Desvenlafaxine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• del...
• November 11, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Took it for about 2 years - get ready for weight gain, loss of interest in everything, extreme tiredness, zero interest in sex. Sure, my 'depression' symptoms felt a little better (but would have had at least the same result with a healthy diet and exercise). It took the 'bad feelings' away, but it also took the 'good feelings' away. When I weaned off Pristiq, every five seconds I felt like an electric shock in my brain (that's the best I can describe the feel), it was the worst 2-3 weeks of my life."

• VAc...
• February 19, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for two weeks now for depression. I have bad days, but good are outnumbering the bad now. The first week made me very tired and sick to my stomach, but I never threw up. Lost 5 lbs already, which I needed to do! I take Pristiq in the mornings and wake up feeling refreshed. Less anxious and feeling more positive about the future. I kept my Klonopin for when panic attacks hit (the number of those has dramatically decreased!). I do feel more like myself than I have in years! Better eyesight also! Good luck to all of you."

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Day 4 of 150 mg of Pristiq. Went from 225 mg Effexor to 150 mg Pristiq. Effexor hasn't worked for months. Having a weird day... Day 1 okay, day 2 okay, day 3 tired all days. But I still don't know what to do - no motivation to do anything still. Sad and overwhelmed by everything. Depression and anxiety are so hard for me to manage and understand. Nothing in my life is the same... hope is all I've got."

• Anonymous
• January 25, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for about 5 months now, and after an initial positive reaction... it has let me down. After about 2 months, my dosage was increased from 50mg to 100mg. All was well for another short time until a massive and quick weight gain began (25 lbs). I was constantly tired but a complete insomniac. Neck and jaw tightening were also a constant. My dose was lowered back to 50mg, which helped, again for only a short time. I am now on my 4th day off the drug and feel 'crashed.' Wishing everyone the best."

• rol...
• February 2, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I've been dealing with anxiety and depression for years. I just got on Pristiq. I hope this helps. Plus, I take Klonopin. I hurt all over, no energy. I pray I get my life back. I had a heart attack at age 47, have had a bad family life with my siblings. I have a wonderful husband of 30 years. Not sure if he understands what I'm going through. I just want to get better, so wish me luck."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I really don't know how to rate this medication. I only took it for about 3 weeks at 50 mg per day. It really helped with depression and with anxiety. I have both depression and panic disorder. But, I started getting what I thought was acne everywhere. Now, I think it is some sort of allergic reaction because it is getting worse and I am very itchy, and my skin feels hot to the touch. I'm not sure. So I stopped taking it 6 days ago. I am extremely depressed now, and the hives are getting worse each day, and I am exhausted. I can hardly get up in the mornings. But the hives are just awful. I keep waiting for them to go away now. I am so itchy and very tired. The red bumps are all over my face, neck, and torso."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2022

For Anxiety "I have been taking the generic version of Pristiq for almost three months now after a failed attempt at taking Prozac and Lexapro. Pristiq was prescribed by my psychiatrist, and I can say that within the first few days of taking it, I no longer had ANY depressive thoughts or suicidal ideation (I was having suicidal ideation on a daily basis prior to this). I do not feel depressed at all, nor like that ugly, dark cloud is looming over me, which is a huge plus! I started with 25 mg, but we went up to 50 mg because I was experiencing some anxiety. I have been on the new dose for almost two months, and I am sad that it's actually made me feel more tired, irritable, and extremely weepy and sensitive! I don’t know what that’s about. Going to see if lowering the dose or maybe even going up will help with that, but otherwise it is honestly MUCH better and helpful than the previous two drugs I took. Definitely consider it if other drugs aren’t working for you."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I felt a difference right away. The only negative feedback I have is the tiredness. I can't stay awake, but I do not know if it is from coming off of ADD medication. I have been on this medication for 3 days now and already feel like a new woman! I no longer need my Xanax!"

• DDi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 31, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "My rating of 1 is for GENERIC Pristiq, desvenlafaxine - should not be on the market, not even close to brand PRISTIQ... I was doing amazingly well, better than ever in my 47 years, on a nice small dose of 50mg, PRISTIQ not desvenlafaxine (generic); believe me, I've tried EVERYTHING including that killer Serzone - think they took that one off the market. Now, I am writing this after two weeks in bed, wondering WTF? Thanks to all the posts, I get it. Insurance switched me to generic 3 months ago; it all makes sense now. Gradually, almost insidiously, I've been slipping down, gaining weight, feeling lethargic, irritable, not able to cope with talking on the phone, so I was chalking it up to PMS or pre-menopausal... WRONG WRONG WRONG..."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2021

For Depression "I had dry mouth, jitters, anxiousness, for about a week or two. Involuntary mouth/teeth chattering, 2 episodes. Irritability, a day or two. Yawning and feeling like I was lagging an hour and a half after taking it. So, it helped to take at night for me. I’ve been on it for six weeks and glad I stuck with it. This med has helped immensely along with healthy eating, better sleep habits, and regular exercise. I feel more like myself every day and would even say I feel better than I had felt in a really long time. I’m grateful for this med, it’s helped a lot."

• ren...
• January 31, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for nearly 2 weeks due to losing my father in October 2010. I tried to fight my depression, but it was starting to control my life. I am feeling better, having a good day today has been a long time since I have had a good day. I have had some nausea and a bit of tiredness, but overall, I see light at the end of the tunnel finally. Don't feel ashamed of taking medication, depression is worse if not treated."

• 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 23, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I take 100 mg. It works, but side effects were I was always tired and gained weight. Took Wellbutrin with it when I was taking 50 mg. That made me feel close to normal, but I got headaches and gained weight. I was good enough with just the Pristiq, but not great. The doctor then added Dextroamphetamine, which now has me feeling normal, like when I was in my 20s. I have motivation, energy, focus, no panic, no depression, and once again feel the wide range of emotions as they are meant to feel. I am able to take joy in the small things in life and not dwell on the downsides. My weight has also adjusted back to pre-medication size."

• gg6...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2022

For Anxiety "Have never written a review before, but don't know if anyone else has had a similar experience. On 100 mg, take it every morning for severe anxiety. Have been on it for over 6 months. I feel great, happy, little anxiety, tons of energy, up at 6 am every morning... but only for 2 or 3 weeks. Then feel incredibly depressed, anxious, can't get out of bed, can't face anyone... this goes on for 1 to 2 weeks. Then I start to feel better again, and then I feel worse again... this cycle has continued for months. This did not happen before I started this medication. Don't know if this has happened to anyone else. Side effects include excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, gastrointestinal issues, agitation, and tiredness."

• 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."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2018

For Depression "For all my life, I have struggled with depression. In my early sixties, I talked with my doctor, and after testing, he informed me that I have severe depression caused by a chemical imbalance. He prescribed Pristiq. I was on Pristiq for around 3 years. While on Pristiq, I was happy for the first time in my life. I described my life as being pre-Pristiq and post-Pristiq. In 2017, the Pristiq went to a tier 4 from a tier 2, which shot it up way beyond my budget. That's when I was switched to the generic. My experience has not been favorable. Since being on the generic, I no longer feel happy. It seems to only take the edge off of my depression, as I feel depressed and lethargic, with no interest in the things I used to enjoy. I have little energy and sleep for a minimum of 12 hours a day now. I'm retired and was looking forward to the last stage of my life with Pristiq. I'm not so sure what to do next."

• 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."

• 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."

• Xan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2018

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Avoid at all costs. This drug has been awful, on it and coming off it. I would not recommend it to anyone. I had high hopes, but was lethargic for months on it, barely able to get out of bed. Now, coming off it for the last month, I am like a bear, snapping at the smallest things, and if this continues, I will lose my relationship."

• Pen...
• April 26, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Started on Pristiq after my dad passed away two years ago, and I was to the point I couldn't handle life. It was great; I was happy, I could cope, I didn't gain too much weight (a little maybe, but I wasn't 'obsessed' with food). My sex drive was pretty much gone though. Because of lack of sex drive and sudden migraines, I went off it after a year. Tried to start taking it again, and it just wasn't working anymore. The number one thing I would warn people about is that it's really hard to stop taking this medication. The side effects with the withdrawals are brain shocks, depression, blurry vision, confusion, exhaustion."

• Anonymous
• January 23, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Pristiq for about 3 weeks now, and I am extremely tired 24/7. Now, mind you, I do have a busy schedule (full-time job and classes 24 hours a week). I do notice, however, that things don't bother me like they used to, and my crying has eased up a bit. I have started having some nausea, hopefully, the tiredness and nausea will diminish the longer I take Pristiq."

• 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."

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2019

For Panic Disorder "So I’ve been on Pristiq for about a month now, and I take 25 mg in the morning. I’m super weight conscious, and I’ve stayed in between 102-105 pounds for over a year. I just weighed myself, and I’m now 112, and I don’t know how I got here. I have an almost insatiable appetite, I never feel full anymore, and I used to only eat once a day. I have enjoyed not panicking every other day. But all I ever feel instead is tired and bored and quiet."