Desvenlafaxine and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 3)

• zep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2013

For Anxiety "I started using this medication, and I immediately felt the effects. For a few hours after taking it every day, I felt mildly nauseous, slightly confused, and quite high. After it wore off, I was left with loss of appetite (which caused me to feel quite sick), insomnia, and yawning often. I also experienced delayed/abnormal orgasm (I am a 20-year-old woman). It did make me feel a lot happier and energetic. And the bad side effects got better and better every day, except for the sexual side effects, which remained the same. I've decided to stop taking it because of the sexual side effects. I don't want it to affect my relationship."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on desvenlafaxine 25 mg for exactly 6 weeks for panic attacks, social/general anxiety, and depression. I had been using lorazepam 0.25 mg as needed for anxiety for several months before having a mental breakdown and deciding it was time to manage this daily anxiety instead of the up-and-down rollercoaster I was on with the lorazepam. I developed agoraphobia and could barely make myself get out of bed the first week. I was scared to be alone and, at age 46, found myself asking my mom to stay with me while my husband was at work. This went on for weeks. I did notice my depression improved after 2-3 weeks. I was disappointed that it had not improved my anxiety as much as I thought it should, but then that switch finally flipped for me on day 56. Side effects: headache, loss of appetite, tinnitus, fatigue, dizziness. Just tinnitus has stuck. Small price to pay for getting my life back. It’s no joke that it takes 6-8 weeks for relief. Take the pill. Every day. Feel better."

• Kit...
• August 31, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "This medicine is a miracle. I've tried Prozac, Effexor, and Wellbutrin. Since I've been on Pristiq, I no longer feel sad and cry the way I used to! I'm finally happy! I thank Pristiq for this! The sadness seems to creep back in, however, when I've missed a dose, so it's imperative that dosing remains consistent. I've found taking it in the morning is best, as it does cause sleeplessness. Other side effects I've noticed are constipation, loss of appetite, and substantial weight loss. After reading a few reviews, I laughed as I read another Pristiq user describe how they now 'ramble on and on' when talking to someone! I too, do the same thing! I'm so glad to know it may be a side effect of Pristiq! Take note, my dear family! Perhaps I'm really not a 'wingnut' after all."

• CJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 23, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was put on the generic for menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, irritability, depression, anxiety. It took right at 4 weeks (30 days) to work. I was about to give up. Because the Brand worked better, and I was on it 3 years ago. I'm on 50 mg and feel great. The only side effect I had was no appetite and had lots of energy. So I take it in the morning. Brand worked faster for me, and the generic took right at 4 weeks."

• 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."

• Col...
• February 13, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "My doctor recently prescribed Pristiq for me when I went to see him for help with my mood swings. After a rather nasty incident at a family dinner, I decided that I needed help. My family has put up with these swings for years, and sometimes I cry when alone. I did not realize that I was suffering long-term depression. I am only on day four of taking this medication, and already I can feel a difference. I don't feel as moody or down in the dumps. I hope this effect continues, as my past self was breaking my family up. I do agree with other posts here that it decreases your appetite. I do not feel like eating at all. As for sleeping goes, I have always had a problem in this area due to being a shift worker. I take sleeping tablets."

• Fra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 6 days. I am jittery and have no appetite. Still taking Ativan to stop the nervous stomach. Cry every day. I took a gene test, and this drug is supposed to work. Fingers crossed it does. Do I have a chance to ever be myself again? Hard to rate it because I am still having side effects."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I experienced 3 of the most common side effects of Pristiq. I experience nausea, loss of appetite, and dizziness. The nausea and loss of appetite were minimal, and I could get along with my day. However, the dizziness, in my opinion, is not a side effect to be taken lightly. I was so dizzy I could not concentrate or do well in class. I had to stop taking it because it was disrupting my schoolwork very badly."

• -as...
• July 26, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Wrapping up week 8 with Pristiq. First depression treatment attempt, therefore, unable to compare to similar drugs. Notable: elevated mood, on-and-off headaches, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, decreased appetite, consistent sex drive. Positive effects of the drug definitely outweigh setbacks. Thanks, Pristiq. Everyone is different, and therefore, no two people are expected to react the same."

• myb...
• July 24, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this now for 30 days, and on the 13th day, I felt dizzy and sick to my stomach. I also did not feel emotionally well for a few days after. I lost weight the first week, and my appetite has been suppressed somewhat. I continue to lose a few pounds a week. The doctor thinks the side effects I have had will diminish, so I will be taking this for another month."

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Initially, this medicine gave me nausea and loss of appetite and sex drive, but those symptoms went away. After two weeks, I must say that I'm feeling better, but I'm still hopeful that after the full four weeks, I will be doing better. Don't be scared of bad reviews, you need to try it first to see how your body reacts to it."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Munik.... Thank you so much for your review. I was telling a friend that I was feeling anxious and irritable today and wasn't sure if my new medication (Pristiq) was for me. It's been 2 weeks, and thanks to your words of encouragement, I'm hanging in there. I must say I have noticed a decrease in my appetite, which is much needed, and have felt like exercising for the first time in years."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking Pristiq since I was having anxiety, slight depression, and mild panic attacks in my job (I'm in sales). I was taking Lexapro on and off for a couple of years, but felt it wasn't working anymore, so my doctor recommended Pristiq. I am 3 days in and feel great! I've experienced slight nausea (but food helps), decreased appetite, dry mouth, and slight jaw clenching. Also, my first two days, a couple of hours after I took it (which has been in the morning), I would feel extremely tired. But I would snap out of it and feel great. Overall, I feel happy, calm, and focused. I hope to only be on Pristiq for the short term, but while I am going through this difficult time in life, it will be my miracle."

• Emm...
• February 21, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Honestly, I’ve been on a lot of different antidepressant/anxiety medications (Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Cymbalta, etc.). I’ve been taking it since July 2020, and yes, it takes your body a few weeks to get used to the medication, but the side effects aren’t as severe as some of these other reviews, or at least they weren’t for me. I had nausea, extra energy, felt kind of like you drank a coffee, loss of appetite, the brain zaps were no picnic either, but try not to freak out if it happens, it’s normal. It seemed to be working for me after the initial side effects go away. It felt great for awhile, but now I see why people can’t stay on these too long. I’m starting to get the 'zombie' side effects, pretty much can’t cry at all, and I feel emotionally detached, annoyed frequently, very tired, drained."

• SF2...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 31, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been taking Pristiq for 1 year now, and it is highly effective for my anxiety. First month, I had insane insomnia (would sleep for maybe 2 hours a night) and also had zero appetite. Things went back to normal once my body adjusted. Only downside I feel now after a year is that I do not feel major emotion at all. The highs aren’t high, and the lows aren’t low - I always feel neutral. I also have a hard time feeling emotion towards other people, which can be problematic. It is also very expensive."

• Lif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Pristiq has changed my life. I am confident and happy. I put myself out there and now have two new job offers, when doing job interviewing in the past was a huge issue for me. Obviously, everyone is different, but this medication is worth a try! My only negative side effect is that I no longer have much of an appetite, so I have to remind myself to eat."

• Cra...
• November 1, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "After trying many other medications and failing, my doctor finally gave me this beauty, and my life is much better. I like myself, my kids, and husband again! Lol. Not only has it given me back my happiness, it also helped me maintain my focus on my weight issues and given me that edge for life I had never ever experienced truly. Side effects of insomnia and suppressed appetite (which is a win when all you do is eat on other meds). The first few days, my heart rate was up but slowed down after the drug was in my system 100. Warning! Do not stop taking abruptly!!! You will feel like a heroin addict with no hit!"

• 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."

• Str...
• May 23, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Xanax for well over 6 years. I informed my doctor that my anxiety has been out of control, and I didn't know what to do. I was not at all depressed. (Just tons of stress.) I work overtime at a highly stressful job, and I am a caregiver to my 32-year-old husband, who just recently became disabled last year. The doctor sent me home with a 30-day sample and asked me to try it out. I was very hesitant. I came on here and read the reviews, a few days later, I decided to try it. I am on week 2... Only complaint is that I am constantly thirsty, hot, and not hungry. Stress less and in a better mood overall. Very pleased!"

• CJ ...
• June 26, 2018

For Hot Flashes "I was on Pristiq a few years ago before a generic came out for menopause. It worked great but gained 20 pounds, well a few years later, suffering again from menopause symptoms, put on 50 mg generic form. The hot flashes went away right away. But it took me at day 29 (4 weeks) for it to kick in for my bad morning anxiety, depression, crying spells. I was about to give up and boom, it all was gone after 30 days. Only side effect this time, no appetite, the opposite of the brand. Generic on my insurance is cheaper. Brand is so expensive even on my insurance, so won't go back to the brand."

• Anonymous
• August 11, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Have been taking Pristiq for 4 weeks and am feeling great. More focused, relaxed, and energetic. Can think clearer and no anxiety. Had dry mouth, dizziness, and loss of appetite for the first couple of days."

• Pom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I know one week of treatment is not a fair chance to give a medication to judge its effectiveness; I'm only reviewing the side effects. I was on the 50 mg dose, and the first 2-3 days were fine; no side effects noticed. However, my appetite significantly decreased to the point where I had to force myself to eat, or I would go an entire day without eating. And I couldn't eat much when I did eat. I had cloudy urine and didn't have a strong flow, which made me think I had a UTI without the burning. Lower abdominal pain, some diarrhea. Lethargic all the time, no motivation to do anything. Not depressed, just didn't want to get out of bed. Felt sleepy but couldn't sleep, even with sleep meds. When I did sleep, it was very broken."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm on week 4 of taking Pristiq. I had nausea, loss of appetite, foggy head, sleepiness during the day, and sleeplessness at night for the first week. The side effects are all gone now, and I think I'm starting to feel a bit less depressed. I think this medicine affects a person so gradually that it's hard to tell for sure if you are improving. But when I look back to 5 weeks ago, before I started, I think I'm less depressed. I take 50 mg in the evening. I was taking it in the morning because my doctor said I might sleep better at night if I took it in the morning. But I found that I was very sleepy in the early afternoon when taking Pristiq in the morning. So I slowly changed to taking it at night."

• 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."

• tig...
• January 25, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was very apprehensive about taking yet another antidepressant, however, I decided after much prodding from my doctor to give it a try. I suffer from moderate anxiety and depression. I was in denial about it, and it took a lot (I mean a lot) of my hair coming out from stress for me to admit that I was not okay. I am a 26-year-old woman, so this was a big deal to me. When I first started Pristiq, I was determined not to like it. I did suffer from most of the side effects (dry mouth, never hungry, excessive sweating, jitteriness, not feeling 'right,' and sexual problems), but after sticking it out for about 5 weeks, the side effects really started going away. The only one that I have a problem with now is sometimes my heart will race."