams on it, and if I miss a couple of pills, I get very dizzy, nauseous, headaches, and become very emotional. I love this antidepressant, but I fear for my dependence on it."

• Kee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 8, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "After trying many medications and combinations with varying dosages, I was struggling with my depression more than I ever had before. Pristiq really helped me fairly quickly as far as these types of medications go. I had little side effects other than dry mouth, and if you forget to take your daily dosage, you will remember the next day because you will feel dizzy and have these weird electrical zaps in your head. I have been on it for about 5 years, and it has continued to work great. I have motivation and enough things I had forgotten about. I hear myself laugh, and it is the best feeling ever. When the generic brands came out, I do feel they are less effective. Each month I get different generic brands that seem to work differently than each other. I also had no weight gain on this medication, which I know is a big deal for people taking these kinds of medications. I take mine at night because it does make me a little sleepy."

• Hap...
• August 2, 2015

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I had a major breakdown and was put on 50 mg Pristiq, increased to 100 mg. I noticed an immediate improvement (on the 50 mg) because it stopped the uncontrollable crying. I have been on the medication for 2.5 years but got severe headaches if I missed a pill. I reduced the dosage to 50 mg for a year and still got headaches and dizziness if I missed a pill. So, as I am no longer depressed, I am coming off this medication. I reduced the dose to 1 tablet every second day for 2 weeks and this is now the 3rd week. I have now been without the tablets for 4 days and have noticed quite a lot of dizziness but no more headaches. I am feeling good about myself and have returned to my positive outlook on life. I am happy to be coming off this medication."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2014

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking this medication for 2 months. In the first month, I suffered almost all of the side effects, including loss of appetite, headaches, dizziness, loss of concentration, loss of sex drive, and difficulty sleeping. Two months in, and I find myself having episodes of feeling really angry and crying for no reason, to the point of not eating and just sleeping. I am seeing a psychologist and have yet to discuss with them why I am still feeling depressed and now angry with or at myself."

• JTS...
• May 1, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 9 months now. I had night sweats in the beginning, and they went away after about 3 weeks. I thought the only other side effect I've experienced was when I would forget to take a pill. The next day I would be dizzy and would snap at people. The following day I would be back to normal. I also have a bite guard to help with my jaw at night, but I don't use it that often. I noticed in the past week my depression returning slightly. I was confused because Pristiq has worked wonders for me. I realized I have a sensitivity to caffeine. I love Dr. Pepper and quit drinking it when I started Pristiq. I started drinking DP again and had stomach problems and depression, so no more caffeine! I take 50 mg."

• Pri...
• February 14, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about a year now, and it is brilliant. Those who have only given it a few days need to give antidepressants a few months for the drug to work properly, it doesn't metabolize like paracetamol or other common meds. The best thing about going from escitalopram to this is that I have emotions now. The worst side effect is dizziness, which isn't the same kind of dizziness that you have after you spin around or get up really quickly. I feel like the term 'sparkly' is more appropriate because it is quick to go up and down in severity. I feel like I also have a bit of photophobia with it too. Be careful with missing your medication, not taking it at the same time every day and alcohol consumption."

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2022

For ADHD "45-year-old woman. I tried desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for only one month, but I had to stop. Very hard to leave the couch for the last 20 days. Every ADHD symptom got worse. No motivation, even for the simplest tasks. I remember waking up (for seconds) several times during the night. Severe constipation, social isolation, loss of empathy. I can't list any benefits. Symptoms of withdrawal (week 2 and counting): severe dizziness (complete loss of balance) when moving my head too fast. Mild nausea."

• Mou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2020

For Anxiety "I have only been on this for 11 days. I’m really tired during the day, and can take a three-hour nap. My doctor said about three weeks and it would be a great change for me. I’m looking forward to the serotonin clicking in my brain!!! I get a bit shaky, and a bit dizzy, a little bit of brain fog. I figure after three weeks if this continues, then I won’t be taking it. But honestly, I’m looking forward to it working. So I’m doing this with a positive attitude!!!"

• Poe...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 4, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I took Pristiq for 7 years (daily). In 2012, my life was raining down (stress and worry), and I was knocked off my feet. My “fight or flight” mode was in overdrive (insomnia, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure). My doctor put me on 50 mg of Pristiq and 10 mg of Bystolic. I was able to weather the storm, but I became an emotionless robot. I never laughed, cried, or displayed any emotion, and I had always been the life of the party. Pristiq also kept my blood pressure at the hypertension level, in spite of taking a beta-blocker (Bystolic). My sex life had also vanished. I was also craving naps (often). A week ago, I decided to stop Pristiq (cold turkey). I was in a good place, and after 7 years of Pristiq side effects, I felt it was time to find my emotions again... I’m on day #7 of quitting Pristiq. I feel good. No brain zaps, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, etc. Hoping that my current journey back to the land of emotions continues to go well. I still take a (daily) beta-blocker (Bystolic)."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2020

For Anxiety "Great, life-changing. I'm so glad I agreed to go on desvenlafaxine, I feel like my old self again. It suppresses those feelings you have no control over, regardless of how hard you try. Some side effects included initial constipation, jittery jaw, and feeling a bit dizzy, but all subsided after a few weeks. Dry mouth still persists, and if I forget to take it for a day, I get the dizzy type feeling, but this goes when I get back on track with it. Side effects are well worth the positives. I have now halved the dose to 25 mg (I cut a 50 mg myself as that's the lowest dose) and feel it still helps me. I am slowly working towards reducing the dose, I will see how I go through winter on 25 mg, but I will have no concerns about going back up to 50, and/or even staying on it forever if needed! It has improved my quality of life immensely."

• kha...
• December 30, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication can't be rated hastily. It can take up to 6 weeks to level off. My first days of Pristiq 50mg were terrible. My first dose at night caused insomnia, jitteriness and dizziness, dilated pupils, nausea, sweaty, and a racing pulse. The following week I felt great with NO ANXIETY! I still felt nauseous however, ate very little (lost 7 lbs), and had a headache daily. The following week my side effects continued (insomnia & TMJ flare up), but my benefits diminished. My doctor then increased my dose to 100mg. Since then, most of my side effects are gone except the dilated pupils & TMJ issues. I've taken Zoloft (ok) & Lexapro (zombie) in the past. Please give this medicine time before you decide you hate it!"

• Coc...
• February 20, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "On Prozac (Lovan) for 4 years, felt it was no longer helping and read about a type of antidepressant that targets your norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake, not just serotonin. Mentioned it to the doctor, he recommended Pristiq, but I had to stop taking the Prozac for a month before starting Pristiq (hell). Thought I made a terrible mistake as it didn't start working for at least 3 months. The difference is Prozac inhibits you from feeling emotions, whereas Pristiq allows you to feel and be able to deal with them. No side effect, but if I miss a dose in the morning, by lunchtime I'm so dizzy and lightheaded!"

• Coc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on desvenlafaxine for almost a month, and I've lost my appetite almost completely. The first week, I had awful nausea, dizziness, constipation, and hardly wanting to eat. Now I just kind of get nauseated sometimes, but I really don't have an appetite. I've lost a couple of pounds already. I have to make sure that I eat enough during the day. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm hoping to last for a while because I have a binge eating problem. But I definitely feel an appetite suppressant with this medicine. So far, it's been helping very well with my depression! I'm still having anxiety issues and trouble concentrating, but it's definitely helping with my depression and appetite. I have insurance, so it only cost me $10."