Desvenlafaxine and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• December 4, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Pristiq has significantly helped my depression. I am finally able to wake up and get through the day like a normal person! Initial side effects (first few days to a week): dizziness, blurred vision, dilated pupils, fatigue, waking up in the middle of the night, jitteriness. Ongoing side effects: dry mouth, frequent urination, jaw tension, falling asleep earlier than normal, inability to have an orgasm, and decreased appetite. The side effects can be a bit annoying, but the benefits far outweigh the side effects."

• Wil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 18, 2017

For Depression "I have been on Pristiq for over 5 years. I recently went in to get my refill and was told my insurance would only pay for the generic that apparently recently came on the market. After over 2 weeks of taking the generic, I had a sense of feeling overwhelmed, lost my appetite, and actually had what felt like horrible acid on my stomach. I've never had issues with acid. I lost about 10 lbs in a week. My insurance will not cover the branded, so I am left with paying almost $300 a month for this prescription until I can find a replacement. The sad part is that a person should never be immediately switched to generic without a slow transition to another RX, even if it's the generic of the same drug. The GENERIC DID NOT WORK FOR ME. Brand does."

• Los...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Pristiq for about a month now and feel absolutely numb and have constant suicidal thoughts. Loss of appetite, not to mention libido, only add fuel to the fire. Please remember this is only my experience. I have preexisting GI issues, so this medication has caused loss of appetite and extreme weight loss. I'm dual diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse but have been off drugs and alcohol, now working on mental health. Pristiq makes me want to go back to drugs to feel good and sociable again, but I won't do it. I just want to feel the life come back into me. It's been gone for so long. I'll keep searching for the right antidepressant. Not to mention I'm in Bolivia, so psychiatric care isn't top-notch. But I'm hopeful I'll get there. Thank you for all your posts, positive and negative."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I am on my 4th day of Pristiq. I felt better almost immediately. I suffer with anxiety and negative chatter in my mind. I feel calmer, more relaxed, and the chatter in my mind has gone. I don't have trouble sleeping at night, my appetite is decreased. I am feeling weird though, my head feels heavy, and I feel a bit spacey, zombie-like. I am hoping it passes."

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm 22, and my doctor changed me from Effexor to Pristiq for my OCD and OCPD. The most noticeable side effect is definitely the appetite loss, but I don't seem to be losing much weight, thankfully. If I'm busy and don't think about it, I go all day without food-it's nuts. Also, I am having a lot of headaches, but I cannot be sure it's the medicine. I sweat a lot on this, and if I take it too late in the day, I cannot sleep. My OCD seems to be in check-much better than Effexor. I've been taking 50 mg for 5 months now."

• boo...
• September 11, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on so many anti-depressant medications over the last 20 years. I have never had anything make me feel better and so quickly. I was given 50 mg a day for approximately 1 month, and then my doctor upped me to 100 mg ER a day, which I take first thing in the morning. Let me tell you, I haven't been this cheery and upbeat for 20 years. I really mean this seriously, I can't believe that this medication makes me feel so good, and it's also suppressed my appetite. What could be better than that?"

• Bet...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "It was awful! I cried nonstop, couldn't sleep, loss of appetite. I felt out of control, so my Dr. increased the dose to 100 mg, and OMG! I finally had to tell him to get me off of it. Weaned off of it over a month and was so scared of possible withdrawal issues - absolutely none. Getting off was the best thing ever. It was definitely not for me."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2016

For Anxiety "After 5 years of altering my life to avoid anxiety and panic attacks and having tried many different types of medication, I finally was given Pristiq. I started 5 days ago and talk about a HUGE and almost immediate difference! Initially, there were headaches (few days off and on), but instant energy and stable mood without anxiety! It's weird, but things actually seem visually brighter, and my sense of smell has increased. Appetite is down as smells are making my stomach churn, so sticking with very bland foods and tons of fluids. Wide awake at night, but that's normal for me. I am so grateful for feeling normal again!"

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have Borderline Personality Disorder/Depression and have tried about 6 anti-depressants before Pristiq, as well as TMS therapy (which I do recommend), and other unconventional methods. Pristiq is AMAZING! I had such low expectations, but wow. I love it so much. I struggle with holding onto grudges/bad thoughts in the moment. Pristiq makes it so much easier for my brain to move on from one topic to the next instead of dwelling in a black hole. Medications aren't for everyone, and I thought they weren't for me. I am so glad I tried this. Minimal side effects. I have a bit of loss of appetite (which is great because I was previously an emotional binge eater, and now I just eat normally). My sex drive has stayed the same. It's a lovely drug. I am so grateful. I was prescribed 50 mg daily, which ended up being too much. That amount made me a little paranoid and too chatty (a bit like Adderall?). I didn't like it, so I just take 25 mg a day now. And some days I skip it. I like that it works instantly for me each day (which isn't common, I hear?)."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have an extreme panic attack disorder and was on Paxil for about a year and a half, which worked wonders. The only downside was I gained a ton of weight, so I went off it for about a year. Anxiety came back, so I was forced to go back on meds but wanted to try something different since the weight was an issue for me. Started Pristiq (50 mg) about 6 days ago, and today I’m feeling great! Less anxious, but still waiting for the depression to subside. The first few days on it weren’t bad: dizziness, loss of appetite, just kind of out of it. Side effects are starting to get better every day. My sleep is so much better as well, improved only 2 days after taking it. This is definitely a fast-acting anxiety medication compared to many others on the market. Starting 100 mg in about another week."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I started taking Pristiq about 4 months ago, and it has proven to be wonderful. I suffer from depression and borderline personality disorder. Almost immediately, I saw an improvement. Before taking Pristiq, I would fly into a rage almost daily. In the last 4 months since taking it, I have maybe raged 5 times. I don't feel so self-conscious anymore. I feel more alive and upbeat. And to top it off, I've lost weight since the drug decreases appetite. My wonder drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I am a 19-year-old female. I have been using Pristiq for over 3 weeks now. The first couple of days were pretty intense for me, I was very jittery, had a constant feeling of a ball being in the back of my throat, and was constantly thirsty. My second week was great, I started seeing very positive results. Pristiq really suppresses my appetite, but I've only lost a couple of pounds. Constipation is also another thing to be prepared for. I take it in the morning, and it boosts my mood. I am also taking clonazepam for the nighttime. I would recommend this medication for people with mood disorders, but you have to be patient to see results. The first couple of days might frighten you a little, but be patient and see how you feel after a couple of weeks."

• jay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking 50 mg just yesterday, and immediately I noticed a huge difference. I have tried so many other antidepressants that were just awful on my system, but this one so far seems to be great. I have noticed an immediate appetite decrease, which is perfect since I tend to eat due to anxiety and depression. Food just has lost its magic and a lot of its taste. But I still feel hunger, which tells me it's time to eat, and I eat only till I am full. I have also noticed a slight tingling and twitching in my arms and hands, but only slight, and I am sweating more than usual. My jaw feels a bit tense as well, and all of these mild symptoms should go away once my body becomes accustomed to this new drug, so I'm told by my doctor. Happy times!"

• Anonymous
• August 10, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on this medication for about 2 months now. Started this medication for depression and had the pleasant side effect of appetite suppression for me. I didn't notice anything during the first month of use, but during this second month, I have noticed not being as hungry as well as eating smaller portions. I have also lost 10 lbs in the last month and have more energy. I have had no major side effects, but do have an occasional headache, but Tylenol generally helps that!"

• Ce ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I took Pristiq for 4 weeks, and it took away my appetite and my ability to sleep. It made me feel like a zombie. I thought everyone was against me while taking it. I had to stop taking it, as I started to feel suicidal."

• Meg...
• January 20, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for about 2 months now, and it has been going pretty well. I will say that I went on a trip and forgot my medication, and within the first 2 days, I slept 20 hours straight, and I had bad mood changes. When I came home, I went right back on it and have had no problems since. I have no appetite and have lost about 15 - 20 pounds. It makes me feel much more awake. I am on the lowest dosage, and with these results, I have no desire to increase my dosage."

• Anonymous
• November 16, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I am so thankful for this medication. After years of self-medicating for untreated depression, anxiety, ADD, and mild bipolar and trying other antidepressants (Wellbutrin, Celexa, and Effexor, which is supposedly similar to Pristiq but all gave me nasty side effects), I was given samples of Pristiq and decided to give it another try. Within days, I was back on the right track and feeling better. The only side effects, which went away quite quickly, were mild nausea and loss of appetite. I have realized some people, like myself, just need medications like Pristiq to live a somewhat 'normal' life... nothing to be ashamed of. A diabetic needs insulin... I need Pristiq. Thank you for giving me my life back."

• mak...
• November 7, 2008

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been using Pristiq a little over a month, and I feel so much better. The first week, I was very tired and extremely sleepy. My appetite has decreased, and I've lost 10 pounds. I highly recommend Pristiq."

• Sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "36 yr old female. Dx of severe depression and anxiety. After getting through the first couple of weeks of almost debilitating headaches, loss of appetite (which I'm already underweight and have tried everything to gain some lbs), insomnia (isn't new for me, but it just makes it much worse), and extreme nausea and overall feeling of complete garbage, this medication has been amazing for me. I had tried just about all of the main antidepressants, and this one has truly helped me so much. I just have a very hard time remembering to take it. After missing just a day or two, when I start to take it again, I have to go through the awful feeling from the side effects all over again."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "My PCP prescribed Pristiq for my depression, anxiety, mood issues, etc. He told me that the drug takes a few weeks before you could see a difference, but I feel like I experienced everything the first day I took the drug. Although my mood and energy improved and I felt better overall, the side effects were so severe I decided to discontinue after the first day. My side effects started with heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and a faint feeling. This later subsided but turned into nausea and loss of appetite, I couldn't eat anything that day, and even water made me gag. That night I slept for a total of 3 hours. I couldn't stay asleep, and the time I did fall asleep, it felt like I wasn't asleep at all. My body felt numb, and my heart was racing."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been on Pristiq now for 4 months, and it has changed my life for the better. Pristiq needs time to work, though. During the first few weeks, I had no desire to eat anything. Then, after the 3rd week, I got my appetite back. I've gone from 150 pounds 3 months ago to 170 today. Back to where I was. I've gotten my energy back while on Pristiq, and my desire to do things has returned. To those who are optimistic about Pristiq, I recommend that you give it a chance."

• Hea...
• July 13, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I was very reluctant to go on medication, but my anxiety, which was overwhelming, increased to such an extent I was very unmotivated professionally and personally. For the first 3 days, I felt very nauseous and had little appetite, which was great as it stopped that overeating I had. I lost 2 kg within the first few days, and then suddenly the nausea was gone, my head was very clear, I have been able to concentrate again, and am genuinely surprised at its effect only a week and a half in."

• cof...
• February 10, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for about 4 weeks now. I have minor depression. I was mainly feeling overwhelmed and super emotional. I am so much calmer now and feel I can handle problems better that come my way. I have a slight decrease in appetite, but at times I am actually hungrier. My gynecologist said it would also help my hot flashes, and it definitely has. The hardest thing about taking Pristiq is giving up my daily glass of wine. I feel it is best to follow the precautions totally. Overall, this medicine has worked wonders on my emotional state."

• klo...
• April 27, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I learned that it is best to take Pristiq in the morning because it is a stimulating, time-release drug. I try to take it by 9 a.m. It can affect sleep if you take it later. I had decreased appetite and some nausea, so take with food in the morning. I avoided any caffeine and alcohol, as that can increase side effects."

• Ela...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "It's been nearly 2 years on various doses of Pristiq, and 100 mg each day works best for my mind. Thankfully, I have some side effects that annoy me a lot, like no appetite, nausea, gut problems, and worst of all-killed my libido this whole time. It simply ceased to exist. I continue to take my meds. I'm a widow raising a 12-year-old for the last 7 years after my husband died suddenly, very suddenly, of swine flu. So much has been lost from that day. Inevitably, it took its toll on me. Not a complete person anymore. It's like I feel asexual... But I am alive and kicking."