Desvenlafaxine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• diz...
• September 15, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I started 50 mg of Pristiq only two days ago. My doctor didn't like the medicine combination that I was on before, and they seemed to not be working so well anymore. I was taking Cymbalta and Celexa. I stopped taking Cymbalta and took Pristiq and the Celexa the first day. I was very afraid of a horrid drop in my mood all day being without my Cymbalta. But my mood was great. I stopped taking the Celexa and only took the Pristiq. It's crazy, I feel good. Well, aside from the dizzy, dumb head feeling. I also get headaches here and there, but nothing too terrible. In the past, I have tried Effexor XR, Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft for my depression and anxiety. I am really impressed with Pristiq."

• She...
• February 7, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "It's only been day two for me, and I will not be taking another one of these. Side effects straight away: sick to the stomach, no appetite, massive headaches today, no libido, horrible taste, and to be honest, all of these effects are bringing back my anxiety. My headache is not going away. I am going to choose nature tomorrow and get myself better the healthy safety way."

• Kky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2018

Desvenlafaxine "I started Pristiq for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and Major Depression, mostly in response to a horrible breakup. With treatment, I found myself completely rid of anxiety and nervousness, my appetite returned, and I started to eat normally and function. Although not incredibly satisfied, it did help with my depression, but I decided the side effects were horrid and not worth it (weight gain, sweating, emotionless numb feelings, headaches, and decrease in sex drive). Pristiq is also very difficult to get off, as the withdrawals are significant. Very, very good for anxiety in my case, okay for depression - horrid side effects."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Depression "Headaches everyday with zero therapeutic benefit. Worst withdrawal symptoms I ever had on an antidepressant. Given the poor scientific evidence of desvenlafaxine, I think it should have been withdrawn from the market. But laboratories keep pushing these drugs to psychiatrists, and in turn they keep pushing these on us!"

• Anonymous
• March 12, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Pristiq 100 mg last July. Initially, I had headaches, mood swings, anxiousness, and found it hard to sleep. This lasted about a week. With the initial combination of melatonin, I was able to get into a routine of taking the Pristiq in the morning and melatonin at night, both roughly at the same time to sleep the same amount each day. For nine months, I have taken Pristiq by itself now and have found that it has significantly decreased anxiety, stopped me from internalizing almost completely, and has reduced my mood swings considerably. I have slightly reduced sex drive, put on a bit of weight, and a want to smoke and fidget. I have found Pristiq beneficial to my life but frustrating at times."

• cup...
• May 13, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm 18 and a first-time user of depression medicines. I was just given 50 mg of this to start out, and so far, it has helped a lot, and it's only been three days. I haven't had any energy for a month and just wanted to sleep all the time, but now I'm doing things like cleaning and going out! The only problem is it makes me sick, and I've had headaches, dilated pupils, and sleep problems, but it is worth it, and I'm sure it'll get better as the days go by."

• jus...
• July 21, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "The very first day I took Pristiq, I had severe headaches, and I never get headaches. I had diarrhea within the first hour that I took the pill. I couldn't finish my food because I haven't been feeling well, and I felt extremely dizzy. I haven't been taking it very long, but I've been sick ever since I started taking the pill."

• Dio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2021

For Anxiety "It's an amazing drug indeed. I was suffering from heavy anxiety in the early days of quarantine in 2020, and my doctor told me to start taking desvenlafaxine 50 mg with 20 mg of Frisium. After 2 months, I began taking only 100 mg of desvenlafaxine, and my life has been much better. Overall, my anxiety is nonexistent, and I don't crazily worry about small things like before. The only negative point, which I don't even care about, is that I sometimes feel a little slow in my thoughts. Not dumb, but I take thoughts calmly. This weekend, I forgot to buy my meds, and I did not take it for 2 days. My life was a nightmare. Headache, dizziness, confusion, and vivid dreams, stress, and anxiety. So, never forget to buy extra quantities whenever you can."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking 50 mg Pristiq for depression for 4 months, and having used many different depressant medicines previously (Zoloft, Luvox, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Effexor), I find it to have fewer side effects. I take thyroid medication (Oroxine) as well, and I feel like Pristiq helps it to work better. I have lost 10 kg in four months without dieting and just a tad more exercise. Fewer headaches, fewer backaches and aches and pains, a bit more get up and go, which I need as I have 3 kids. I'm hoping that it doesn't wear off as some of the antidepressants have in the past. It is not as 'strong' as when I first started, but still effective in controlling mood swings and anger (and appetite)."

• Anonymous
• September 24, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 6 weeks now. The first week was hell! I had nausea, headaches, and just felt strange. After two weeks, I started to notice a difference. My husband notices more of a difference than I do, he says I am not as snappy or aggravated easily. We recently went through a rough patch, he was in a car accident, and everyone was okay, but if I didn't have this medication, I know I would have lost it! It really does keep me calmer, and my anxiety is almost non-existent. Right now, I feel a little bit anxious, so maybe I need to up the medicine to 100 mg. I have also had a dry mouth every day since taking this medicine, but the benefits have been worth it so far. No panic attacks in lineups, traffic seems a bit more tolerable."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I take 100 mg. It works, but side effects were I was always tired and gained weight. Took Wellbutrin with it when I was taking 50 mg. That made me feel close to normal, but I got headaches and gained weight. I was good enough with just the Pristiq, but not great. The doctor then added Dextroamphetamine, which now has me feeling normal, like when I was in my 20s. I have motivation, energy, focus, no panic, no depression, and once again feel the wide range of emotions as they are meant to feel. I am able to take joy in the small things in life and not dwell on the downsides. My weight has also adjusted back to pre-medication size."

• jan...
• August 30, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Pristiq for 2 full months now. It helps me get up and out of the house, and I don't feel as hopeless. People aren't getting on my nerves as much either. Continuing side effects for me are sleepiness, headaches, and a rise in blood pressure. I'm seeing my doctor to taper off as the side effects are too much. In the first few weeks, I noticed a dramatic loss of appetite, which has unfortunately gone away. I have some weight to lose. For a while there, I was eating like a 'normal' person, which was really nice. I've been on everything, most recently Prozac and Cymbalta. Just don't know if there's anything left to try."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been diagnosed with complex PTSD, recurring major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety. I have tried many antidepressants over the years. About a month ago, I added 25 mg of desvenlafaxine to my regimen. I am waking up with more energy and motivation. I have found myself able to meditate and find myself smiling. I feel more positive and more willing to take on challenges. To be fair, I did feel physically ill for the first two weeks of beginning the medication: I had nausea and headaches. I was often tired and wanted to stay in bed. I believe that if you can get through the first two weeks or so, desvenlafaxine is worth discussing with your doctor."

• dak...
• July 16, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I have been on pretty much every antidepressant out there for the last 7 years. The last few were Lexapro 20 mg, then switched to Zoloft, which made me feel like I wasn't on anything at all, and I began having anxiety, which turned into panic attacks. I was put on Ativan 1.5 mg a day and 20 mg Paxil, which was raised to 40 mg. This past year, I was diagnosed with ADD, so Adderall XR was added.... can't remember the dose because I had an allergic reaction and moved on to Focalin XR. I thought they both worked very well. I was totally on target, focused, and awake. However, my jaw felt clenched a lot, which gave me headaches. I saw a new PCP last week, who put me on Pristiq and took me off everything else. It makes me so sleepy, but so far, so good!"

• Gib...
• August 4, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was put on Pristiq for postpartum depression. I had already been on Zoloft but had to stop due to severe fatigue. I only stayed on Pristiq for one week, and it was the worst week. I had horrible headaches, nausea, and was suicidal. I had fatigue with this medicine as well. It definitely did not work for me. The only good thing is it decreased my appetite significantly."

• Anonymous
• September 6, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Pristiq did a good job reducing my symptoms dramatically. However, it gave me so much in return, which made my life complicated! I mean 50 lb weight gain over a year that keeps growing every month. I also cannot sleep at night as I could before. I see very vivid dreams and nightmares almost every night! It makes me wake up feeling tired. In addition, I had withdrawal symptoms when I once forgot to take my dose. I had vertigo, nausea, headache. I absolutely could not function."

• Anonymous
• February 24, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been on 50 mg Pristiq for 2 weeks now. As a 39-year-old male with anger/depression issues, I've already seen a change in my behavior. I stay pretty mellow and let the small stuff roll (the things that used to make me really angry). It's just starting to kick in, so I still get angry, but not near as much. I've also lost 8 pounds in less than 2 weeks. Side effects have been mild headaches, loss of appetite, and the weight loss. I experienced night sweats and weird dreams only once."

• Ann...
• November 15, 2018

For Depression "I have only been on Desvenlafaxine for 7 days at 25 mg, and already it has made such a difference. Side effects of headache and drowsiness and a little restlessness lasted 2 days and were not extreme at all. I had a genetic test saying that I would be better able to metabolize an SNRI, but I had already started SSRI Lexapro and didn’t want to switch. It took me a long time to feel the benefits of Lexapro, about 8 weeks, and the side effects were not fun. This past summer, I felt good and decided it was time to come off the Lexapro. But soon after, my depression came back, so did the anxiety. This time I tried Desvenlafaxine, an SNRI. By day 3 at 25 mg, my intrusive negative thoughts had stopped, my low mood that started and got worse towards the end of the day completely disappeared. I had been feeling so overwhelmed with life, and now it’s manageable. I’m much happier. I know everyone reacts differently to medications, this is definitely the right medication for me!"

• rai...
• October 22, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have mixed feelings about this medication. I had taken Pristiq for almost 6 months. The side effects of a headache daily, nausea, night sweats, teeth hurting, jaw clenching. The 1st month I was so tired, taking a nap shortly after the dose. I have to admit I wasn't so emotional to the point of crying at the drop of a trying situation. I then had Topamax added as well, it seemed okay for a couple of months until I just wasn't myself at all. I made the hasty action to stop all the medicines, which I must say do not do this. The withdrawal effects were terrible, to say the least. I strongly suggest seeking medical advice on taking this action."

• Anonymous
• November 4, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Took Lexapro for 5 years, gained 30 lbs (am very active), fell asleep at stop signs, very lethargic. Finally spoke with people who had had the same effects, weaned off. Terrible crash, lost 15 lbs. Started Wellbutrin, had energy, which was wonderful; rages were awful. I have started Pristiq with Wellbutrin wean; Pristiq 1 day, Wellbutrin the next for a week, then 2:1, 3:1, etc. I am optimistic. I feel better just addressing the problem and relieved to find some help. Am raising 3 children and want better for them. Worth mentioning, abrupt change of any medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms. Beware and make sure that you read the signs. Headache, nausea, mood swings, sweats, appetite loss, etc."

• Anonymous
• March 25, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Pristiq for 18 months. I take it in the morning, same time every day. Sex drive is low and I get the occasional nosebleed and slight memory loss, and now recently have been experiencing headaches. Don't suffer in silence, get the help you need, even if it's hard. If you are a male like me, suffering is not a choice."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Taking 50 mg/day for about 3 months for depression/OCD/anxiety mix. Was previously on 40 mg of Prozac, which worked well but had some cognitive clouding on occasion (seems seasonally dependent). Pristiq worked well for about 2 months, then had terrible side effects of headache, inability to concentrate, irritability, constipation."

• Bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2020

For Depression "Before trying this medication, desvenlafaxine, I was very suspicious of SNRIs. I have had some issues in the past with Lexapro and not enough of a sustained change on Wellbutrin. However, similar to others in the reviews, this medication was an incredible shift in my perspective and a major improvement in my quality of life. I suffer from severe depression and mild anxiety, but also a lot of pain issues which exacerbate the two mental conditions. While this medication wasn't the easiest to onboard (I had intense headaches for a few days and felt a bit trippy), after two weeks on, I was able to get motivated to get back to working out, socializing, and let minor frustrations roll off my back. I can't recommend this medication enough. I will say that I am still experiencing some difficulty with orgasms, but I'm going to decrease down to 25mg/day to see if that resolves that issue. Good luck to everyone out there as you battle the demon of depression!"

• Ala...
• August 28, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "The first few days on Pristiq, I felt like I was on speed, but my appetite was fierce! I settled down after that and have had very little symptoms (having no headache has been awesome - I had a low-grade headache on my last few antidepressants). However, I have gained 10 pounds in roughly 11 weeks, so unfortunately, that will probably be why I have to go off of it."