Desvenlafaxine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• May 15, 2009

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for 9 months. I feel great and found the anxiety greatly decreased, but have recently noticed my weight increasing despite eating and exercising the same amount. I attribute it to the Pristiq, even though it doesn't list weight gain as a side effect."

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 31, 2020

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I have been on this drug for about 2 years. It certainly worked for treating anxiety, as I never had a panic attack while on the drug. I am, however, in the process of stopping it due to the side effects. The main side effect that I am no longer wanting to put up with is always feeling hot. It is not pleasant. I have also put on 7 kg of weight over the 2 years, but can’t be sure that this is linked to the drug. I will try a different medication, as they all affect people differently."

• CJ ...
• June 26, 2018

For Hot Flashes "I was on Pristiq a few years ago before a generic came out for menopause. It worked great but gained 20 pounds, well a few years later, suffering again from menopause symptoms, put on 50 mg generic form. The hot flashes went away right away. But it took me at day 29 (4 weeks) for it to kick in for my bad morning anxiety, depression, crying spells. I was about to give up and boom, it all was gone after 30 days. Only side effect this time, no appetite, the opposite of the brand. Generic on my insurance is cheaper. Brand is so expensive even on my insurance, so won't go back to the brand."

• 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
• October 11, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, have struggled with eating disorders not specified, and major depression. Two years ago, I began taking Pristiq after having tried Lexapro, generic Zoloft, Zoloft, and even Prozac. All of the previous medicines had horrible side effects like weight gain, night sweats, hallucinations, and mood-altering capabilities. Pristiq was the first medicine that made me feel 'normal again.' I got on it, began taking it steadily and not drinking on it. I was relieved of anxiety, weight gain, and depression. After my boyfriend found out I was on it, I quit cold turkey due to some inhumane remarks. I DO NOT suggest coming off it suddenly EVER! I went downhill so fast; Pristiq truly is a miracle medicine!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 6, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Pristiq did a good job reducing my symptoms dramatically. However, it gave me so much in return, which made my life complicated! I mean 50 lb weight gain over a year that keeps growing every month. I also cannot sleep at night as I could before. I see very vivid dreams and nightmares almost every night! It makes me wake up feeling tired. In addition, I had withdrawal symptoms when I once forgot to take my dose. I had vertigo, nausea, headache. I absolutely could not function."

• Wri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2018

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I would probably give Pristiq a zero if I could. As far as antidepressants go, it was average in terms of mood-boosting, energy-boosting, etc., but the side effects ruined my life. I gained around 15 pounds I can’t lose, regardless of diet and exercise, within around 3 months. And tapering off made me sicker than I have ever been in my life, as well as lose total control of my emotions—crying, angry outbursts, etc. Yes, between depression and these side effects, I would take the depression. By the way, I’ve been off the drug almost a month and am still dealing with the residual effects of the drug."

• Kb3...
• August 9, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I've been on Pristiq for a little over a year and a half now. It has helped with my anxiety amazingly, but I have gained 20 pounds from it. I've done everything to get it off. I have always eaten healthy, and I work out regularly. I cannot get off of it because then my anxiety will come back. My doctor recommends I go to a dietitian to help me with this problem. I was also on Lexapro for a year before this, and it made me gain weight as well. All I want is an anxiety medicine that does not have this side effect, but my doctor tells me there is none."

• 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."

• 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."

• chl...
• October 2, 2010

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "I was 1st prescribed Zoloft, which for me was absolutely perfect until none of my clothes fit about 3 months into it. I gained 25 lbs, and the weight gain brought new depression and anxiety. I was put on Wellbutrin, which was a 'nice' drug if your depression isn't too severe, and I lost weight on it, but it couldn't hold a candle to my problems. Then, I tried Pristiq (and I also use Valium and Ambien for any additional anxiety). It's a happy medium between the 2 medicines. You won't have the side effects of Zoloft (weight gain, loss of sexual interest), but you'll have a stronger backing against the physical and mental toll of depression and anxiety."

• 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."

• Ala...
• August 28, 2022

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "The first few days on Pristiq, I felt like I was on speed, but my appetite was fierce! I settled down after that and have had very little symptoms (having no headache has been awesome - I had a low-grade headache on my last few antidepressants). However, I have gained 10 pounds in roughly 11 weeks, so unfortunately, that will probably be why I have to go off of it."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "It did relieve my depression and anxiety for the most part, but I really had some awful side effects with this drug, the worst of which was that it affected my short-term memory. I got to the point where I could not remember the simplest things. This became noticeable after about 6 months of use. I also believe it caused cystic acne and hair loss (both of which ceased after getting off of it). It caused some weight gain too (but every antidepressant I have taken does, it seems). I had to get off of it. My memory has thankfully returned back to normal. Wish it had worked better for me."

• Tou...
• March 22, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed Pristiq about 6 months ago and am currently on the highest dose. It took me a while to commit to taking it because the side effects were awful: headaches, groggy feeling, dry mouth, and constipation. I've been on it consistently now, and the only difference I see is that I feel more numb. I still feel and think the same, but my outbursts have calmed down since the medicine makes me so exhausted. I have also gained a lot of weight from this medication. The good part about this medicine for me is I get coupons for it and basically get it for free."

• My ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2023

For Anxiety "I started taking Pristiq a few weeks ago. I was prescribed 50 mg. I always take half what is prescribed, so I cut it down to 25 mg per my psychiatrist's recommendation. The first day, my blood pressure was 145/97. So, I added propranolol, and that helped with the BP, but my pulse was still racing, 95-100. After a week, I noticed I was hungry all the time. I would eat, and an hour later, be just as hungry again. In less than 2 weeks, I gained 7 pounds. In addition, I have significant apathy. I've called my psychiatrist to see if there is something else we can try. Gaining a ton of weight is the reason I avoided other prescriptions. On the positive side, it did help with anxiety, which is odd since my BP has been ridiculously high."

• vja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2018

For Depression "Do not take desvenlafaxine if you are doing well on the name brand. I gained 30 lbs and became super depressed on desvenlafaxine. It was cheaper, but I almost lost everything because of it. I'm back on the name brand and becoming stable again."

• cre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2017

Desvenlafaxine for Depression "Pristiq 200 mg. Maybe it was way too strong. The side effects outweighed the effect by absolute miles. Side effects were I couldn't stand up for longer than 4 hours, got dizzy spells, dropped work from 8-10 hrs/day to maybe 12 hours a week, had really bad nightmares and really bad mood swings. I felt suicidal and continued to have those thoughts for the next 3 weeks. I gained 6 kg in 3 weeks. I had to take Valium and Mersondyl Forte for the down times. I had erection problems, so Viagra to counteract that. I cannot say anything good about it. The best remedy was to start walking, biking, sport, record times, and try and beat those times, achievements. I need a sense of accomplishment. Valium for down times, had to have it anyway."

• Tim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 5, 2017

For Depression "OK. This drug isn't to be underestimated. It's dangerous. At first, I thought it was good because, don't get me wrong, it removes depressed emotion. The problem is it takes away every other emotion too, including the good ones. It was hard to stop taking them because it does sort of work, and I was scared to withdraw. Then I realized they were affecting my conscience and decision-making skills - they make you not care, which made my quality of life worse, making me unable to communicate and also gain weight - then I had to up the dosage. Ironic, right? So, I decided I'd stop, and I did. All of a sudden, my sexual pleasure and ability to think straight came back. I'm happy again. Not recommended."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I started on an anxiety medication that caused me weight gain, so I switched to Pristiq, which I was told was good to help control weight gain, even reverse it. I have been on it for 3 months, and my weight gain has exploded, putting on 6 kgs. I still feel a little uneasy. Maybe I need to up my dose, but I'm so very depressed that my weight is out of control."

• psy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I am suffering from severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for the last 3 years and was initially on duloxetine up to 60 mg. Initially, at a lower dosage, it helped to alleviate my pain by up to 50 percent, and actually, I felt like after many years I woke up fresh around 6 am in the morning at a dosage of 60 mg, but within a week, it made me a zombie, especially at night. I had difficulty sleeping, and in the midnight, I started to have an electric shock-like sensation. Then I started on pregabalin and increased the dose to 300 mg, which elevated my pain by around 70%, but I put on a lot of weight and joint pain. I settled on 50 mg of desvenlafaxine with 80% pain relief, with 150 mg of pregabalin further helping me. This combination worked best for me, but still, some painkillers raised my LFT 8 times, further causing fatigue."

• Roc...
• October 17, 2011

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety "I've started 50 mg 50 days ago, increased to 100 mg 25 days ago, increased to 150 mg 10 days ago. It has had no effect except for side effects (weight increase and constipation). I don't understand because with Effexor I had a response. Thinking to go to Wellbutrin because of the no weight gain."