Desvenlafaxine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Fibromyalgia "Killed my sex drive (the only remainder of my life without fibromyalgia) and gave me terrible dry mouth that did not go away as my doctor said it would. After six months of dry mouth and no libido, along with no symptom relief, I said enough was enough and quit cold turkey. I experienced no withdrawal effects, and thankfully both the dry mouth and lack of sex drive went away soon thereafter. I feel like this medication made me more depressed by decreasing my already low quality of life. It also made me feel as though my emotions were non-existent, which some may view as a good thing, but I prefer to be able to feel and experience emotions."

• 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."

• air...
• June 15, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed Pristiq in February 2009. While at first, Pristiq seemed like an answer to my prayers in that I felt less anxious and less depressed, this past week I sank back into the deep depression. I'll be seeing a psychiatrist to re-evaluate my medication needs this week. While on Pristiq, I've experienced significant fatigue, intense chest pain, and sexual dysfunction."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I am diagnosed with Bipolar I. I take Trileptal and have switched antidepressants several times. I have tried Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac, all having relative success with my moods, but loss of libido forced me to switch. Pristiq has been the best I have tried. Both my moods and anxiety have improved. Still less of a libido than without any medication, but better than any of the other antidepressants I have taken. I still have a faint libido but now experience delayed orgasm. However, the quality of my moods has improved so much that I am more apt to accept this side effect."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I am diagnosed with Bipolar I. I take Trileptal and have switched antidepressants several times. I have tried Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac, all having relative success with my moods, but loss of libido forced me to switch. Pristiq has been the best I have tried. Both my moods and anxiety have improved. Still less of a libido than without any medication, but better than any of the other antidepressants I have taken. I still have a faint libido but now experience delayed orgasm. However, the quality of my moods has improved so much that I am more apt to accept this side effect."

• My ...
• December 4, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I actually started out with Cymbalta when I had decided the other types of antidepressants had too many side effects... sexual, specifically. I definitely gained a significant amount of weight when I went on Cymbalta (at least 15-20 lbs in the first 4-6 mos). I decided to try Pristiq because my doctor mentioned that there were fewer weight issues. I haven't had any bad side effects except when I forget a dose: uncomfortable brain zaps, as the person had mentioned. Although I still have not lost any weight and consequently have gained weight since the initial weight, which is, as my doctor explained, a cycle... once you start gaining, you keep gaining weight."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "20-year-old female student with mild to moderate depression for about 2 years. Originally given Lexapro with the average side effects of appetite increase and complete lack of sex drive. After three months, I switched to Pristiq under the recommendation of my mother, who takes it. I didn't have any noticeable side effects. However, after a few months, my dosage was increased to 100 mg opposed to 50, which is normal depending on one's weight. Though not every day is perfect, Pristiq has helped me so much by getting me to function and no more random crying spells. (Also, it helps you feel human by getting your libido back.) Everyone's different, but Pristiq works for me, and I wish everyone the best in finding what they are looking for."

• ala...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2018

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Pristiq after trying Lovan, Zoloft, and Mirtazapine with no avail, and this was the only antidepressant that I could feel actually working. However, the side effects I experienced were an extremely dry mouth, unusual dreams, and zero libido or ability to orgasm. After about 9 months, I could tell it had stopped working, so my psychiatrist decided to wean me off my 100 mg dose; it was absolutely the hardest thing. I felt so physically sick all the time, would vomit constantly, and every time I moved my eyes, I got the 'brain zaps.' It took me about two months to wean myself completely off; however, I was still feeling the withdrawal a full three weeks after I stopped taking it. I would only recommend this medication if you plan on staying on it for the rest of your life, and I am very happy to be off it."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I'm back on Pristiq after having tried several other medications due to sexual side effects. I had taken Prozac for 20 years and had tried countless other medicines. Prozac stopped working, and none of the others made me feel normal like Pristiq. My doctor recommended that I take my Pristiq every other day or not to take it on days when I want to have sex. Now I can ejaculate again and have a great sex life. Thanks, Pristiq. It feels so good to be normal again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I had been on Lexapro for over a year, and it was working great, with the exception of having zero libido. With my relationship at stake, I decided to try Pristiq. After about a week, I realized that I was back to my old irritable, pre-medicated self. I have been crying at the drop of a hat, snapping on loved ones, and I have been nauseous almost every day. Not to mention I went from 125 pounds to 137 pounds in a month. I talked to my doctor today, and she suggested trying Viibryd."

• 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."

• Mca...
• February 1, 2013

For Anxiety "I feel calm, stress just rolls off me. I feel it for a moment, but the panic and anxiety do not kick in anymore, and I am able to move on through my day and focus on my normal activities. Food has lost its 'flavor' a bit, but this is good because I used to overeat. Very, very difficult to reach orgasm, and when I do, it is barely pleasurable. My doctor advised skipping my 50 mg pill on days that I knew I would have intercourse. This has helped a little."

• Kky...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2018

Desvenlafaxine "I started Pristiq for GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and Major Depression, mostly in response to a horrible breakup. With treatment, I found myself completely rid of anxiety and nervousness, my appetite returned, and I started to eat normally and function. Although not incredibly satisfied, it did help with my depression, but I decided the side effects were horrid and not worth it (weight gain, sweating, emotionless numb feelings, headaches, and decrease in sex drive). Pristiq is also very difficult to get off, as the withdrawals are significant. Very, very good for anxiety in my case, okay for depression - horrid side effects."

• Jim...
• November 23, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Over the past two years, I have tried Lexapro (effective, but serious sexual side effects), Wellbutrin (bad luck here), Zoloft (not as effective as Lexapro, but much less serious sexual side effects), and now Pristiq. Little sexual impact, effective, and no noticeable side effects after 5 months. It may be, however, that my blood pressure is slightly elevated on Pristiq."

• 34...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have major depressive disorder and general anxiety disorder, so I was put on Pristiq. The sexual side effects are there, but not as bad as other medications in the past; it's getting better the longer I'm on Pristiq, and the problems are going away with sexual side effects. I'm feeling better in situations that would cause severe depression, although the anxiety is still present at times. It's not as bad; I still have heart palpitations from panic attacks, but I'm starting to wonder if it may be some other health problem or a panic attack. My vision is a little blurry, but that's fine as I seem to be happier, and the spouts of crying are going away; easier to accept emotionally upsetting situations or deal with child custody; the other parent is a sociopath who likes to get a reaction. This medication has helped me think less emotionally and more logically in this situation. Hopefully, this works for the time, but I don't plan on being on meds forever. I started a 25mg dose and am currently taking 50mg."

• uns...
• April 14, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was prescribed this medication for anxiety social phobia. I have tried a lot of medications and have been off and on with different ones, never really feeling fully recovered. This medication made me feel nauseous at first and gave me insomnia. Symptoms resided, but now I have sexual dysfunction, which is one of the side effects. I can't climax and hardly have any desire, plus I wasn't experiencing any improvement, so I stopped it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been on 50 mg for about 3 months now. Practically no side effects to begin with and immediate relief of anxiety. A little too sleepy to begin with. Today I am feeling optimistic, less negative thinking, and overall a lot better. With time, the sexual side effects have turned stronger - I basically have very little sex drive and cannot orgasm. Occasionally, I have very mild anxiety as I have stayed on 50 mg despite the doctor having told me to increase the dosage. But the overall result is very positive, and I will only change it if the sexual issues become too uncomfortable."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I've been on 50 mg for about 3 months now. Practically no side effects to begin with and immediate relief of anxiety. A little too sleepy to begin with. Today I am feeling optimistic, less negative thinking, and overall a lot better. With time, the sexual side effects have turned stronger - I basically have very little sex drive and cannot orgasm. Occasionally, I have very mild anxiety as I have stayed on 50 mg despite the doctor having told me to increase the dosage. But the overall result is very positive, and I will only change it if the sexual issues become too uncomfortable."

• Slc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2018

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "When I first started this drug, I was on 25 mg for a week. Day 1, I felt like there were no voices in my head. The rest of the week, I was back to my depression and was starting to get a yeast infection. The next week, I bumped up to 50 mg and could barely stop moving. I felt super jittery and could not focus at all and was super emotional. Will stop taking this and move to something else. I recommend this drug for anyone who really enjoys the way they feel when they drink too much coffee. I do not recommend this drug for anyone who has anxiety. Even though I was restless and jittery, I still felt incredibly exhausted and sleepy but was unable to sleep. Also had sexual problems. Again, not a good drug to use for people with GAD or panic disorder. Not looking forward to stopping it either because the withdrawal symptoms are said to be horrible."

• J1M...
• June 18, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I give Pristiq an 8 for effectiveness in treating depression, however, I would give it a 10 for effectiveness as an antidepressant because I believe it gives as much as you can ask for. It has also scored highest in the top 10 treatments for depression, according to a recent Australian survey. I am 18 years old, male, and this is the first antidepressant I have taken. In short, it brought me out of hell and out of a depth of despair, sadness, and pessimism one naive to depression couldn't possibly imagine. It took about 3 and a half weeks to work well (I'm on 50 mg), has a stimulating effect, but causes sexual side effects."

• 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."

• Zwe...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 9, 2019

For Depression "This drug, desvenlafaxine, has been absolutely life-changing. I have been on it since September 2018 (50 mg) and then increased the dose (100 mg) in March 2019. I have MDD, PTSD, and panic disorder. Before this medication, I was highly suicidal and extremely anxious all throughout the day with multiple panic attacks. I was still having panic attacks with the 50 mg dose. When we bumped it to 100 mg, my life took a complete turnaround. Practically no panic attacks and certainly no suicidal ideation. I can be in stores and be calm. I’ve never felt so clear-headed, and I actually have the energy to get through a day. I will say that there have been sexual repercussions (no drive). But from where I was to now is no comparison. This drug saved my life."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2012

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been off antidepressants for about 7 months, then I needed to go back on when I entered a very heavy ward (I'm a nurse) because I was becoming very anxious and could not work as well as I was. I was on Zoloft, but now I am trying Pristiq. I have been on Pristiq for 2 weeks now, the first few days I had side effects: increased anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and increased sweating, but all side effects have now subsided. Positives: I have not had any anxiety this week and have been confident at work, no depressive symptoms, I have lost weight (not meant to be good, but I'm happy about it). Negatives: I have noticed a slight decrease in libido, which might turn out to be a problem, and that's what I was scared of."

• ple...
• May 9, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have struggled with depression for the last 28 years, but only started taking medicines around 12 years ago. I think I 'thought' my depression was 'normal' before 12 years ago. I've been on Prozac (liked it a lot, except for decreased libido), Effexor, Serzone, Lexapro, Cymbalta, and now Pristiq. I've only been on Pristiq for a week (50 mg). I also take Vyvanse for ADHD, so not sure side effects are due to which medicine or both combined. I'm writing because I noticed two side effects since taking Pristiq that no one has mentioned: really, really bizarre dreams at night. The other is I am so tired in the morning. Like I've been hit by a Mack truck."