Desvenlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Nin...
• November 22, 2020

For Anxiety "Okay, I suffer from PTSD, childhood trauma. Fast forward, I want my life back and decided to seek help. All the therapists are booked and backed up due to people struggling with mental illness since this quarantine and COVID stuff. So my primary doctor got me on this medication because I was losing it, I felt it. Three weeks now, I feel amazing. I will say this medication you shouldn't forget a day or two like I did because I felt so sick and run down. Nausea and body aches, wow. I know it's helping me because I'm more positive and don't feel so worthless anymore."

• sbo...
• October 25, 2008

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been taking Pristiq for 3 days now. I take it to help with anxiety. I have lost 7 pounds in 3 days and I feel great. I'm calmer now and I have more patience with my two-year-old son. I had a slight problem with nausea, and I had no appetite, but apart from that, I can feel a huge difference in only 3 days."

• dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm 20 years old and just started Pristiq 4 days ago. It's my first time on antidepressants, and I noticed a change immediately! I can actually enjoy my days and not cry excessively or have as many anxiety attacks. The only side effects I have are nausea and loss of appetite. But I highly recommend it!"

• 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."

• 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)."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "Taking Pristiq for severe panic attacks as prescribed by my GP. 6th day into it and already feeling much more calm and clear-headed. Some nausea and a little constipation, but please, if that is the trade-off to feel much better, then so be it. Not planning on a long-term relationship with Pristiq, however. Using this in conjunction with therapy so I can have some relief while I work through finding the real emotional root of my problems. Pristiq is only a band-aid while I try to heal whatever wounds. Give Pristiq a try, everyone reacts differently, but it has truly been amazing for me so far. Good luck to you all."

• car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2022

For Anxiety "I'm not one to write reviews on anything, but I once was you, reading the reviews on this medication feeling scared, and I want to provide my experience to hopefully make you feel better. I was in an awful state, and it was something I hadn’t experienced before. My anxiety was so bad I couldn’t function and ended up in the hospital. I just felt like I couldn’t control it. My doctor prescribed me this medication, and it saved my life! The first week was awful. About 5 hours after taking my dose, I was really nauseous, although I didn’t vomit - this really scared me as I have a phobia of being sick. The next few days I was shaky, I had dry mouth, and felt really wired. The best way to put it is that I looked like I was on MDMA, my pupils were dilated and my jaw was tightened. I spent that whole week in bed, sleeping it off. By the 3rd week, I felt amazing. Mild anxiety to none, no panic attacks, and I felt like I was me again! Please stick out the side effects - it’s scary but so worth it!"

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 25, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "My doctor prescribed Pristiq for anxiety. The first two weeks I felt like a zombie. I had bouts of nausea (although I never threw up), and I really just felt strange most of the time. I knew that this medicine had side effects, so I stuck it out. On the fourteenth day, I awoke feeling awesome! I am not exaggerating. I have been taking Pristiq 50 mg for one month now and continue to feel great. Several times a day I actually think to myself how happy and content I am. That never happened before taking this medication. The only side effect that I am experiencing is that it takes me longer to climax. I can live with that, considering how Pristiq has changed my life. Give it a chance to work, and you may find happiness once again."

• hap...
• July 18, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I don't know how I have lived for 34 years without this medication. Pristiq has for me been a Godsend. I am now 5 weeks in and have never felt this clear and focused. It's not a miracle worker, the situations I face daily still get me cranky and stressed, but I don't seethe anymore. I used to get angry with my kids for being 'naughty' and stay angry for ages, just getting worse and worse. Now I take the time to be a 'Mum', talking to them and not stressing about the little things they do. As for side effects, I had a little nausea and irritability (which I still have at times, but I have 4 kids under 4, and my husband works away from home), but overall it's much more pleasant in our house. Good luck to everyone."

• 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!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 10, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been taking this medicine for about 7 months. In the beginning, I suffered through some extreme side effects (my body felt really heavy, couldn't leave the bed, lots of nausea, etc.), but after 10 days it started getting better (so if you can, try pushing through the side effects). I started taking desvenlafaxine for depression and anxiety, and while it has kinda helped with my depression, I feel almost anxiety-free. Before the medication, I couldn't make a phone call without having an anxiety attack, and I had some serious tachycardia, but now I don't feel any of it. One downside I felt from the medication was that I started feeling really drowsy and couldn't quite focus on my everyday tasks. I talked to my doctor, though, and he recommended that I start taking bupropion alongside desvenlafaxine, so I hope that helps! Overall, I think this is a great med."

• 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."

• Anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 20, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Pristiq was a lifesaver. It made me see the positives in the world and be able to navigate the rapid decline in my once happy and wonderful life. It was easier to put my thoughts together, and it gave me strength and courage to see that someone close to me was no longer a good person and had become a danger to me. It is easy to gaslight someone when they are already questioning their own mental health. To have any sort of mental illness can feel like you are a sitting duck. It makes you feel vulnerable, and Pristiq makes you feel like you can and will survive this. Being medicated gave me a clearer head to see what was going on and being able to do damage control. I noticed a change in my cognitive abilities within a few days and a sudden change in taste. One drawback was it gave me horrendous, overwhelming nausea and diarrhea. But to be honest, it's still worth it."

• Lee...
• September 1, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Pristiq (50 mg) for Major Depressive Disorder and severe OCD. Before going on the meds about 12 weeks ago, I read a lot of online forums and was terrified after reading innumerable horrible reviews! I have to say that this medication has changed my life; I feel normal again. I have energy, I am happy, I am motivated, and my relationship has improved drastically! Everyone reacts differently to medications, but do not be scared to try it based on the reviews you see. I experienced moderate side effects for the first 4 weeks: drowsiness (really strong in the first week), nausea, insomnia, and headaches. I never experienced the 'brain zaps,' and most side effects went away after week 4."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2020

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in any way. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu-like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100 mg. If the antidepressant does not work in 4-6 weeks, please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of my brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

• Anonymous
• September 9, 2013

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have bipolar disorder, and I was put on 50 mg of Pristiq in May. It worked well for a bit. The psych doc increased the dose to 100 mg last week. I've noticed a huge difference in my anxiety. My anxiety is near gone! I did have headaches, but I've only been on this new dose for almost a week. Oh, at times, I feel a little nauseous."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was at first very hesitant to try any antidepressant, let alone a less common one like Pristiq. The 1st week, if not 2, were bad. Heightened anxiety, dizziness, nausea, shaking, vomiting, dry heaving, etc. In the 3rd week, I felt hazy in a dream-like state, however, the panic attacks became much less often. In the fourth week, I felt even better and still had some issues with anxiety, but much less severe, with occasional but manageable nausea. Now I am about 2 months in, and I have not had a panic attack in a while, have had less anxiety, and feel better overall. I did not have any weight loss or gain, as some antidepressants show, and I am now happy I persevered through the first two weeks in order to start seeing results. I wrote on here because I looked at all these before taking it, and I promise you it does better, whether it is this medication or the next, we can tough it out and support one another. I hope this review helps. Best of luck :)"

• Anonymous
• December 19, 2008

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I began taking Pristiq 50 mg approximately 6 months ago, and as reported by the numerous previous posts, I also experienced exceptionally rapid weight loss. The first week, I suffered from nausea, to the point that I did not think I could suffer through it; but my physician said I should continue taking it. I also experienced extreme dizziness, but only for the first few days. I have to admit those symptoms do not outweigh the benefits. Like many others, I am much more clear-headed and focused. I have noticed those negative side effects will return almost overnight if I miss a dose, so my body helps to remind me. I do not want to forget."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2024

For Anxiety "This med has saved me. I felt like a new person after 3 weeks of taking it. Been taking it for 10-11 months. Last summer, even after 8 months of counseling, I couldn’t function from anxiety. This med gave me the boost I needed to be able to live again. As I understand it, it’s just giving my brain what it should have but doesn’t! I had minor side effects on and off for 2 weeks or so - headaches and a general nauseous feeling in my stomach. I could still eat fine, eating didn’t make it worse or better, so it was a slight annoyance more than anything. I noticed some reviews say they can’t sleep - my doctor said take it in the morning! I have no problems with sleeping. Also, don’t forget to take it - I did that once and had a bad headache that night! I just set a reminder. :) I previously had tried Lexapro for 8 days. I knew something wasn’t right. My doctor said this was a good alternative for people whose bodies don’t agree with Lexapro."

• Mik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Lifted me out of a mood of despair. Most importantly, it was the best anger management I ever found. Clear-headed, no anxiety, no side effects other than mild nausea, and that ONLY if I take it on an empty stomach. Don't miss a dose, though, it will make you REALLY woozy. Stopped for a few months, fell into depression, but Pristiq pulled me right back up when I started back. Remember that the Rx says specifically that you may need 4 weeks to notice an improvement. Bear that in mind when you read all these reviews by people who quit taking it after 1 or 2 days."

• Hoc...
• October 2, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I want to share this to anyone else out there who is considering this drug. My 15-year-old was switched from Viibryd to Pristiq a little over a month ago for a total of 4 weeks on the med. The longer she took it, the worse headache she had to the point of nausea and insomnia. After 4 weeks, she started to titrate off it because it absolutely was making her worse, both mentally and physically. She had horrible suicidal thoughts daily. She titrated off the 50 mg to 25 mg and got sick, throwing up and having a severe headache. She then came off the 25 mg to nothing and has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms now for 3 days. She stopped as of 3 days ago. After talking with 2 psychiatrists and a natural doctor, she basically has to 'ride it out.' Just for reference: she has tried Cymbalta, Effexor, Viibryd, and Abilify in the past years, none of them really relieving her depressive symptoms. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MEDICATION. It has been a trying experience."

• DCR...
• November 14, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 2 months now. I have past digestive problems, so when I was diagnosed with major depression and panic attacks, I was very hesitant to try any medications, especially with nausea and constipation side effects. Within two days, I felt tired, but things began to seem not so overwhelming. Within a week, I was able to cautiously get back into work and life, and now, I have had only one panic attack and have had nothing other than a headache if I don't take it on time. My energy levels returned within one week, and sex drive within two weeks. I have even lost 10 lbs. I never realized how bad depression was until I began to see colors again, smiling, and everyone kept asking me if I had grown and lost weight."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "After having a horrifying experience with Wellbutrin, my doctor switched me to Pristiq, and it's been a life-changing experience. The first few days, I felt a little sick to my stomach, achy, and I yawned constantly. I had to remind myself to unclench my jaw. After that, I started feeling like an actual person again. I'm not having breakdowns every day. I handle stress without beating myself up. I don't have any side effects other than still having to remind myself to unclench my jaw. My anxiety is still a little harsh, which is the only reason I'm not giving it a 10."

• Anonymous
• July 23, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I normally don't write these things, but Pristiq is fantastic. I have tried so many medications, and none of them seemed to work. They all had bad side effects except this one. I know it's a bit early, but I've been on it for three days, and I can already see a difference. It has minor side effects in the beginning, like a wee bit of nausea/dizziness and restlessness, but it's so worth it! I feel so happy all the time, it's great, and I also feel more focused and energetic. I used to stress about everything and feel miserable. Trust me, anyone who suffers from depression, anxiety, and stress, you need to at least try this before you try anything. It makes you feel less hungry, so you are likely to focus on food, which is a bonus."

• kol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "The first couple of weeks of Pristiq were rough. The usual side effects: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness. In the second week, a lot of rage erupted, and I had another post-traumatic stress disorder flashback. But I persisted throughout all of this, and the rewards are finally here. It's now the end of the third week, and I am feeling energetic, focused, and optimistic. Creative ideas seem to flow easier, and I am out there in the world again, taking photos and hiking. This antidepressant is certainly working a lot better than Prozac did and better than I remember Effexor being. Worth a shot."