Desvenlafaxine and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tim...
• August 31, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I am a 31-year-old male and have been on Pristiq for a week. It is too early to tell, but so far it is amazing. It has removed that 'barrier' that kept me from feeling happiness, and I now feel like I am driving with my 'bright lights' on. I also have adult ADHD, and I can focus much better on tasks at hand. I also enjoy my job for the first time in years and don't leave work angry every day. The only side effect that I have experienced is that it takes me longer to climax during sex, which really wouldn't be considered a problem. I hope this medicine continues to work, and I will update as I am on it longer. My appetite has also decreased. So far, nothing but thumbs up for Pristiq. This is the first out of six medicines that I have tried that I would recommend."

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2022

For Anxiety "I was pretty hesitant to try this medicine because of the reviews. But I’ve tried many other antidepressants/anxiety brands before. This one, by far, is the best one. I take 25 mg daily. My anxiety is little to none on a daily basis. No racing thoughts. I can enjoy daily activities, where before I was so irritable over everything all the time. I never wake up tired anymore, and I can really tell a difference in my energy levels. I will say it made me lose 20 pounds, I’m never hungry, so that’s the only downfall to this medicine for me."

• 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."

• Ror...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2022

For Panic Disorder "After four years of virtually no panic or anxiety symptoms at all, started suffering from panic attacks and severe anxiety in October 2021. Doc put me on 25 mg of Pristiq. I had never been on an SNRI before, only SSRIs such as Lexapro and Zoloft. The first three weeks were very difficult, I must admit. Felt extreme anxiety, had little appetite (I usually LOVE to eat!) and dry mouth. Got to the point where I almost wanted to stop Pristiq, but decided to push through. Thankfully, I did. After three weeks, started feeling like 'myself' again. Started eating out, attending sporting events, and even taking trips out of town again. Any of these were almost unthinkable during my lowest times before I got help. I know everyone responds to meds differently, but I would say to stick with Pristiq for a few weeks before giving up. The doctor said he wanted me to give it a chance for at least four weeks, but three weeks seems to have been the magic number for me."

• mam...
• October 29, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I am on day 10 of Pristiq for severe anxiety from PTSD. I have been on Lexapro off and on for 10 years, which works wonderfully for anxiety but caused me to gain 30 pounds and made me feel so tired. After adding Wellbutrin to the Lexapro with no success, we tried Effexor XR. It made my heart race. After 3 days on Pristiq, I felt wonderful, but by day 9, I was experiencing severe panic again, which could be due to the switch from Lexapro to Pristiq without weaning off the Lexapro. My doctor wants me to stick with it for a month, so I'm taking 1 mg of Klonopin 2x a day to try and keep from having panic. My appetite has decreased, but I love it. Lexapro made me want to eat everything in sight. I just hope this works."

• MGH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2023

For Fibromyalgia "Severe adverse reactions started on the second day on 50 mg. Migraine, total loss of appetite, constant nausea, lethargy, rapid heart rate with breathing difficulty, and tightness in upper chest, arms, and back muscles. I stopped taking it, and it took several days to fully recover from all of these symptoms, a nightmare for sure, and I was very close to requiring some type of medical intervention. No SSRIs for me ever again."

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been on Pristiq for a few years now at different dosages: 50 mg - Positives: loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling great. Negatives: your body gets used to the medicine until it seemingly no longer works. The side effects of loss of appetite, sleep patterns, etc. do stop after about 3 weeks. 100 mg - Feel good, appetite normal. Negatives: you will feel drowsy to exhausted. Again, my body seems to get immune to the dosage. 200 mg - Positive: feel good and normal energy levels. Negative: major weight gain, constipation, and you feel the cold/hot flushes. These side effects don't wear off with time at this dosage."

• Bri...
• April 23, 2021

For Depression "About two months ago, I was prescribed Pristiq at the lowest dose for chronic nerve pain by a leading professor in pain management! It was a nightmare! I was prescribed Pristiq after trying three other drugs, all of which made me ill after the first dose! I was then advised to have a DNA blood test to see what drugs are better suited with the least side effects. I was ensured I wouldn’t have any adverse reactions with Pristiq. After taking just one tablet, I became violently ill! I experienced dizziness, nausea, zero appetite, increased heart rate, vomiting, and violent shaking! We called an ambulance at 2:30 a.m. the day after. I felt like I was about to die! I was later diagnosed in the ER with hyponatremia (low sodium blood level of 117). A level of 115 would have been critical! Apparently it’s one of the serious side effects! I might add that I have not felt well since then. This drug is dangerous! I would seriously advise anyone thinking of taking this drug to reconsider!"

• 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
• September 27, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've never been a depressed person until now. I call it a situational depression. I tried to handle it on my own at first, but got so tired of crying all the time and decided I needed help, something to get me over the hump. So, I've been on Pristiq for about a month. At first, I felt like I was in a Benadryl haze for about a week. Just felt strange. One night about a week ago, I woke up with the worst night sweats I've ever had, like I just ran 10 miles. Drenched! I could have wrung out my shirt, gross. I also have zero appetite. I wasn't hungry until about 5:00 today and just had half of a salad. I seem to get full fast. As far as my mood, much better. I'm not crying my eyes out every day, which is so refreshing. I feel less anxious."

• ash...
• September 29, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I just recently started taking it (a little less than 2 weeks ago). The first day, I was very giddy and kept getting a tingly feeling from my head to my toes. Then it stopped after the second day, but I did experience hot sweats, loss of appetite, nausea, and lack of sleep. The sleep was the worst thing! I woke up almost every hour every night for 2 weeks straight! I was either waking up and feeling wired or waking up because of the hot sweats, and I'm only 23! If you want advice, do not take caffeine until some of these side effects go away because it will make you way more wired than usual and you'll feel very uncomfortable. Also, do not drink alcohol. One sip of wine and I felt dizzy for at least an hour!"

• cym...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 2, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I started Pristiq to help with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. The anxiety went totally away, which was awesome (hence the 2 stars). Everything else sucked. It reduced my depression about 30%, pain about 10-20%. I looked at the most common side effects of Pristiq, and they were increased or excessive sweating, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, sleep problems (insomnia), loss of appetite, tightness in your jaw, but for me, I was so flat emotionally and ended up gaining 40 pounds, it was like my body never got the cue that I wasn't hungry. I also dealt with constipation, sexual side effects, and general blahs. Going off the medication was the hardest part. I gained 10 pounds in a month going off it, I was in a very dark place, very emotional and rage-y, and had severe dizziness for like two months. While not having anxiety was great, the apathy and weight gain, as well as minimal depressive symptom relief, made this one a no-go for me."

• dep...
• April 23, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on and off of meds for quite some time, Prozac being the longest, 4 years, but then it just stopped. On Ativan 2 mg 4 times a day, or however I want to take it. I just started the Pristiq like 3 days ago. The first dose was the worst. Throwing up, sick to my stomach really bad... couldn't eat a thing nor drink anything, BP went up, and I just couldn't relax, my legs just want to shake *RLS*. But today is the 3rd dose, and I'm not as sick, but still no appetite, my vision is somewhat blurred, didn't sleep very well even with the Ativan. But I'm not as moody and mean as I was 3 days ago. So I guess it's working..."

• emi...
• August 3, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I feel great! I have had a positive effect from this medicine as well. My appetite has gone away a little bit, but that's okay. I still eat when I'm hungry. As far as sexual mood being affected, mine wasn't. I have energy also."

• Tre...
• May 21, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I took my first dosage around 5 pm, and by the next morning, I felt drunk and disoriented. My side effects are as follows: grinding my teeth, awaking off and on all night, shaking, dilated pupils, mild stomach ache and headache, fatigue, weakness, nervousness, loss of appetite (which I was okay with), and diarrhea. I couldn't stand for very long, therefore, I didn't even attempt going to work. So, I stayed in bed all day, and probably by 4 or 5 pm that day, I felt a lot better. Still groggy, but I could function. I skipped taking another dose and went to work the next morning, feeling like it was still in my system, and I felt good. I'm weaning onto the medicine by 1/4 of the pill for a week, then 1/2 the second, and so on. Seems to be working and no side effects."

• jus...
• December 17, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years and recently have been advised that I needed to change my medication. I was on paroxetine for about 10 years and am on day 9 of Pristiq. Nausea, insomnia, and dizziness have been the worst side effects, however, I was taking it in the morning, and it was making me so sleepy that the doctor suggested taking it at night. I noticed a huge difference in my mood yesterday, having not taken it in the morning, I was extremely anxious and cried all day. I took it last night and immediately felt more relaxed, so I am hoping that in a few days, the sadness and despair subside. I have also had a decrease in appetite, probably due to the nausea. I am going to stick with it and hope for the best."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2015

For Depression "I have been suffering with anxiety and depression, and my doctor prescribed Prozac, but I dislike it. I took it for a week, and I have suicidal thoughts. So she prescribed me Pristiq. I took it the first day, I had jitters and felt so dehydrated. The second day, I had a loss of appetite and also still dehydrated, I was still drinking a lot of water. Third day, same thing as the second, but no suicidal thoughts. Just the seventh day, I felt so sad, I don't know if it is because I mixed it with my birth control pills. I am still waiting on my next appointment with my doctor to ask her, but I am happy I lost five pounds. The doctor said my loss of appetite was okay, her concerns were more on suicidal thoughts."

• Anonymous
• April 9, 2012

For Depression "Woke me up a little, decreased appetite, so I thankfully lost a bit of weight. It gave me headaches in the beginning due to dehydration, but overall, the only other bad effect was insomnia in the beginning. I went completely manic when I went up to 100 mg, but 50 mg worked perfectly for me... that is, until it just stopped helping anymore."

• Anonymous
• March 9, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "This is my first day on Pristiq, and I am having the worst side effects. First, I noticed a huge decrease in my appetite. Headache all day, clenched jaw, crying, irritable, a little aggravation. I don't know if I should stick this out or not. I was really hoping that this would help since I suffer from depression, anxiety, and OCD. I don't want to give up."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Do not EVER take this medicine. I ended up in the ER and was in and out of consciousness, and I felt weirder than I’ve ever felt in my life. My dose was way too high at 50 mg, which is the standard dose. I'm sharing my story so that others will know the effects of this terrible drug. The hospital told me to quit taking it immediately and that this was one of the worst ones I could’ve taken. I’m still not 100% and still can’t see well out of my eyes or stand on my own. I also didn’t eat for a solid day, which is very unlike me! I just couldn’t. My motor skills were way off. I’m telling you, I’ve had a time with this medicine, and I only took it once."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "On it for BD & BPD. 1st week: headache, nausea, the runs, no appetite, & increased anxiety/irritability."