Desvenlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• dsa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

For Depression "Pristiq has been a lifesaver for me multiple times in my life. I suffer from anxiety and was on Lexapro for years. I hated it because it took away all of my feelings. I went cold turkey a few years and tried meditation, yoga, supplements, therapy, etc. I could not control my anxiety, and with some life events that occurred, I was white-knuckling it over the last 3 years. My anxiety eventually sent me into a mild depression, and I lost enjoyment for everything. Pristiq took my anxiety away within a week. Side effects, which were nausea and dizziness, lasted 2 weeks. I am sleeping better, laughing and crying when appropriate. I am feeling normal again."

• ShB...
• June 9, 2019

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I had headaches and nausea during the initial adjustment phase when starting Pristiq (for MDD). The only real long-term side effects I’ve had are that I definitely find it much harder to concentrate, and I’m pretty flat all the time. I don’t get the highs, but more importantly, I don’t get the lows, which I have no doubt would have ended my life. It has allowed me to deal with what would normally be very stressful situations (redundancy, loss of contact with siblings) with ease, as it just stops things from getting on top of me, and I have more of a ‘whatever’ attitude, which at times makes me feel like an emotionless robot. I remind myself of how I used to deal with these situations, and being a robot is FAR better for both me and my family. Anyone thinking of trying Pristiq needs to give it time, as there will be an adjustment period. You can’t make any decisions after a week or two. You need to do at least a month to 6 weeks for everything to adjust and settle down to see how it’s really working for you."

• ltv...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I began taking Pristiq in 2008 as a supplement to Wellbutrin. When I missed a dose, I became very ill with flu-like symptoms so severe, I felt it was not safe for me to drive a car. This made me feel as though this drug was not good for me, so I finally took myself off of it in 2015. It took the entire month of July (I stopped Pristiq July 1st and nausea and dizziness did not end until early August - I kept track of my symptoms on a calendar), and as of today, the end of February 2016, my digestion has still not returned to normal. Pristiq was developed by the manufacturer to replace the profits from another popular drug that reached the generic zone. I consider it a 'bad drug.'"

• Anonymous
• March 2, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I have been taking Pristiq since June 2009-almost 9 months. I don't think I really had a clue at how depressed and anxious I was until I started on these medicines. I remember going out on a boat and water skiing with no hesitations, like the good old days! It was a beautiful thing! I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, and it literally consumed me for two years. I would break down in doctor's offices regularly and started having panic attacks in the middle of the night, and then finally during the day. My side effects are on and off night sweats, and if I miss a pill, I would have nausea and light-headedness, but otherwise, sex is good! It seems to work! Had weight loss = 5 lbs."

• sev...
• December 11, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "This is the 5th week that I have been on this medicine. I have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of a traumatic incident 1 1/2 years ago. I have suffered with depression for most of my adult life. I have had extreme nausea, weight loss, which I do not need. The worst thing has been the 'extreme' anger and aggression I have been feeling. I have started swearing all the time, which is not me. I cry at the drop of a hat. I don't have children, but I feel like hitting my pets at times. I would never hurt my pets, but these feelings scare me. I have recently stopped taking it. It may be a miracle drug for some, but for me, it's been a nightmare."

• 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."

• Nig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for ages, it did not work for me. I felt continuously nauseated. I became numb of all feeling and lost who I was along the way. In December 2015, I had unrelenting vomiting, this included vomiting back all medication. After 10 days, I was a screaming heap. I went to the doctor, who prescribed Maxalon for the vomiting, this didn't work, so back I went, this time, Stemetil. Still vomiting, and by now off Pristiq, I felt awful for ages. Gradually, I noticed that although I still felt nauseated, I was not as cranky, irritable, and stressed. I am still struggling with the withdrawal symptoms, however, I am coping better without the medication than I thought possible. Why is it that doctors do not listen to you when you are on medication for depression?"

• Bea...
• February 2, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking Pristiq about 5 weeks ago. I was experiencing some nausea at first, but after about two weeks it faded. About three weeks in, I forgot to take the medicine for three days and completely plummeted into a dangerous pool of emotion. I have been on one other medication, Celexa, and what I like about Pristiq is that I am still able to experience a wide range of emotions. When I was on Celexa, I was a little bit numb to things and wasn't able to cry at all. With Pristiq, I am more focused and I am happier."

• 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."

• Dem...
• May 30, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Originally went on Pristiq when I was 19, definitely didn't give it long enough to work and swore it off. I am now 22 and have been on the 100 mg for 4 months after easily the most traumatic and worst year of my life. As reluctant as I was at first, this medicine has been an incredible assistant in rebuilding my life. I did start off with awful side effects, including nausea, headaches, shaking/twitching, always tired, waking up during the night. I decided to stick it out, and I'm so glad I did. Although it was hard, after a month my body adjusted and my moods were noticeably more balanced. I felt more in control of my reactions to situations, and it aided me to rebuild my life one step at a time. I just need to give it a month for side effects to calm down."

• 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."

• Her...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2021

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I literally took this medication for 1 day at 25 mg. I've been on so many meds, had ECT treatments, the whole 9 yards. It started with nausea and dizziness within an hour. By hour 2, my joints hurt so bad and I was extremely fatigued. I dissociated badly throughout most of the day at work, I had to be snapped out of it. That night after work, my muscles and joints hurt so bad and I was still dissociating so badly. I felt so, so bad, and that came with a whole new set of emotions. I emailed my psychiatrist. She called me the next day, literally 10 minutes after my daily dose (in which I cried and cried because I had to take this pill again) and told me to stop taking it immediately. That my body was metabolizing it too fast, and I should not be having these kinds of side effects at all. So, now we're on to Trintellix. And if that doesn't do the trick, some nasal spray treatment. So defeating."

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Pristiq has been the first and only antidepressant I've taken, so I didn't know what to expect. What I got from the daily pill was an aid; it was like having crutches; it just helped me do what I needed to do. The first week I felt different, along with the slight nausea in the morning (I took it at night after dinner) and yawning, which was only slightly annoying. Overall, it was a 100% experience."

• 32 ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I’ve been on Pristiq (50 mg) for 18 months, and it’s helped reduce my anxiety immensely. The first week was tough, feeling nauseous, tired, and dizzy, but that all went away. However, I’ve noticed that my weight loss plateaued and has hovered around the same weight since. This is besides a healthy diet and gym 3-4 times a week. I also have a minimal libido/sex drive and issues with maintaining an erection or “finishing.” However, the improvement in my mental health meant I didn’t care while I was single; now that I’m dating, it does get frustrating. I’ve also noticed jaw tension, as I saw another reviewer write. I also have some detachment from emotions in general, but not so severe that I feel like a robot. Missing a day can also be hell; I usually take my tablet in the morning, and if I forget, I feel dizzy and cannot focus by 2 pm. About to talk with my GP about coming off to see how I go without meds again."

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm 29, female, was on Celexa before. On 50 mg of medicine for the past 2 weeks. Killed my sex drive, stone cold-just gone! Palpitations like crazy. Extreme nausea and dizziness. Sweating through my clothes...underarms, chest, back, groin, everywhere! My whole body is very tense, and my TMJ is flaring like crazy. Feel like a sweaty zombie with palpitations and zero sex drive. Trying to stick with it."

• Anonymous
• March 11, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Never taken any antidepressants. Initial days were bad due to interactions with other medicines. I had nightmares, lack of sleep, nausea, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Once I straightened this out, I felt great, have a clear mind, and I've lost 5 lbs in about 2 weeks."

• Lit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was so nervous to begin taking Pristiq, I anxiously read through all of these reviews, getting myself to focus on the positive outcomes. I have both depression and anxiety. I started on 50 mg, I could feel the impact quickly. I had a tense jaw, sore ears, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal pain. When you have the side effects, it can feel like it won’t pass. Hang in there, it will pass. Drink a lot of water for the dry throat and nausea, rest whenever you can. I found 50 mg wasn’t enough for my depression, so I’ve increased to 100 mg. It is too early to say if this will make a significant difference, as I’m getting better through the side effects again. I wanted to write this review, though, because I know once I’m well I will forget! I’m going to rate this highly because I want to give others hope! And I did feel it do “something,” even if I’m still trying to find the correct dose. If you are suffering and everything in life feels hard, give it a go!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 10, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Pristiq 200 mg for over 2 years, and it has worked well for me. I have tried a number of SSRIs, and this has been the best but isn't perfect. If I forget to take my tablets at breakfast time, by mid-afternoon, I feel very nauseous, lose balance, and feel tired. Routine is important with these tablets. Side effects for me include some sexual performance issues, some weight gain, and poor short-term memory. I have had problems with generic versions of Pristiq, so I stick to the real stuff now."

• Rob...
• January 25, 2020

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "First off, I hope most or all is somewhat well with everybody in here! Let's make this very short and to the point... I have been on Pristiq and the last few years the generic form of it for a total of around 7-8 years... I have been seeing countless doctors, of course, including my psych doctor, for these all of the sudden recent symptoms - 24/7 nausea, 24/7 dizziness, sore throat with a lump in it at times, just feelings of not being present in my own body, constantly thinking that I am going to pass away. It is so bad that I cannot play or spend quality time with my only grandson!!! Constant crying and doom. Had an endoscopy and a heart cath which turned out fine. Heavy blood work which is good... Doctors think possible tooth infection from rotted teeth, GI problem, or sleep apnea. Oh, and another huge symptom is really never being able to sleep! Could this medication be catching up to me???? And any thoughts for care on sore throat - all these for the past 4 months."

• Do ...
• February 8, 2016

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Pristiq for 5 days, the 1st day I felt great, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, my last day as of yesterday, have been pure hell. Nausea, constant headache, flu-like symptoms, not being able to read the paper or anything, vision really messed up, hot and then cold, total confusion, can't remember something that happened an hour ago, my skin itches so bad it's red. I'm not going to take it ever again. I would rather be depressed. I will take my doctor back the samples he gave me tomorrow and let him know my problems with Pristiq. I know an antidepressant can take time to be effective, but I don't want to risk any more withdrawal symptoms than what I'm having after taking this just 5 days. I will never take it again."

• Anonymous
• February 10, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "After about two weeks on Pristiq, I can definitely say it is helping. I had come off of Effexor (which made me gain weight) and was in a bad state with terrible anxiety. Pristiq has made me feel more balanced. It also reduces my appetite, which is a plus. Some dry mouth and nausea, which have subsided. I also wake up more in the night but am able to go back to sleep."

• Anonymous
• April 8, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I started Pristiq on 3/22/10. The main side effects were not sleeping well and night sweats. This lasted only about 4 nights. A bit of nausea, not enough that I couldn't handle, and that was it. I am now on my 3rd week, and I am doing fine. I do feel much better and have more energy, since before the Pristiq, all I was doing was sleeping. If someone has never taken an antidepressant, the side effects can be alarming. I went cuckoo and had no sex drive on Zoloft and Cymbalta. Pristiq, whatever is different about this SNRI, seems to keep me at an even keel. I will give Pristiq at least 3 months before I give a full report."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I was experiencing major anxiety, which I only have when I have major life changes. After getting engaged, moving, planning a wedding, and changing jobs, the anxiety kicked in full force. The doctor put me on Zoloft, which made me very, very nauseous. I lost 10 pounds on it, was miserable as it also caused more anxiety and moodiness. The doctor gave me trials of Pristiq...AMAZING. I had not realized how closed off I was until I tried Pristiq. It increased my ability to have relationships with friends, my fiancé, and even family. Prior to Pristiq, I was very shy and untrusting of everyone. I tried Lexapro too due to insurance requirements. Dislike - for me, it caused weight gain, clenched jaw, moodiness. Long process to find the right medicine!"

• Pur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2020

For Anxiety "I missed 2 days of med. I am on 150 mg Pristiq, taken in the morning. Somehow, I forgot to take both Friday and Saturday. Today (Sunday) has been a complete nightmare, my withdrawal symptoms are dizzy, nauseous, can barely stand up, hot and cold sweats. I took today’s dose as soon as I woke up at 8 a.m. It’s now 6 p.m., and I still feel so bad. How long will this last??? If I take another dose before bed tonight, could it make me feel like myself sooner? I know not to double up when I missed a dose, but I am hoping if I took a dose this morning, then the next dose 12 or so hours later (so before bed this evening), I could speed up the process of feeling normal again?? I am desperate for some answers but don’t know where else to go."