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An antidepressant could be a lifesaver when a person is desperate and hopeless. In less dire circumstances, however, we urge patients to ask questions about the prescription before they accept it. How much will it help? How long should I take it? How do I STOP taking it? Many readers have found it very difficult to discontinue desvenlaxine (Pristiq).
Withdrawal from Pristiq:
Q. Can you offer me any ideas of how I can ease my withdrawal from Pristiq? My brain is cloudy, I am having brain zaps and I am agitated.
I should have never tried it out. Please help!
A. You must let your physician know what is going on. DO NOT stop this antidepressant suddenly. The withdrawal symptoms can be devastating.
Here are some stories to consider:
A. H. wrote:
“I was prescribed Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) four years ago [this drug is somewhat similar to Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) in that it works the same way] when Lexapro lost its effectiveness. Pristiq seemed to have no obvious side effects unless I forgot to take it in the morning. By afternoon, I would be experiencing brain zaps and hearing my eyes move. I would see “trails” when moving my eyes. This would go away within hours of taking the missed dose. I then tried to stop the drug myself, because I didn’t want to be on something that has that effect.
“I tried weaning off myself by taking a full dose (100 mg) then 75 mg the next day and alternating for 2 weeks then go down to 75/75. I went crazy after two weeks and had to go back to the original dose. Not only did I have severe suicidal thoughts every 5 minutes, but uncontrolled crying, extreme sluggishness, night sweats (when I could sleep), weight gain, irritability and mood swings. Physically, my blood pressure (which has ALWAYS been 110/78) jumped to 149/101.
“After two weeks of getting back on the drug, all symptoms (including high blood pressure) normalized. I am now under a doctor’s care to switch back to Lexapro (which she says will work again since I have given the drug a rest). She is having me take a full dose of Pristiq one day and then full dose of Lexapro the next day for a week. Then in 2nd week, Pristiq 1 day, then 2 days of Lexapro. She supplemented with Abilify daily. So far, the withdrawal symptoms have been manageable and I am in my 2nd week. I have added weekly acupuncture for the mood swings and am hopeful that I will have my life back.”
Oscar recounted:
“I was put on Pristiq almost a year ago. I got tired of taking this drug and I slowly started weaning myself off of the pills for about a month. As I’m typing this message my brain is shivering and zapping like nobody’s business. When I tried to explain it to my doctor he acted like he didn’t know what I was talking about. In the meantime, I suffer like crazy.”
Laurel said:
“I am coming off Pristiq right now. Was on 100 mg a day and my doctor pulled me off it cold turkey. I’ve only taken it for about 2 months, but I feel like I’m going crazy. I have the brain zaps so bad I can barely walk around my house. I’m terrified to drive. This is worse than anything I’ve ever been through, and that includes quitting smoking.”
Julie described her experience:
“I have been on a variety of antidepressants over the past few years for depression and anxiety. My latest prescription is Pristiq 50 mg once a day. I have been on it for 6 months. At first, I did see a difference in my depression and anxiety, but things began to change in the 7th month. I started having side effects from Pristiq. I haven’t had a brain freeze yet, but I have had other symptoms.
“I have had insomnia, headaches, GI upset, elevated cholesterol, blood pressure changes, joint/muscle pain, abnormal swelling all over, fatigue, agitation and ears ringing. From what I have read this is a hard medication to get off. I didn’t realize that this medication was making me sick until I went online and started to look up my symptoms. I really don’t know if I want to continue to take antidepressants if they are going to make me more physically sick.”
The People’s Pharmacy Perspective:
No one should ever discontinue antidepressant medication without medical supervision. As described above in vivid detail, the withdrawal symptoms can be terrible. We are especially concerned now that we see Cymbalta (duloxetine) advertised for arthritis symptoms. We wonder whether physicians are warning patients that getting off such drugs can be challenging (to say the least).
Here are some side effects to be aware of with Pristiq and Cymbalta:
CYMBALTA (DULOXETINE) & PRISTIQ (DESVENLAFAXINE) SIDE EFFECTS:
- Nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting
- Dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia, anxiety, jitteriness, irritability, tremor , weird dreams
- Sweating, hot flashes
- Blurred vision , glaucoma
- Headache , ringing in ears
- Sexual dysfunction, lowered libido, erection difficulties, lack of orgasm , abnormal ejaculation
- Liver damage
- Serious skin reactions, rash, hives (requires immediate MD assistance!)
- Glaucoma
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Bleeding problems
- Blood pressure problems
- Interaction with other drugs (leading to serotonin syndrome among other reactions)
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, suicide
Some people never experience such side effects and achieve substantial benefit from medications like desvenlafaxine, duloxetine and venlafaxine. But others find the problems with such drugs overwhelming. The sexual side effects alone can be disconcerting. They are also quite common. You can imagine that dizziness, dry mouth, lack of orgasm and excessive sweating might be enough to drive a person to want to stop such medication. But as you will see below, that can trigger a whole other set of problems.
Doctors have taken to calling this “discontinuation syndrome.” These clinical words do not do justice to what it is like to stop antidepressants like Cymbalta, Effexor (venlafaxine), Paxil (paroxetine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) or Zoloft (sertraline) suddenly.
SUDDEN WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS:
- Brain “zaps” (electric shock-like senstations in the brain)
- Dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, feeling faint
- Headaches
- Anxiety, irritability, hostility
- Nausea, diarrhea, digestive upset
- Tremor, hands shaking, nerve tingles, strange sensations
- Fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy
- Visual disturbances
So, what is a person to do once started on the antidepressant merry-go-round? Sadly, doctors do not have clear guidelines about how to help patients stop such drugs. There is no clear-cut formula that will work for everyone. Patience is essential, though. This is NOT a do-it-yourself project. You will need help from a knowledgeable health professional. And you will need to take time. For some, a few weeks may be adequate to gradually phase off the drug. For others, it may take many months of very slow dosage reduction.
We offer our Guide to Dealing with Depression. It provides some additional insights into both side effects and withdrawal. It also discusses some other ways of coping with depression. Whatever you do, you will need great support from a health professional who understands the complexity of such medications.
You are also invited to share your experience with these drugs below.
Kel
My dr increased my dose of Pristiq from 50mg to 100mg end of 2022. I had been on 50mg a day for 7 years at that point and had been feeling jittery, getting the brain zaps, not sleeping well, twitchy and restless legs. In hindsight everything but the brain zaps were probably caused by peri-menopause.
After just a week or two on 100mg I decided that I wanted to stop the medication. I was given a 3-month plan to reduce. This worked quite well until I ended up taking 50mg every 2 days and have been on that dose for 6 months now. Problem was, i just couldn’t cope with the horrible brain zaps and dizziness and found I just had to keep taking them. My dr (different one) recently told me how bad Prisiq was when reducing/stopping. It’s now been 4 days since my last dose and am still feeling quite ill. I hate this feeling but am determined to stop the medicine. I really wish I had done some homework before starting Pristiq.
I’m also noticing that I am getting the feelings back! I am feeling sadness and some irritability, but also joy, which I have missed in the last 8 years. I hope to not reach the depths of depression I was in 8 years ago. I want to embrace joy again.
Susan
Always take these medications under the supervision of a doctor. Reading an article online and posting your symptoms isn’t going to be helpful. Schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or other specialist who specializes in the disease you are treating and its related pharmacology. The information sheets on antidepressants always say to use the medication under doctor supervision, especially when tapering off.
Dave
I have been on Pristiq for 13yrs. I was depressed due to divorce and separation from my kids. (This is important). 13 yrs later I’ve learned that there is a lot of data to suggest this does not work long term and should only be used as a “bridge” to a new place emotionally.
We tend to want pills for quick fixes and then end up where I am. As I look back I think I needed it for about a year and should’ve gotten off then.
About 5yrs ago I went from 100mg to 50mg. Basically what I did was this: 1. Created a timeline to come off. 2. Week 1- Take the meds at midnight (Normally 10pm. Essentially 2hrs later than normal for the first week. ) I then slowly expanded the time in between dosages even if it required getting up at 3am. (Gotta use the rest room anyway)
After 2 months I was down to 50mg with VERY FEW issues. A few brain zaps but nothing bad. I am considering doing that the rest of the way but extending out my timeline OR take the generic form of Khedezla. I understand that they have dosages lower than Pristiq which would help me walk it off. I hope this helps.
KS
I have been on 25 mg of Prestiq for only 10 days. At first, my anxiety was worse but by day 3 that improved. Then I noticed tingling in my hands, and restless legs at night that keeps me awake. I’ve had an ongoing headache/migraine since day one, as well as several bouts of diarrhea changing to constipation. I’m no longer motivated to do much of anything, and my energy level is gone.
I want to go off it because I just feel unwell on it, but will I have these horrible withdrawal affects like everyone else considering I’ve only been on it for 10 days?
Faye
I have a young daughter who was placed on Pristiq 100 mg when she was depressed after a horrible relationship. I’m a nurse, and I can only tell you stay away from this medication. It is dangerous to stop.
This medication should not be given to anyone without physicians explaining the consequences if you want to withdraw. I have never seen anything like that, and I have worked in psychiatry and as a mom. This is scary.
The medication helped my daughter with the depression, I admit that, but it made her affect flat. She had no emotions anymore, and it totally changed her personality.
I pray that her withdrawal syndrome are going to be over as soon as possible. She is now in day five, and it is scary to see your child struggling like somebody who is coming off drugs.
To anybody who prescribes this medication without even researching: Shame on you. You can cause more harm than you good.
Robyn
I have been on Pristiq 100mg for a year. Have suffered with depression most of my life. I had a break-down a year ago which is why I was given the Pristiq 100 Mg. I believe for the last year it has not done any good for me except to stop the thoughts of suicide.
This year decided to resign from my job, and my mom and I moved in with my daughter and her husband out in the country. So it was a perfect time to get off this medication that was causing brain zaps, weight gain, lack of sleep, moodiness, anxiety, sense of not being worthy.
So I am almost 2 weeks in and suffering all the same side effects of withdrawal as most of you have described. On top of that I broke my ankle the day after I stopped. Just rolled my ankle in a dip in the yard, so I’m not able to exercise as I would like and not able to do too much without having a bad day the following day. One day I am great, and the next at the bottom of the barrel.
I am determined to continue not taking the Pristiq. I believe the medical community should let you know up front about the possibility of what happens to you when you stop. The weening off may not be beneficial for me because I do not want to continue with the debilitating drug.
If you have any advice about natural ways of dealing with the side effects, please let me know.
I hope this will prevent anyone else from suffering like I am in trying to get off of it.
Lynne
My husband has been on Pristiq for 7 years at 100 mg daily. He recently decided to try to get off and has decreased his dose to 50 mg. Around that time he developed intense muscular pain in his back. He was worked up for arthritis, and although inflammatory markers are high the other tests don’t show arthritis. I am wondering if this is related to his decreased dose of Pristiq. Is there anyone else who experiences this?
Cheryl
I have been on pristiq for about 10 years. I tried to wean myself off about 7 years ago, but that did not go well. I thought I could do it myself because I am a Nurse Practitioner. I had severe headaches, brain zaps, fatigue, and eventual development of an extremely severe depression that took help from my PCP, a psychiatrist, a counselor, resumption of pristiq, and addition of wellbutrin to resolve. I am now weaning off pristiq again, but I am doing it with my doctor’s help, and while I remain on wellbutrin.
It is going well. I am a little impatient and irritable, but no other symptoms. Depression is such a difficult illness to treat. While your brain can will your body to push through, your body cannot will your brain to push through. This time I am optimizing all the lifestyle interventions needed for depression treatment–whole foods (especially blueberries, dark leafy greens, walnuts, avocado, berries, mushrooms, onions,tomatoes, beans, seeds, and apples), exercise, meditation, yoga, social interactions, quality sleep, and spirituality/religion. It seems like anti-depressants should be reserved for severe episodes and only used intermittently. It scares me that something that is supposed to help you can have so many ill effects. I am convinced that God provided us with everything we need on this earth, so let’s use and appreciate Mother Nature.
Michelle
Indiana
I was only on Pristiq for close to 2 months and found it did nothing to help with my depression and anxiety whatsoever. It actually made it worse. I was sad all the time. Lost more interest in doing the things I loved. I even had some suicidal thoughts which aren’t like me at all. After going through the trial and error process, and still am, with finding the right anti-depressant for me, I didn’t think much of going off of it – though I went cold turkey because the worsening depression was too much to bear.
I have been cold turkey for almost a week now and have been nothing but extremely dizzy, having mind zaps, and high blood pressure now (even with being on a beta blocker). I thought I was going crazy, so I finally went to the doctor today but ended up in the ER instead. My labs and everything came back great, and the doctor there is also chalking this up to the withdrawal.
It has been so insanely scary to me dealing with this withdrawal over the last week and just praying it goes away sometime soon. I can’t function properly while going through this.
I wish I had stumbled upon this page before starting Pristiq in the first place or I never would have agreed to try it when my doctor suggested it. Now I am going back on Vibryd, and I am happy because it is something that worked for me before, and I am hopeful it will again. The only reason I went off of it before was due to insurance, but I am hopeful I will feel myself again soon.
Deb
Canada
Had I have known how sick I would get going off Pristiq, I never would have gone on it. I am under medical advice, so did not stop this “cold turkey.” It has only been 2 days, and I can’t concentrate. I am so nauseous, vomiting, severe headache, and just overall feel sick.
Kay
How long did it take you to feel better? I am on one week and am nauseous, and my head is floating and dizzy. Wanting to get an idea on timeline.
Btw, my doctor told me that I could just go off of it without any side effects because I had only been on it not quite 90 days (72 days on 50mg). She is wrong and offers me nothing. I had a prescription for nausea med from previous doctor so I am taking it, which helps, but my head is so bad I am afraid to hardly walk and can’t drive.
Kim
Kyogle NSW Australia
I have been prescribed various antidepressants since 1994 after suffering a nervous breakdown (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome PTSD plus Bipolarism or ???) while I was an On-Call Forensic Crime Scene Examiner. After some unsuccessful suicide attempts in 1996 I was eventually prescribed Desfax. This drug seemed to cover up my mental issues for a few years until the never-ending side effects began to be more of an issue than my Bipolar symptoms.
These symptoms included Insomnia/Tight neck muscles/High Blood Pressure/Severe migraines/Ears permanently ringing/Massive weight gain, to list only a few. Three months ago I started an intense exercise program involving daily speed walking and gym sessions. Seven days ago I stopped Desfax cold turkey. Since then I have suffered brain zaps/skin prickles/severe rage and aggression/crying/flu-like symptoms/suicidal thoughts, etc.
I have read with great interest all of your previous comments by other Desfax victims, and you have given me even more will and conviction to continue to escape Desfax and the other prescribed drugs and regain control over my life. I hope we all win.
David
UT
I was on a max dose of Cymbalta for 3 years. It was the first antidepressant I tried. It helped my pain a little at first, and then after a couple years it seemed to just do nothing except give me brain fog. My depression never felt better. But Cymbalta was hell to get off of. I had all sorts of withdrawal side effects. This was even with my doctor putting me on Welbutrin and Gabapentin while tappering off the Cymbalta.
Three years later, and I’m on the max dose of Welbutrin, taking a muscle relaxer, and meloxicam. I was taking 50mg of Pristiq as well. That was for about a year. I decided to stop the Pristiq on my own, mainly because of sexual side effects (I fear that Welbutrin might be causing that, too). It’s been almost three weeks. I went cold turkey, but started taking CBD oil at the same time. After the first week I was forced to take a dose of Pristiq due to the lack of sleep. Currently I’m dealing with headaches, fatigue, tiredness, lack of any energy, and occasional dizziness.
I’m feeling my chronic back pain, nerve pain, and body pain a lot more now. I’m tired of taking drugs. I want real answers and solutions to my chronic pain and old injuries. These damn medications just mask the pain and sadness/anger any normal person would feel in my situation.
Feeling better at all on these meds is just a false sense of getting better.
Anne
Australia
Omg, I’ve been on 200 mg of Pristiq for 16 yrs since my seven year old sons death , if I forget it’s like electric shocks so bad in my head, when panic attacks occur on top 50 mg of Valium are needed, maybe only once a week depending on situation. Have tried to go cold but become suicidal and am found sleeping on his grave. Will I ever be normal.
Judi
Seattle
I was put on “a low dose” of Trazadone to improve my sleep. I was having trouble getting off. My neurologist sent a compounding pharmacy a prescription for it to be made into a liquid. It was so much easier to reduce the dose.
Annette
Australia
I was on Aropax for quite a few years for anxiety after a marriage breakup. I didn’t like it because of weight gain, and it was hard to withdraw from because of brain zaps. Last year my mother-in-law died, followed by my much loved cousin, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer before Christmas, and my mother died two days after Christmas. I felt terribly anxious and depressed, so my doctor changed me to Pristiq 50 mg. It worked well for a while until I had a meltdown with crying and high blood pressure. The dose was increased to 100 mg, and it was working okay until I forgot to take a dose one day and I started to have withdrawal symptoms by that night. …..brain zaps, weird dreams, stomach upset, sweating, lack of appetite. I am still feeling unwell two days later, even though I have taken my medication. I am exhausted. I wish I had never started it now, but it’s good to know that others have experienced similar withdrawal effects. Has anyone been admitted to hospital to withdraw off the drug? I am not sure I can do it on my own.
Carol
ontario canada
I am on week two of ‘cold turkey’ withdrawal. After reading your thoughts and experiences I am more determined than ever to beat these brain zaps and terrible side effects of withdrawal. So sad that my doc put me on this drug. I trusted him completely.
I have gained over thirty pounds and was so tired of feeling nothing. It is now time for me to grieve my losses (my son as well as my mother and father) without any prescription meds clouding my brain.
Best of luck to all of us who have become the guinea pigs for drug manufacturers. Keep posting your thoughts and feelings. You have made me realize that I am not doing this alone.
Olivia
Ontario
After the antidepressants I had been taking for 2 years lost their effectiveness, I began to slip back into a very depressed state. Desperate, I went to my doctor, who prescribed me 50mg of Pristiq. What followed next was the darkest 2 weeks of my life. Never having been suicidal, I had 2 separate attempts at ending my life during that time and was hospitalized. I was taken right off of the drug after only a week of a reduced dosage that was NOT continuously supervised by the hospital psychiatrist or family doctor. After that short but memorable experience, I suffered from severe withdrawal symptoms lasting months. (to this day)
I began experiencing symptoms I had never had before. The worst was the hallucinations, in one doctor’s words “auditory slips” (aka hearing shit), debilitating pressure headaches, paranoia, nightmares, nausea/vomiting and a never-ending brain fogginess. I honestly felt like my brain was on fire and I couldn’t function at all. Other symptoms that stayed with me were panic attacks, irritability, personality change, lethargy, hot flashes, and heart palpitations.
I have seen multiple specialists, been rediagnosed everything under the sun and I am still fighting to get some sort of understanding/relief. If I have learned anything from this experience it is to better educate and advocate for myself. I now know myself better and have learned a lot about the risks involved with antidepressants. After 6 months things are more tolerable but I am far from my normal self and still struggle tremendously with regular cognitive impairment.
Sheila
Having been diagnosed with major depression, I’ve tried many antidepressants, but only two have helped: Effexor XR and Desvenlafaxine ER. Unfortunately, my menopausal insomnia was amplified while taking Effexor XR, such that I would yawn every time I got behind the wheel – until one day I fell asleep while driving, totaling the car. Luckily, I was unscathed. I shared with my psychiatrist the weird sensation of being sleepy behind the wheel but fully alert outside the car. She told me the Effexor causes that side effect.
Obviously, I needed to be put on something else, so we went with Pristiq’s generic, Desvenlafaxine ER, which for me was totally amazing! I used to be riddled with anxiety. Poof! gone. And it did address the major depression such that I would have no suicidal thoughts and was able to function well and enjoy socially engaging. I often referred to it as a miracle drug.
BUT now I want to discontinue using Desvenlafaxine ER to see if I can lower my Blood Pressure (200/100). I’ve been taking only 25mg per day for at least one year. Unfortunately, after about 7 or 8 days of tapering with two days off and one day on, I started feeling significant side-effects. The most horrible is what people refer to as “brain zapping”, which feels like electrical charges occurring at the synapses – sometimes I don’t even have to move, so I’m guessing that these brain zaps are probably electro-chemical in nature. I am also experiencing painful muscle spasms, which I used to have before taking Desvenlafaxine, serious sinus pressure type headaches, migraine type headaches, dizziness, increased tinnitus, weird electrical/prickly sensations in the skin, overall body aches, decreased balance, and unexpected bouts of crying, which I haven’t been able to do since taking Desvenlafaxine ER.
I want to stop the Desvenlafaxine, however, I do not want these side-effects. They feel somewhat debilitating. Also, I’m hoping that my brain has been rewired well enough so I no longer need to fear the utter depths of depression. It’s starting to feel overwhelming at times, so I may try to find a tele-health psychiatrist thru my insurance. I’m worried if I don’t receive professional tapering guidance I’ll get stuck with some of these symptoms for the rest of my life.
I believe it is unconscionable to not adequately educate doctors (AND patients) about all significant aspects of medications. I wish us all the best. Be strong for yourself and for those you love.
Rena
Georgia
I have been on Pristiq for just a few weeks I hate it and want to stop it I also take Prozac. Since I have taken it such a short time could I do cold turkey
David
Alberta
I am so thankful to have found this commentary. I have been on Pristiq for about a year and half. The doctor had asked if the previous Anti-depressant was “helping” to which I said, I didn’t know. But I still experienced ongoing depression and some anxiety. (I have been on leave from my teaching career of 31 years after a horrible experience with a new administrator arriving and decimating our great little school. The journey has not been pleasant as a result. But Doctor prescribed Pristiq.
He admitted it was a new one to him and that he didn’t know a lot about it. I recently got a new doctor and she is a lot more thorough. I had been researching about Pristiq, since she has me on Wellbutrin as well. I said I had discovered some concerning possible side-effects and would like to wean from it. I began the weaning about 2 weeks ago. On her advice, I was to go to one every other day. After about a week and half, this past week, I had a very difficult period. I could not figure out why I was on the verge of tears! That is not at all usual for me. I was very down, had a constant sense of doom and fear I could not place. I knew in my mind it was irrational, yet there it was.
I have developed in recent months ongoing nagging lower back tightness and pain. I feel generally exhausted. Well… after the weaning process began, all of this has worsened. I have to nap most days for at least an hour in the afternoon. I like to read in the evenings, but fall asleep. As I saw the doctor last week on the worst day of it, she told me to stick with the every other day, and not to move yet to every third day. I went home and took one, as it was the right timing for it, and within hours felt some better emotionally at least.
This is a wicked drug. I have been on others over the years and never recall having such a withdrawal. I get brain zaps, that are like when a computer suddenly freezes and then resumes, I become very anxious, and feel like the world is collapsing around me.
Doctor mentioned we could switch to Cymbalta, but from what I have been reading, I don’t think I want that one either. I have gained some weight which is frustrating since I had worked hard a few years ago to get to the weight I wanted. I have no energy. It appears from all I have read here that this is pretty typical. I just would like to be done with this one.
I appreciate all the feedback here, and am glad I found this community for sure. Let’s hope for the best for all of us here.
Adam
Brisbane, Australia
I have been on 300mg for 4 months now with no side effects when taking it, while no positive effects of taking it either, as of yet. Forgot to take it one day a couple of weeks ago and did not experience what others in this thread had. Instead I experienced tremendous rage and aggression. I took precautions to avoid this again for the next time. Despite this I forgot again yesterday. Needless to say there are certainly withdrawal effects at this dosage including light headedness, dizziness, nausea and the most prominent of all, bordering on psychotic levels of rage.
Only reason I wrote about my experience is because I didn’t see anyone else having the same side effects as mine, though I did not see anyone on 300mg. If you forget to take this medication, and you are at work and have similar effects , I would recommend going home immediately, avoiding contact with anyone, and taking the med.
Phil
Noosa, Qld
Hi Adam,
I have just read your post on the Peoples Pharmacy . Pristiq undoubtedly has its issues and it makes me wonder how these pharmaceutical companies get licences for a drug that has extreme side effects.
After a year on Effexor, my doctor sent me to a psychiatrist who put me on Pristiq and told me to increase the dosage until it started having a positive effect. When I got to 200mg a day I decided I wouldnt increase the dosage further.
As I have had a 3 1/2 cout battle to get paid by John Holland Rail, I traveled to the UK to see some old friends. I went to get more Pristiq from the chemist, where i was advised that Prestiq is not available in the UK, but another drug called Venzip XL.
I was expecting big withdrawal symptoms as when ive travelled from the Sunny Coast to Melbourne for work, and ran out of Pristiq, the top of my brain feels woolly and i cant think straight. I dont have this with Venzip XL, but a feeling that i dont care about anything. A friend recommended a herbal drug called 5 HTP that produces Serotonin that helps me feel happier.
It might be worth discussing with your doctor.
Adam, may I wish you the best of luck.
Regards,
Phil
Holly
I had exactly the same reaction. If I notice the rage or crying, better go home and take it, then deal with people.
Sam
Have been on Pristiq for 2 yrs. I missed a dose yesterday because I am going to run out of meds before I get paid so was trying to stretch it. I was ok yesterday but feeling like crap today. When I woke up was feeling dizzy. I took my pill and am feeling worse. Nausea,dizziness, crying. I will NEVER miss a dose again am feeling really bad. Hope I feel better soon.
Lisa
Oregon.
I have been on pristique for about 4 yrs, I’ve had the same dosage for about 2 1/2 yrs 150mg daily , my insurance all of a sudden decided to need a preotherization for 1 months refill, I called my psychiatric nurse practioners office on a Monday , they were supposed to take care of this, by Thursday vertigo set in bad, as intense sweating, then I felt like a was being stabbed all over my body with millions of needles could not sleep for almost 2 days, Friday all the symptoms got 100% worse, I called my insurance and they did an override, within 6 hours I was better, Saturday evening almost normal. Still having a bit of trouble sleeping, I’m scared to death about this. Calling my Dr. To get an immediate appointment tomorrow
Jeanneen Higgins
Louisiana
I have been off Pristiq for 4 weeks now, tapering with 20 mg of Prozac.
I am experiencing skin tingling, crawling, pins and needles sensation.
Wondering if anyone else has these symptoms.
Brett
Australia
I have been using Pristiq 150mg daily for 3 years. Cold turkey past 8 days. Try to stop taking it but feel terrible. Just want to start back on it again. I have tryed tapering several times in several ways in the past. Withdrawal symptoms include sadness, random crying episodes, dizzy, blurred vision, dull mood. I have increased exercise under advise and this has helped. I try to remember how i was before starting this Pristiq and compare with withdrawal symptoms.
I think I feel better while on Pristiq than what I did before starting. But I feel terrible transititioning off this Pristiq. I have put on 15kgs in 3 years since starting Pristiq. Despite exercising 3 days a week using weights. I think Pristiq has been good for me in learning how to deal with everyday stressors differently to before I started. I think I would like to persevere in stopping this medication and see what I am like off it. And perhaps recommence on it ir something like it if I need to.
Lisa
Me too.
Ang
Australia
I have been on Pristiq 100mg for 4 years now. This is my 2nd day trying to stop without any support, cold turkey. I feel terrible, sick, dizzy, running to the bathroom with shocking diarrhoea. I am a single mum of a 13 yr-old. I feel alone and scared, but I am determined to get my self back. I have lost all connection to what was the real me on this medication. I don’t laugh. I am always flat, and I have gone from size 8 to size 14 (gaining 15 kg. I want to be off this medication, and I am not sure that I am doing the right thing trying this alone. I am wishing I never started taking them, but I did, so fingers crossed that I can cope with the next few weeks :)
Nette
Kansas
I would like to know if anyone has ever experienced the side effect of swollen submandibular glands while taking pristiq? On the neck below the jaw bone . I had a 2 week period where they were quite swollen and painful and I felt aching but no fever. Took a round of antibiotic and I suck on lemon drops and chewing gum as advised by the MD. The Dr. wasnt convinced that the pristiq was the issue . The swelling switched from one side to the other side of the neck, so I do not think it was a salivary stone. Now that I know what the feeling is when they are getting swollen, I am suspicious that it is a medication side effect . Thinking the reduction in saliva a known side effect made the salivary flow thicker and believe I have had frequent bouts of them hurting and attributed it to swollen lymph nodes . Cutting down on pristiq until you are off of it a whole other subject! I was thankful for this site that alerted me to the availability of the 25mg that are just for this reason and MANY Drs do not know about it. Switching from 50 to nothing sucked, 25mg daily for a week and then every other day is my plan. even though I loved the pristiq for controlling irritability and anxiety and focus, Ive lost my love for it due to side effects. If I figure out it isnt the problem I will probably go back on it.
I
jb01
I have been on Pristiq 50mg for a little over a year. The medication has helped me somewhat, but recently I have cleaned up my diet and made improvements to my life and I’m now at the stage now where I no longer want to rely on it to feel a standard baseline. I am in the process of tapering off Pristiq, and it’s harder than other medications because you can’t just halve the pills.
I am scheduling the coming off over at least a 2 month period, taking it 6 out of 7 days for around 2 weeks then 5 out of 7 days, 4 out of 7 days and so on. The brain zaps can be intense and leave you very disorientated or confused and irritable. But I do notice that they are particularly worse on days where I haven’t eaten as well. I really recommend anyone tapering off Pristiq to have had some time cleaning up their diet in the weeks before to lessen the withdrawl effects.
Try and eliminate starchy foods, carbs and increase your leafy green, fresh fruit and omega 3 intake. Don’t know if it will work for everybody but these things seem to have lessened the side effects for me on the days I’m not taking it.
Shannon
Florida
I recently moved out of state, and my insurance won’t cover me to get my medicine. So I quit cold turkey. I loved being on my anti- depressant/ anxiety medicine. I am trying to get it but it costs a lot of money. I am having severe withdrawal symptoms: crazy dizziness, abnormal nightmares, CRAZY depression, and suicidal thoughts. I don’t know what to do, and I will not have the money to get my next month’s worth for another week. I don’t know what to do to help my withdrawal symptoms, and I am still waiting to hear back from my doctor. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
Nette
You might try asking your Dr. to give you samples or get connected with a social services rep at a hospital that could connect you to free or reduced price medication.
Janice
Berlin, Maryland
I had been on 100 mg of Pristiq for 8 years for low-grade depression. In the beginning, I took it with Abilify as well because nothing was working for me or I couldn’t tolerate the side effects of others. Pristiq worked for me and helped me to get through some stressful family situations without becoming over-emotional and especially angry. I stopped with the Ability, as my weight was going up, and I learned some negatives about it. Lost 12 lbs. quite quickly. Over the last 5 years, I tried to decrease the dosage of Pristine, as I would start to feel my heart racing and hyper. I’d go down to 50 mg then back up to 100mg then back down again. When I learned there was a 25 mg dose, I asked my doctor if I could take a 50 and a 25. That seemed to work well for awhile. In the meantime my family’s situation has improved, and my work in my 12-step program has given me the confidence to try to come off anti-depressants altogether.
I then took 50mg for a few months, then just 25mg for about 3 months, then stopped cold turkey three weeks ago. The first 3 days were not bad, then the symptoms hit. They are tolerable and not consistent. I call it wobbly-head. Sometimes severe fatigue like I have never experienced in my life. So then I just rest, and it gets better. I’ve never had the flu, but think the aches and throbs I feel in my back especially and all-over stiffness might be flu-like symptoms. I have an appt. with my GP to make sure nothing else is going on coincidentally in a few days. Oh yes, and irritability and agitation. Why is everything on the computer so difficult to open these days, and how am I supposed to remember all these passwords. I seem to be on a different wavelength of thinking and comprehending than others. Am crying every day especially when listening to songs on the radio, which feels good to me now, as I was not able to cry about anything while on the medication. Never been a big fan of crying but it is necessary to release sad emotions. Grateful to others who shared on this site.
I recommend to others to get down to the lowest dosage for awhile before going off completely, and try to do it during a quiet time in your life, perhaps even taking a long vacation to do it if you have a demanding job. Give yourself a break if at all possible. I have also been bathing my brain in healthy fats, avocado, fish oil capsules, vitamin B capsules, vitamin D and trying, but not succeeding, to stay away from sugar. That’s my next mission and so important to brain health, but first things first. I think maybe my cravings for sweets increased during withdrawal from Pristine. So don’t have any around and perhaps find one somewhat heathy sweet to tide you over so you don’t binge. Eat lots of leafy greens, lean protein, and drink lots of water. Blessings to all!
loong
sydney, NEW SOUTH WALES
My wife passed away and I was in grief. My GP and a psychologist were treating me and the psychologist felt that I should have medication and was referred to a psychiatrist. I was prescribed 50 mg Pristiq in July 2017. I told the Psychiatrist I was unable to sleep and felt a loss of energy and in August, it went to 100mg Pristiq and 15mg Avanza. I became more and more tired and felt a total lack of energy and was having strange dreams and by the end of October, was taking 200mg Pristiq and 45mg Avanza despite me telling the psy that I was disorientated, having weird dreams and feeling totally drained and fatigued.
At no time were I told of any side effects as I had told the psy that Zoloft and I do not get along when he first suggested that as a course of treatment. I was now having strange dreams, shivering at night and cold sweat was becoming a normal occurrence. I saw the psy every month and in late January, it became extremely bad and in my February 2018 meeting with him, after another horrendous night, I told him it was the Pristiq making me worse. He was resistant to the idea and said that the drugs would need some time to be efficacious. After a few more days of ‘hell’, I saw him again and he recommended a steeping down to 150mg and then as it goes. I did not tell him that I wanted it to stop and about ten days ago, I stopped Pristiq altogether , scaled Avanza back to 15mg. I was still having cold sweat, developed flu like symptoms but continued with my cold turkey approach. I feel less tired, and although the flu-like symptoms still persist, I feel more energized.
I really think over prescription is a problem. In July 2017, I was able to walk my dogs but after August, was so tired that dog walking became impossible. Pristiq side effects must be made known to the patient, including its withdrawal effects. I would like to see a larger group of us supporting each other. I don’t know how my grief became transformed into a depression management problem and with horrible side effects. For those of you still struggling out there, be strong , stay strong and the psy is not always rights. Cheers and regards
BPF
New South Wales Northern Rivers
I’ve read many posts on antidepressants and the problems they have caused. As a Vietnam veteran with a few problems I was put on on 400 mg a day of Effector and was switched to 200 mg Pristique when the psychiatrist thought it may be better. In all I was on antidepressants for nearly 4 years. I was miserable.
I was experiencing the side effects to where I couldn’t function. Life had to be better, so I weaned myself of them by escaping to overseas back packing and taking charge again. I completely changed my diet to healthy options, no processed food. Exercise and heavy intake of the B vitamins as well as sun, etc. Been a while but worth it. I take care of myself with actively looking forward to days ahead, exercise etc. It is not easy to get off these things, and the medical profession is tuned in to making it easy to subscribe to their insistence that only drugs will do it. I was once on 10 different drugs for problems. I now take none. I hope this will help someone to realise that life is worth living and self controlling one’s life is a buzz.
Amanda
Sacramento CA
Does anyone have experience with altering their desvenlafaxine tablets? Does anyone know what to expect about how long the brain zaps, sensory, crying and anxiety withdrawal symptoms will last when weaning off?
My last dose was 50 mg once a day, and am now having withdrawal symptoms. I read online that if I cut the 50 mg pill in half or have a compounding pharmacy pulverize the tablets and make smaller doses for me, the pill’s structure and integrity are changed, and will likely cause discontinuation syndrome symptoms. Well I’m already having those symptoms in droves after three days after my last dose. I couldn’t go to work today, and am worried about how long I’ll be so incapacitated.
With doc’s supervision, I reduced my dose by 50 mg every two weeks with absolutely no side effects until three days after the last 50 mg dose.
Sheri
Atlanta
I’m weaning off pristiq under my dr care. I was on 100 mg and she introduced Prozac 10 mg. It is not a pleasant experience it’s been weeks. I had a week of nauseau, vomiting, dizziness, and the headache persisted. She added 10 more mg of Prozac to stop headaches and that helped. I have stiff neck, crying everyday, feel out of it. So agitated I needed to up my klonopin. I have anxiety and OCD health anxiety. You can only imagine what I’m thinking as all these things happen. I’m now on 50 mg of pristiq and 20 Prozac. Changing psychiatrists. This is horrible. I feel out of it. No motivation. I will say exercise has been key in helping. This is a nightmare! I am hoping my new psychiatrist who is renown will get me off once and for all and back to Prozac. Good luck to all. It’s quite the journey we all have to take and no one quite understands.
Glenda
Rowville
I’ve been taking 200mg a day for what seems like years. I’m emotionally numb, except for sadness, feeling useless, and hating myself. I know not to stop cold turkey on the meds and have heard it’s horrid, and with my high dose am nervous. I have been on antidepressants for nearly 40 years. I have no quality of life and am struggling just to leave the house. Also weight gain has been a real downer, the biggest ever in my life (59 years). Any help or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Your posts are interesting and the best I’ve seen, best of luck to you all.
Jill
St. Louis
So thankful I found this site and all of your comments. I have been experiencing all of these same symptoms. Although, I’m not sure about the “brain zaps”. I do have a weird sound that, after hearing that term,is a good description. I wonder if that’s the same thing?
Hmm..anyway, after reading all of these comments I no longer feel like I’m going insane. Which, is truly what I thought was happening. And I feel like maybe I can handle what is happening to my body a little better knowing that it is temporary. Uuuhhhggg…hopefully not much longer. Good luck to all who are dealing with this. It sure is a trying time.
LD
Canada
I am going through withdrawals of Pristiq, as I write this. I have been on depression medication since my daughter was 9 mos. old. She is now 19. I started with Prozac and progressed through 5 or 6 different medications through the years. I am presently taking 100mg of Pristiq, which I stopped abruptly 4 days ago. I was at work and felt ill in the morning, 6 days ago. I went to emerg, and found out that I had pneumonia, yet again. I had a hospital stay this past August, for 3 days, for severe pneumonia. I am now feeling the brain zaps, I’ve had an INSANE migraine, the muscles in the back of my neck are extremely tight, I’ve had insomnia like crazy, the uncontrollable crying, etc.
I have been reading a lot of comments left by others, and actually looked up more information on this drug. I suddenly realized that this drug may well have been the cause of my pneumonia, which I had a first bout of, about 13 years ago. I feel so stupid now, not taking the time to actually find out the “ins and outs” of antidepressants. I just told the doctors what I was feeling, they prescribed a drug and dosage, I took it in hopes that it would help, and that was the end of it.
If you take nothing else away from all of these personal comments, please take this one SIMPLE suggestion. When you are prescribed an antidepressant, PLEASE do your research, and read the paperwork that comes with your prescription from the pharmacy! Also, pay close attention as to how the drug is affecting your body, because it could be a detriment to your health, if you don’t. I will continue to put up with the brain zaps, and the rest of the withdrawal symptoms that I am going through right now, because I want my life back. For so many years, I have missed so much of my life because of “walking around like a zombie”, “not feeling emotional when I know I should”.
I am not saying that this is a good or bad drug, I just know how it is affecting my own life, and I am, quite frankly, tired of it. I will inform my doctor, of course, but this is a personal quest that I am on, and I hope to have success so that I don’t have to rely on antidepressants any longer. This may not have been a good idea for me to do, but having pneumonia, I just felt that I have enough medications in my body, and with the sickness, have not been “in my right mind.”
Thank you to all of you who have shared your thoughts, etc. It helped me to know that I am not alone in what I am feeling, and it was also informative, as before today, I didn’t know about the “brain zaps”. Take care, and be well.
Rachel
Florida
I’ve been on pristiq, twice. Once for anxiety; once as an add-on to control seizures (I have a brain cavernoma in the area that affects anxiety). I will never use this medication again.
My first time getting off of pristiq was after about 3 years of use at 50 mg. I chose to cut the meds, and experienced severe (undiagnosed) focal partial seizures/brain zaps for about 3 weeks. My experience may be unique in that I do have a seizure disorder. Pristiq causes seizures, and did with me, during the withdrawal phase. (I also had seizures once in awhile while on the meds, but the seizures were not yet diagnosed).
My second time getting off of pristiq (25 mg) was after being on it for 3 months. Recent treatment for seizures may include adding an anti-depressant/mood stabilizer to minimize the seizures. I am also unique in that my seizures may be caused by my brain cavernoma (known to bleed and cause seizures; it has done both in my case). With one seizure medication (zonisamide), pristiq didn’t mix well…with another seizure medication (oxcarbazepine), it did fine. However, now that I am tapering off of the pristiq (I switched to venlafaxine 37.5 mg) I am experiencing withdrawal and a return of the seizure symptoms (so I am again not sure if my seizure meds are working or if it is the withdrawal from pristiq/venlafaxine). I chose to stop the pristiq because it wasn’t helpful, and I was concerned about getting off it (I hadn’t realized all forms of pristiq are xr, which means you can’t get off of it safely/without experiencing some kind of withdrawal symptoms). I hate it, I hate it, I HATE IT!!!
Regardless of the cause or correlation, I will never use pristiq/venlafaxine again. The withdrawal exacerbates my seizure symptoms and it is horrible. During withdrawal, I have experienced vertigo(not the same as dizziness), nausea, brain zaps (seizures in my case)…even though I have tapered slowly. I wish I had never agreed to use pristiq again. Erroneously, I thought pristiq was not extended release, but all forms of it are. You cannot get off of it without withdrawal or needing to switch to another medication that you can safely cut…but you’re likely going to experience withdrawal. It completely sucks!
FYI – prior to tapering off of my 2nd use of pristiq, I contacted the manufacturer to get tapering instructions. They had NONE. It was not helpful and now they try to contact me to “get more information about my adverse side effects,” since i mentioned that I had cut the pills in the past and experienced increased seizure activity. I already reported it, but don’t want to offer any more information. It feels like an invasion of my privacy, rather than a legitimate gathering of information for helpful use.
Raziel
Israel
Currently coming off 50 MGs been on for two years. I’d like to add my perspective, currently experiencing some discomfort.
I say to the Brain: My Brain, My Brain, My Beautiful Brain, my source of comfort and familiarity you run my body so precisely at every moment I’m forever grateful.
However in days passed we wondered off the path of positive thought and we imagined dogmatic realities and envisioned danger around every corner, the curse of the imagination took hold and depressed our natural zest and curiosity for life, and we needed some physical assistance to create the serotonin you so cherish.
Today we know better, we no longer fall in to the trap of the evil inclination the imagination who makes us assume the worst at every turn, we can tell what’s real and here and now, from what’s not real and only exists in our mind, and we are therefore ready to take back control of our serotonin production.
There is a however a necessary period of adjustment, and you, my strong capable Brain, will be at the forefront of it. We can do this together my beloved Brain, let’s not resist the change taking place within us, let’s welcome it, this is the door to our healthy future if we keep faith in one another we can beet this for sure. I will make everything in my life secondary to you my Brain in these few days where you need all my attention. I will rest if you want me to rest, work if you want me to work, be social or alone as you please, we will accept this transition together because we know it’s best for us in the long run and we will enjoy the rest of eternity in freedom together.
Cathy
NZ
Such a wonderful help, thank you for sharing this. Day 2 stopping cold turkey 100mg, after 1yr. Im finding the withdrawal symptoms interesting rather than horrible. Actually very similar to the initial side effects when I began taking pristiq. I can hear my neck when it turns (bizzare), feel disassociated from the world, kind of vertigo, calm, very vivid interesting dreams, a little tense.
I came off these tablets only as I was experiencing jaw tightness and teeth clenching ever since starting them (that was horrible), otherwise they have really helped me to become ‘chill’, they stopped my overthinking, anxiety and feeling ‘crazy’. They gave me the opportunity to get my diet healthy, life balanced, I now meditate to relax and hope these changes are enough to continue my progress.
I know the advice is not to stop suddenly however I want to get the withdrawals over and done with. I do not suffer depression so am not concerned about suicidal thoughts appearing etc, I am reading articles so I am informed about what to expect and of course am monitoring myself very carefully with a pristiq handy in my pocket just in case things become ‘crazy’. If this happens I will be off to the dr to get a 50ml prescription to wean off more gradually. For now though feeling positive and looking after myself.
Cathy
NZ
Day 6, I am pretty much through the withdrawal symptoms I think. Cold turkey from 100mg for a year. Raziel’s comments were so helpful and I used his approach. The withdrawals did increase the worst being constant nausea, vertigo / dizziness and internal noises such as hearing my head turn. I took care of myself, flooded my body with good things, veges, fruit, rest when required. I found taking fexotab antihistamine and panadol really helped with the nausea and flu like symptoms and I took vitamins, magnesium and berocca. I had a coffee in the mornings and one beer each day in the weekend which seemed to help relax me. Went to sleep listening to guided meditations and I woke with 3am insomnia so listened again and went back to sleep.
I assured my body and brain it knew how to get through this and that I would listen. That my body was clear of the meds. It was so good to read forums such as this and to know what to expect and when things came up such as backache – I knew it was just a symptom. I’ve been working and having no major issues after the medication got our of my system. My whites of my eyes are becoming white again, I have had fits of giggles and felt emotional, teary but happy teary. Nice to be feeling again. The one thing I was scared of was irrational anger outbursts people had mentioned but, fingers crossed, it hasn’t happened.
I feel empowered and positive, no mood swings just feel good. I usually eat low carb but had a birthday and treated myself to chocolates, licorice, chinese and sent nurturing thoughts to myself. Not the time to worry about weight. Its nurture time – although i have learnt putting good things into my body supports my overall positive health and even moods. Anyway I think I’m through this – don’t see me ever going on meds again. I love being free! I will definitely look at natural alternatives in the future if my anxiety, depression symptoms return. Stay strong everyone! You can do it! Sending hugs. Will update if it changes.
CP
Delaware
Cathy,
Thanks for your post, its encouraging. We are now into December, I am wondering how you are feeling. I have done extensive research on Pristiq. I have been on the drug for over 3 years, originally for seasonal affective disorder and generalized anxiety. It did wonders for both, however, about a month ago, I started to feel overwhelmingly energized, which appears to have been a form of “adrenal fatigue” and so I have made the decision to quit.
The only empirical evidence I could find showed a minimized of side effects with one week of 25 mg then nothing. However, when I tried this approach…..I did 7 days of 25 mg….it did not work. Today I took nothing (0 mg).
Today, I feel light-headed, dizzy, and a little spacey (almost out-of-body). It is sure hard to function. Whats amazing is how challenging this is. I am hopeful it will get better in a week or so as this is the second try at weaning off, the first I couldn’t take the discontinuation syndrome any more.
I will keep everyone posted.
Jessie
D.C.
Thank you Kathy. I have been on 100 mg for 6 mo. and I am quitting cold turkey as well. Day 5 and I feel like I can manage this. We’ll see. Thank you fro sharing, it is giving me hope I can do this on my own.
Holly
Michigan
This is the single most helpful thing I have read in two weeks regarding withdrawal from Pristiq! I will print it out, put it at my bedside, and use it as my mantra over the next few weeks.
Our bodies are amazing, and if we treat them with love and respect, encouraging our brain and body to heal together, we can get thru the incredibly disabling effects of withdrawal.
That being said, I was prescribed Effexor two years ago, when I turned 50. I began having severe hot-flashes as early menopause set in. My physician, who I have a deep respect and admiration for, said “I know exactly what will help”. She was right, the hot-flashes stopped immediately, but over time I became “flat” and fat! No emotion and hungry all of the time.
I am powering thru the withdrawal, no advice to offer on tapering etc, except to say try to find a practitioner who gets it and can help.
My big concern is that well-meaning, intelligent, caring physicians are prescribing this without any idea of how horrible it can be to discontinue. It’s bad enough when prescribed for depression, let alone for short-term, off-label use.
Peace and strength to all of you!
Michele
Australia
How did you go with withdrawal?
I’ve been taking pristique for years for anxiety which I controlled since 8 years old with occasional use of valium. Drs don’t like to prescribe valium so I started pristique. But I feel it is slowly making me depressive and want to come off it. I tried a few years ago to wean off but the show effects are awful.
Michele
Sandra
Brisbane Australia
Raziel you inspire me and my brain.
I have been on prestique 50 and want to come off. The doctor advised me to cut the pills in half. I did this for three days and it was an absolute disaster.
I suffered periods of highs and lows, Cronic diahorea which lasted a week and stomach pains, I have crazy dreams which made me scream out and my head felt like it was in a vice and being twisted off my shoulders and a heavy anxiety in my chest with heavy sweating.
Last night I vowed never to take it again if coming off it could cause all this. I made peace with my brain and like Raziel coached myself to do this cold turkey as it could not possibly be a worse period in my life than the reasons I went on prestique initially.
While I was on it I have to say it was very helpful.
I live in Australia and we don’t have 25’s unfortunately
Jill
St. Louis
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Such positive words and advice!
Gayle
Connecticut
I’ve been on pristiq for seven years. Dr told me to go down to 25 mil from 50 then stop I couldn’t function so I cut the 25 tablet in half for two weeks and then stopped !
It is day 4 and I am suffering with brain and eye zaps, tiredness, nausea,diarrhea, itchy skin, vivid dreams and I’m extremely emotional just feel achy all over and I have dizziness and leg cramps and feel like I have the flu! I am wondering how long this will last and if there’s anything I can do to feel better.
Paul
Perth
I have been on Pristiq for 6 years 100 mg per day. I suffered depression due to work/ family stress and having been involved in counselling for the past 2 years do not want to continue on the Pristiq, as I believe the depresion and anxiety were due to false belief systems (thinking). I have been taking 100 mg every second day for 2 weeks & am know into 3rd week where I am moving to taking 100mg every third day.
Can appreciate all that has been said. Crying for no reason, cracking headaches, dizzy, nausea, having been sleeping fine but my arms ache like crazy, can hardly move y fingers by morning. Feeling really positive though and a bit more clarity to my thoughts! My Dr some years ago told me to cut them but I thought I”d try this way to give them the flick.
Belinda
Victoria
I have been taking Pristiq since it was first released in Australia {not sure when, have lost track} My GP prescribed Pristiq after diagnosing me with severe depression and anxiety. I was started on a relatively low dose which over time was increased to 150mg per day. After being diagnosed with diabetes recently, I decided to review my medications with my GP {different doc to the one who first prescribed Pristiq}.
I have been weaning myself off Pristiq, with my GP’s support and have now been off them for a couple of weeks. In the last 2 years I have gained a LOT of weight, have had massive sleep issues from total insomnia to just wanting to sleep all the time.
I don’t know what is next but I wish the brain zaps would stop. When I turn my head, it feels like my head stops moving but my brain keeps going. Sick of being medicated for depression but not sure what to do now.
Michele
KY
I am sorry I don’t have a success story (yet) to report, but wanted to share my story. I was taking 50 mg Pristiq daily. A naturopath tried to wean me off and told me to cut the pills in half. NO!
As you know, the Pristiq label says no cutting. They are time release so this give you a big dose al at once. Yikes! I was feeling bad overall, but my BP spiked to 140s/150s over 90/100s.
I am currently on a BP med for the forst time in my life at age 46. My doctor put me on Pristiq 25 mg and I am in no hurry to wean off of that. This is very scary.
Shauna
Ft. Worth, TX
Well I was on Pistiq 100mg for at least 6 months; and then they randomly came out with a generic, which weirdly was almost just as expensive. My doctor gave me this medicine in case I wanted to stop it, because he knows I adjust mine too as I see fit if I do not like some side effects, and he trusts me to do so. Well, after I started the generic, I started waking up with the big toe on my right foot being numb. I didn’t think much of it, but did realize it spread to the other foot, and if I had been lying down too long my whole body would suffer the ‘brain zaps’. I did not know what to even call them until this website.
I ran out of my medicine a week ago, so I believe I am at the end of day 6 or so. The brain zaps have decreased thankfully, although if I look out the side of my eye it can still happen. Luckily the feeling in my toes came back too! What I’m having an awful time with now is horrible sleep paralysis as I’m trying to fall asleep. It is not a one time thing either, it is multiple times and lasts for minutes. It is sad when you don’t want to try to go to sleep because of what it will do :/ So positives are, the brain zaps are definitely going away! Also I am not running around all the time forgetting what I’m doing and saying to myself ‘I’m loosing my mind’. Also, I have no more numbness in my toes!
Negatives: Is anyone experiencing this horrible sleep paralysis along with nightmares? I do not know why he recommended this one as an easy one to come off if I wanted. Stay strong everyone, I’m praying for a better tomorrow for everyone struggling with this!
Marie Lou
Puerto POllensa Mallorca Spain
I was so horrified by what I have read here I decided to NOT take Pristiq anymore, after only 2 days.
Obviously my doc lied too- I would not feel bad neither starting or laying off the medicine.
OK, so I have had a depression for umpteen years, down and listless and no energy.But I have never felt as bad as I have these 2 days of taking Pristic. Days! Surely I can just stop, without getting these awful effects???? or are 2 days enough to feel even more like hell? So glad I found this forum, will try registering. ML80
Gillian
Sydney
Hi, My name is Gill, I am presently undergoing, coming off Pristiq. I have been on just about every anti depressant there is. I am diagnosed with bi-polar and depression/anxiety. Recently I was in hospital and came off pristique over 2days, my doctor was going to put me on Cymbalta.
I read up about Cymbalta and was horrified at what I saw. So I asked if I could come off my anti depressant as a trial, as I actually felt my mood was lifted.
I have stopped taking Pristique now for two weeks, it is a nightmare. I am irritable,very sweaty, blood pressure has sky rocketed, unfortunately I smoke which doesn’t help. And they think I am hormonal? Maybe I am!
But I feel drowsy most afternoons and am tempted to take Valium to help me to cope. I get so confused with all the drugs. Who’s telling the truth???
Mary
St.Louis
I went off cymbalta in 2010 and just happened to be taking Sudafed for sinus problems. I noticed my brain zaps and dizziness went away or were decreased when taking the Sudafed. I talked with my pharmacist at the time and the only concern was having high blood pressure if I took it all the time. I continued to take it if I was at work and like I said it made a world of difference. Hopefully this can help others but ask your doctor first.
Tamara
Brisbane Australia
I am four days post my final dose of 50mg Pristiq which I had been tapering off from. Yes these side effects suck and I went searching the web to try and find success stories to give me the power to press on. It’s easy to find people having a tough time coming off the drug but no one seems to write how and WHEN they finally beat it. Sharing that side of your story might actually help others see a light at the end of the tunnel..
Lyndal
Brisbane
Hi I was wondering how you went? Did the sudafed keep helping? And are you completely weaned off now?
Karen
San Francisco, CA
I was taking Lexapro but had awful side effects and I didn’t feel any relief from taking it. So, my doctor switched me to Pristiq and I took one pill today but after reading these posts I’m not going to take any more. Can anyone share their success story with an alternative anti-depressant?
Wanda
Pa.
Pristiq is a nightmare. I’ve only been on it a month and, like everyone else, I have nauseous stomach and vomiting, sweating is terrible, and don’t want to eat. I want to get off it so I stopped and started to take my old one which is Lexapro. Was in hospital twice for the sweating, sickness and dizziness. They thought it might be my heart but ran a battery of test, and heart looks good. Pristiq shouldn’t be prescribed to any human. I’m scared of the side effects of getting off it but I need to.
Heather
NC
I chose to switch from Pristiq to Latuda. I haven’t felt like the Pristiq has done much of anything for me, and my husband agrees. I’ve also gained 10lbs since I started taking it about 8 months ago. Prior to the Pristiq, I was on Celexa, but it was making me have issues with separating dreams from reality, and it was really freaking me out. I took 25mg of Pristiq a day for 2 weeks. This week, I’m taking 25mg every other day.
It is TRULY a struggle. I feel dizzy, foggy and exhausted. My vision seems cloudy. The brain zaps are constant, and sometimes it feels like my entire brain is going “waaah waaaah waaaah”, almost like it’s expanding and contracting (though I know it isn’t). I’m having really stressful, vivid dreams. I’m depressed, hopeless, and easily angered/agitated by my husband and kids. I’m getting nothing done at work. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, but I definitely feel like crap. I’ll continue taking a pill every other day this week and next week, then I’m supposed to stop taking them and take the Latuda. I’m definitely really nervous about it.
Anthony
Perth
I was only on Pristiq for about 3 weeks, persuaded by my doctor. I didn’t like what it was doing to my moods. Also insomnia and nausea were creeping in. I didn’t think after so little time that coming off these pills would be so debilitating. Intense nausea, dizziness, headaches, weird vivid dreams and brain zaps. Without my wife and my faith I would be really struggling. It’s been six days of complete debilitation. I hope it ends soon, and I can get back to normality.
R
North Carolina
I think the “weaning off” only extends the issues and difficulty in getting off of it. I am on day 9 of cold turkey….. it has been hell, I will never go back!
shar
victoria australia
I told my doctor that I wanted to come off Pristiq. He told me that taking 10 mls of Paxal would help.
I stopped Pristiq last thursday and started on paxal on Saturday….. I highly recommend that if you want to start pristiq DO NOT ….I started getting panic attacks after the sudden death of my husband ….then 3 mths later the tragic death of my baby grandson…..i am also a carer for a chronically ill daughter so have a lot of stress I found that weight was just creeping on me regardless of the ammount of exercise or the ammount of food i ate…… then their were the aches and muscle pains and in my joints.
I had scans and MRIs that showed nothing, then there was the dullness it was like I was on a 7 second delay as my daughter is very sick I need to have my wits about me, since stopping and start taking Paxil the withdrawal symptoms have dominated my day and night bran Zaps upset tummies sleeplessness today is day 6 the brain zaps have receded and I even felt confidant enough to drive the car…. also the muscle and joint pains stopped within 2 days. Good luck everyone dont forget to ask God for help.
Aidan
Newcastle, Australia
I would like to know if anyone has used pot or has any thoughts on using pot to alleviate the withdrawal from Pristiq?
I was prescribed pristiq 50mg two years ago for depression and stress. A year later I went up to 100mg. And since then I feel worse than when I was on the smaller dose. I’m getting more frequent brain zaps even less than 24hrs since taking a dose. I’m really irritated and constantly snapping at my wife and two younger kids. I’m 31, male, reasonably fit though I don’t exercise and vegetarian. I should not and don’t want to be on this anymore.
But back to the question. Medicinal marjauna is not available in nsw Australia so I would need to catch up with an old friend, but I would like to know opinions on using it. I think I want to start splitting the tablets each fortnight until I get to zero so maybe pot could help with sleeping and brain zaps??
Hannah
08857
Yes, it helps IMMENSELY. I have been on and off of this medication since it first came out. They upped my dosage to 100mgs a few months ago. I forgot my meds on a 2 day trip out of state and it was as if I just woke up. I started realizing I was so numb to the world, I was just going through the motions of being alive (…work, home, bed, work, home, bed..) I smoke and my anxieties and symptoms completely disappear.
Barbara
Pennsylvania
Has anyone else experienced hives when they tapered off Prestiq?
Miserable
Lucy
Virginia YSA
I’ve had terrible hives
Lorraine
okanagan BC
I was prescribed a prescription for Pristiq today and now that I have read peoples posts, I am not going to take it! thank you for sharing your experiences – you have helped me and others by being honest and taking the time to write down your experiences.
Megan
Melbourne
My doctor just put me on 50mg per day …. I am suffering really bad mood swings and severe depression … after reading about the brain zaps ect I am really scared to continue with this …. but i feel i have no choice because of my chemical inbalance
Bill
Melbourne
Megan, the idea that psychiatric conditions are caused by a “chemical imbalance” is largely a myth (there are a few exceptions like thyroid conditions). So I do not think that feeling compelled to take medications to treat a non existent chemical imbalance is a good reason.
As a rule antidepressants are not much stronger that placebo for depression.
Kaine
NSW
These comments have been a very helpful and encouraging read. I’ve been gradually weaning myself off Pristiq with lower doses over the last couple of months, and I’m 3 days into no Pristiq. I thought it was time to move off it, my personal circumstances have improved and I’ve been exercising pretty consistently for the last 6 months.
However even with the warnings, I wasn’t really prepared for how I would feel after coming off it completely – even going from a low dose to no dose, the side effects feel much much stronger than when I was just lowering the dosage. I have very strong feelings of vertigo and I don’t trust my balance – which is my main concern at the moment as I don’t feel safe exercising. I find it currently difficult to get comfortable lying down initially and when I sleep I have nightmares that are vivid and generally terrifying.
I thought I would be okay to go to work whilst coming off Pristiq, but I’m not convinced now that I can do it. I’m not sure what I’d do if I did stay home though, because I don’t currently feel very good lying down. Being aware of the side effects and the knowledge that they do go away eventually is a comfort though – I’m very keen to kick this Pristiq habit.
Amanda
Cal
My doctor stopped Pristiq and gave me Zoloft without any titrating down of the Pristiq or titrating up of the Zoloft that was on last Monday this is a week later. I have felt like I’m having a nervous breakdown. Crying, feeling hopeless. Will this subside?
Tawny
Arizona
How are you doing now?
Annie
Sydney, Australia
Did some research on compounding of medications and phoned a nearby compounding pharmacy this morning. The pharmacist said that they will do Pristiq in smaller doses – 40, 30, 25 mg right down to 5mg !! It does cost more for this service: AUD$50 for two weeks supply of 25 mg, for example, but that is great news for people wanting to titrate down from this drug. I would encourage others to check out what is available in their area in terms of getting a custom compounded dose so that the process of getting off Pristiq is not so horrible !! Peace n’love to all.
HiHopes62
Georgia
I have been on Pristiq 100mg for almost 5 yrs I think. Suddenly my insurance decided to not cover my prescription. I have tried other meds, but had allergic reactions. So needless to say, while waiting on all the appeal paperwork to go through, I ran out and have gone cold turky for 5 days. I have awful sweating, jitters, slight vision distoortions and slight dizziness. Each day gets better. The best thing is that the brain fog is gone, I have more energy and can “feel” again! I realize it will take me some time to get this out of my system. Hope it will get better..
roxanne
australia
i have stopped taking prestiq for nearly a week . I only weaned off for a week before stopping completely. withdrawal symptoms are maddening. as it’s nearly a week I don’t want to start again. is this sensible. regards Roxanne
Andrew
Nsw
Good on you.
I was on Effexor for over 10 years with the dosage slowly increasing over time to have any effectiveness then a shrink put me on Pristiq and the same thing is happening now having to increase dosage to have any effect. In the process my life has deteriorated resulting in the loss of my job and destruction of family life.
I know that the only time I can reduce my dosage is when I can maintain a good exercise program to force my body to produce its own chemistry. Otherwise I am in a fog and struggle to get going. I hope I can kick this dreadful drug but in the mean time I have been trying to find out if there is a class action here in Australia.
Caroline
Melbourne, Australia
I would be interested in connecting with anyone who has been at the debilitating impact of being prescribed Pristiq & feels, as I do that we have grounds for a class action.
I was on 100mg of Pristiq for five years. In that time, my life also imploded. I lost my sense of judgement and my emotional capacity to feel anything. I was so numb I began to socially isolate. This exacerbated my mental health issues to the extent that I just wanted to stop living. The concerns associated with ending up in a state of severe anxiety/agetation/ numbness/insomnia/significant weight gain/ debilitating fatigue/brain fog & muscle pain left me feeling so desperate that I ended up being accepted as an inpatient at a top Private Mental Health Clinic in Melbourne. Once there, my case was reviewed by the Professor of Psychiatry and one of the treating psychiatrists.
They both failed to advise me of the impacts of going of this drug cold turkey or not nor did they provide me with a manageable treatment plan for detoxing from Pristiq. I feel like I am in purgatory. My muscles are screaming with pain. I have electric like shocks from poor withdrawal plan, I’m discombobulated, hyper anxious and terrified by my dreams as well as by my reality. I could not even find the strength to change my bed sheets today. I am so fatigued, I cannot even find the strength to cut up a piece of fruit!
I agree with a previous contributor that giving up smoking was a walk in the park compared to this hellish suite of effects.
It seems entirely unacceptable to find ourselves suffering so severely- without prior warning of the long and short term side effect of using this drug to combat depression. Moreover, it is cruel and irresponsible not to advise consumers before they become dependent on Pristiq of the implications associated with withdrawing from this evil numb inducing drug.
I am seven weeks in and feel like I’m rotting away due to aforementioned experiences and poor medical advise – in my case, issued via treatment as an in & out patient at a psychiatric clinic.
Joanne
Sydney NSW
Omg there should be a class action. This is a nightmare. My doctor nagged me to start on it for menopause problems and assured me that I can quit cold turkey when no longer needed…LIAR…HE LIED TO ME. Bloody clerical worker for Pfizer writing out their scripts that’s all he is.
lona
OH
Roxanne, How are you doing now? I am about 1.5 weeks in after going cold turkey because I ran out and didn’t want to pay for prescription again due to cost with deductible renewing. I am curious how your journey has been in recent days. Thanks for sharing.
Ann
Just to add to my previous post. I went down from 200mgs of Pristiq to 0 in a week. It was ok until I hit the 0 mark and then the emotions went crazy.
My legs keep cramping badly during the night, I don’t want to sleep because I’m haunted by nightmares every night. I had severe itchiness which let to me bleeding from scratching so much. My tinnitus is worse than usual, the brain zaps are going but I’ve been told it could take months for the symptoms and brain fog to go away.
Also found out lucky me, I’ve been misdiagnosed for 20 plus years. I’m bi-polar so every time they pumped more anti-d’s into me it make me manic then crash and burn leading to a higher dose of anti-d’s and the cycle continued.
Katie
I don’t typically write on these forums but I recently discontinued taking Pristiq and during the first few days free of the medication, I was desperately searching for a hopeful post, which I hardly came by! I was sure that I would spend the next few weeks as miserable as I felt at the time! I was feeling really discouraged and contemplated going back, but was determined to push through, and I did!!
I was on Pristiq 100mg for almost 2 years and decided that the tough time in my life when I started taking it had passed and it was now time to stop. It was a hard decision that I put off foe months solely because I didn’t want to go through the withdrawals. I began splitting my 100mg into quarters, i know you’re not “supposed” to do this, but I did and didn’t have any issues. I took 3/4 pill (75mg) for 2 weeks then, 1/2 (50mg) for two weeks, then 1/4 for 3 weeks and decided I was ready to stop completely so I did. The first 2-3 days were a piece of cake.
Only a few brain zaps and dizziness but nothing I couldn’t manage. Day 4-5 were the days I felt the worst! I was dizzy, moody, headache, really sick to my stomach, horrible night sweats and bad dreams, needless to say I hardly slept that week! Lack of sleep may have had a huge part in why I felt so crappy! Days 4 and 5 were the days I searched for hope it wouldn’t last long and never found anything saying it wouldn’t last long. Most of what I found were horror stories!
That is who I am writing this now. To give hope to anyone needing it! On day 6, it felt like I woke up in a whole different world!! I felt amazing and it was then that I began to realize the foggy cloud Pristiq had held over me for nearly 2 years!! I’m glad the medication was there when I needed it, because there was a time that I REALLY did, but my advice would be not to take it any longer than you NEED to. I’m on day 12 and still feel great! Just remember to tapper of, don’t rush it and remember you won’t feel the withdraws forever!! You can do it! Just hang I there!
Andrew
Yes I was the same. Misdiagnosed but even then I think I could have been better off if I changed my life style rather than going on the spiral I have been down. I have suffered massive muscular cramps from being on Effexor and as a result tore the ligaments in my feet and spent a fortune on physio and massage therapy to overcome it.
Rhonda
Australia
Hi thanks for posting and I am amazed at the side effects this drug has. I’ve been wanting to get off it for awhile now as I had worked out it was the drug making me feel suicidual (it’s supposed to help, not encourage). So I’m reducing it each week by days eg miss one day then two until it’s reduced to nil. Reading all the other posts now explains the nightmare sweats tinnitus jitters foggyness I’ve been having. However I don’t understand brain zaps could someone explain this please and thank you for the posts it’s really helped me…
Heather
NC
Are you familiar with 9-volt batteries? The square shaped ones? Have you ever stuck your tongue on the battery and felt the little electric shock it produces? To me, this is what a brain zap feels like.
Susan
Australia
Thank you Kate for writing I have had all the withdrawals you have and was getting concerned I am up to day 6 so hopefully I too will wake up good. Susan
Joanne
Sydney Australia
Thank you so much for this post. It has given me hope to seriously tackle my withdrawal plan. So many horror stories and my previous failed attempts at cold turkey have put me off but I am now going to try again and taper off thanks to your positive post!
Tawny
Arizona
Thank you Katie! I’m scared to go from 25mg to 0mg. Your post gives me hope!
Robyn
Perth
Hi Kate thanks for sharing. I habe been on Anti Depressants for 18 years…I can’t believe it. Changed to Pristique about years….and have many times tried to get off it. I am going into Hospital next week to go cold turkey so scared..but I know I will get there and you have given me hope thankyou.
Lyndal
Hi katie, I’m tapering at the moment and the withdrawals are horrible but reading your story has helped me to know that I will be ok eventually. Thank you
Ann
NSW
I’ve been on 200 mgs of Pristiq for around 6 years. I was previously on Zoloft and after 10 years it just stopped working. The doctors then tried multiple others before I ended up on Pristiq.
I know this day was coming and boy has it hit these last 4 days. It seems Pristiq has stopped working, I’m literally going crazy with my thoughts, anxiety, fear, depression. Leg cramps, nausea, brain zaps and I haven’t even started the withdrawal. I’m going into hospital for that and to change back to Zoloft and be reassessed.
I’m so scared, last time I was in and out of hospital for 6 months of a year and then it still took time to find the correct med. Why are they allowed to give us these meds without any warning of the withdrawal effects? It wasn’t the psych I’m seeing now who put me on this awful drug.
Jackie
Canada
Thank you, Ann. Your post has given me some hope. I was on on 50 mg of PRISTIQ for 1 1/2 years which was prescribed for depression due to a terrible time in my life. Prior to that I had taken Celexa for a period of time. At the same time I was under the care of a neurologist for some undiagnosed movement disorder. Every test I have had in connection with this has come back negative.
I have now realized that Pristiq exacerbated the symptoms terribly. From difficulty walking and balance I actually had some falls, also had lack of coordination, muscle and joint stiffness, eventually slurred speech and bladder incontinence. I am determined to stick it out, as after cutting down the first week to 50 mg. every other day my speech improved. When I finally stopped the drug completely on day three I had no incontinence issues which was absolutely amazing to me, like a miracle. I also slept through the night without having to get up three or four times to P.
However the withdrawl symptoms of nausea and dizziness are terrible, and I’m hoping they will not last long I am sharing this because these neurological movement disorder symptoms are listed as rare, and I’m sure that other people have maybe experienced them. I am only 58 and thought my future was a nursing home. I now have some hope. I am convinced that my neurological symptoms were a result of Celexa over the years and eventually PRISTIQ. There is actually a website for medication induced movement disorders. I just have to get by the withdrawal. Luckily for me my depression was certainly situational over the years and has been helped by making long overdue changes to my life situation, meditation, diet, and exercise.
Mary
Hunter Valley nsw.
Hi I have been on 100mg for a year now and was experiencing side effects so I decided to go to the Doctor to help me get off them,
He told me to take 50 mg ,that was ok ,now I wanted to come off them all together. He wasn’t happy ,he told me to come off cold turkey or cut them in Half, then I said no,you can’t do that!!
So, now I’m doing it with the help from my daughter who is a qualified nurse.
I was taking one 50mg every other day. Wow. I couldn’t trust myself to drive, my head was buzzing, after a couple of weeks, I took one tablet every other two days, (We can’t get the 25mg here in Australia).
I’m suffering like hell, the depression is back, I have no interest in doing or going anywhere, palpitations, tinnitus is bad, and emotional, sobbing for nothing, crying on the phone, very emotional.
I’m trying to overcome this awful depressed state and my husband who is a retired scientist, suggest I cut one in half which gives me a two 25mg tablets, that will cover the two days without at a lower dose.
How you ask?
Is by emptying a capsule like Panadol casing and insert half the tablet inside it,
I would like to know why we can’t get the 25 mg here in Australia.
I am 76 years old and I want to get off them. I have been taking Mega B for about 10 years ,had a knee replacement 4 years ago with no problems. Broke my wrist in a fall no problem getting over it.these Pristiq should not be prescribed to anyone without first been told the terrible withdrawal symptoms.
Rhonda
Hi Mary
Did the super B help? As I’m in the process of reducing my tablets, these would be the worst antidepressants I’ve ever taken. I don’t feel gps have a understanding of this drug as mine suggested cutting it in half too and this is a no no. Anyhow it’s great to read others posts as I had no idea how bad this drug was
Cara
I got off Pristiq 50 Novemeber 1st after my visit to Doctor and tapering down. I stopped cold turkey after I left his office. I got some Super B complex and 5-HTB and Dramamine.
Two days later, I am feeling much better. I take Dramamine for dizziness and brain zaps. Non-drowsy, and got the other two for weight loss and Moods. I will give a update after 7 days, but day two I am better than day one. I still have weird vivid dreams and wake up sweating and dizzy.
But once I take these, I feel better at work. I was scared to death to come off this stuff because it was bad for me. But I am trying to do everything naturally this time. After gaining 15 pounds too, never in my life I ever gained weight that fast.
Jody
Wa
Please do you have a up date for me :(
Cara
Georgia
I am on this drug for past six months and it is awful I am suffering high blood pressure, weight gain, brain zaps if I am even late on a hour or so, dizziness, irritable, night sweats, and I am trying to wean off too and going to my doctor tomorrow. I feel so drained as well. I take this in placement of hormones because I had a partial hysterectomy and was on Cymbolta before. I gained 15 pounds that fast too. I am normally tiny. I can’t wait to be off this stuff for good.
Pam
Arkansas
I took Pristique several years ago. I decided to get off of it when I began experiencing involuntary eye squinting, which was never present prior to this medication. I did experience the brain zaps, foggy brain and even electric shock through the bottoms of my feet. I decreased dosage over the period of one month and continued brain zaps for months. I am curious to learn if anyone else has had problems with severe eye squinting that goes on for weeks at a time. It is sometimes so severe that my arm and hand muscles clinch at the same time. I am less able to deal with stress since taking this medication and find myself in high anxiety at the least bit of stress.
Patti
Indiana
So, after being on Pristiq for 7 years I wanted to stop taking it. Mainly because I am in a better mental state than I was. Awhile ago I missed one pill and swore I would never do that again! I knew after much research that it would be a good idea to speak with my Doctor about quitting Pristiq and supplementing another anti-depressant. He prescribed Prozac, I have been fine with it, actually I can “feel” again.
The side effects have been horrible. It’s been 5 days since I stopped taking 100 mg of Pristiq. I read that adding Magnesium, vitamin b12 and a b complex would help with the side effects and I have taken them today and feel much better. The brain wobbling has been minimal, and I have been able to stay out of bed!
Colleen
Seymour, Victoria
Hi everyone, just wanted to share my thoughts & experiences with depression and anti-depressants.
I am a 63 year old woman who started taking anti-depressants approx 20 years ago. I was then in a very unhappy & stressful marriage to an alcoholic. I asked my GP for something to help me with my nerves and sadness. She prescribed an antidepressant. Can’t quite remember what it was, but it may have been Aropax. I know I was on that for a long, long time! I changed over to Pristiq a couple of years ago, starting on 50mg and doubling that last year when going thru a trying time.
Two weeks ago, I asked my current GP for a different antidepressant, as I felt this wasn’t doing its job.
Approximately five years ago, I was diagnosed with BiPolar II by a visiting psychiatrist. He put me on lithium with instructions to my GP to monitor me closely as I was also on thyroxine for an under active thyroid condition (Hashimotos). Unfortunately, the GP didn’t do this, and I ended up in hospital with manic tendencies, while having very dark depressive thoughts. I came off the lithium and from memory just took the Aropax.
It wasn’t until I was doing research for a course I was doing that I found out that lithium and thyroxine interact with each other and that is why the patient must be monitored. That GP had left town by then, but I let my current GP of the time know how disgusted and angry I was with my previous treatment.
The problem is I have been asking my current GP for something other than an anti depressant, as I experience highs and lows all the time. This is what I asked of him two weeks ago, but he said I didn’t need a mood stabiliser and suggested I wean off Pristiq over two weeks and then start a new one called Effexor. I have stopped taking the Pristiq after weaning myself slowly over the two weeks. The worst withdrawals so far have been cramps, aches and pains, teariness and irritability. Today I also had hot flushes, even tho it’s Winter and cold.
I’ve decided not to take the new anti depressants as I feel they are not really helping and I am in a a good steady place in my life at the moment and I’m hoping I can cope without them. From what I’ve read on here, Effexor is only a different brand of Pristiq anyway.
Living in rural Victoria, it’s very hard to get a really knowledgeable, caring GP. If you do, they usually move on within twelve months, which has happened to me often in the last ten years. I realise I have to be the advocate for my own health and I know ‘me’ better than a doctor, even though they have the education and medical expertise . I need to be more forthright with my GP and let him know this. I will be going back to see him next week to tell him I am hoping to stay off the anti depressants. I am also thinking of changing to the other clinic in town as I don’t find this GP very easy to talk to about my mental health. He is a very nervous person himself. I like to explore natural and holistic alternatives, but I’ve found him to be purely scientifically based and always insists on drugs for the medical issues. I would love to find a holistic GP like I once had in Queensland.
What I find disconcerting , is the fact that most literature tells you anti depressants are only a temporary fix and should be administered along with therapy and lifestyle changes. They should not be a long term thing. Yet I’ve read on line tonight how other patients have been on these medications for decades like me.
As I said before we are the best advocate for our own mental health and we are not being dictated to by drug companies, unlike our GPs.
I’m hoping I can stay off these meds. I know it will be a big change for my poor old chemically enhanced brain, but hopefully I will succeed this time.
Would love to hear anyone else’s thoughts on this.
Kim
MN
My daughter was in a precarious position. Her psychiatrist moved to a clinic in a different state. The clinic couldn’t find a replacement hire, so they hired temporary psychiatrists to fill short periods of time. She saw a total of 5 Drs in 2 years. One Dr. prescribed Pristiq at 100 mg per day. He then left the clinic and another temporary filled in and increased her dose to 200 mg.
He additionally increased her dose again to 300 mg per day. This is a 95 lb 25 year old girl, taking this much medication!!!! She began to have increased pain and lack of desire to leave the house. She had trouble waking and had poor quality of sleep. When we finally traveled to her initial psychiatrist, he was dumbfounded by the incredibly high dose of pristiq she was on. He had not seen that in his 25 year career! She is weaning off the meds with horrible side effects, but hopefully she will feel better in the long run!
Cindy
Victoria, Australia
I’ve done quite a bit of reading on what information is available (limited aside from the forums which I don’t usually get too involved in ?) I’m shocked and saddened for those of you that have a complicated and frustrating medical system! ‘I can’t take this med anymore because I can’t afford it’?! So not right! Not that my rant changes this but ….
My decision to cease pristiq is based on no longer being in a sad and overly challenging marriage (ending 18 mths ago after 23 years) I want to see how I handle what life throws in my general direction now that I can challenge it head on on my own terms ?
I commenced tapering off 100mg 4 weeks ago. I had been on this dose for 4 years. I started by literally just trimming off a corner and ‘shaving’ a little more off each day. A sharp knife is helpful and lessens the likelihood of crumbling -mostly. Day 2-5 of not taking any was just bloody horrid. All pre mentioned side effects with zaps, fog, headache, chills, diarrhoea and anxiety main features in this freaking drama show. Now day 7 … Still all of the above but lessening.
Advise if you’re still reading ?… Surround your self with good… Friends, family and pets, funny tv shows and movies. A sad one does help if you need a good cry ?NO negative, unhelpful just don’t get it people if you can help it. And maybe take a couple of weeks off work if possible. It was not an option for me but it would have made it easier I think. And eat well. I had a few days where I just couldn’t be bothered, eating mainly fast food, and it just made it worse. No alcohol naturally.
Inward and upward ☺️
Good luck to you and hoping you all find inner peace, happiness and self worth X
Nicole
Perth Australia
Thanks for the words of encouragement Cindy. I’ve tapered down to 1 tablet, miss 2 days and although the zaps and fog are terrible, I am determined to beat this awful drug. Good luck to everyone out there. Remember, the side effects are annoying but they aren’t physically hurting us, they just suck while they’re happening. We will beat this, our bodies and minds are stronger than this insidious drug x
Allan
Newcastle
Hi, I’m a 50 year old male and have been on Pristiq for 5 years. My doctor had taken me off it from 100mg each morning down 25mg every 5 days. It’s been 2 days since I took my last dose and my ears are ringing unless I lay down.
I’m only sleeping 3 or 4 hours a day. Not driving a car at moment, not comfortable enough. Not sure what to do. Does anyone know how long before my ears stop ringing?
Regards
Allan
Tara
Davenport, fl
I’ve been going through these symptoms for over 2 weeks! I’m going to go back to my doctor and tell her she needs to figure something else out!!!! I’ve had ears ringing, nausea, vomiting, bronchitis, very little sleeping, and plenty more. I’ve only been on this for less than a year. Good luck to you luv so sorry
Nicole
Australia
Hi all, I’m starting the journey to free myself from Pristiq and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on natural supplements or therapies which could help with the withdrawal symptoms? I’ve read before that magnesium, vit C and vit B6 can help balance your serotonin, as well as carbs in the diet and increasing exercise. Would appreciate anyone’s thoughts or suggestions. Thanks, Nicole
Rachael
Australia
Updating my post. Firstly to note, cutting Pristiq is difficult. It cuts powdery and often crumbles if you don’t get it right. I found I get three good quarters from one tablet. I will not take the risk if the tablet does not conform to appear as a full quarter. I dropped my first 12.5mg taking one quarter three times a day around 9am, 4pm, and 10pm. When I woke in the morning it was the worst. Anxious, a little dizzy and confused lasted around four days and then eased off. Due to the dizziness, I was nervous to drive.
Twelve days later, I dropped another quarter this was the 4pm dose. I decided to do this based on not feeling any more withdrawal symptoms. Once I dropped this quarter, withdrawal symptoms returned. Nauseous, tired, anxious, dizzy, flutters in my ears and general confusion most severe day was third day after dropping my dose but it eased off after 5 days and I have now stabilised once more.
I must warn you all that I had a dull ache in my liver for a few days and this did concern me. I have discussed with my doctor but all vitals are normal and it could just be from the nausea and upset stomach. Overall withdrawal symptoms are nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. I agree the withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable. I am determined to get off though and prepared to feel off a few days at a time.
I wanted to drop my next dose after my menstrual cycle, which is today. I have just dropped my morning dose as of this morning. Will update in a couple of weeks.
Rachael
Updating post, it’s been 6 days since dropping to 12.5mg. I must admit I am really struggling on this dosage drop. I am taking 12.5mg around 8:30pm as I have always taken pristiq in the night because I don’t get a lot of side effects this way.
I am a little scared of the way I feel……. The disorientation for me is the worst and this seems to start around 2pm everyday and up until this point I am all good. Withdrawal symptoms increase throughout the afternoon and don’t decrease until around an hour after taking pristiq. Last night I had strange sensations of twitching in my body and the flutters in my ears were just awful. I generally feel lethargic and irritated. Anxiety is now increasing but I am aware it is due to withdrawal. I am sticking at it as I have done it now for the past 6 days. I will keep you updated.
I hope this is helping you all x
Nicole
Australia
Hi Rachel, just wondering how you’re going after dropping down again? Hope you’re doing ok
Rachael
NSW
I have done a lot of research and I was glad to find this forum. I have had severe depression and anxiety on and off for the past twenty years. My last episode 3 years ago was severe and my family were concerned enough to want to have me hospitalised. I initially started on Zoloft and Ativan until I stabilised which took a good eight weeks but once it kicked in it was a slow progress to feeling able to cope with general life. After two years or so I finally convinced my doctor to change my medication due to the side effects. I had been so unstable in the past my doctor was nervous to ween me off to start another. After seeing the physiologist he prescribed me pristique 50mg and to progress to 100mg. This was 8 months ago, i did not progress to 100mg stayed on the 50mg in which I have had no side effects until 5 weeks ago where I developed severe head aches and confusion every afternoon right through the night. GP wanted to increase my dose and put me on preventative migraine tablets. I knew it was the medication at this time I went that’s it I’m coming off. Sick of being put in a box.
This is what I Think?
If i wake up in the morning and I think of my anti present as my life force and I know I’m to scared to go without it then I am not ready to come off.
When I wake up in the morning and all I can think about is how I’m going to get off my anti depressant and it’s effecting the way I think then it’s time to come off.
After reading and researching this is what I am doing.
On Monday I went and brought a pill cutter went to the health shop and also brought probiotics and high quality fish oil. When I got home I cut the tablets into qtrs. I know it states not to cut and in no way am I telling anybody to do this. This purely my choice based on research I have reviewed. I have taken a quarter 3 times a day. 9am, 4pm, 10pm For the past four days. I have felt probably the worst today when I first had awoken but by about 11am I started to feel ok. I’m a little dizzy, have got a mild headache, feel a little anxious, nauseous and have had the runs but nothing so dramatic I’m scared. I knew I would feel off and so far I can bear it.
I am keeping a diary and I was going to update as I go on this forum because it appears we don’t get a great deal of follow up information with the completed outcome.
If I can help anyone at all I will its so hard to find information.
Jeffrey
Tacoma, Washington
B 12, and lots of exercise help tremendously. Did anyone have severe neck pain during withdrawals. Is there irreversible damage with this medication?
Vjo
Chicago
Jeffrey, you are the only other person I’ve seen comment on the severe neck pain. My doctors look at me like I’m crazy when I mention that.
Connie
Indiana
I was only on Pristiq for 2 weeks .50 mg. Couldn’t handle the side effects. I have been weaning off for two weeks. Still have head zaps, dizziness, ears ringing, head aches, neck pain, worse anxiety, sweating & tiredness.
My daughter has to drive me to appointments because l don’t feel safe. I ended up at the ER a week ago because of a migraine. I will get through this but it is really rough. If I had only known this would happen, I would never have taken it. Good luck everybody. Make sure you wean off very slowly.
Elisabeth
Brisbane
Vomiting and diarrohea for several days blows medication dosages out of the water. Sudden stoppage of Pristiq is unavoidable in this instance. I did not realise what was wrong. It is not at all pleasant. It frightening! Have resumed on 50 mg / half the previous dose, this morning. How long does it take to get back to normal?
Tammy
California
So glad I found this forum! It helps to hear others with the same story and reassures me that I’m not crazy and will get through this. Had I known that this drug was so debilitating I would have never considered taking it!!!
Although it worked for me during my hormonal imbalance due to menopause induced from hysterectomy, getting off it has been worse than the emotions I was feeling prior to ever being on it. I took Pristiq for about 3 years only 50mg and cut to. 25mgs soon after I started as I was a bit of a zombie and had major brain fog that affected my job. I tried to ween off after the first year tapering then decided after I was down to 1/4 tablet for a month I could quit taking them. 4 days of the brain zaps, ringing in my ears, headache, nausea, irritability, crying, and sorrow, I had to go back on it to function.
In Dec my NP prescribed a new Med and told me to stop Pristiq cold turkey as I was cutting the pills to ween myself and was prescribed another in the “same family”. I was told since they are in the same family there was no need to transition. For 3 months I nearly lost my mind, was suicidal, nauseated and could not eat, massive headaches, irritable, crying uncontrollably, couldn’t stand to be around people, insomnia, had heart palpitations so bad that I had to see a cardiologist, paranoia, nearly quit my job, and more!!!
Mind you this was all the while I started a new anxiety Med which I was later told by a psych, (yes I had to start seeing a psychiatrist now) that I should never have stopped one cold turkey even though I started another as it takes 6 weeks for the new drug to begin working.
I keep reading in hopes to find someone that has good news with weening off this terrible drug that should not be on the market! I had to go back on Pristiq in April after the suicidal thoughts and major depression daily. . I thought this was all due to my hormones being imbalanced. I finally got on the right hormones and still feel the same. After reading these forums I now know it’s Pristiq causing these emotions. I’ve been weening down since April from 50mg to 25mg (cutting pill in half) to cutting the 1/2 into 1/4’s. I tried the every other day and that threw me into a downward spiral again so decided to stay in the 1/4 pill for a while until the side affects balance out. Now after reading your feedback a I’m hoping to try every other day with a few crumbs on my off days as I read a suggestion in other forms to do so. I now know this is going to take a long time and a lot of patience, but I’m willing to get through it to get this medication out of my system for good! Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I haven’t seen very many come back to the forum and give long term updates. So if any of you have any advice please respond. Very concerned that Dr.’s do not have more info on this drug and can assist patients with seeming safely. 3 different DR’s told me it’s a time release drug so it’s out of your system in 11 hours so you can just stop taking it…they are lucky they don’t have a suicide on their hands!!! How do we get the word out??? I’ve asked my Dr.’s to read these forums and get up to date on this dangerous medication. I highly doubt either of them did as one actually said to me “do you just think you have these symptoms since you read about them on the Internet?” Are you kidding me???? I read about them because I did my own research and couldn’t believe that so many had the same symptoms I was experiencing!!! Scary scary stuff!!!! Thank you to all that took the time to post your experience. Hopefully we can all get through this together.
Michelke
Louisiana
I am on day 4 of quitting Pristiq cold turkey after being on it for two years. Withdrawal is hell. Dr is no help. I’ve started taking magnesium daily. Twice a day I drink a glass of water with baking soda in it to help with the brain zaps. I sleep a lot during the day. I started taking 5- HTP. I drink a lot of water and eat a lot of vegetables from my garden. I search for activities that I enjoy, thankfully I have found that line drying laundry is very therapeutic because I have to go outside and I can hang everything perfectly on the line to satisfy this new OCD thing that’s going on with me lol. Being outside AND concentrating on something helps. Today I started with cravings for burgers so I bbq’d a few and made a giant burger loaded with veggies. I also weirdly craved the need to smell finger nail polish so I painted my nails and that took care of things lol. Being aware that I am going through a weird time helps. I have no thoughts of suicide or injury to myself.
Sanya
California
Your post helped me considerably. I have been on 100 mg pristiq for over 5 years. Never wanted to go off because of the horrid side effects even if i missed for a few hours. Then in april insurance changed. States they would not pay for pristiq. Dr tried to switch me to effexor but i said NO. i had squirreled about 30 pills of 100’s and 10-15 of 50 mg tabs. I started last part of may with my decrease program. Some days most days really for 2 weeks i was so so sick. I had planned my vacation days around getting off this med. So anyway my goal was to be off by aug 5th. My bday. I am going to make it. Been taking 12.5 mg every 2 days now and aug 4th will be my last. Happy bday to me!!
Roxanne
Alabama
One thing I forgot to ask everyone is, do you get hot flashes or flushes from Pristiq? When I was on it they started and only had them mostly at night. Once I started tapering off they came during the day. Now that I have been off for 12 days, I am getting about 20 a day and 30 a night. They are just a wave of warmth and tingling on my whole body and I start to sweat but it only last 30 seconds to a minute.
I have never had them before and they are very uncomfortable. I am constantly at night putting blankets on cause I am cold then throwing them off because of these flushes. Sometimes when I get them I feel the building up of rage inside me and a heaviness in my head. This freaks me out! Anyone experience any of these side effects?
Tina
Queensland
I have been on Pristiq for 10 months. My doctor wants to change to Prozac as I’m experiencing midnight anxiety, ie waking to myself chewing my nails. So she gave me 8 days to taper plus 2 days drug free before commencing Prozac. I wish we had a more thorough action plan and that she would have booked me in every few days for check-ups because coming off this drug is brutal and my dr has been booked out at my time of need hence after 7 months of being dry I am on my 2nd day of alcohol to cope but it has slapped me in the face.
I have felt out-of-control, foggy, very sad and teary, have nausea and brain zaps. I’m scared to drive as I have been foggy, sad and distracted. I’m upset with myself for using my old crutch but I’m very displeased with my dr for not having some foresight and managing me better. I have a young child so not having a thorough attentive plan is unacceptable and I’m considering changing doctors.
c
If I had been told when I started Pristiq a few years ago that the effects of withdrawal would be this horrible, I would never have gone on it.
I was on 50mg a day. I found out a few weeks ago that, among other issues, I have high prolactin, which is a hormone your pituitary gland makes. I didn’t know this, but sometimes Pristiq can cause elevated prolactin. So my dr said I need to be off of the med to regulate my prolactin.
I began with a week and a half of 25 mg. My symptoms were difficult to deal with, but pretty manageable. I was still able to function. I had brain zaps, brain fog, irritability, things like that. I am in day 2 of not taking the Pristiq at all. I would like to be put into a medically induced coma, the withdrawal symptoms are so bad. The brain zaps are horrifying. I am so sleepy. I have diarrhea, nausea when I don’t eat, nausea when I do eat. I have vertigo. Vision impairment. Dry mouth. Peeing all the time due to extreme thirst. Headache. Extreme emotions. Crying.
This is so crazy I can’t even believe I put a drug in my body that would cause these effects when I take the drug out of my body. I think it’s an absolute outrage that patients aren’t informed about these issues before they begin taking medications like Pristiq. I know being Pristiq-free is what I want, what is good for me, but wow, this is so crazy. I know this is temporary, but to try and get through this even temporarily is about enough to make me go literally insane.
Tammy
I just told my husband that I wish I could be put in a medically induced coma until the side affects of this drug are out of my system! Hang in there!
Kris
Hey y’all. I just wanted to share my story in hopes of giving someone else hope. I was on 50mg of Pristiq for almost 10 years. I unsuccessfully tried to get off a few years ago by going cold turkey. HUGE mistake! Hence the reason I ended up back on it. I couldn’t handle the withdrawals. I have been off of this drug for almost 2 weeks now. The key is slowly tapering. I started by taking a pill every other day for 2 weeks. I then took 25 mg every other day for 1 week. Then I winged it with the 25 mg pill to see how long I could wait before having to take one. I made if without it for 2 days that time. After that I didn’t take another one again! I had minimal withdrawal symptoms doing this. I did have a little vertigo, but nothing unbearable. The worst is the anger outburst, irritability & insomnia. I still mostly have trouble sleeping, which is something I’ve never had trouble doing. I do feel more & more better each day & do not feel like I’m walking through life in a fog, which is how that medicine made me feel. If you’re coming off, HANG IN THERE & the key is taper slowly. Keep a chart. Make a plan & be patient. You got this!
Anne
North Carolina
Congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing! I’ve been on a variety of different SSRIs, and am currently taking Pristiq. I was prescribred 50 mgs., but have had the foggy brain syndrome, and felt like I was in a stupor. This has been an ongoing problem, and taking ADHD medication is the only thing that has given me periods of clarity and energy. Without stimulants, I barely want to stir from the couch. I have tapered down to 25 mgs., but cutting the pill in half, but I am still very sleepy and unmotivated. I do feel clearer, when awake, and my sharp tongue has returned, which may not be a positive! I was relieved to hear that others have experienced extreme sleepiness during weaning. That really confused me since I thought all of the fog and sleepiness was a result of the Pristiq. I have experienced a weird sensation in my head that feels like a strange tingle traveling through water???, is that a brain zap? I plan to stay on 25 mgs. for another week or so and then go to half of that every other day….for a spell. I have seen that there is now a 25mg. tablet, which might make it easier to wean, if it is the same size and can but cut up more easily….Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped me feel like I’m not alone!
Megian
I am presently attempting to come off Pristiq, It was initially described to help with depression and hormone imbalances related to the menopause, and it worked very well and helped me to change my outlook and learn to cope with things. After two years, my life was much better, and I felt it was time to become medication free. I was on 100mg and wanted to taper off, and by accident missed a day. After discussion with a medical practitioner, I started taking one every other day for a few weeks. Then I lowered the dosage to 50g every other day. At this point, all was going quite well. Missing one day was symptom-free, but missing two caused increasing nausea, dizziness, and brain zaps.
After a week or so of that, fate intervened, and I spent over 42 hours at a hospital watching my beloved elderly mother slowly die. I did not leave her hospital bed, but did not have any medication with me. I was so focused on my mother’s sudden illness, I did not have time to dwell on my withdrawal symptoms. That was five days ago. Although I feel great sadness, and feel mentally drained and exhausted from all that has happened, I know that I am now strong enough to deal with it all without having to go back onto medication. Physically I am exhausted, nauseous, dizzy, suffering from brain zaps and feeling generally ill. (Some of this, I know, is due to pristiq withdrawal. Some, also, is due to the loss of my mum). I know it will all pass and slowly improve over time, and I am managing to function just well enough to be able to deal with all of the arrangements necessary for my mother. It helps that I have the most wonderful supportive family. Thank you for allowing me to share how I am feeling. I think it will help me deal with it all, and give me the strength to remain off pristiq.
Kris
Stay strong! I am praying for you
ljones10
Texas
I was on pristiq last year, and it was a demon. It was great for about 6 months, and then it became unnecessary. I decided to get off and didn’t take my meds, and that demon gave me terrible brain zaps, insomnia for the first time, sadness,anger, emotions everywhere. I was a living mess! I had to return back to taking it to keep from losing my mind.
I told my doctor, and she only wanted to up my dose. I said.. NO WAY! I went to the local pharmacy, thank God. The pharmacist there felt my pain and recommend that I take natural vitamins & herbs to help me get off the Pristine. She gave me a plan, for free, and it worked!!!! It took nearly 3 months, and withdrawal broke me down, but I survived. I took them originally for depression and my mom passing. But I felt worse from Pristiq withdrawal than the original depression.
I decided to really fight this controlling demon. I started to pray a lot, sleep a lot, stayed in dark, due to light irrupting me, and took my vitamins. After around 3 months, not a trace of anything! Thank God!!! I’ve been off for nearly 2 years! I will never take Pristiq EVER again or any other antidepressants. Pristiq should be banned from the shelves! I’m praying for a speedy recovery for all.
Roxanne
I am glad you finally got off. You said you took vitamins & Herbs can you tell me which ones helped you? I have been off 12 days and up and down emotions as I mentioned in my reply to another poster. I don’t understand how some days I feel like it’s all gone and then others days I feel so emotional and other withdrawal symptoms I am tempted to go back on.
I haven’t though just trying to get thru it. It is so hard to explain to ones who have never gone thru it. I am glad I found this site to post with others who have been thru it. Then I don’t feel like I am alone :-) I pray for the ones on here who are tapering from this or have been off but still have the effects of Pristiq.
Hakey
Australia
What did you take to help you come off ?
Tammy
So sorry to hear about your mom. Curious, are you still off Pristiq and how are your symptoms a month later?
Tony
Canada
Maybe it’s because I’m in Canada and can’t get 25 mg here.
So I started by separating doses by 18 hours. Then 24. Then 48. Now 72.
I’m ready to be committed.
Brain zaps anger ears ringing can’t sleep.
These criminals that profit on this should be lined up and shot.
Doctors prescribe in seconds and don’t make any effort to try anything simple like exercise
I am ready to commit to a facility before I do something terrible to me or them.
There should be a legal way to stop them.
Joanne
Sydney NSW
Sorry to read about the loss of your beloved mum Meigan. How are things with your pristiqu withdrawal now? I know it’s a year later…Just wondering how you went
Eddie's Mom
US
Stopped Pristiq about a year ago due to cost. I didn’t think it was helping anyway. BUT, now I’m not sure. I’ve developed debilitating anxiety and have constant depression. I feel so bad that I’m questioning my resolve to stay away from the hideous chemical that caused me to go through a withdrawal that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! It took months of ever reducing daily doses augmented with Xanax and Norco with lots of sleep. I couldn’t hold a job. I did cut ER tabs in order to reduce my dose. The alternative was to crush a full pill and divide it into smaller doses. It took several months of pure hell. My current anxiety is so overwhelming I don’t know what’s worse. I feel like I’m irreparably broken.
wayne
australia
I had been on antidepressants for over ten tears for several personal reasons,but I must say at the time they saved my life.recently I left my stressful job and moved on with a lovely new wife and child.under my doctors instructions I reduced down slowly from 200MG to 50mG.the last fifteen days I took a 50MG every second day and that was it finished.i am now twenty days off the drug I had one bad day and still some minor stomach irration and wind.every day gets better and I feel heaps better more alert I still cry alittle but they are tears of joyand I can cry not like before.hope this helps guys please rememder always check with a GOOD doctor and some people cannot come off.kind regards to you all wayne from aussie land
J
Ohio
I have been off Pristiq for about 3 weeks now. I sort of tapered and then quit- with my Drs help.
The brain zaps are terrible but the worst part for me is still the mental fog. i can tell that I am irritable at times and I try to notice it and just stop whatever I’m doing and take a deep breath.
But the zaps and the “fog” have actually made me consider quitting my job. I am really having a hard time concentrating and, at times, comprehending what I am reading. It has made it difficult to run meetings and interact with coworkers. I feel like I can’t always follows along. I have never been this way and this is really frustrating.
I haven’t read about others having this issue- is it just me?
I expected the other “withdrawal symptoms” but this is just too much.
I would just like to know if it’s just me.
I see my doctor in a week to check in.. I can’t stand this.
Thanks and good luck to all.
JL
Indiana
I have been on Pristiq 150mg @day for several years. When I forget a dose or choose to go without, the only side effect is uncontrolled crying. As for its effects, I don’t really experience any. For over 5 years I have been a bed-ridden invalid, with absolutely no desire to do anything but watch tv. I have been on disability for 8 years, due to both physical and emotional disorders. I am saddened at the withdrawal horror stories. I’ve been through withdrawals from Ultram and Klonopin, both being hell on earth. A new doctor has taken the place of my NP, doing major damage Day One by reducing my Klonopin. I can barely sleep, and have become phobic about going outside. No amount of talking will change her mind. Although Pristiq does not seem to be having ANY effect aside from preventing crying jags, after reading of the horrific experiences of others, I have decided to leave it alone and continue on the prescribed dose. My hope is that all these accounts are passed on to your doctors and pharmacists, so that someone along the line will read, listen, and understand the disservice being done to patients in need of help.
Eddie's Mom
I just found this site and not sure if you’re still checking in. How are you managing? Have you gotten through the worst of it? I feel strong empathy for you and know what you’re going through. I pray you are now finished with the detox and feeling stronger.
Best wishes!!
R
Hi Eddie’s Mom,
Thanks for the prayers?
I started the detox and decided at the skip every 3 days I was done. I was just tired of it. It was like a rollercoaster of emotions doing it slowly. I have been off now for 12 days straight and doing pretty good. Some days I feel very emotional but for the most part good. I have had some brain zaps, headaches, dizziness but I think the worst part is the rage. Sometimes I feel like I am just going to lose it or my head is going to explode. I hate those feelings.
Were you on this medicine and got off? If so how did you do getting off of it? I just wonder how long this will last? I was thinking I was done but today was a very bad day with the rage and other emotions. Praying helps a lot and trying to stay in the present which is difficult sometimes. I feel like I am pulling myself back into conversations that I have drifted off from. I also have where I feel like I am out of my body, that’s really weird. Well I hope you check back and reply ? God bless
Joshua
PA
The problem was getting the pills. I hit an insurance doughnut hole. To get the pill I had to go through a very bureaucratic process to get them free, petition ones doctor for the pills, or face going cold turkey and withdrawal. I had been on the Pristiq and Lamictal for 6 years (I’ve been on one variety of pill since I was about 12). I took Pristiq and Lamictal and they worked well. My anxiety was under control and I could think before my chest filled up with adrenaline.
I didn’t know it at the time, but some of the side effects of taking the Pristiq could’ve been harmful to me. I had Pancreatitis, and I later found out that that that was a side effect. Manic episodes on the pills were common enough for my psychiatrist to misdiagnose me as a manic depressive. I had insomnia, and spasms so bad that I couldn’t turn my head to the left. Dry mouth, and peeing a lot because I had to drink so much water to stay hydrated. Weight gain was also a problem, for some reason I was prone to more binge eating on the pills. There was also a “lack of emotional response”. I couldn’t feel negative nor positive emotions.
However, the withdrawal symptoms were/are fierce. I remember studying, and reading the the words on a books page, but I couldn’t translate them into anything that made sense. I cried constantly and out of the blue. I had a fever and insomnia, night sweats. I had this feeling like pins and needles were piercing my head. They felt like pin pricks. The “brain zaps” and the spasms were bad too. I felt sharp pain in my jaw and eating was hard. I slept constantly because moving hurt a lot. I hate to say it, but the only thing that made the withdrawal from Pristiq and Lamictal manageable was cannabis. I don’t smoke now, but it helped a lot when I needed it.
I wish I could find a drug like Lamictal and Pristiq because living in constant physical discomfort is not very pleasant. After being pill free for 9 months, I truly miss the clarity the pills gave me. Despite all the positives of sticking to mental health programs, I don’t want to have to develop a physical addiction to drugs to stay healthy.
Kaz
Australia
So today after being on antidepressants for 8 years. About 4 or 5 of those years being on Pristiq, I was looking for a way to ween myself off. Now after reading all that I have (not just on here) I’m a bit scared of the side effects. I’ve been on 200mg for nearly 2 years now. Started at 50mg…. ?
ashley
USA
I am also on pristiq. I have heard that to get off of it since it is time released and you cant really break the pills, a lot of Drs will put you on Effexor and wean you off with that. Good luck, coming off of these awful things isn’t fun.
Kaz
So.. 2nd day on only 100mg
All pre sweet ?
Kaz
Well, a few inconveniences but nothing major. When I get some of the symptoms, I say to myself, that’s ok because this is my choice. But the best thing is: I have more energy, I sleep like a normal person and I feel an excitement inside that I haven’t felt for years ?
It’s the 1st Feb my 5th day on 100 mg, half my dose of 8 years…
IamPositive
Hey, I see this conversation is quite recent. I will be glad to join in as I am looking out for people who are in the tapering process or have successfully come out of Desvenlafaxine.
KAZ, how have you been doing? Why did you drop down so quickly from 200 to 100 may I know?
I am on 50mg twice daily of Desvenlafaxine (so 100mg in tot) and I am talking to a compounding pharmacist in my locality after reading such a possibility elsewhere. They have asked me the details of dosages required. I am quite confused whether to go 50mg-40mg or 45mg-45mg to start with. I want to take it slow no matter how long it takes. I had been on other ADs ever since 2003 and this one Desvenlafaxine for about a year now.
Ann
US
I’ve been on Pristiq for over a year. My Dr started a tapering process that has worked tremendously for me. She took me from 100 to 50 for 6 weeks. Then she had to cut the 50 in half for 7 days. When asked about the issue of breaking the pill, she said the body would still get enough for it to think it was ok. After 1 week I was to begin alternating every 2 days: 0 pill, 2 days half a 50. The first day off was filled with cold chills, brain zaps, light headedness, nausea, fatigue. When I was to restart the 25 the next day, my husband and I decided to just stay off, the worst was over. He was right. Next day brain zaps, no nausea. 3rd day lightheaded, no brain zaps. I am on day 4 with no symptoms. Much prayer, much support and plenty of sleep.
Roxanne
Alabama
I have been on pristiq for 8 months. I am in a better place now and wanted to start weaning off. I was taking 50mg and then went to see a doc and she put me on 25mg to taper off that was on March 11th. So far I took it 8 days in a row wasn’t too bad with side effects. Had some brain fog, irritation, headaches and dizzy but could still deal with it. Then on March 19th I skipped that day and went to every other day for 8 times and had same symptoms as before on and off but also brain zaps, manic feeling, jittery, hot flushes, like every couple hrs and they would last a couple minutes or so and also felt like bugs were crawling on me (crawlies i guess they call it)
Some days I had lots of energy and felt good and took advantage of those days. Then I skipped April 2 &3 and went to skipping 2 days in a row for 5 times. Will take my last pill tomorrow April 16th for the 2 day skip.
Have had all the side effects as mentioned in post off and on but the last 2 times I have taken my pill the next day have felt the worse. So much brain fog I can’t seem to focus on anything. Its hard writing this post. I keep going over and over it to make sure I didn’t repeat myself. I have had headaches and piercing pains in back of skull that last a few seconds, not sure if that is another part of the brain zaps. All I want to do is lay on the couch and sleep. I am planning on doing 3 day skip for 5 times and then 4 day skip 5 times and my last day of pristiq will be May 31rst.
I will do another post either after the 3 day skip or after I am totally off depending how I am doing. Overall it hasn’t been as bad as I have thought it would be but this off and on of the withdrawals makes you feel kind of crazy. I can’t make any plans because I don’t want to have to cancel. Luckily I have just moved to a new state so am not working so don’t have to deal with that.
Sara
Michigan
I’m on my 2nd attempt to get off of Pristiq. I have been taking it for almost 2 years. If I miss 1 dose I get a headache, extremely nauseous, dizzy, and just feel awful (almost non functional). I tried tapering off about 6 months ago, but the withdrawal symptoms were horrible. In addition to the physical symptoms I was very irritable and emotional. I don’t want to be depressed, but I can’t be a slave to this awful drug anymore. I’m not sure how to actually get off of it as it makes me so sick. I was reducing my dose by 25% for a few weeks at a time. My doctor said its side effects aren’t bad, so he’s no help. I guess I just need to push through.
lorraine
UK
My GP asked me to stop my antidepressant (mirtazipine/remeron abruptly to enable him to reassess if my previous antidepressant (citalopram) or the newly introduced remeron was the cause of my rages and uncontrollable crying episodes. I am now on day 13 cold turkey and feel helpless and hopeless. Plagued by horrible symptoms. I have searched extensively for an ‘average’ on length of suffering following cold turkey approach. But find it almost impossible as tapering is the theme. What information is around for people who have been medically advised to do this? I am now back to spending all day in bed. Feeling sorry for myself!
Sharon
cullman, Alabama
I did well taking Zoloft during my pregnancies .I had brain zaps when I would miss a week’s doses. They were very mild compared to pristiq. I missed two doses of pristiq due to a stomach virus this week, and I have to admit that after 25 years of taking antidepressants, I am truly disturbed and scared by the withdrawals I’ve experienced. I’m crying several hours nonstop, screaming and cursing, want to bang my head against the wall, severe shocks from my eyeballs to my feet. Having terrible thoughts. I’m going to my doctor and try to get off of this. It won’t be easy with 4 small children, but I refuse to be a slave to any drug! There’s other less scary drugs on the market! Good luck!
Annie
Australia
I have suffered from anxiety my whole life and in desperation at 50 years old after my mothers death and an abusive relationship started taking Paxil.. Big mistake…The roller coaster ride did not abate and I started Pritiq in 2013 trying to find an answer to the instability I felt….
However my life, emotions and relationships were not any better on this medication, if anything they were worse… Sure I had no anxiety however I was over confident, had numb emotions and didn’t care about some of my decisions I made…
So everyone, I have gone ‘cold turkey’ off pristiq…Like everyone on this forum I experience all the withdrawal symptoms – brain zaps, nausea, not sleeping, irritability, jitters, brain fog, mood swings, weight gain, surges of anger, feelings of not coping and/or going mad etc…
I am now about 8 weeks into my withdrawal. I find I have good days and bad days however I do Yoga 4 times a week, walk every other day, meditate and try to keep the stress levels down in my life. That includes limiting time with family that may trigger toxic emotions.
Toughing it out with strategies I believe will work, is what I am doing…. The alternative for me is not an option ….a lifetime of taking medication which is prescribed by doctors who they themselves don’t understand the drugs they prescribe and being at the roulette table deciding which tablet or dose will make me feel normal…
Great book to read on what doctors and these anti depressant drugs can do to a normal person experiencing life challenges is ‘ Dying for a Cure’ by Rebbekah Beddoe… insightful book….
Brandi
Ohio
I’m currently stopping cold turkey because I’m pregnant. Just wondering if anyone has any experience taking this while pregnant? Or coming off while pregnant…I’m concerned because my hormones are already causing my mood to be up and down. My doctor wants me to continue taking but there isn’t much research about pregnancy and Pristiq since it’s a fairly new drug, and I would rather not chance anything. If anyone can help me transition or at least let me know what to expect I would appreciate any help.
Terry Graedon
Weaning off gradually should be possible even though you are pregnant. Any risk to the baby is from exposure in the second and third trimesters.
Lisa E
Fort Wayne, IN
Quitting cold turkey is not advised, especially while pregnant. Considering tapering your dose for the next 3-6 weeks. My opinion- your baby will have more distress from your discontinuation effects vs being exposed to the drug for several more weeks.
Laura
Canada
I recently successfully came off this drug. I was on Pristiq 50mg for over three years straight. I decided I wanted to come off them and my doc said to taper, take one every other day for a month, then every two days etc. I tried that and it didn’t work. Every day I didn’t take the drug I had horrible headaches and zaps.
I went back on them every day and then a couple of months later decided it was time to cold turkey.
It was not that bad!!! The first couple of days I felt fine but had some brain zaps and slept alot. I didn’t need time off work, I just did it at a time when I wasn’t too busy.
The symptoms I had were brain fog, dizziness (but I could still drive), some mild diahrrea and drowsiness.
It has now been 14 days since my last pill and I feel amazing. The zombie fog has lifted and I feel joy and other feelings I haven’t felt in years.
I encourage you all to try it, you hear the worst of the stories on these forums and it really wasn’t that bad for me.
I wish you all success and happiness.
Bob
Thank you so much for sharing your story with a positive outcome! I think it’s the only one I have read
Denise
West Kelowna
You rock for giving so positive thoughts. Thx ?
Annie
I totally agree with your positive comments…. I have been off pristiq (50mg) for two months and am starting to feel normal again….I am observant of my mood and physical well being and just take note of symptoms which I am sure are due to the discontinuation of the drug…ie. moodiness, irritability etc…I then do things that support me… A walk on the beach, pick up a book and read a passage, put on some good music… anything that interrupts the pattern….
I am realistic that I have been on this medication for a couple of years so I am not going to get an instance wellness result.. it will take time and work on my part.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Meg
Australia
Hi, Thankyou for your comment, I find it very helpful. I am attempting to come off pristine. I have taken 100mg every other day for the last week ( I was on 100mg), the dizziness,foggiest etc has been manageable and I can still function reasonably well. This week I plan to go to 50mg every other day, extending to two, then three days between until they run out. I don’t currently have a dr due to moving house (and I love my new house – definitely a change for the better! In fact, things generally have improved). So I am acting on the advice of a lovely nurse practitioner, who will prescribe me extra 50mg if I need it. Pristiq has been very helpful for me over the last two years, but I am ready to function without it!
Thankyou again for your positive advice!
Matt
Australia
Thank you! I needed to read this.
Clare
Brisbane, Australia
I was prescribed 50mg of pristiq about 18 months ago. Previously I had been on lexapro for about 3 years and went off them cold turkey of my own accord. The withdrawal symptoms were intense – sleep paralysis, cold sweats, flu symptoms and brain zaps constantly, just to name a few. I got through it after a few weeks and stayed off meds for about 9 months before going on Pristiq. I am now at a point in my life where I feel like I’m ready to stop taking medication. I feel like I’m strong enough to get through life without them. Which is something I almost thought I’d never be able to do. I saw my doctor and thought I should do it properly this time as I’ve heard a lot of horror stories about withdrawal symptoms from Pristiq. I expressed my concern to her and she was able to give me some great advice. The first thing you must do when going off any anti depressant is to prepare yourself mentally. Realise that there are a number of changes in your brain chemistry that may result and keep telling yourself that you are strong enough to push through. The second thing you must NOT do is to stop taking the medication abruptly. My doctor recommended going down by quarters in two to three week increments, but said that I shouldn’t go lower until the side effects of the initial lowering subside. I’m now on half a tablet (25mg) and despite constant hot flushes and a few emotional outbursts, nothing has been unmanageable (thankfully). I just make sure I carry water with me at all times and try to keep cool so my heart rate doesn’t escalate too quickly. I think by next week I should be down to a quarter, so here’s hoping for the best. Just have to stay strong and positive!
Sara G
Brisbane Australia
I am a Pharmacist and never thought I would use Pristiq until I had a work accident and fracture my back and was prescribed Pristiq.
I put on 11 kg in 3 months, had sweats, nausea, headaches, irritability and decided to take myself of the 50mg dose.
First of all I cut all the tablets in half ( I know we tell you not to being enteric coated but needs must) then I cut another 30 tablets into quarters.
For 14 days I alternated with one whole tablet and 3/4 of a tablet at night, then I took 3/4 of a tablet for 10 days then I alternated 3/4 of a tablet with half a tablet for 14 days then I took half a tablet for 10 days and then half a tablet alternating quarter of a tablet for 2 weeks then 1/4 of a tablet for 14 days then 1/4 every other day for 14 days, 1/4 of a tablet every three days for 14 days, 1/4 every fourth day for 14 days then 1/4 every fifth day for 14 days then I stopped altogether, felt groggy for two days could not sleep properly for 4 days but now ok just got to loose the weight.
Jade
I’m barely sixteen and after a series of sessions with my psychologist and a psychiatrist it was decided I would benefit from antidepressants. We were told to see our doctor as soon as we could so the chosen medication would take effect as quickly as possible, but our usual doctor was away and the letter of recommendation had yet to be scanned through.
The doctor we saw had me explain my symptoms (I’ve been diagnosed with both depression and anxiety within the past four years and was diagnosed with a mood disorder by the psychiatrist) and then decided to put me on Prestiq. Within two weeks a different doctor again upped my dose from the starting 50mg to 100mg a day.
The only side effects I suffered from while on the medication was extreme fatigue where I would fall asleep while in the middle of doing things, and the occasional dizziness. It was less than five days ago when I got to finally see our usual doctor who decided within the first ten minutes that I needed to be taken off Prestiq and begin taking the original medication recommended for me. I had taken my tablet that morning and was told to not take another and begin my next prescription in three days time.
My doctor didn’t warn me about withdrawals in any way, and though I had expected there to be something, I hadn’t expected it to the degree of what I’ve been through. The past four days I’ve suffered through migraines, nausea, dizziness, and extreme panic attacks and I am now waiting for the medication I began yesterday to counter the misbalance caused. I’ve learnt my lesson the hard way, but please be extremely careful with this drug.
Lisa
Seattle, WA
I was a long time user of Pristiq approx 5 yrs. I am no longer taking the medicine and am happy to report that I feel great! But it has taken me the last year to wean myself off of the medicine. I, too, have experienced all of the withdrawal symptoms from blood pressure changes ( the worst one UGH) sweating, brain zaps, sluggish, low energy, mood swings, headaches, dry mouth, weird sensations in my legs, joint pain, sleepiness, etc. Mostly experiencing these symptoms in between lowering my dose.
I would lower my dose and keep it that dose until my body got used to it and the symptoms subsided. Then I would lower it again wait for symptoms to stabilize, repeating until I got down to a once week dosage eventually allowing me to quit. It’s been a long road but what I learned through this experience is not to put a time limit on quitting the medicine rather let your body tell you when to reduce the meds.
Also, it is imperative to have a good support system in place a family member or pastor you can talk to and tell them how you are feeling emotionally, physically and mentally during the process of reducing. We won’t always see certain changes in ourselves but a close family member or friend will. It is important to tell someone how much meds you are on, your overall feelings and changes you are experiencing. That way they can help in monitoring your progress. And lastly, know it will be a journey and it won’t be easy but keep the faith your body will tell you what’s best for you….don’t rush the process!
Donna
DC Metro Area
Go to hospital to get help getting off Pristiq.
sidne byars
la Paz mexico
I have Hep C and Have had for over 50 years i was only dx 2008. I have been on anti d’s starting with Prozax and ending with pristique I was on Lexapro for a long time maybe 5 years before my Pain Specialist put me on Pristique the first day I felt better on 50mg of Pristique I have had very hard times with money. I am broke and now can’t afford to buy the meds so Iam going through withdrawel from 100 I was taking then started 100 twice a day as I cannot deal with my situation they will be cutting off my phone in a couple of days and there goes my internet. Since I do not have any money to do anything I have to quit cold turkey. It has been only 24 hours since I have had a pill took my last pill. I began taking anti’d’s for anxiety didn’t drive for almost 3 years as my anxiety was so bad, I am not liking my position but I have taken my self off pain meds cold turkey that took about 4 days in bed. I didn’t answer the phone I just stayed in bed and didn’t talk to anyone for at least 4 days and then 5 days and I was okay so I am hoping this is not worse for me. I am almost 70. I am hoping to be okay I quit smoking 4 years ago but now have recently started again. I am just so tired of being addicted to pills. I just want to be free of taking pills my pain levels are returning I am taking Lyrica and yurelax a muscle relaxant as my nevous system is damaged the lyrica helps with the fybromyalgia nerve pain today I took a 750 tylenol only have a few left so not sure how it is going to go I will post again if I can Hope I make it through okay will post again
Adam
Melbourne
I was taking 100mg of pristiq for about the last year or so. I was unemployed for a long period anreally struggling with life. It really helped me so much! My anxiety and depression were at an all time high and after the pristiq a felt normal again. I’ve been working full time and now have a house of my own, so I decided that I would stop the pristiq. Also because its now really expensive as I don’t have a concession card anymore. It’s day 5 of going cold turkey. I’ve been a bit up and down. Very irritable. Brain zaps. Vertigo feeling when I move my eyes. A little foggy. I’ve had night sweats and no sexual interest also. All in all, I can manage. But at times I feel like I’m losing my mind. I’m finding myself questioning all the people that i have around me, in my head, not to them, if that makes sense. Work has been manageable, I work in sales, a little foggy remembering product info. Vertigo feeling can get a bit much so I just go on lunch. Had a few headaches in the morning but they’re very mild and go away. My head sort of feels like its just ringing ALL of the time. Here’s hoping the next few days get a little better.
Fred
North Coast NSW
Hi,
I have been on pristiq 100mg for approx. four months, and I feel it really helped me through some dark times with no side effects to speak of during that period, however after going cold turkey two days ago i’m certainly experiencing very cloudy thoughts and the constant brain zapping is starting to wear me down.
Robin
Victoria
This is scary reading. My doc just started me on Pristiq, now I’m wondering if it’s right for me
Allie
Alberta
I was on Pristiq 100 for just over a year. The one time I missed a dose I had the same side effects as many of the people in this forum. My suggestion: visit a naturopath. The one wonderful lady I found helped me come off the drug in such a way that the side effects were minimal . I began taking it every second day and the off day I would take a multivitamin and omega 3 for about two months, this way my body was able to adjust slowly. It was hard as the off days were still causing sever dizziness, but by week 3 all of this was gone and I was normal all days of the week. After two months we pushed it to every third day, again supplementing the off days with vitamins and omega three and 1) positive energy (meditation/yoga/reading positive books) and 2) exercise – whatever I could handle. You have to remember why you’re taking this drug – anxiety or depression, or whatever other reason. You can’t come off it cold turkey because it’s a security blanket for your emotions. You have to ease your body off it, but also replace it with the right mindset, or what is the point to even coming off it! It was prescribed to you me for a reason and I am thankful for the time it helped me, but by changing my attitude and outlook on life I was able to come off of it within four months and never looked back – I feel great.
I believe anyone can do it, you just have to do it right.
Leila
Australia
Like every one on this website I am suffering very similar problems. I have tried THREE times to come off Pristiq 50mg. I have been on this drug for over three years and it was great when I needed it. I don’t need it now and not only do I want to come off it immediately, but I also just can’t afford to keep paying for it!! My GP and my pharmacist have tried to help but I think, (definitely the GP), has not been given the correct information regarding the terrible, frightening side-effects. I am now trying AGAIN – and this time going very very slowly by cutting small amounts off the tablets and taking them every other day – the days in between I plan to take a full, uncut tablet. I’ll gradually increase the days that I take the cut-down tablets and then begin to cut the tablets a little more, steadily and slowly reducing the dosage. It will take quite a few weeks, but better for me than not trying at all! My GP has prescribed Valium to take when the withdrawal effects get really bad. The headaches have already begun – but I’m going to rid myself of this awful drug and give this my complete commitment. If anyone wants to join me in a petition to write to the producing drug company for advice, or assistance whether we’re from Australia, USA, UK – seems like an international issue (!) then I’d be really keen to follow that up. (FYI, I’m not a lawyer or working for any competing company – just a sad mum of four – who works full-time and needs to see and feel a change). In the meantime, hang in there everyone !
Satra
Brewster MA USA
I just got off from pristig 3days ago
I’m so out of my mind . The side effect of this medication so bad. Is killing my soul . Please help
Khm
Md
Hang in there. Sending positive thoughts your way. I’m on the same journey, we can do this!!!!!!
Kathy
SC
I was just prescribed pristiq today after being on Cymbalta, Lexapro, and welbutrin. I started having pre-seizure activity with all three so I was weaned off of these without difficulty. I have also taken Effexor and had the same withdrawal effects that others are describing for pristiq. It took 6 months for me to wean off of effexor. I am very concerned about even starting this drug now.
I am a nurse, and thanks to effexor (and a visit to the ER for withdrawal effects) I have “drug withdrawal” (with no reason indicated) added to my medical history. They did not believe me even though they did drug tests –
I did not find anything to help the withdrawal effects and they are horrific.
I’m going to have to do a lot of praying before I start this one.
Lisa
I was on Pristiq for 16 months for anxiety and depression, and it was amazingly helpful — better than any other med I’ve been on, including Lexapro, Paxil, Buspar, etc. I decided to go off it, though, because I gained 15 pounds around the 8th month–almost like a ‘get fat’ trigger went off–and I could not lose it even though I hired a trainer, followed Weight Watchers, ate well, etc. Did anyone else experience this? Published literature claims a weight loss, which I only had the first few months, but I could not stop this weight gain.
So, the first three days of withdrawal were bad, but not awful. I was on 50 mg and decided to go cold turkey. I had brain zaps before (going off Lexapro) and felt prepared to feel bad for a few days. Day 4 was the absolute worst — I had all the symptoms everyone has described so well here. Now, a week later, I feel like I’ve been through the worst of it, but I still feel nauseated, have the scoots, get flashes of dizziness and exhaustion, weird and intense dreams. I thought I’d be feeling much better by now, so this is disappointing.
The strangest thing about all of this is I feel like I did when I was pregnant — terrible GERD, the weird kind of exhaustion, food cravings / repulsion, etc. This makes me wonder if my weight gain, the effects of this medicine, are hormonal in nature? Any ideas?
Thanks, and all the best to everyone sharing these struggles.
shellie
bendigo
I too am trying to come off Pristiq. I too gained about 15 kilos which is not helping my mental state. I’ve been taking pristiq for the last 2 years and was advised to reduce the dosage. I went from 100 to 50mg and have been cutting the 50mg tablet in half with no side effects. After 2 days of coming off the 25mg I too felt fantastic, until day 3. All of the side effects everyone had mentioned. How frustrating to go back to the emotional wreck I’d come so far from. The tears. . nasty thoughts. .foggy brain. I can’t function like that and be at work. I want off the drugs but still need to be able to function at work and at home. .single parent of 3 teenagers and working for the government I still need to be on my game. How is that going to happen? ? After having to leave work at lunch time and come home I have decided to take the meds till I’m on holidays so that it doesn’t affect work. Some holiday it’s going to be judging from what I’ve read thus far.
I take my hat off to all of you who have succeeded and I will try again. I can’t believe that something that made me feel better is now becoming the enemy.
I will take the advice of doing exercise and building natural “happy pills” for my brain.
Arturo
Texas
I understand completely how you feel Shellie. I’ve been on Pristiq for the past 3 years now and it did help me with my social phobia and anxiety but decided to come back to my natural senses. I have been off of it for the past 10 days now after being on a 150 mg dosage for over a year. I have been having some emotional rollercoaster days. I am having difficulty concentrating at work and feel that my anxiety is coming back ten fold. Old feelings of inadequacy are returning with anger and resentment. I to pray that these feeling pass and that I can find some form of normalcy. I found that finding a support group and exercising has helped me tremendously. Every day is a fight for me but just remember you are not alone in this fight. Others feel your pain and understand where your coming from. Stay strong!
Graham
Canada
I was on Pristiq for about a year and change… I’ve recently made a couple breakthroughs with my shrink. So I began to at first stop cold turkey, and I felt fine. After a few days I went back to the shrink asked him whether I should stop cold turkey like I had been. He said to gradually do it but if I felt I could handle it, encouraged me to stop cold turkey. Only that I be mindful of my emotions and thoughts as I do it and contact a mental health professional if there was any drastic change. So far it’s been another almost week since I took my last 50mg Pristiq. And I feel very well and am not suffering from a lot of those withdrawal symptoms others have mentioned. I don’t know whether I am really fortunate or what, however… I can’t help but notice a lot of these withdrawal nightmare stories are a lot alike, and spelled alike, and grammatically similar… Judge not, Compare not, delete the need to the understand.. Be careful !
Mike
Australia
When there is nowhere left to turn you have to accept what’s out there. I have had major depression issues for many years now and been prescribed numerous nasty antidepressant drugs. Before going onto PRISTIQ I was on 600mg of Effexor am and 90mg mirtazapine pm. I had been on PRISTIQ for many years, since it was released into Australia. 300mg per day over many years when I suddenly found I was unable to procure this product whilst overseas.
I considered the thought of testing reality and started lowering the dose but had to go cold turkey from 100mg. The nightmare started immediately, the headaches, brain zaps, blurred vision my eyes actually felt like they would burst they were so swollen. I could lay on my bed and watch my heart spasm erratically. I maxed out on pain killers and sleeping pills to survive, how I survived I have no idea, I lost almost a week that I can’t account for and yes self respect and dignity desert you. It took almost five weeks of hell before I could say I was almost normal and attempt to leave the house but that was only if no one looked at me or spoke to me, otherwise I’d burst into tears.
I persevered for several months but my dark passenger never left my side. My behavior became erratic and highly dangerous actions didn’t phase me, I was highly suicidal there was no choice I had to go back on PRISTIQ. I have the proverbial love hate relationship with this drug but the bottom line is it saved me years ago and saved me right now, going on is easy getting off is ………… I discovered reality for a short time but it wasn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Am I better, no but I’m still here and still wondering how I got here and why I’m still alive. I’m typing this at 3am guess that sums it up. Good luck to those who can leave this drug as a bad memory. For those that need it, I feel your pain.
Leigh
I was on Pristiq for almost 10 years, and it worked better than any other drug I’ve ever been on. However, after a falling out with my prescribing doctor that made me unable to return to them, I was forced to go off it cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms have ruined me for weeks. I can’t eat without getting sick. I have bouts of horrible, uncontrollable, painful shaking. Suicidal thoughts and other such negative things plague my mind constantly. My emotions are totally out of my control. The shaking is starting to die down, and I can now eat a full meal if I take medicine first (no change in emotional state, though), but the brain zaps and one other issue are on the rise despite it having been a few weeks. I came here in search of one issue that I’m too afraid to address with anyone, especially since I have yet to find another doctor – I see that apparently “lack of orgasm” was a side effect of the medicine, but since I’ve gone off it, that’s been a withdrawal symptom. I had no sexual issues while on the medicine, and now I am completely incapable of the aforementioned deed. Is there any advice for this? I can’t find it as a withdrawal symptom anywhere and I don’t know how long or if it will fix itself over time. I’m hopeful since surely withdrawal can’t last forever, but I’m not sure now if the medicine was the only thing allowing me to achieve that in the first place. I’m hoping to find a new psychiatrist to put me back on the medicine to fix my mental state anyways, but this is still worrying and odd.
Danielle
I have been on Pristiq less than two weeks and I’ve already had to come off it because of severe suicidal thoughts. I have been trying different medications to counter anxiety depression so I didn’t think dropping the pill cold turkey would be a big deal. I have been having lucid dreams, unable to stand up straight, nausea/vomiting and brain zaps so severe it’s hard to function. I can’t imagine how horrible it would be for people who have been on it for years.
Karen
Texas
Wow!!! Went to the doctor today and was prescribed Pristiq. I have slept all day and feel really fuzzy headed!! I want to thank all of you for reporting your withdrawal experiences…it has helped me to realize I do not want to be on this drug.
Fran
A well-loved relative committed suicide, last week, and none of us can understand how. He had recently experienced some job-related stress, but NOTHING in his prior character EVER indicated he was capable of this. We are in complete shock, and looking for clues to understand.
I was just informed he had been taking this drug for the last 4 – 6 weeks of his life. I don’t know (yet), whether he took the drug consistently, or if he missed some doses (or possibly tried to stop “cold-turkey”). Regardless, we are heartbroken over the loss, and trying to understand what went wrong.
As I said, he’d experienced some recent stress/changes at work that made for a negative/unhappy environment, but prior to that, had loved his job for many years (and was well-loved/respected by those he served). We do not know (yet), how he was handling this drug, but I certainly hope it didn’t play a part in his sudden, shocking suicide. My heart is breaking.
Jeanette
QLD
Fran, so sad for you and your family, I know how you and your family are feeling and I hate when people say that but I do know. My partner committed suicide on the 15/7/15 and he to was taking Pristiq, what happened, it was not him and so unexpected. He was on Pristiq for a couple of years and took it every morning without fail. I never researched or looked into the drug because he was happy but now after he has committed suicide I have looked a lot on the internet and can not believe this drug is not banned in Australia as it is banned in Europe. I believe Pristiq did this to him.
marion
Toronto, ON
I took pristine for about two months and couldn’t handle the anxiety it caused. I decided to go off it and am tapering off it gradually. Have no appetite, vivid unsettling dreams, horrible depression; crying all the time, heart palpitations and increased anxiety. Will try exercise to see how it helps.
Andrea
Miami
Hi! I started Pristiq 50 mg almost 2 months ago. My Doc told me to start with 100 mg 15 days ago because I wasn’t really feeling anything. After reading online how difficult it is to leave it, I decided to stop taking the pill. So the first 2 days were actually amazing. I felt alive again (except for the terrible insomnia I got the first night). But today (day 3)… It felt like the worst hang over ever. I had all of the symptoms you guys mention here: nausea, extreme dizziness, fatigue, sweating, hot flashes, of course anxiety and palpitations. My joints and neck hurt like crazy… But I’m actually starting to feel OK now (10:30 pm). I’m afraid tomorrow will be a crapy day too. Have any of you actually felt better and then like crap again?? Or am I the luckiest girl on earth and my withdrawal symptoms only lasted 12 hours? Thank you all for sharing your experiences, it sure has made it easier for me to cope with the symptoms!
Chill Guy
I’m currently in about week one of experiencing the withdrawals from 100mg dose of pristiq. Have been taking for a year, the last week or two I’ve been skipping a day or two and then 3 or so then down to now having not had one for a week.
I can feel the ‘brain zaps’ that are mentioned by many here and I certainly feel a little bit odd. I can tell there is definitely something up with ALL of my emotions so I’m being especially conscious about what I think and do at the moment. I was watching Adventure Time before and after a small joke on the show made me chuckle I felt like I was so happy I was going to start crying, very odd feeling.
My management for withdrawal has been a little unorthodox but so far so good. I smoke weed. It helped with the symptoms that pristiq gave me when I took it anyway but now has been great for managing the shit I feel now. The first few nights I had horrible fitful sleep and sweated a lot but now I’m just feeling a bit high strung and get the brain zaps. Few more weeks and I’ll be fine. My doctor should have prescribed me weed to start with, amazing plant and had the most profoundly positive effect on my life and overall world view.
I will say that Pristiq did indeed serve its purpose but they are horrible horrible drugs and I wish I had discovered weed first. I only started smoking weed cos it helped with the erection problems Pristiq caused.
Kel
Australia
I have been on pristiq now for 16 months. I was originally on Zoloft (a cheaper brand) but all of a sudden my body reacted very badly and I had a panic attack like no other. My doc put me on pristiq and it worked wonders, however the past 12 months have been a slow decline with more and more side affects developing. If I’m an hour or so late taking it my mind feels fried, I can’t move around quickly as I get dizzy, if I think about different things at once my brain hurts, I have zapping, migraines, itchiness and to top it off my hair has started falling out. I have also increased my weight by 10kgs. I have forgotten to take my tablet as I left it in my car which my husband has for work lucky I remembered I have a spare one which I keep in my handbag in case of a situation such as this but a day overdue. I have had to go to bed as I’m so ill. I will be speaking to my doctor and will stop taking this under his guidance.
Sarah
Australia
Wow , I’m so happy to hear this story, I’ve been easing off pristiqu for about a month, one 50mg every second day, my doc has now said to stop altogether, but has given me mild sleeping tabs, I feel very sore all over and tired but apart from that all good. Hope it stay this way, feeling positive.
Many thanks
Adria
Gilbert, AZ
I’ve been on Pristiq 50mg for approximately 9-11 months. I noticed that it helped, initially, with depression (I had my fifth miscarriage in Nov. 2012. I went on Celexa to help me through that only to change to Pristiq. In September 2014, I had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy making it the sixth pregnancy loss).
In the past five months, I feel as though the medication had stopped working and I’m ready to come off of it. I forgot to fill my prescription in February and missed three days and it was absolute torture. The brain zaps, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, chills and hot flashes, sweating, etc. ended up putting me on the couch for a good five or six days. My moods were up and down and I was crying at the drop of a hat and yelling at the most trivial things that my son or husband did. My husband immediately went to get my rx from the pharmacy and after taking the pill, I noticed in the next couple of days I was feeling better.
Flash forward to now and I am very passionate about getting off of this medication. I’ve discussed with my counselor that I feel as though I don’t know how my body really feels sans drugs. She agreed that the more medication that I’m on, the further away from my REAL baseline I am. I want to get back to that baseline and then re-evaluate what I need in order to feel my best.
I have had a sinus infection since Tuesday, June 9th and today is Sunday, June 14. I am on day four without Pristiq and I have been doing much better than I did in February when I didn’t get my prescription filled in time and missed three days. I’m not sure if it is because I’ve been preparing myself or not but I’ll take it. I have seen three different doctors (my GP, a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse) and all three have said that because I am already on the lowest dose, I can only go off by going cold turkey. The DNP prescribed clonazepam to help me get through the withdrawals. I took two yesterday and I just took another one.
Here are my symptoms throughout the last four days. Remember that I am also dealing with a sinus infection so the symptoms may be overlapping.
Day 1- Feeling ok. Slept ok.
Day 2- sluggish, fatigued, dizzy, trouble balancing (falling or tripping often), crying at almost anything, very emotional. Slept ok.
Day 3- Vision starting to change. Eyes having trouble focusing, Feeling of vertigo. VERY tired and fatigued. Cold sweats and hot flashes. Lots of sweating. Fever. No appetite. Slept ok.
Day 4- Sluggish, very tired and fatigued. Felt fine until about an hour ago. Starting to feel weird in body. Having weird shakes and trembling. Hands are hot and sweaty, feet cold. Extremely hot right now. Diarrhea, nausea, close to vomiting, dizziness, headache (feels like someone is squeezing my head as hard as they can), no appetite, panicky feeling, having trouble swallowing as I keep feeling like I’m going to vomit.
I sure hope this is the worst of the worst. And, I hope these next few days go fast. I’ve got a lot scheduled for this coming week and I’ve got to keep my five year old son busy. Crossing my fingers tomorrow is a better day.
My thoughts on Pristiq? Never again will I go on an AD. I will try to heal from diet and lifestyle and counseling. This is NOT worth it. I was never suicidal and I’m not currently but the pain that this withdrawal is causing is not worth it. If anyone asked me if I would recommend Pristiq, I would say NEVER. If anyone asked me what I would recommend instead, I would say, eat whole, clean foods and get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. This chemical is the pits!
Mary
Maleny Australia
I feel very similar to you Adria. It is also Day 4 for me after 2 weeks of weaning off 100mg. I am writing because I am having a very very difficult time . Would love to know how things went after your posting. When I read the article above I can see that it’s not
uncommon.. But I was so unprepared for this. My Dr didn’t say anything about it, just to wean myself off over 2 weeks. It’s worse than the worse drug and alcohol withdrawals I have ever experienced and some of those were BAD. Parts of today I was just surviving minute to minute. Staying in bed with the TV on helped. Very difficult if I have to do anything,. Which I don’t have to for a couple of days. Today is day 4 of no Pristiq after taking 50 mg alternate days last week, and taking 50 mg daily for the 10 days before that.
The most stressful thing of all is the “trippiness” of it all. Nothing stays still. Everything around me jumps or moves sideways unexpectedly. It is very difficult to concentrate on anything for more than 1-3 minutes. What I want to know is how long this goes on for. I have NO intention of ever going on anti depressants again. Exersise, good diet, positive mental attiude, and herbal supplements are the way forward for me.
Lauren
Perth, WA
I was put on 50mg Pristiq about 8 months ago, my dose was increased to 100mg 4 months ago. At first, it saved my life. I was depressed and suicidal and it began to make a difference. However about a week ago, I decided that I wanted to stop taking it. I lasted 3 days with brain zaps and feeling jittery – I felt unbelievably scattered and off. I also felt increasingly suicidal. It was.. to me.. worse than some of the downest times I have felt.
I am very upset that my doctor didn’t tell me how hard it would be to stop this medication.. I think it is something that everyone should be informed about.
Within 2 hours of taking it, I calmed down and all of my intense side effects stopped.
I am increasingly worried about how to get off it. Ahh!
STACEY
MS
I have been on different antidepressants for years. I have been taking a wellbutrin in the morning and pristiq at night. Been on this combo for several years. I have tried weaning off each drug, making it past withdrawal symptoms, but realizing something wasn’t right. We tried other drugs, but none have the effect on me these two have. I ran out of pristiq, and I was having money issues so I didn’t fill right away. Then I decided to not refill it. Didn’t realize the withdrawal effects I was having until last night. It has been a nightmare for everyone around me. I need this medication. Started back today. Do not stop cold turkey. Big lesson learned!
Linda
Fresno, CA
I wish I had never started taking anti-depressants and I am outraged because I believe it is a money making scheme that uses the American people as human guinea pigs. They won’t prescribe narcotics or tranquilizers because they are “addicting” but then they get you hooked on this expensive, dangerous garbage that you CANNOT get off of. Isn’t THAT addictive? I started with Paxil and overnight it changed me into a normal, happy person. It worked great for 2 years and then it didn’t work anymore. Since then I have been through a series of toxic chemicals that only make my symptoms worse. Latest is Pristiq after having a DNA test which said it was “good” for me. Nightmares, rage, etc. Bottom line-If everyone in the USA has it, it is not a chemical imbalance but a sign that something is wrong with our society.
Adria
Gilbert, AZ
I totally agree that most of us are guinea pigs in this experimentation of prescription drugs. I am so pissed that I was put on Pristiq. The withdrawals are disheartening and painful to say the least. I am, however, feeling happier the more I’m not on it. I’m only four days without but, aside from the physical side effects, I feel much better. Can’t wait to get this out of my body. Good luck finding what is best for you!
Ben
USA
Paxil is the worst to get off of, some of your symptoms could have been related to your stopping that medication abruptly.
Ellie
Rocky mountians
Hello, I am desperately trying to wean off my 50 mg a day of pristiq that I have been on 5 years. The side effects are awful. I am now taking one every two days, then I guess next week I will take two in a week, then one, then none. Any better way? Please? I cannot be under a doctor to do this as I have no insurance, which is why I am getting off this $270 a month medication. I sure could go for advice. I am nauseated, more anti social than usual, and feeling pretty bad overall. Thanks, Ellie
Matt
Melbourne, Australia
Hi Ellie, I just read your post, I had been on Pristiq for 2 years and came off them nearly four weeks ago. There are differing ideas about how to come off the drug – I did what you are doing, by increasing the time span between tablets, and I have had dizziness, “brain zaps” and really low mood. The dizziness and brain zaps are gradually fading, but I am still really emotionally very up and down, and I’m really angry my doctor didn’t tell me how hard it is to get off these. What helps my mood is exercise, even just in short bursts when I can, longer fast walk/runs and swimming followed by a sauna – the heat seems to really help. It is really hard to work up the motivation to do this but it pays off, keeps me able to function. Studies are showing that the right exercise is at least as effective as antidepressants, and when you’re coming off them I think do as much as you can to kick in the endorphins and re-activate the production of saratonin etc in the brain. And going to sites like this where you can see that many others are going through similar difficulties and helping each other – i find it helps. All the best and I hope you start feeling better soon.
John
Alberta
Hi guys: Like most that have posted I been on Pristique for just over two years due to a head injury. Over the last two months I have tired twice to wean off it. In first things were going fine up to week two when I started lowering the frequency of taking it. I got very low and very emotional which were symptoms from my head injury. This caused me to be even more anxious as I thought I would never be off of it. Not knowing any better I restarted taking it again. Just in the last few weeks I started again to wean and like the previous time I hit the wall and could not stop crying for a full day. I thought I was loosing my mind. No where was I instructed of these side effects. After reading other posts I feel better in knowing that I am not alone, nor am I going crazy (well maybe a little). I like the post that talks about the exercise and heat this has been very helpful. Unfortunately for me my vision has gotten to the point where I am looking through marbles. Hopefully this will resolve itself soon..
Milton
PR
This has been by far the best med for my conditions. Cymbalta the worst. I do have a couple of side effects listed here and will try to ween myself off it. Been using it for 3 years.
Jared
Brisbane
I started on 50mg for 2 months, then 100mg for 3 then up to 150mg for 6 months. After the initial week of taking Pristiq, I felt no actual change, hence why it was increased. After seeking out a Psychologist, I started dropping back the dose for 5-6 weeks at a time, to use up the boxes I had. The only withdrawal effect I have is headaches, but I am actually happy, more coherent and less anxious then while on the drug. Talk to a psychologist, and your family/spouse.
Amy
Canada
Hi everyone
I was on the 100 mg for pristiq for a couple of years but got switched to a different anti-depressant. I also have high blood pressure and I have found since going off the pristiq my heart is just pounding out of my chest. I feel the throbbing throughout my neck too and it has been happening all day. When checking with the pharmacy, that is my body reacting to the withdrawal from the pristiq. Is anyone else having this or has experienced increased heart rate? I’m scared.
Linda
Toronto
I have been on Pristiq for almost a year. Finally I am being weaned off. I have been on 100mg. This drug honestly saved my life. It made a significant difference with my depression and anxiety. The only symptoms I’ve had are; hot flashes, change in appetite, and a few sleepless nights. For me, it was a small price to pay for the depth of my depression.
Sara
Michigan
Has anyone else had the lovely side effect of being itchy from the top of your head to the soles of your feet and everywhere in between? I stopped Pristiq fully about five days ago after weaning off for a week and now I am chilled all the time, have a very hard time sleeping, but it’s this itching that is blowing my mind. I haven’t found mention of it in any other site but it’s awful. Nothing helps and I am scratching my body raw. Am I alone in experiencing this? I have not had a single brain zap but my vision is weird now – like my eyes want to keep crossing on me – and I have lost my appetite completely. If you are also experiencing the severe itching response to stopping the drug, please let me know I am not alone and losing my mind over this.
Kristen
United States
Yes, I am tapering to 50mg every other day and have bad itching of my hands, arms, and feet, but other places as well. You aren’t crazy! Plus, I keep getting cold like you. I felt very tired a lot of the time, can be irritable, depressed feeling, and have that weird feeling of depersonalization. This sucks!
M.A.
Australia
Yes I have terrible itching drawing blood scratching head to toes. I am now so angry although usually I am placid.
I lost my husband suddenly I was there and lost the love of my life. I could not save him and my world collapsed. I suffer terrible grief which turned to PTSD then two years ago major depression was diagnosed.
I have no family and my doctor tried to help and I was tried on different medications but nothing could help. How could it.
About 2 ago I was tried on Pristiq which did not help but continued.
A month ago It was suggested I come off Pristiq and go onto another tablet. I was on 200mg and over a month reduced to 100 then 50mg.
Since stopping I have been in a mess and in bed mainly. I had: very bad headaches, burning hot neck and head, shaking, nauseous. Pains, toilet rushes, nightmares I had before too but more like I was awake also. Hot then shivering and feel so unwell. Unable to walk properly and housebound as feel so ill.
I am not an angry person but right now I feel like screaming that Pristiq could do this. I thought only people taking illegal drugs had withdrawals like on TV.
I just write now (never done anything like this in my 70 yrs. now I have to. Please anyone out there give a full warning of what can happen. I am too afraid to take anything now but I need help.
God bless you all. Take care. Perhaps you will be OK but for those who are not I pray another medication will help you soon. Yesterday I could not have written this but now this anger is overwhelming. I do not blame the physicians who do their very best to help but I do blame the makers of Pristiq for not giving a very strong warning.
Thank you for listening and as for the itching I do hope that you find a solution and I find one too.
Tried many things over the years to help.
Abby
Vancouver, bc
Hi Sara, I been off pristiq for three days now and YES, I’m experiencing same withdrawal symptoms! All you can do is drink a lot of water and wipe ice cube on itchy area that will get rid of itchiness. Stay strong don’t give up.
Abby
Adria
Gilbert, AZ
I have the vision issues going on. My eyes want to cross. No itching though. Have you asked your doctor about it?
David
Australia
Yes. The itching. I have been off the Pristiq (50mg) for 20 days now and the itching has just started. It is driving me crazy as well. Hopefully it will only last a week or so. I had stomach problems going off Pristiq, Irritability and light headedness to start with. That seems to have passed. Now its itching. I think its just your brain adjusting and hopefully this too shall pass. Try putting Pinetarsol Bath Oil in your bath and have a good soak in the tub. This seems to help. Good luck.
Deborah
Spring Hill, TN
I went to my doctor to explain the side effects I am having while taking the medication prescribed to me for depression. I was made to look as if I was ignorant and had no idea as to what I was talking about. My doctor prescribed a strong dose stating this should help. He was wrong. I was ignorant but it because of the side effects I was feeling and having a hard time explaining but for listening to my physician. When I finally stated I want off all the medications prescribed my doctor stated which one do I want to quit and when did I want to come back? I was shocked at the way my doctor was acting but I told him I guess I would start with pristiq 50mg because it was the most recent prescribed. I asked how do I stop? It was explained to me that I am on the lowest dosage and stopping should not be a problem. I’ve been off the medication for four days now and feel as if I am going to go crazy. Someone on this site stated brain zaps which helped me explain and articulate what I am feeling now. I feel anxious , suck to my stomach, dizzy, I can’t focus my eyes very well, I keep crying , I can’t sleep, and many more side effects a list too long to write. How are physicians allowed to prescribe medications and not know what the side effects might be? How are they allowed to prescribe a drug with such strong side effects? I am a 52 year old woman who doesn’t drink and thought I didn’t so drugs … Until now, I am in miserere . I don’t know what to do. I am on Monday morning going to call the FDA and report the Adverse reactions I am having with this medication. I hope all the other people on this site go the same. I am so scared because after I get done withdrawing from this medication I have to start the process of getting off the Buproprion I am taking! This is not fair that another human being ( physician) can do this to another human being!
Ryan
Calgary
I have been taking the meds for a little over a year and a half. I was suffering horribly from anxiety and depression. The meds worked wonderfully for me, but it’s time to move on as I don’t think it’s wise for ANYBODY to depend on meds for their entire life.
I have run out of pills and it’s only been two days and it’s been hell, thus far. I am going to my doctor in 3 days and I am going to ask for his help weaning off. I would highly recommend against anyone stopping cold turkey as I have tried. The headaches, dizziness, nausea, brain zaps, blurred vision, have been unbearable. Hopefully weaning off them will be easier. Good luck to all trying to get off this stuff, it’s not easy.
Deborah
Ryan , I am going through the exact same thing as you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts. But would like to also recommend your medication side effects be reported to the FDA
Kristen
Buproprion (Wellbutrin) doesn’t come close to having horrible withdrawal like Pristiq. At least, that was my experience.
Solsolito
Canada
Hello all. I’m late to this conversation but like you, I too have decided to wean myself off of Pristiq. I wish that my doctor had not prescribed this medication to me in the first place.
Before I recount my trials of trying to wean, allow me to preface my story with this: Pristiq did initially help me in coping with bulimia, stress, anxiety, and depression due to an incredibly toxic work environment (former Government of Canada employee here). However, after two years of my not having much of a sex drive, having severe mood swings, and not wanting to live my life at all (I had no desire to do anything but sit on the couch and exist. I couldn’t even pick up a book to read since I had no desire to do anything but breathe and sleep), I decided to talk to my doctor about going off the medication.
She advised that when she felt I was ready (believe me, I did not miss the irony), she could only ween me off the meds since there is no lower dosage than 50 mg (which is what I was taking on a daily basis). She stated that she would reduce my dosage by a pill a week over a specific period of time but gave me very little additional information. This is when I decided to take my health into my own hands and do research on my own. I also decided to reduce my dosage to taking my pill every other day. I told my husband what I was doing and asked him to keep track of symptoms of which I may not have been aware. Apparently, I started slurring my words, and my mouth would fill with saliva very quickly in the first two days after going off cold turkey.
I had already gone through a bout of the stomach flu, so when I started throwing up profusely, I believed I had just had a recurrence of the flu. I was so wrong. After doing some research, I realized that my brain zaps (at this time only mild but incredibly annoying when it happens right at one is trying to sleep), extreme nausea, and fatigue were due to withdrawal symptoms. My equilibrium is definitely off (I feel like I have a mild case of vertigo), and it feels like my head and neck are encased on cotton batting. The mood swings have been random and definitely unexpected. That being said, I’m presently on day 4 of not having taken my pill and the symptoms are still present, but not debilitating. The upside of my not taking my medication (and I realize how cliched this will sound) I now have an actual zest for life! I’ve been reading, going for walks, going to my regular yoga class, actually wanting to visit and converse with friends and family, and (blissfully), my libido skyrocketed!!! I couldn’t believe it. I thought my sex drive had simply decreased because I was stressed at work and had just turned 36, and thought maybe, like my mother, was going through early menopause. It was like a heavy curtain had been lifted from my eyes and I could suddenly see the life I hadn’t been experiencing.
That being said, as many others have recommended, it is definitely best to consult one’s doctor before deciding to do this. My situation is unique to myself in that my doctor is terrible (e.g. she couldn’t explain the physiological side effects of continued bulimia with googling the disorder first and refused to give me an external examination until I had lost my virginity, knowing full well I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts at the age of 18 due to, yes, and internal examination). Moreover, with the extreme doctor shortage in Canada, trying to obtain another doctor is damn near next to impossible.
My apologies for my rant. But I want to extend my sincere thanks for this thread. I don’t know if you realize how empowering it is to read about the experiences of others and realize that it isn’t in my head and that I’m not the only person whose doctor prescribes medication with which they are unfamiliar. Once again, thank you all.
Hunter
Fort Lauderdale Florida
Thank you do much. I am currently trying to get off of 50 mg of pristiq. I cut it in half and been taking 25 mg per day. As I am writing this I feel like I am being electricuted. I feel like I am just prolonging the side effects and have decided to just stop as of tomorrow. I have been on 50mg for about a year. I was put on this medication after loosing a couple family members and 2 pets. I was never told what this drug we would do to me and what would happen when it was time to come off. I discussed my side effects and I was totally dismissed. If I ever get depressed like that again I rather be strapped in a straight jacket and put in a rubber room. I don’t understand how these so called Drs. prescribed these meds with no explanation and then deny and dismiss you when you tell them what you are felling. I find it unbelievable that this practice is legal.
Sar
Mackay, Q, Aus
Yesterday for the first time in about 8 years I ran out of my anti ds. I’ve been on Pristiq for approximately 5 or 6 years. The symptoms are frightening. The brain zaps and feeling of absolute panic are the worse! My mood went from reasonable to absolutely unreasonable and a crying mess in a matter of hours. I’ve tried coming off it before but chickened out after about a week due to the side effects of discontinuation. I’m going to have to persevere though because the Pristiq just is not working for me and that snug blanket of depression is slowly creeping back. I’ve noticed that I am a super air head. My partner refers to it as “butterflies”, because I’m so random and easily distracted. My attention span is also very short and I’ve heard that this can be caused by certain anti ds. I don’t ever remember being so absent minded! I seriously pray that my journey from Pristiq onto something else isn’t as awful as the last 24 hours. I am only on 50mgs as the full dose of 100 stops me from being able to orgasm and in your 20’s that’s just not visable. Wish me luck!
Shelby
Kentucky
I have been on Pristiq for a year now at 50mg a day. At first it was a God sent miracle; it was the only antidepressant that didn’t give me any adverse effects and it began to work within the first week! After a couple of months I noticed some side effects began to appear but nothing so severe that I felt the need to quit taking the drug. Originally, my depression was to the point where I was unable to function in my daily life so I felt a few headaches and some dizziness was nothing to complain about from a drug that made those horrible feelings of emptiness and utter depression completely go away. Throughout the past year I have dealt with the issues that originally brought me to take antidepressants and I feel capable of handling those situations as they arise on my own and without the drug. Truth is the drug is now causing more harm than good: I have gained 30lbs over the past year, I have daily headaches, and God forbid if I miss a dose. Just the few experiences I have had missing a single dose make me terrified of quitting. The withdrawal symptoms are terrible! I literally feel as if I am dying: terrible headaches, LOUD ear ringing, severe fatigue, nausea, vertigo along with little balance control, and a constant pulsating, throbbing sound in my head. However, the worst thing about all of that is how quickly those adverse feelings are relieved once I take the missed dose. I can now fully understand how difficult it is to break an addiction to something that you literally need to use to feel like you can just function. As awful as all of that is, I still want to get off of the drug. I would never tell someone not to take Pristiq because it very well could have saved my life, but I would tell them to be aware of the addiction that will come with this drug.
Lisa
Fort Wayne, IN
Friends- there is no need to suffer as bad as some of you are withdrawing from Pristiq. Almost all AD’s, with the exception of Prozac, require careful tapering from your doctor, preferably a psychiatrist who knows how to do this properly.
2 weeks tapering was not enough for me, even though that’s what the psych recommended so I called them & they said taper for 8 weeks vs 2 & it worked well for me. I was ok tapering slowly. 2 weeks taper left me with flu like symptoms & head wooshes. 8 week taper was minor woooshes for about 5 days then none.
Pristiq, nor any AD as previously mentioned, cannot be skipped a day or you WILL get uncomfortable side effects. Paxil, Zoloft, etcccccc. You MUST taper.
Talk to your doctor. ALL meds react differently for different people. One can be a miracle drug for someone and the same drug could cause horrid side effects. It’s not fair to warn people a drug is “poison” to you when it could very well be a lifesaver to them.
My taper schedule from 100mg was:
2 weeks at 75mg
2 weeks at 50mg
2 weeks at 25 mg
2 weeks at 12.5mg.
You CAN cut the pills. I bought a pill cutter.
You most certainly can be off of this drug or any, safely & w/few side effects that DO go away.
Wishing you all the best!
Kim
Georgia
I was on Effexor for 10 years then changed to pristiq 50mg for least then 10 days …. I went every other day for a week then stopped all together. It’s the worse thing I have ever went through (withdrawal symptoms ) I have all the symptoms. Ringing in the ears , not sleeping well, not eating , brain zaps, anxiety, crying, feeling of being outside my body and the list goes on… Today I’m ending my 3rd day without the medicine … Hoping to feel better really soon … Anyone out there know how long withdrawal lasts? If your doctor is wanting you to take this poison don’t do it! It’s not worth the withdrawal
Done
fortworth
Pristiq worked good for a while. However I been on it 6 months or so. It seems to have ran its course. I won’t continue to take something that make me feel worse than, the reason of why I was trying to feel better. I’m on 50 mg and meeting with doc tomorrow to wing me off. I will no longer be a victim to this drug. I will never take antidepressants again… It’s sad, this drug is on the market. I’m not going cold turkey. I’m quit in moderations. I’ve had the same symptoms as you guys. But 2 ibropufin, helps me a lot with headaches. I have a strong will and mindset, that’s half the battle. The thought of something controlling me like, this makes me mad. I know this won’t be easy. I have went 4 days without meds before due to pharmacy mistake in mailing. I know this won’t be a easy task, but it will be worth it in the long run! We can all beat it! Its mind over matter…you will know when your time has come, to disconnect with Pristiq! God bless and strengthen you all! I have always believe where it’s a will, it’s a way)
Chris
Australia
Stay away from Pristiq! I’ve been on the drug for 18 months after taking Lexapro for 8 years and I will say this.. In the past 18 months I’ve had 4 suicide attempts, I do not sleep for days then sleep for two to make it up, constant, almost deafening ringing in the ears, severe nausea, bleeding, irritability, electric shock sensations in the brain, I cannot remember the last time I had an erection, severe un coordination to the point that others think I’m drunk, constipation, zero appetite and last of all severe itching. I’m on a dose of 300mg per day, I’ve never felt such hopelessness in the fact that no one can give me an alternative! I’m even considering going to rehab to get off it!
Alex
PR
Pristiq is not a good drug to use because eventually, you don’t feel well with it, and you feel worse without it. So what is the darn use of being prescribed Pristiq if you have to pass an experience similar or worse to that of a heroin addict trying to get off the junk? I do not understand why this drug was put into circulation in the first place, while society is struggling with so many other drugs that have similar side effects and are already deemed illegal or its use banned.
Please lets tell our health providers that the in the case of Pristiq, the recommended cure for depression is worse than depression itself. We who have been on Pristiq should sue for all the pain and suffering this medication eventually causes its users!
bekka
ct
I started taking Pristiq shortly after I had my last child. I had Post Partum depression and I didn’t want to be in my house. I thoughts of hopelessness. So my doctor prescribed Pristiq. For years I have gained a lot of weight, felt nauseas, dizzy, my heart skips beats, insomnia, ect… Then I started reading the side effects of Pristiq and I had so many of the side effects listed. I had had my little girl over 5 years ago and I should have been off this drug many years ago. I started titrating off this med this week, taking one every other day, so I decided to go cold turkey. I know this isn’t a good idea but I can’t deal with weeks of feeling crummy every other day. I am going to see my Natural Path doctor this week and I am hoping she can help me. I woke up at 4:30 this morning and had the worst nausea, dizziness, brain zaps (electrical charges), etc… I took Benedryl, Melatonin, my supplements to help me sleep and went back to sleep. I just woke up again and felt really crummy and took my supplements and an anti nausea med. I am lying down and right now I feel a little nauseas but not as bad as I did earlier. No more of these meds for me. I am sticking with the supplements my Natural Path has me take. It turned out I had adrenal fatigue and the supplements have helped immensely. I just want off Pristiq. VERY BAD DRUG!!!!!
Lisa
Ft Wayne, IN
You truly don’t need to suffer the discontinuation side effects if you taper over 3-4 weeks. Doing so cold turkey will just make you feel worse. My psychiatrist suggested 2 weeks at 75mg (I was taking 100mg), 2 weeks at 50mg & 2 weeks at 25mg. It worked. Minimal side effects. And you absolutely can cut the the pills with a pill cutter despite what a pharmacist or other ppl tell you. My psychiatrist is also a pharmacist. It worked fine and that’s how he does all of his patients.
All AD’s work different for everyone. For many Pristiq has been a miracle drug. It wasn’t for me but I also don’t scare ppl by saying negative things about it. Going off of it must be done slowly and with your doctors knowledge that you’re doing so.
Best wishes!
Theresa
Michigan
I am so glad to read everyone’s comments. As I write this, I am sitting in my pajamas at 5:00pm having missed yet another day of work due to missing a day of Pristiq.
I have been on 100mg of Pristiq for two years. When I started it, it was the ONLY anti-depressant that got me back to feeling remotely normal and not debilitated from depression. My insurance paid for a good portion of this expensive drug for which there is no generic form — until my work changed our health insurance. Now, they won’t pay for any of it and a month’s supply is $300+. I cannot afford to pay for this and Effexor, its closest alternative, didn’t work for me and produced terrible side effects.
I am currently trying to figure out what to do as I purchase 5-days worth of Pristiq just to get by until I figure out an alternative.
When I miss my dose, which I do not do unless something like this happens, the following frightening symptoms happen just a couple of hours later — and I’m wondering if this is a sign that this medication is not a good long-term solution for me and whether anyone else has had this happen:
1) Extreme lack of balance to the point of falling over
2) Nausea
3) Inability to wake up to the point of sleeping until early afternoon, through alarm clocks
4) Shivering, flu-like symptoms
5) Crushing depression
6) Shaking – particularly my hands
7) A sense of being “outside” of reality and therefore isolating myself
8) An almost-immediate recalibration and sense of normalcy after resuming the medication
I appreciate any feedback and/or advice, as well as hearing from anyone who has gone off Pristiq and stayed off of it — or found another medication that “worked” as well.
Lisa
Fort Wayne, IN
Hi Teresa, I think I replied to my own post instead of yours so scroll down and look at my reply dated Feb 11, 2015.
jen
ma
I’m on day 4 cold turkey off pristiq. I only took 50mg for 2 months. It worked great the first 2 -3 weeks. I had a TON of energy and it was awesome. I would get more done in 1 day than I got done in a week. I absolutely loved it. THEN, by week 4 it stopped, actually pretty abruabruptly -It was makimg me very tired all day. I would get up and get the kids off to school and would want to go back to bed. That in it self is very depressing to me . I am a very busy person and love to spend my days working hard.
To make a long story short , the drug may help some but when you decide to quit be ready for – body zaps, brain zaps, night sweats, diarrhea, extremely angry 1 min, crying the next. I hope this ends soon. I will never take this drug again.
Lisa
Ft Wayne, IN
There is no reason to suffer going off of it. Any time you stop any antidepressant cold turkey, you will have nasty side effects and mood swings. You should always wean off with a doctors plan. Cold turkey is never a good idea unless it’s an emergency like an allergic reaction.
Lisa
Indiana
I’m currently going off of Pristiq and onto Viibryd. Was on 100mg for 4 months. The plan was to start new mes while going down to 50mg Pristiq during week 1. Week 2 was to do 25mg Pristiq (btw, despite what pharmacists say, you can cut the pills. My psychiatrist is also a pharmacist & says no problem cutting them).
Anyway, just going from 100mg to 50mg, I had w/d symptoms of swooshy eyes when I moved them side to side & flu-like body aches. Called Dr. He said to taper slower. His regime tapering 100mg Pristiq:
Week 1 & 2 = 75mg Pristiq
Week 3 & 4 = 50mg Pristiq
Week 5 & 6 = 25mg Pristiq
(This is all the while I’m starting low dose Viibryd).
From everything I’ve heard or read about discontinuation syndrome, the symptoms can be rotten but they aren’t physically harmful.
Wishing everyone the best!
Lisa
Fort Wayne, IN
Yes, what you’re experiencing are discontinuation symptoms. You really need to call your insurance and ask for at least 2 weeks of meds. Maybe your doctors office can put in a call to advocate for it.
You need at least 3-4 weeks to titrate off of Pristiq (& most AD’s). You should also call your Doc & inform them of what’s going on. They may be able to prescribe you something like Prozac to take while you’re titrating off Pristiq so you at least will have something to possibly help with discontinuing. Prozac is the only AD that when you’re ready to stop it, you can w/o discontinuation symptoms bc it has such a long half life.
Bottom line, give your Dr & insurance a call today.
I had discontinuation symptoms just going from 100mg to 50mg so they had me take 75mg for a week or 2 before going to 50mg, then 25mg then off (I went on Viibryd all while titrating Pristiq the past 6 weeks).
Best wishes! I know it feels terrible so please call Dr & Ins. The bad news is discontinuation sucks but the good news is it does end and it’s not dangerous.
Dani
I know this is stupid. I already have epilepsy I take 500mg of Lamictal XR. Ive been on 100mg of Pristiq for 4 months and noticed I started gaining weight like crazy. I used to be 115 and I’m 130. I googled possible side effects of pristiq and saw that weight gain was one. As if I’m not already sad enough with my seizures the weight gain has caused me to be more self conscience. 4 days ago today I quit my Pristiq cold turkey. I keep having random shivers, I’m either freezing or sweating. I don’t have thoughts of suicide but my thoughts aren’t normal. I feel like I’m losing my mind. I don’t know what to do. If I call Dr I’m sure they’ll call my neurologist and ill be put on hospital hooked to EEGs and I just want to know will these side effects go away after awhile w o treatment. Will my body get over the withdrawals? I’ve never asked for help w these things but this time I’m really scared.
Amanda
Australia
Hello, I’m currently getting off pristiq for the 3rd time. Last time it took me 5 months and this time I seem to be dealing with it better so I’m going a bit faster (on my 4th week and I’m down from 100mg to 25mg).
My mother has epilepsy and was also put on antidepressants (should never have been put on them!) It took her working close with her doctor for 7 months to get off them. You need to be very careful and should never stop cold turkey at the best of times let alone having epilepsy on top. I would suggest though I’m not a doctor (go see her asap!) to take your original dose of pristiq to stop your withdrawals and go through a taper down plan with a properly trained (a lot of GP’s have no idea how to get off antidepressants) healthcare provider and do it slow.
Best of luck. xx
Carmen
Victoria
Dani How did you go, I too have epilepsy and take 500mg daily lamictal, also clonazepam (which I’ve searched and found out it is also classed as a mood stabiliser )
I started 50 mg pristiq about 7 yrs ago, it was bumped up to 100mg when I felt it wasn’t working about 2 yrs ago. I’m sick if taking all these drugs. I know I need the lamictal, I’m wondering if the clonazepam would be enough as an AD, but I’d like to know if you managed to come off the pristiq without any really bad symptoms, and if it caused any seizures doing so ? Tia, Carmen
Marsia
Earth
Disgusting. They should tell their patients of what will happen when you want to get off pristiq. It’s been hell for me. I’d rather have anxiety than deal with the withdrawals symptoms from this.
Leigh
I decided for reasons not necessary to this post to discontinue my Pristiq. I have been between 100mg and 50mg for approximately 4 yrs. I am very familiar with the “brain zaps” and neurological effects from simply missing one dose or taking a dose “late”. I used to try to describe the feeling as, ” I didn’t drink my V8 today!” in relation to the old V8 commercial with actors walking at an angle because they hadn’t had their daily dose. I split my 100mg pills x 5 days then quartered them x 5 days. The first few days can be tough but its worth it!!! Once you sync your system to the downgrade the next downgrade is even easier. I feel like a brand new person and I will NEVER take Pristiq again! I am less anxious and less panicky now that Pristiq is out of my system!
wendy
queensland
Wow the withdrawal symptoms of this drug are horrific on my fourth week of withdrawal still suffering brain zaps dizziness fatigue low blood pressure feeling faint shaky a lot tingling in hands and feet so bad been on this for nearly 9 months I just can’t wait to be back to normal I really don’t recommend this drug to anyone get rid of this nightmare…
Wilma Sirolli
Perth.West Australia
Is anyone withdrawing from Pristiq having a pulsing on the left side of head down to under the ear? I have Tinnitus and it has made it worse. It is a terrible drug and should be taken off the market.
Jac
USA
The left side of my head hurt so bad it felt like I had a knife stuck in my head. Horrible, never never again.
Carol
Perth
I am now one week into a pristiq withdrawal. I begun my dose of 150mg 8 months ago whilst dealing with overwhelming pressure. As per norm my doctor had a much higher dose in mind for me as I refused to completely feel. The 150 helped for around 6 months as I switched of from life, agreeing to the sedation. When I started to feel abnormal bouts of aggression. I felt like my brain processes where limited, and I no longer felt myself, it was as though an imposter stepped into my body. It was time to stop. Tapered down for two weeks, straight down to 50mg, then 25mg and finally a small corner maybe 5mgs, to nothing. As soon as I dropped dose the brain zaps started and the sensation of walking on a slippery surface, like water was present in the two weeks. So no pristiq on board, and still have the brain zaps, along with emotional outbursts, I’m not able to read the newspaper without tearing up. I must say, I have saturated my body with supplements such as tryptophan,(same or SAD powder) potent amounts of antioxidants, good quality magnesium and high amounts of protein. It really helps and supports the body processes whilst moving through the transition. A healthy diet and 2 or so liters of water helps to flush the body from those nasties. This has been my first experience with antidepressant and most def my last. Oh exercise helps as well. I must say the zaps have eased and my passion for life is slowly returning. This past week in particular has been about reconnecting with myself, I have withdrawn from certain people so I can heal in my own space. If you have made the choice to stop, the body will naturally correct itself with patience and nurture. Reading everyone’s posts also reminds me I’m not alone in shedding this mind altering substance.
Shawna :)
Kelowna
I have been on Pristiq for about 18 months and it was the only antidepressant that worked. I have been very gradually lowering my dosage. I was on 50 mg a day and then 50mg 3 x a week and 25 mg the rest and the only side effect was the occasionally brain zap, especially if I missed a day. However, I am now on week three of 25mg a day and the side effects are awful! I am so flipping emotional and angry – I can’t stand it. I want to drive my car into the garage door over and over again. But there is no way I am going back on this drug. I am done with antidepressants, regular exercise and a healthy diet help me tremendously. Although, I am currently lacking motivation due to the side effects. I want to just quit 25mg and go cold turkey now, and I would love some feedback as to how long will the side effects last. And I want to thank everyone for their posts, as it is very helpful to realize that its not me going crazy, just the side effects of coming off of Pristiq. So Thanks so much for your honest sharing. :)
Jason O
Florida
Pristiq worked for me but I have been feeling it’s time to get off of Pristiq. I have weaned myself for the past two months and was finally able to get to 1 pill every other day. Well I forget a pill 3 days ago and started the brain zaps. I have now gone 3 days without any pills and have some of the same withdraw symptoms as some of the people Who posted below.
But I am not angered I am having hysterical laughter over nothing. This morning my wife and I were driving to work and I couldn’t stop laughing. I went home and called in sick as my work would think I’m taking illegal drugs. I hope this stops. I have major brain zaps and weird feelings if I move my eyes fast or turn quickly.
I am going to try to not take any more Pristiq as I badly want to get off this medicine. If it is making me feel this way it cannot be good to stay on any longer. I just hope these feelings go away quickly.
If this is anything like how people hooked on illegal drugs feel I now understand how come they cannot get off them.
KK
Richmond, Va
I have been off Pristiq for 3 years. Still get brain zaps every morning and sometimes during the day.
Withdrawal was horrible. DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY.
Took ME 6 months to taper off really slowly as I titrated the dose mgs and dosing times. No help offered from my MD. I begged, and My Dr finally gave me Prozac 20mg to take daily for a week then taper off very slowly along with the Pristiq. Big HUGE HELP. First I tapered the Pristiq 100 mg dose from every 24 hrs to 24 hrs AND 15 min for a few days. Then 24 hr 30 for a few days. Repeat and increase titration until you are taking 1 dose every other day. Then start the taper all over again with 50 Mg. then 25 mg. etc. You get the idea. (I know it says don’t split pills) At 25 mg Then try to spread out to slowly every 48 hrs, 60 hrs, 72 hrs. Etc. All the while, I stayed on the Prozac once a week or once ever 10 days.
This was a painfully slow process. You need to make charts to keep up. Wake up in the middle of the night, set alarms depending on the dose time you are at.
Withdrawal and brain zaps were physical torture.
If I knew this before I started Pristiq I never would have used it. Yes, it worked great and I thought it was a wonder drug- but it was a short lived honeymoon as with most new meds we all try. I still continue to suffer from brain zaps, although they are less severe.
I am off all meds and giving my brain and system a rest. In January ’15 I am starting TMS NeuroStar. TransCranial magnetic stimulation of the prefrontal cortex. My Anthem insurance is covering most of it. I will have a co- pay. Treatment is 6 weeks, 5 days a week for 45 min. This is NOT ECT.
Already in use in the military for PTSD and depression. It is finally making it’s way to the private sector and large medical schools.
My new next hope… Wish me luck.
Erin
Australia
I was started on 50mg Pristiq about 6 months ago for severe anxiety and depression. After a month I saw no change with the anxiety, so my Dr recommended I increase to 100mg. It took away my sad and paranoid feelings, but same as a lot of you, my motivation and energy levels decreased rapidly. Thank god I have a job that I don’t have to start until 3pm everyday or else I would never leave my bed.
The peak of my energy seems to come late afternoon but is very short lived. However I get home after work around 9pm and won’t go to sleep until 1am. My sleep was helped along by a drug my doctor prescribed called Restavit and that saved my sleep patterns, you can only take it for 10 days and it regulates your sleep pattern :) The other things I’ve noticed since taking Pristiq is
1) Urinary hesitancy – Every time I have the urge to go to the bathroom, I get there and nothing happens. It’s so frustrating. My Dr thought it was a stricture in my bladder but since looking into the less common side effects of Pristiq, urinary hesitancy is one of them >_<
2) I’ve had insanely itchy skin. Not sure if that’s Pristiq related but it's only been since increasing to the 100mg and I know there's a risk of hives etc when taking it.
Anyway so last week I went back to my Dr and told him I couldn’t handle how tired and demotivated I am, so he has taken me down to 50mg with no tapering down. It’s day 4 and I feel the exact same as I have for months (which I’m very thankful for) but I’ve got to say, reading all these comments has me slightly worried about the next week or so and particularly about eventually coming off Pristiq all together. In saying that though, I strongly agree with the person that said you have to be head strong when reducing or coming off it. I told myself I would handle reducing the dose to 50mg and so far nothing. Anyway good luck to everyone coming out of the Pristiq haze.
Katrina
New England
Hi, I have been on many, many antidepressants over the past 15 or so years. My latest (a few years ago) was a combination of Wellbutrin and Prozac. While Prozac had always worked for me in the past- it seemed to be no longer working. Because the 1/2 life of Prozac is unknown- you can go off it cold turkey. My psychiatrist told me they don’t even know how long it stays in your system. Scary. Anyway, my doc added Pristiq. So, I went along on the Pristiq feeling better- but realized that I had no emotions- I did not laugh, I did not cry, I didn’t look forward to anything- I just existed. I was NUMB. I had my doc put me back on the Prozac.
I had a very, very difficult 2013- losing 2 very close family members at young ages and my son joined the military. So, I was constantly thinking about them (obsessing), crying all the time at night in bed- a year later. Petrified something would happen to my son. I had my doc put me back on the Pristiq earlier this year 2014. I recently decided that I wanted to get off of the Pristiq for the above mentioned reasons and others as well. I have read that you are not supposed to cut the tablets in half- this is per the pharmaceutical company. These pills have a coating on them, so they are not to be cut or crushed.
I was taking 50 mg- so couldn’t go down to a lower dosage. My doc had me take one every other day for 2 weeks. So, I have not had any Pristiq for 4 days now- and I am going through Pristiq withdrawal. I am sluggish, feel nauseous, getting the brain zaps, irritable, disorganized, cannot fall asleep at night- even after taking a sleeping pill. It didn’t dawn on me until yesterday that I was in withdrawal. Luckily, I have this week out of work- but I haven’t accomplished anything at home that I was hoping to. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow, as I am working the weekend! BTW- I am a psych nurse- so I am familiar with the withdrawals, side effects, etc.
AJ
New York State
I have been on 50mm Pristiq for over 4 years. I’ve had to stop taking it. It’s been 4 days now. I notice some of the withdrawal symptoms. But knowing I will have changes because of the lack of the drug in my system helps. I’ve also done DBT and that helps I guess.
Anyway… No brain zaps yet. No agitation or uncontrollable anger. Love the brighter colors, lack of nausea, and no more night sweats. Also started taking L-Trytophan in hopes it will elevate serotonin.
Roger
Australia
Pristiq was a good drug for me at 100mg dose as it sorted out a severe clinical depression. However after 2 years I was only functioning 3-4 days a week and sleeping for most of the other days. I also found that a few hours after taking the drug it would exacerbate the issues it was ostensibly resolving. That is anxiety, mood swings and irritability. Suicidal thoughts were now few and far between but mild brain zaps were occurring and if I foolishly indulged in a strong coffee and a cigarette strong electric shocks occurred in body peripherals.
This was getting to be too much for me to continue as I felt like a stunned mullet a lot of the time and just wasn’t performing as a human being. Therefore I decided to get off the stuff.
Did some research and talked to medicos who disagreed but in the end I have gone cold turkey. My body was telling me enough is enough.
The current state of play is as follows: Day 1 – morning Nausea, Day 2 -morning Nausea and vomiting plus diarrhoea, Day 3 Nausea gone, loose bowels continue, stomach pain, brain buzz arrives but not a severe as the zaps that occurred when on the stuff, Day 4 – very tired, loose bowels, stomach pain gone, headaches and low level brain buzz constantly, occasional ear issues like wind blowing in them. Some irritability, no mood swings or anxiety, In fact considering the constant physical symptoms I am dealing with at the moment I don’t feel all that bad.
Lifestyle changes have included a better diet with lots of good vegs, some meat and a little rice and lots of water and green tea. I haven’t completely avoided other key major food groups and still enjoy a few beers and the occasional cigarette. Will keep you posted.
Kelly
VA
Originally, Pristiq made me feel wonderful for a few months -then stopped working. Tapering off under my Dr.’s care was a nightmare. Tapering off in 2 weeks is agonizing. I would have preferred water boarding. The brain zaps were debilitating. It is 3 years later and I still have ZAPS everyday. My husband crated an excel spread sheet to help me titrate and taper the dose down ever so slowly over6 -9 months. After I researched it myself, My Dr. gave me a script for Prozac to take every other day during the tapering off the Pristiq. That was a huge help. The farther I got along tapering off the Pristiq the more the Prozac doses were spread out to once a week etc. The taper is a super slow process and my brain zaps have NEVER totally disappeared. EVERY MORNING I STILL HAVE THEM. Brain zaps are some type of alteration to my brain.
PROLONGED WITHDRAWAL EFFECTS.
I am afraid to try any new meds when Pristiq is still affecting me this way
cold turkey pristiq
I have gone cold turkey off 200 mg each day. I am now on day three and no severe side effects. I am also taking alprazolam for anxiety, pristiq did not help. All pristiq did was make me numb to highs and lows. Also has broken my metabolism and have gained significant weight. That in itself defeats my whole purpose i.e. weight gain and numb to highs. I can deal with anxiety with alprazolam, which is highly addictive, but cannot deal with feeling the highs and weight gain.
I am interested to know whether you also gained weight on pristiq and have you began to lose any weight if you did gain on pristiq.
Also as your journey progresses going cold turkey what if any side effects are happening. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Fatty
Australia
I put on loads of weight on Pristiq. I was on up to 300mg and as my dosage was increased so to did my weight increase. I’ve gained over 30kg in 4 years. I’m on Day Four no Pristiq now and changing my lifestyle. I can’t blame just the drug for the weight gain however, it seemed to increase with each dosage increase and no other change.
Mandy
Qld
Don’t be scared to come off Pristiq as I think it will make your withdrawal process harder. You need to have a strong mind to go through this process. I was taking 200mg Pristiq for 7 years for post traumatic stress. I lost myself on this medication. I was simply lazy with no libido at all. And not to mention the 40kg I put on my tummy and boobs. (I’m sure they themselves weigh 20kgs) lol. A month ago I decided I wanted my life back. I did a lot of research and read a lot of forums to help me through this process.
I dropped from 200mg to 100mg the first two weeks. I was also taking Krill fish oil, Vitamin D and B and magnesium. My symptoms were bad but manageable. Electric shocks in head, dizzy, mind cloudy, pins and needles in hands and feet, moody and any noise seemed loud which irritated me even more. I’m sure the vitamins are helping as I haven’t suffered like a lot of other people have coming off Pristiq. Last week I went down to 50mg. Most of the symptoms I was previously having had disappeared by this time except for the pins and needles and irritated at any sound. My sex drive has even returned at this stage (yay for my partner).
A few days ago I dropped to 25mg (ignoring advice not to cut tablets) . Still I’m not having any major symptoms and the dizziness has improved . I have so much energy my house is sparkling. And just looking at my partner gives me back my sensations I had before I started this med. ( he is loving this ) my children are amazed that their mum can actually do thing instead of laying around all the time with no real focus on life. Besides the few symptoms I’m having I feel absolutely amazing.
I have also lost 4 kg since I started tapering 4 weeks ago ( I’m so excited to feel sexy again) I’ll give it a few more days on 25mg then either stop or take 1/4 of a 50mg. I am very thankful for PRISTIQ for saving me from a very dark time in my life as it did work but it’s time to get my mind and my body back. I think the vitamins have helped a lot during my tapering process. Do not just stop taking PRISTIQ without consulting your doctor. If your minds not strong enough then I believe the symptoms will be worse. Good luck to anybody trying to taper of PRISTIQ. It can be done and you will feel wonderful if the time is right for you to stop taking this medication.
Mandy
QLD,Australia
I have been on Pristiq for 7 years and have gained 30kg. I also am emotionless. So a few weeks ago I decided enough was enough. I am stronger now and now how to beat anxiety on my own. I was on 200mg. First 8 days I took 100mg.
First day – felt fine
Second day- brain zaps, insomnia.
Third day- emotional, brain zaps, shaking,pins and needles in hands and feet, restless legs, cloudy brain, bit of anxiety. Urinating a lot And sweating.
Day four- as above
Day five -as above
Day six. Much better nearly all symptoms gone except for slight head ache and blurry vision.
Day seven. Blurry vision, but heaps of energy
Day 8- so much energy everything is spotless.
Dropped down to 50mg and have been taking that for 5 days and just have a slight headache, and slight blurry vision. Tomorrow I will have 1/4 tablet for a few days and see how I go. My symptoms are were horrible but manageable. I’ve been taking krill fish oil, vitamin b and d throughout my process and believe it has helped with the side effects. Good luck everyone getting off PRISTIQ. Can’t wait to have my life and old body back !
Sue
Illinois
I have tears of joy right now after reading these posts. I have been suspecting what I have been experiencing was related to discontinuing Pristiq, but wasn’t sure. After my visit to my Dr. today I felt even more crazy! My Dr. Put me on it 18 months ago for peri menopausal emotionality and hot flashes. She wanted me to come in every 6 months for a check-up. At the 18 month mark she suggested I discontinue. She told me I could do so cold turkey, or take it every other day for a while. In hind sight, that my was first clue that she was clueless. I was on the tail end of a cold when I was there, and a few days later felt horrible! It was like a hang over that got worse as the day went on. Nausea, frequent bowel movements, foggy brain, exhaustion and I could hear my eyes move! At that point I decided to tapper the drug because I thought I had heard you shouldn’t stop abruptly. I didn’t know if there was a correlation but I wasn’t taking a chance. I tapered it the next couple of weeks, every other, every third day etc.
When I had been off for about 5 days, although not as severe, I had a horrible sick day. I had frequently been nauseated, emotional, foggy and could hear my eyes move, but this day was worse. The next day a bit better, but the head stuff lingered. That continued across the weekend, and whenever I was in the passenger seat of a car, I felt car sick. I called the Dr. this morning and got an appt. with the physician’s assistant for this afternoon. I left there feeling like I was crazy. She mentioned the possible withdrawal, but acted like it couldn’t still be that. She also said she’d never heard of the “hearing the eyes move” thing before. I felt like she was trying, but struggling to find a polite way of saying ‘it’s you’re imagination’. She did speak to my Dr. Who also claimed to have never heard of the eye thing.
Their solution was to prescribe me Lexapro, since I’m experiencing occasional anxiety. I was hesitant, but didn’t disagree, because throughout this mess I had been thinking, if I was anxious or moody, it must indicate I was reaping addition rewards for more than just menopause. After reading here tonight that anxiety is one of the many withdrawal effects, and these symptoms fit me to a tee, I am not going to pick up that script, and I’m going to search for a new dr. I really would have appreciated a heads up on this withdrawal syndrome when she DC’d the drug. As well as not making me feel like a crazed idiot while I was in her office. Thanks for letting people post their stories. This helped me tremendously!!
Sarah
MA
I have been on Pristiq for several years. It helped me weather my divorce depression, which was worse than my usual depression.
Originally, my doctor prescribed Cymbalta. Cymbalta helped a lot at first, but after a couple months I developed severe diarrhea — I had it about 20 times a day, including during the night. For 8 months I could not go anywhere, and sometimes had to shower and change sheets in the middle of the night. I had a colonoscopy and was told that I had developed microscopic colitis and would have it for the rest of my life. However, I was also referred to Mass. General’s Crohn’s & Colitis Center. As I was being interviewed by a doctor there, I mentioned that I was taking Cymbalta. He immediately stopped me and told me that they had seen quite a few post-menopausal women who had developed microscopic colitis after taking Cymbalta. He advised me to start weaning myself off it and see if the diarrhea continued. I slowly weaned myself off over the course of a few weeks and the diarrhea completely stopped and never returned. I told my shrink about this (she is on Harvard Med. School faculty) and she said she would discuss it with the drug manufacturer’s rep. Bottom line, the drug company said they knew nothing about any connection between Cymbalta and microscopic colitis … But I don’t believe it. Based on my own experience, and the doctor at MGH’s comments, I think the drug company is lying.
Since then I have been taking Pristiq, but I have gained quite a bit of weight. I don’t eat very much and I have a healthy diet (need to exercise more). I know that it is difficult for someone my age (61 and post-menopausal) to lose weight, but my doctor did acknowledge that Pristiq can cause weight gain. Because I am feeling less depressed lately, I told my doctor that I wanted to try cutting down the dosage of Pristiq from 100 mg to 50 mg, to see if that would help me lose some of this weight. I have been taking the reduced dosage for about a week now, and I have to say that I have not felt well in the last week — migraine headache for 2 days, some feelings of nausea, lack of energy, irritability, increased depression. I am hoping that I can ride this out without going back to the higher dose. I would like to completely eliminate Pristiq from my life.
Claire
Australia
I’m going crazy….
I have been weaning off 100mg of Pristiq for the past few months and have now had nothing for 4 days. I am actually losing my mind. I am rage-filled. And driving to work this morning I wanted to drive my car into a tree. My heart beats in my ears in weird bursts. I’m terrified that maybe I am crazy and that’s why I should stay on it… Or is it really the withdrawal symptoms? I am having very reckless thoughts that would destroy my marriage…. I want to buy a ticket to the other side of the world and never come back. Will this go away? If so how long?
My Dr says I have to ride it out. But what if I actually lose my mind…?
Aly
Australia
I’ve come off Pristiq before – had to go back on – and now coming off it again. I can tell you from my personal experiences that this is exactly how I get, too. Pristiq is a horrible, horrible drug to come off.
Esther
Victoria texas
I had been on Pristiq for over 5 years. I was taking it for hot flashes. It worked for me right away. Once I went out of town for a week and two days went by and I had this horrible headache that I couldn’t even think. The pain was so bad, my vision was blurry, I got very irritable. Looking through my meds, I noticed I had left this one at home. I managed to drive home, which was a 2 hr drive. I took it and I was better. Another time the pharmacy got my prescription mixed up and I went 3 days without it. I was bedridden because the headache, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains were excruciating. I finally got my prescription and within hours I was okay. I decided that I wanted to get off of it and I DID! I was on 100 mgs and week one I took 1/2 a pill then the 2nd week I cut the pills in 1/4 ……..for the next week I had headaches but nothing an over the counter advil can’t take care. I’m doing so good without it. Good luck to anyone else trying to get off of it.
alice
ridge ny
I am so afraid to stop. Prestiq worked for me but I am ready to stop. I’ve tried before and felt nervous, dizzy, and had really bad headaches. I went back on. I have to try- it’s been 4 years. I will speak to my doctor, thanks.
Lisa
I just hung up with Pfizer, the manufacturer of Pristiq. Before I share what I was told though, I really wish there was some helpful practical information here that would help me to successfully and painlessly withdraw from Pristiq.
I am currently in the process of withdrawing from Pristiq and it is awful. I have the same symptoms that are described in this article and confirmed by the other commenters here. I seem to see the same comments over and over and over with no advise as to what to do.
To tell me do not do it and/or contact my physician does not help. I must go off Pristiq so staying on it is not an option. My physician said oh withdrawal is not that bad and since the lowest dose manufactured is 50mg and it is an extended release tablet that cannot be cut or crushed then from 50mg on it is cold turkey. So basically a sorry but nothing else can be done.
I called Pfizer and after speaking with two people who took down all of my information and problems withdrawing from Pristiq I was then transferred to the “Pristiq withdrawal expert.” She was very kind but not at all helpful. She confirmed that (1) the lowest dose manufactured is 50mg extended release tablets, (2) cutting or crushing Pristiq tablets will break the coating that makes it works on an extended release basis and will result on the entire dose being “dumped” into my system all at once which can be dangerous, (3) Pfizer is aware of this withdrawal nightmare people are experiencing and is gathering information about it BUT has no current plans to manufacture a lower dose extended release tablet OR a non-extended release tablet that could be cut for weaning purposes, (4) that the FDA requires Pfizer to report life threatening safety information–while not said the insinuation was that withdrawal may feel horrible but it is not life threatening and causes no damage or harm other than discomfort, and the discomfort eventually ceases, and (5) Pfizer does not manufacture any other medication that would help with Pristiq withdrawal.
I also want to note that Pfizer specifically asked me what tests my physician has ordered and conducted following the start of my awful Pristiq withdrawal symptoms. None of course because my physician knows all of the symptoms are from my Pristiq withdrawal. They began exactly when I started my Pristiq withdrawal and are common and known symptoms of Pristiq withdrawal. While not said, the insinuation seemed to be that the withdrawal symptoms could be being caused by something else and how can we blame it on Pristiq withdrawal without conducting test to check for other possible causes.
So while this article and my conversation with Pfizer validates that my horrible withdrawal is common, and I do appreciate knowing that it’s not just me, neither this article nor my conversation with Pfizer’s “Pristiq withdrawal expert” offer any practical advice.
So that leaves me right where I started. Suffer through it and it will eventually go away. Not at all comforting.
I would appreciate others reporting these issues to Pfizer as well. Go to Pfizer.com and contact information can be found there.
Jo
Charlotte, NC
Thank you for your posts. I would like to ask some of you, who posted a couple of months ago, to post again if you are able. I would love to read an update on your progress.
Currently, I am taking 25 mg every other day. Following someone’s advice in a previous comment, I am drinking at least a gallon of water a day. When I get dizzy, I am eating string cheese… slowly. Somehow the protein helps, however, I am still dizzy and don’t feel comfortable driving. I appreciate the support and advice – it is comforting.
No more Pristiq for me!
Tyler
NYC
I trust the corner drug dealers more than I trust a doctor. I’m running out of Pristiq. Last time I tried to quit I almost lost my job coming in late and not producing. I just wanted to kill myself to end it.
I hired another doctor for $1200 for three sessions with one goal. Get me off all drugs. These are drug dealers, not doctors
I’m dreading this and my bank account will be empty but it will be worth it. Never again.
Good luck to all.
Liz
Florida
For the first few months of taking Pristiq 50 mg it seemed to help my double depression. Now after a year I told my doctor it didn’t seem to be working at all. So instead of changing the medication he doubled it to 100 mg. I was totally uncontrollable. Hostile, aggressive,racing thoughts, impulsive, and suicidal.
On 90 day probation at work because of my horrific behavior on a job I’ve been at for 15 years. I called the doctor’s office to report symptoms and missed his return phone call. Called the next day and have never heard back from the doctor or office. Thank God I read the prior reviews how awful the withdrawal symptoms are for this drug.
I tried cold turkey and had such brains zaps, electrical body twinges, brain freeze, language and memory problems, total emotional instability, crying jags, nausea, dizziness thought I was going to die. Went down to 50 mg a day for a month and have now decreased it to 25 mg a day. Here I go again going through these horrible withdrawal symptoms by decreasing the dose.
How can doctors prescribe this medication knowing the horrible withdrawal symptoms and pretend they care about their patients same time? I hate how I feel right now, but with all the prior positive comments being patient and getting through is the only way I can know I can do it too. I sincerely thank all of you for sharing.
Ss
I have been taking pristique for a few months now after having sever anxiety attacks, it works I’m happy, 3 days ago I became ill with a virus and haven’t had a tablet for 3 days what I was going through I thought was part of the virus dizziness headaches, blurred vision, nausea etc it’s just clicked that I haven’t had a tablet for a few days what to do I’m health way through detoxing, I took another one feeling better. Pristque may not work for every one but it does for me.
Tamra M.
ut
Going off 200 mg efexor and I feel so shaky all the time I honestly don’t know what to do… I feel so uneasy does anyone else no what I’m talking about…..
PEW
I’ve been treated for depression now 18yrs. Cost me my employment. A large number of Meds. (Most caused greater anxiety n irritability) but mainly Efexor n Prestiq which seemed okay but continual relapses and now Axit (15mg) added in the evening with 150 mg Prestiq daily.
Currently weaning off Prestiq, currently at 100mg dly after 3 days and to drop to 50mg after five days, for five days with the view I be introduced to Cymbalta 30mg. Do not like what I have read and Dr is thinking about ECT. However if I can withdraw, I’m planning to quit this stuff as I believe my probs are 75% caused by Meds. If not more!
I have weaned off Efexor and Prestiq twice over the years only to relapse (?) or more specifically experience severe mood swings, cranky, irritable, aggressive n tired. Quite argumentative, I don’t think that’s depression is it?
Has anyone experienced similar after reactions (6 to 8 wks and wheels fall off wagon) and found someway or less addictive medication to get oneself through that reaction period. I am now starting to endure slight headaches, heaviness n fatigue but am aware of that and can cope. I feel I and my wife have lost 2 generations (our 40s n 50s) to this medication/depression roller coaster.
Misty Counts
I’ve been on Pristiq for 3-4years. It was prescribed to me for my Fibro. I too noticed if I missed a day I’d get light headed, dizzy, headaches, & nauseous. My brain power was the most concerning. I lost my insurance this year & my Dr has been giving me samples because I cannot afford $200. to pay for this medicine. I have expressed to my Dr that I don’t like being on a prescription that makes me feel I cannot come off. This past Friday I ran out. There were no samples available when I called earlier in the week. Talk about crash course in withdrawl! All symptoms above, & I can’t consentrate my mind runs a mile a minute, crying spells, & hopelessness. The dizziness! When will it stop? What can I do to ease these effects?
Judy s
Just want to tell you that it can be done. I was on 100 mg Pristiq, then went down to 50 mg for a few months.
I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol develop from the Pristiq, and had to go on meds for these two side effects.
I finally decided to go cold turkey, my doctor didn’t want to help me get off pristiq. It’s been a month, and I’m ok now.
My advice to those interested in getting off pristiq is to wait until you have few stresses in your life, in other words, wait for a good time. Then just don’t focus on the withdrawal symptoms, and wait it out. I feel ok now, no depression! The side effects and the expenses from pristiq isn’t worth it.
Isabel
Thank you for giving me hope, I will start doing just as you did from this morning. Wish me luck, hope the you are doing well and are Happy. Isabel x
Benjamin
I initially was prescribed pristiq because I was seeking some artificial motivation in my life. I wasn’t in the realms of extreme depression – simply lost faith in the system as we know it. I wanted the kick start to be able to join the rat race. However I have come to realise that, after 4 years of 100mg daily dose, it really does not benefit me in both my mental and physical state. After the first time I missed a dose or two I realized how these drugs are engineered to keep you on them thereby increasing the share market value of these leech drug companies. Currently I have gone cold turkey for a week and the brain zaps are progressively getting worse. I also feel a little emotionally on edge. For example I will hear a news story either bad or good and get a split second of wanting to burst into tears. I also feel like I am in a perpetual state of ‘getting’ the flu but I’m not sure if this is related – as it is flu season here in aus. That all being said, I am steadfast in never taking another pristiq, I feel that companies are praying on people that are damaged simply because they do not fit into the system that is so corrupted. I figure my body and mind will adjust, I have noticed that going to the gym really does reduce the severity of the side-effects while I am there, so it’s good motivation to continue. Wishing everyone the best for their cleanse!! Peace out.
Helpful Northerner
I was on Pristiq for over 2 years, 50mg. It helped me tremendously with my anxiety and depression with barley no side effects, the first 4 weeks I was very tired but I’m pretty sure it was because I was burnt out from everything going on. After two years of being on it, I SLOWLY weened off of them. For 1-2 months I took 50 mg 36 hours apart, then for one month 48 hours apart, then 3 days apart for one month.
It is a nasty drug to get off of but do it slowly. Don’t torture yourself for nothing. I did have shakes and brain fuzziness every time if would start the new dosage program but your body adjusts after a week of doing it. I’m currently 4 days no pristiq and my brain is fuzzy, dizzy and slight nausea but so far much better than cutting cold turkey (which I would get brain zaps, severe nausea, rage, crying,…)
I’m feeling really hopeful right now, I can put up with this fuzziness any day knowing that I’m gonna be off this pill for good. Be hopeful and again, DO IT SLOWLY! I will write again and let all of you know how things go later on.
hd
I stopped Pristiq 50 mg on Tuesday, under my physician’s instructions. Last night started having brain zaps and significant vertigo, exactly as I’ve had in the past in withdrawing from Effexor. I am hoping to “outrun” the side effects without having to split the pills, but I know it’s going to be tough. Any suggestions?
Viv
I have gone cold turkey, only being on it for 3 months, it’s was horrific, but I glad .. all my Dr could say was he was very disappointed in me? Not, so sorry about the side effects and suicidal thoughts I didn’t tell you about and I just want you addicted to them … I researched adrennal fatigue and found the pristique wiped out my minerals ..
On taking magnesium, zinc, and manganese … I have no headaches, depression gone, eye’s improved and the brain zaps gone .. all I needed was some minerals and a good diet .. Thanks to those 3 minerals I’m now sleeping and much calmer. I still have a few bad days but hey! it’s better the being on Pristique … hope this helps any one who is going through withdrawals. Good Luck
T.E.M
I am 56 years old and began the anti depressant Merry Go Round with the advent of Prozac. It was toted as a miracle pill with no side effects. Since then I have trusted the doctors and I have run the gamut of SSRI’s. Finally about 6 years ago I was put on Pristique, which is an SSNI. It must have been OK in the beginning, I really don’t remember, but I’ve got to get off of it now. I started a taper by razoring off a small piece each month. The withdrawal is horrific. I have many of the above symtoms, anxiety and insomnia being the worst. Every morning I awake at 5:00am in a sweat and feeling what some junkies must feel. I take my “shaved” dose and start to lose the symptoms. When I tried to quit cold turkey, I became suicidal and tried to overdose on xanax, clonazapam and Pristique. Ha, the next morning I awoke at 6AM anyway! I was very bouncy to say the least.
What I am finding helpful during my Taper: NOW brand Calm, an amino acid blend for neurological health
The amino acid L-Tryptophan
L-Glutamine – to reduce sugar cravings
Holy Basil supplements
I still take xanax and clonapin as needed and I keep a journal of meds, supplements, moods and record the times they are taken. I’m still in the “early” phase of tapering and I do believe this may take a long time. However, even with 1/4 less Pristique, my moods have improved. I believe the supplements are feeding my brain what it lacked to begin with.
I am on Government assistance, so I only have a prescribing nurse, and she doesn’t seem to know all that much.
Two excellent books that got me started on nutritional help are by Julia Ross. You can get them used on Amazon. Her two books, The Diet Cure & the Mood Cure led to the creation of the supplement Calm.
I have found no sources of help or relief from doctors or prescribing nurses, so I began to research on my own (determinedly). Of course I cannot afford a holistic doctor as that would be the best route to go, in my opinion.
I hope some of you will read the books and begin your own regimen, while doing a slow taper.
pierre
Mary, hoping you see this, I have been on Pristiq for approximately 8-9 months. My personal experience was as follows:
My initial prescription was 50mg,this proved so unsettling to me after 3-4 weeks it aggravated my severe clinical depression due to the low mood on this dosage in the first weeks and the consequent higher dose (100mg) that initially caused a severe depressive episode, I have conveyed the following to my GP. during this time re side effects on this drug.
1.Changes in dosage up or down had a huge effect on mood,for me more so on higher dosage.
2.Although a comfort eater prior this prescription,my appetite on this dosage 100mg. was constantly higher than usual and I ballooned out from 105 kg to 130 kilos(5’11”)
3.High degree of sweating with only minimal exercise.
4.During sleep biting my tongue (and teeth grinding) deeply to the point it bleeds on a regular basis from initial dosage.(at least 2 months)
My suggestion is to consult you doctor,listing symptoms and request either to be weaned of drug or wean off it to the lowest dose.Unfortunately my doctor does not seem to take these side-effects of mine with any degree of gravitas or alternative choices/therapy on offer.
you can wean of this stuff,follow info above it’s very useful,good luck,uncle pierre…
Felicity
Hi VP. I am not sure if you every received an answer or are still trying to get off Pristiq, but my doctor prescribed me a low dosage of Prozac to help get off Pristiq.
I tried cold turkey last year and it was horrendous. I had the brain zaps, sight interference, dizziness, nausea, mood swings, etc. This time I got a 10mg dosage of Prozac.
I take two per day for three days, then 1 per day for 3 days. I am now on day 3 without Pristiq. I can say I am feeling effects coming off the drug, but the prozac has really helped tame it all. All I am really feeling is sluggish, and a bit zoned out.
Now I am not sure what will happen once the prozac is done, but my GP did say that doing this for the first week really gets you over that hump of stopping the Pristiq. Hope this helps you, or someone else out there.
jg
Omg me too I was only on pristiq for 2 months 50 milligrams and this is the worst feeling ever. My doctor forgot to check my charts and I was severely allergic to venvalaxine I have the biggest swelling of my feet and hands. I’ve never been pregnant but I think this is what it’s like the extreme swelling my ankles are like tree trunks and my wrist I can barely even move so yes this is one of the big ones. I also can’t stop scratching my head I suffer from anxiety and stress and sometimes scratch my head but this is ridiculous I’m literally digging holes in it. pristiq is horrible
Brenda K.
Hey there! I’ve been off Pristiq for over two weeks and I feel better every day, but it has been a horrible, God awful experience. The juice fast sounds like a great idea! In this regard, believe it or not, I was told by my physician, (not the shrink who prescribed the Pristiq) to take Metamucil to help lower my cholesterol so I’ve been taking it for over a week now. Guess what, I believe the Metamucil is helping to flush this crap out of my system, so I bet a juice fast would work wonders!
I’m still having dizzy spells but not as often or as severe and the crying jags have decreased significantly! I’ve also been taking B12, drinking lots of water and praying!
You can do this!
Viv
I wasn’t going to reply other then my original post, but I realised I didn’t post anything POSITIVE .. here goes, one, I was on it for 2 months before reading all of your posts, thank heavens I read them! I went cold turkey which may not be for everyone …. I’ve been off it for 9 days now, I was in bed for the first 3 days sleeping, and waking and sleeping, I drank heaps of white black tea to flush my system and watched videos (nice ones because of the paranoia thoughts setting in, brain zaps, weakness and noises etc ) .. getting up, the dizziness and headaches were bad …small achievable steps everyday, eyesight has improved by day 5.
Be kind to yourself was my mantra, I focused on one thing per day (little exercise to work the Pristiq out of my body), like washing dishes even though my aching arms felt like I was lifting dead weights….swept the path, then slept 5 hours straight? Hey, I actually slept! …. find the one thing you like and do it… also I kept TV on, ipad going and played music, .. whatever interested me when I was awake .. I found keeping my mind busy with useless but interesting things, stopped the images, suicide thoughts, paranoia and obsessive thoughts that Pristiq drug intensifies, .. you go around in circles in your mind … and when you do have a good thought or nice feeling …. hold on to that those thoughts, think and rethink them as many times as you can because you can re train your thinking … funny, how you have fleeting thoughts of good, but long intense thoughts on negative and bad? …. BE KIND AND FORGIVING TO YOURSELF and good luck to all … I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s NOT a train or Pristiq coming my way.
Brenda K.
Thank you for sharing your experience and hope. You have helped me! God bless you!
CB
I wrote on here before. I’m still working on weening myself off Pristiq slowly. I watched a documentary, “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead,” on a guy who did a 90 day juice fast to “reboot” his system and he had great results. He had a rare skin condition that is like psoriasis, not a mental condition, I know, but he was cured and off his medications by doing this juice fast.
I’m thinking that it would help with withdrawal symptoms and possible mild anxiety and depression. I’m not saying this is a cure for clinical anxiety and depression, but for those of you, like me, who just had a “freakout,” and were not diagnosed with clinical depression or anxiety, it might be something to look into.
I will be trying this juice fast when I get the money (poor college student right now), but I would encourage you to check this documentary out and try the juice fast. I personally believe that it will help. I will post my results when I can try it. If any of you do it before me, please post your results. By the way, its not a product you buy. the only thing you need is a good juicer, and quality fresh fruits and vegetables to juice. I’m not selling anything here.
http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
mill
Ive read through all comments on withdrawals from Pristiq and am glad I’m not going nuts. I was on Pristiq for nearly a year on 50mg a day, Fine until about three months ago and then rashes and itchiness started. Given different medications to stop but nothing helped. Had blood tests and was told my cholesterol was a little high. Apparently another symptom. Had a punch biopsy and was told that results indicated that medication could be the reason for rash. Doctor decided to take me off Pristiq and advised me to take one tablet every other day for two weeks then I should be fine. The itchiness/rashes continued absolutely driving me crazy. Decided a week ago to go cold turkey. Rashes not subsiding. Nauseous, crying bouts, anger and depression. How long can this go on???
Not sure what is worse, being on or going off this horrendous medication. I’m determined to battle on if only the rashes would cease!!!! can handle all other symptoms.
Viv
Again I agree, why was I put in it in the first place when the Doctors should know the serious side effects. My dog died after 15 years so GP put me on pristiq… Oh my god!! Night sweats, no sleep, dizziness, blurred vision, memory loss and the tremors… yet she insisted I stay on it, max dosage 100mg… Even had suicidal thoughts caused not by my depression, but from the medication side effects.
Do our GP’s get a bonus or free holidays to have you hooked for life? I’ve gone cold turkey and thanks to the web advice I’m prepared for the withdrawals… which is more information and choice then my GP gave me.
Went to another GP, even he wanted me back on it!! I have no faith in our medical system when all they want is you spending $, months or years getting off it.
I may have been depressed before but I could sleep mostly, good eyesight, memory, didn’t suffer any shaking, headaches or noises. Looking back, actually bearable to where I am now
I paid a doctor to give me all these side effects and suicidal thoughts… Good one!
Brenda K.
Well, it is day 11 without Pristiq and I am having a rough day! I am very angry and ready to slap anyone who is rude to me. Things that I would normally laugh off really irritate and anger me. I am dangerous on the freeway! I’ve actually been close to physical fights with rude people! Very unlike me! I’ve also been having uncontrollable crying jags and dizziness along with difficulty breathing.
Is this nightmare ever going to end! I swear, I think the manufacturers of Pristiq purposely make it almost impossible to get off it! They are evil!!!!
I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THIS!!! You are NOT alone!
Claire
Thank you for your prayers. I really need that right now.
CB
I am so glad to hear that others suffer from withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants. I started taking Pristiq about 5 years ago now for an anxiety/panic attack disorder. My panic attacks gave me weird body rushes, numbing of fingers on my left hand, and a strong tingling sensation in my leg and arm on my left side. At first I thought I was having a stroke or something. It was really freaky. My doctor pretty thoroughly checked my heart and aside form hypertension and high cholesterol I was fine. She then determined that I was having a panic attacks.
At first she prescribed xanax. The sensation in my arm wore off, but it would not go away in my leg, and I was still experiencing frequent panic attacks, so she then prescribed Lexapro. That was a weird experience. After starting to take it I was fine at first, but after a couple days I wouldn’t sleep and was starting to hear phones ringing. My sister had been taking Pristiq at the time so I asked if I could try that. It worked wonders. Eventually all my panic symptoms went away and I had no side effects from Pristiq. The Dr told me that when I was ready I could ween myself off the drug by taking a pill every other day, then every third day, and so on.
After a while of taking Pristiq without having a panic attack I decided to try weening off Pristiq, and started having what I called “weird brain throbs,” but have seen referred to here as brain zaps. These are very annoying and can be debilitating. Then I started experiencing the tingling feeling in my leg, so I went back on it. I’ve tried one other time since to ween myself off with similar effect. It’s now been about 5 years and I haven’t had a panic attack in a couple years, so I rally want to get off this medicine.
I started weening myself off a week ago, and I’m having the brain zaps and my leg is acting up a bit. after reading some of the withdrawal symptoms, I’m wondering if the increase of anxiety is from the withdrawal. I’m encouraged that others have successfully weened themselves off of antidepressants and I’m going to stick to weening myself off, slowly, and hope for the best. I know these drugs do help some, but I am also weary of the pharmaceutical companies and their lack of concern for the well being of patients who take their products, all for the love of money. Where is our government in all this? Shouldn’t they be trying to protect the people?
I suspect that just like the doctors they are getting kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies as well, and are in love with money and power over the lives and well being of the people they are supposed to serve.
Brenda K.
It has been a little over two weeks since I started weaning myself off the Pristiq and it hasn’t been easy! I was taking 50mg a day for years and it just got too expensive so I decided to stop takng it. My doctor said dont cut the pills in half, rather take one on one day, none the next, etc. for two weeks,then take one pill one day and miss doses the next two days. Today is my third day without Pristiq and I am very dizzy, extremely irritable and depressed, could not sleep last night, even though I was exhausted, have body aches and a headache, but it isn’t as bad as the first day off it two weeks ago.
Hang in there! You are not alone! What has been of great help is the prayers being said by my family and friends and myself, going for walks (even though I feel like I will fall down!), taking Vitamin B12 and Rescue Remedy, wgich is a floral tincture you can find in health food stores which really helps with the anxiety and feeling so awful!
You will get through this! You are worth it and so is your life!
Sarah
Lately, I’ve noticed that when I run out of my medications, almost all of them at the same time, I start feeling some strange side effects. After running out again, and feeling those side effects, I finally called to get them refilled.
Since I’m on an arthritis medication for my joint paint, I thought that was the problem. I asked my pharmacist and she said that if I feel weird, it’s not withdrawal, but just that my body needs that medication, but I didn’t even think to ask about my other meds.
When I went in to get my meds, she told me she did not have any more Pristiq more than 2 tablets at that time so she gave me those for the meantime. I’ve still been taking my pain meds despite how I thought they made me feel, also those 2 pristiq’s, and the side effects went away.
It’s been about 4 days now and those side effects are back.
I thought it would be important for me to share my story because my side effects are a little different than others. I get headaches that don’t go away, dry mouth, itching, insomnia, and worst of all, the blood pressure or heart beat irregularity. Every time I make any normal moves like standing up, turning around, walking, etc., I feel almost faint, like my blood pressure spiked, and then my chest feels strange like my heart skipped a beat. I’ve also noticed that my hands and feel go numb/asleep.
Since I have been taking my pain meds, and once again off of the pristiq, I thought it was obvious that this medication was the problem, which ultimately led me to post this.
I cannot help but WISH that all of this was due to my arthritis meds because it would be so much easier to find a replacement medication, but Pristiq is harder.
I don’t want to be numb again on Prozac which gave me no other issues, depressed without any medications, and I know how risky all the other medications are now. I don’t know what to do now, and feel helpless and in need to continue the use of this medication.
Caz
I have been on effexor then pristiq for 15 years. Taking the drug caused me no side effects and I was happy to be “normal” again, functioning without crying in despair every day was a big relief. Now I am on 50mg and can go up to 48 hours before withdrawal starts with usual symptoms described here.
I have wanted to get off pristiq for years but more so since my blood pressure is up. I also realized I don’t really feel love anymore and my libido is non existent.
My doctor denies there is a withdrawal effect and told me I could cut my pills in half for a week then stop. So I’ve gone from 50mg every other day to 25mg daily, same average dose but it is making me feel unwell, I have stomach upset, vertigo and fogginess that I didn’t have before.
I am determined this will be my last prescription of pristiq, I have two boxes of 50mg to wean myself off. Sounds like I can do it from all the comments by others.
Brit
I thought I was the only one. There are times at night when I wake up on the toilet in the bathroom. Some nights when I actually remember going to the bathroom I can feel myself falling asleep and there’s nothing I can do but fall asleep while on the toilet and I thought I might’ve been the only one thinking I was developing narcolepsy.
I didn’t think it was a withdrawal symptoms until you mentioned it in your post. Looking back I see that it was possible. I mainly had these episodes when I had missed a dose or I was very irregular with a dose. I was on the 50 mg once a day and when I talked to my doctor about trying to get off of it she all but refused. She thought that I wasn’t having side effects and she felt like the anxiety was just getting worse and if anything that we need to increase the amount of medication I was on and I didn’t feel that way. I felt like I have been on it long enough I really wanted to try a more natural approach and my therapy.
Anyways the doctor refused to give me advice on how to wean off of the Pristiq so I have been slowly weaning myself off of it. There are times when I missed doses and honestly it’s been probably a few days since I’ve done a dose but it seems like the longer I’m off of the medication the better I feel. I also have been experiencing breathing problems which I didn’t attribute to the Pristiq it all. I’ve also been experiencing dizziness when I stand up I feel very lightheaded. I’m also having uncontrollable swelling of my legs and feet which may not be related to the Pristiq I haven’t really seen anyone else complaining about that but that’s just something that’s been happening here recently since I stopped taking the Pristiq.
The main thing that made me want to quit taking Pristiq was I had my period and I had it for six weeks straight and it seems like every time my period would subside it would just kick back in and it was like starting all over again and that it made me anemic severely anemic and it was very scary.
Fang
I first posted on this site back in February and I want to share my latest update. I want to show the newcomers that there is plenty of lights at the end of this Pristiq-withdrawal-tunnel. Granted the tunnel seems endless majority of the time with unpredictable mood swings and foggy thought patterns. I realized for me a rigorous work and work out schedule helped stabilized my anxiety. I also allow myself to wallow in depression when it hits but still push myself to the gym to at least for 30 minutes, even something as simple as a walk on the treadmill to show discipline.
Now I am over 150 days since my last Pristiq and any other prescription drugs and I couldn’t imagine myself going back to it any time soon. I’ve also been keeping a semi weekly / bi-weekly journal to monitor any spikes of dizziness or unusual withdraw symptoms. It’s very encouraging to see the list getting shorter by the week. I know I still have a long way to go to be hundred percent and this could be as good as it’s going to get but at least I know I did it clearheaded without any abusive substance. Hang in there and all is going to work out sooner or later.
R.A
That’s so scary to read. Wish my doctor told me more about Pristiq before prescribe it to me. She gave it to me without telling me the price that I had to pay. Now I’m struggling with this pill, trying to stop it but at the same time so scared with the withdraw symptoms.
I just found out about this terrible feelings after taking the pill for 6 months, I was at the airport waiting for my plane, when I started to have the most weird feeling I ever had in my whole life, hot and cold flushes, light-headed.. (sometimes depending how you move your body you get different feelings.. hard to explain), vision distortion, nightmares and the feeling something very bad is going to happen, I thought I was dying..
I had no idea what was going on, until I stopped to think and I realised that I didn’t take the pill the night before, I couldn’t believe that my feelings was due to that. I couldn’t believe that I was putting this kind of pill into my body.
So I took the pill that I forgot the night before and after one hour or so the feelings were gone! Was hard/sad to realised that I was doing it to myself, I was taking this pill and making my body so dependent on that. I would prefer to go back to when I didn’t take it.
It does keep my anxiety and depression under control but the price is too high and I’m not willing to pay it.
Now I’m trying to get off Pristiq, I’m scared of the feelings I’ll get but I’m decided to stop it while I can.
Brenda K.
I have been on numerous anti-depressants. Every time I tried to get off them I have gotten so depressed I was suicidal. I am currently trying to stop taking Pristiq because I cannot afford it and my shrink will no longer give me samples. I have been taking 50mg a day. The shrink told me to take one pill then no pill the next day, then one pill the day after that, then no pill the next day until I’m out. He knows I have high blood pressure already but he said I would be ok if I went off Pristiq this way. He sad NOT to break up the pills.
Today is day 6 of this routine. No Pristiq today and I am having severe dizziness and am crying every 10 minutes. I feel so weak and it is hard to drive or work. I am scared!
LLL
About 6 weeks, slowly weaning off and you will be Pristiq-free. After 6 miserable weeks of withdrawal, I am now off all antidepressants and feeling great! Hang in there! You can do it!
lena
Well here I go I stopped pristiq a week ago as a lot of my depression problems were caused by 2 meds reacting against each other and I have now stopped 1 of them. I have spoke to my Dr he was happy with me stopping and now with the pristiq but wow I feel like I am on a roller coaster up 1 minute down the next my head sometimes feels like it is shrinking, have shaking dizziness and all I have thought about just taking them again but now I have read comments here I know that I am going to get through this but it is going to be a bit of a ride really we should be told about all this before taking it. Does anyone know how long it takes before some of the symptoms stop? I want my life back :'(
Sue
After 6 months on pristiq, I stopped cold turkey 6 days ago. Until today, I had not realized exactly what I had done. I have been experiencing ALL the withdrawal symptoms, but because I had also gone cold turkey on OxyNorm 2 days before finishing my script, I just never thought about the newer symptoms that started, focusing only on quitting OxyNorm.
I now know that it was a very stupid thing to have done, and while I am glad to be rid of both medications and look forward to a much healthier body, I do wish I had done it sensibly.
My pharmacist said that no doctor would ever recommend quitting both an opioid and AD at the same time but that seeing I was already 6 days into it, I may as well continue but to just let the local GP know. He also said that to have stopped both medications the way I did, took strength, and that I should be very proud of myself. And I am.
Reading the posts above makes me understand that I am not alone in this struggle, and that there is very good reason to get off such strong drugs, I am just so damn mad at myself for not questioning things earlier.
kim
I started last week on Friday. Dr put me on prozac an is tapering me off of it. I also downed enough omega369 an vit. b supplement as often as 4 times a day. By today which is Monday I am feeling MUCH better. There is hope just do your research an drink lots of water an take mega doses of omega an vit b
Good luck to all.
Liam S-W
Yes, it seems that my diabetes has worsened dramatically when I switched from Effexor to Pristiq.
Andrea
I have been on pristiq for approx 2 years and am currently reducing from 400mg per day to 300mg per day. It is only day four and I am sooo tired and have headaches. I feel if I close my eyes to blink I will fall asleep. I get dizziness if I have forgotten to take a dose however nothing has started as yet. Only a little bit in tingles and light headedness. Is the tiredness from the withdrawal, I feel like I have flu like symptoms – heavy chest with out the nasal congestion etc.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
Your symptoms do seem suggestive of withdrawal side effects. Some people describe tingling and disorientation. The tiredness may also be a consequence of slowly phasing off the drug. You may to reduce the dose even more gradually over a longer period of time to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Please discuss this with your physician.
Fang
It was a sigh of relief when I found this blog. I’ve been on Pristiq for about 7 years. I’ve tried to quit cold turkey before a few times but the dizziness/vertigo made it worse for me (and I was too stupid to ween myself off it by slowly lowering the dosage). I was able to cut my 50 mg in half for the past couple years and maintain stability.
Fast forward to September of 2013, I felt the Pristiq had leveled off. I don’t know why and or how, just woke up one day and I felt different. It was so clear that something was wrong. I was back being anxious and depressed again. What was worse was that I felt I was regressing mentally. Daily functions became harder for me to accomplish. I just felt different. I left I was losing my grip both figuratively as well as physically. It might not seem obvious to people around me but I was really having a hard time putting things into perspective with my day to day. Everything felt “off”. My fingers felt numb all the time. I was easily fatigued and felt lethargic constantly without doing anything strenuous.
My senses were heighten and intensified on every flaw that I had. A bizarro Spidey-Sense if you well. I was getting duller in every turn and I was fully aware of it and getting more angrier at myself because I couldn’t do anything to stop it. What usually would take me a second to do turned into half a minute. I felt the world had turned against me. I used to be so smooth (at least I felt like I was) and now I feel sluggish (still do). My confidence level went right out the window. Never was full of myself but this was ridiculous. I’m a well established person. Why am I feeling so worthless and scared of even opening my mouth to speak?
So I’ve decided to see a new psychiatrist to reevaluate my Pristiq intake. After 2 months of diagnosis, he decided to put me on Prozac. Bad idea. I felt worse. Within the first week I felt all the side effects of Prozac. The best way to describe it is that I felt like I need to rip my face off and climb out of the body that I was in. I had to cancel a road trip for work because I couldn’t possibly get behind the wheel. Especially during winter storm season. I felt hopeless. Not suicidal but I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it sounds dramatic but it really scared me.
Needless to say, I got right off and he switched me to Effexor. Mind you all of this was happening around the holidays where my emotions are intensified with all the unnecessary family drama. I took Effexor for one day and immediately felt the same effects as Prozac but not as potent. That’s when I told myself that I need to be off of everything. It wasn’t a tough decision, but it was a rough road reaching getting to that point. I even went to my primary and did a full physical thinking that it could be an early sign of a flesh eating virus and it’s eating my brain (thanks to all the zombie craze these days) or at least finding something wrong through various blood work. Nothing. I’m healthy as an OX. Heart rate, blood pressure, calories, etc, tip top shape. But I didn’t feel that way.
On 12/14/13, I stopped all medication. That includes generic ambient that I took every night for the past 4 years if not more. I stopped all alcohol intake. Not that I had a problem but I didn’t feel it was helping with my road to recovery. And I got into a workout routing that consist mostly cardio and free weights follow by tons of stretching. I start to see a therapist regularly and being more cognizant of a nutritious diet. I started to document every time I had a slight withdraw from dizziness to panic attacks. It has gotten a little better but it is still a struggle to keep on a straight head daily.
It has been 2 months and counting. I feel good (or a little above decent). Far, far away from perfect and I know I have ways to go to flush out the 7 years worth of Pristiq and ambient that clogged my body. My mind is definitely not as clear and it takes me a minute or so longer to process things. But I have to remind myself that it is all the chemicals that are in my head trying to readjust. Finding this blog helps. Reading all these posts helps. I will be checking this regularly and keep putting my thoughts and progress out there. I feel this will be a good release for me and keep tabs on my progress. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone. Thank you.
Gina
Reading this has been very helpful. I’ve been on 50 mg Pristiq for about 3 years through a divorce, two family deaths and a job change. It’s helped me a lot through a tough time–the only SSRI whose side-effects were tolerable for me.
My situation has stabilized, now though, and I want to get off so I went to 37 mg for 2 wks then went to 25 mg (half a pill) since I had a three-day weekend yesterday. So far so good on the mood front–tremendously grateful given what some folks have had to endure–but I’m just dizzy and clumsy.
I’ll go back to 37 mg if the dizziness hasn’t subsided enough Monday to be driving again and taper more slowly. I’m looking forward to getting off and seeing what “me” feels like! Maybe this tinnitus will go away after so long and my brain fog isn’t just menopause.
Makes me so mad the docs prescribe these things like they were candy to vulnerable people with no warning about how hard they are to come off of. Thank you, Joe and Terry, for your help.
Sarah
I just read through most of these comments. Reading these comments happened to make me realize that I really am NOT crazy after all! I have been taking 100mg Pristiq for about four years now and have experienced terrible, frightening withdrawal side effects. In the past, I have tried taking myself completely off of this drug three different times, and I must say, it was the WORST thing I have ever done to myself. Stopped taking it cold turkey. Bad mistake.
This medication has helped me tremendously!!! That is if I take it everyday correctly. Somehow, I can’t seem to kick this drug because I have tried multiple anti depressant medications and this is the only one that truly works for me.
At this very moment, I am having terrible blurred eye site, hot flashes, crying spells, worsening depression and I can only see where this is going if I do not get my medication quick. I have been completely off of this medication for two days… I lost my medical insurance and I do not qualify for medical insurance through the state. I have been getting help from my clinic. My doctor is amazing. He has been providing me with samples. I shouldn’t have waited last minute to call for more samples! I call my clinic and they tell me that they are all out of Pristiq samples and that they will write me a prescription for only a weeks worth because I cannot afford $200+ for the full script. Well then, I come to find out that they sent my script to the wrong pharmacy. Frustrating. Now, I am waiting to hear back from my doctor to see if there is anything he can do for me.
I am sitting at work right now as I am typing this comment because I cannot seem to focus on my work because I am so worried about my personal well being… sad and scary… if any of you can give me some advice on how to cope without this medication as I DO NOT have medical insurance, that would be so highly appreciated!!! Please help…
data2014
It is really hard to read all these comments. I feel your pain… I am responding to LLL and am VERY interested in how you are doing now. I went, some what cold turkey, from 100 MG of Pristic and suffered 4 days of HELL, managed to get through it. I had a month of what I remember of as feeling better day by day on no meds, gaining clarity every day, but at a month I was hit by a brick and felt like I caught a severe head cold, dizzy and unfocussed. I am now 2 months off, but still suffering the same lack of focus and feel almost not quite there… this seems to not improve.
LLL, I am wondering how you are progressing. I would love some good news.. but it is what it is. I hate to think this is permanent damage and I have to feel this way for life… :(
Hindsight is 20/20… That is if you still can remember anything after the antidepressants..
Thank you.
Misty
I have been on Pristiq for 6 months now. Last month I went from 50mg a day to 100. I am not in the norm. Pristiq has really helped me. It has not affected my sex drive at all. The only side effect I suffer from is night sweats, but being 40 I don’t know if that’s the Pristiq or my age. It’s awful that so many of you have bad experiences. The withdrawl is scary but I will not even think about that right now, as long as it’s helping me.
CJ
I was on Pristiq 50mg daily and gained 35 pounds in 5 months. I wanted to stop taking this medication before I gained too much weight. I went from 50mg down to half a pill every other day (25mg). I did this for a little over a month. Then I cut back to a quarter of a pill every other day for about a week. The last few weeks I took St. John’s Wort to help. I think it helped me.
Yes I had the dizziness off and on,the light headedness, a few brain zips and some depression when cutting back. I have been free from this dreaded medication Pristiq for over a month with no side effects since. Now I need to lose about 15 pounds of excess weight. Don’t give up to those that want to stop taking this medication. You can do it!
lina
I’ve been on Pristiq and Wellbutrin for years and wanted to stop both to determine what life would be like without them. Cut from 100mg of pristiq to 50 with no side effects. My doctor told me to keep taking the Wellbutrin and stop the Pristiq. I am in day 4 and feel like I have a bad cold, fuzzy head, sniffles, occasional “brain zap.” Compared to what I’ve been reading, I am very lucky. I hope you will all feel well. The next challenge is the Wellbutrin.
Julie
United States
I too have been on Pristiq and Wellbutrin for years–many years. I am not depressed, have not been depressed for over five years, and do not want to take these meds for the rest of my life.
I accidentally missed a Pristiq dose on Sunday and decided to try not to take it going forward. It is now Tuesday and I am experiencing the expected brain zaps and general weird feeling of missing doses. Some sense of anxiety/agitation starting, but no depression.
I would be very interested in hearing how others have fared going off these two medications.
I set this comment up so that I am notified of follow up comments via email.
Kelley
I was on Pristiq 50mg for only 5 months and my doctor decided to taper my dosage to get me off the drug. I thought the side effects of going on the drug were bad… was I wrong. Getting off of the drug is terrible. I went from 50mg daily for 5days down to 25mg for 5days, than stop pristiq all together.
I am now 5 days totally off the medication and I have never felt worse. The constant feeling of my stomach being queasy, headache, exhaustion, mood swings etc. are not improving. I am sorry I ever let my doctor put me on this drug and will suffer as long as it takes being off of Pristiq because I will NOT ever go back on it.
I went back to my Psychologist because of my mood swings coming back with a vengeance and he put my on Abilify. I haven’t started it yet because I’m so sick to my stomach from withdrawals from Pristiq, that I cant keep anything down. I am worse off from the Pristiq side effects than I was when I was on no medication. My advice to anyone and everyone is don’t do it. Don’t ever let them put you on this drug.
hs
I have been on Pristiq for 5 years (100mg). It helped with the depression. I want off of it because I am tired all the time and really feel that the Pristiq is why. I went to my doctor. I went to 50 mg every day for a week which was not bad at all. Then I went to 50mg every other day. Wow- horrible- brain zaps,dizziness,increased heart rate, very irritable, shakes, nausea, diarrhea,vomiting, short tempered, inpatient, muscle aches…
I am now according to my doctor, not supposed to take any. Day #2 of no Pritiq- all the w/d symptoms above magnified by 10 plus all I want to do is lay in my bed. I really do not want to take it and am really trying to suffer this out. I now know what a heroin addict goes through and will no longer judge them….. My strong faith in God and prayer has brought me this far and I will conquer this. If anyone out there is going through the same thing–GOOD LUCK!
gmbc
My 54 year old son has been on SSRIs and SNRIs – nothing has been effective for depression over the 25 year use. He is trying to come off Pristiq down from 100 Ext.release mg (about 4 mo.) to 50 mg ext.release which cannot be cut due to extended release. Has anyone had worsening diabetes using this stuff? He can’t get Blood sugar under 200 and Dr. upped his insulin to cover that – has not worked to lower. Also, he missed a 50 ER mg. dose one day; the next day he went into a violent rage and almost tore his kitchen cabinet door off hinges. Rage came from “nowhere” – but I wonder if it is connected to “serotonin syndrome”.
He sleeps about 4 hrs a night & has no motivation for anything. Does anyone know how to get off extended release Pristiq? He has been told it only comes 50 ER mg. and 100 ER mg. tabs? I agree with many who say doctors don’t know about withdrawal symptoms – or won’t tell patients ??
A. I.
I just wanted to add another take on this for anyone else who might be going through it and looking for insight. I’ve taken Pristiq for nine months now and haven’t had many complaints but wanted to stop taking after a year because I’d like to try to get pregnant.
Well… due to some problems with my insurance and not getting paperwork done in time, I couldn’t get my prescription in a timely manner which means I’ve had to go cold turkey for about a week now. I don’t suggest doing this without your doctor’s knowledge, I wouldn’t have, but my doctor isn’t in Friday – Monday which didn’t leave me much of a choice.
ANYWAY – my point is, it’s not that bad. It likely differs from person to person, but my experience has not been like many that I’ve read here. I’ve had the brain zaps, they don’t hurt, they’re just uncomfortable. I know why it’s happening so they don’t worry me very much. It wasn’t until the fourth day that I started to feel my worst with nausea, mild headaches and irritability. I still was able to go about my day as normal I just was cranky doing it because I didn’t feel well.
So far, I haven’t felt more anxious or depressed either. So, yes, it can be done. It’s not that bad for everyone. It kinda just feels like you’re having a moderate hangover for a couple days but you’ll live.
LLL
Encouraging News for all~ I first posted in October saying I felt awful. I started weaning myself off 50mg the 1st of the month and by the 15th I was completely off Pristiq. But the withdrawal symptoms continued and were horrific: brain zaps, severe mood swings, depression, dizziness, etc. I stuck it out and gave myself a lot of grace-not expecting too much of myself.
It is now the first week of January and I am so happy to report the symptoms are gone! No zaps in several weeks and I am not on antidepressants at all. I feel good and I thank God for that! Hang in there! You can do it! Stick it out and don’t make any major decisions during your withdrawal phase. Give yourself grace & time – this is temporary and it will pass!
JR
I weaned off by 10 mg every 2 weeks. It was rough. The last 10 mg to nothing the hardest. But, after approx 6 weeks off of all meds, I finally feel like myself again. No more side-effects.
It’s totally worth it!
kdaily
Has Anyone had success going cold turkey? this is awful!!
kdaily
How are you feeling now? I have been off for a month now and still feel “stoned”. I really don’t know what to do and wondering if you are feeling any better. I do not want to taper off in any way if possible. thanks for your time
Ta232
Brooke – I must add to my comment that I originally took this drug for depression and it certainly helped me feel a lot better. The reason I wanted to come off these is because I was having side effects and also I am currently in a “good” place and feel great! I can always go back and talk to my doctor if I need assistance with any signs of depression again!
Brooke
This is alarming, I have only just started taking pristiq, I had my first one this morning, I feel fine and no side effects but I realise it’s only early days, I’m not even sure if I want to continue taking them after reading these comments ;/
People’s Pharmacy response: Do keep in mind that people who have not had difficulty with this drug are unlikely to have posted.
TA232
Happy New Year everyone! I just wanted everyone to know that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel for anyone who is trying to wean off Pristiq. 50mg. I have slowly been weaning off this drug since early October and Im rapt to say its nearly a week since I’ve taken it! I had nausea for a week and now I’m having those horrible brain zaps but they are becoming less frequent each day!
My best advice to give you all is to find a good doctor to listen and help you get through this! Going cold turkey is definitely not the answer, is dangerous and the side affects are just horrible as I’ve tried and thought I was going to die! I hope this post gives you all some hope! My feelings have returned as well as I’m having vivid dreams (I haven’t dreamt for a few years and it’s wonderful) Good luck everyone!!
Sunny M.
SAS, my personal advice would be to stay away from Cymbalta. People are different and react differently to drugs, of course. Cymbalta made me want to sleep all the time, and it nearly destroyed my liver. If you and your doctor decide on it, please ask her/him for liver enzyme tests at least once a month. Take care, and I agree about 2014 !
SAS
Thanks for this website and everyone sharing their experiences.
I have been on and off AD’s for 16+ years since the sudden death of my brother with the same heart condition that my son and I both have so life has been tough. I have been on Pristiq for the last 2 or so years starting with 50mg and going up to 150mg. I dropped back to 100mg and then down to 50mg. Last 50mg tablet was taken Christmas Eve (morning) and cold turkey since then. Wow – what an interesting time it has been. Luckily the withdrawal (or discontinuation symptoms as the docs like to refer to) didn’t start until the day after Christmas but since then it’s been hell. Every day I’m so close to giving in and popping one of those darn innocent looking tablets but I’m determined to keep going. Doc wants to change me to Cymbalta but I think it’s time I actually get to know who I actually am again.
Anyway, reading all these comments give me strength to continue and realisation that I’m not going crazy feeling this ill stopping these crazy meds.
Just need to get through 1 day of work tomorrow and then I have another 5 days holidays – hoping for at least a small amount of sleep tonight!! There is no way that I could have worked and felt as bad as I have (at least I think it is beginning to improve – I will tell myself that anyway)!
Good luck to you all and I hope we all have a better 2014!!!
PAC
I recently stopped taking Pristiq after having been on it for the last 3 or4 yrs. The decision to quit taking it was due to circumstances based on current finances & having to pay $200 out of pocket for the script. I talked with a dr about getting on a cheaper med so got a script for Celexa which is much more affordable.
I have been on antidepressants for yrs due to family hx of clinical depression & long term mental abuse in a 30 yr marriage.
I just relocated to Florida & am living with my daughter who suggested that I try to get off antidepressants for a while to see how my body reacts. After tapering off, it has been 10 days since I took my last dose. It has been hard, to say the least, but I made up my mind to give it at least 30 days, taking it one day at a time
I am truly grateful to hear all of your “testomonies” which had brought so much clarity to my long difficult journey that I have endured over the past yrs.
It has included increased anxiety, major brain fog & forgetfulness. In my mind, I just contributed it to “old age”. I am now 58 yrs old & an LPN. Due to brain fog, I decided that I wouldn’t put patient’s lives at risk , so I am just working as a sitter. Right now, I am more determined than ever to get off this drug since I know that it has caused more problems for me rather than fixed them!
I am so hopeful for a better happier year 2014 !
lisa
I haven’t been able to get a script of pristiq 100mg for 4 days now. My Psychiatrist has been away and I asked the other Dr at the surgery to write me a script 5 days ago and the receptionist told me she is too busy. I am experiencing brain tremors, crying and very depressed. I am scared. This is so negligent on the Doctor’s part when she would be fully aware of the side effects I am experiencing.
Sj
Boy oh boy, there are so many people on drugs.
I have been on pristiq since dec 2009 for major depression, hallucinations paranoia and anxiety I was basically a mental mess and seeing demons at night was quite frightening for some time.. I thought I just had a dark imagination until the doc asked if I hallucinate. I was surprised to know they are a part of depression. Anyhow my whole life I have suffered from sensitivity to noise, anxiety, in and out of depression as life’s stresses and many roller coaster events trigger the depressive thoughts. that’s all it takes to be on a downward swirl into the black hole.
I have taken champax for giving up smoking which caused me to become more paranoid had social phobia and depressed even more then when I started at that time I was giving up drugs alcohol and smoking… talk about stress and my husband was in love with some other woman. I already had those things but became so heightened. Was also on addictive anxiety short term drugs. Boy they knock you out and keep you right. So starting pristiq was the best thing I ever did at that time in my life my demons didn’t visit me any more in bed at night and all other symptoms of depression left my head and body.
2010 I had my first baby kept taking pristiq as doc recommended all was fine never been happier in my life. Until number 2 came along 16 months later. No drug in the world I don’t think can help you unless you can change your minds ways. I was so anxious all the time stressed about job losses going on overwhelmed fatigue and a demanding child I was at the end of my tether. Up the dose to 100mg a day I got worse angry, irritable, flat, sad unmotivated more anxious… So doc put me up to 200mg a day. Boy was that worse again loss of empathy, compassion yet I was manic lots of the time racing thoughts high energy and motivation can’t sleep because of so many things I wanted to do late at night early hours of morning a child that won’t sleep on top of that. I was sleep deprived. high yet flat, sad, unmotivated all at the same time.
I got told by few professionals I was mixed mood verge of bipolar as I do spend and impulsive in every aspect. Although I am starting to think it’s the prescribed drugs that do that so many side effects. I never knew they can make you manic. Aggressive mood swings for no reason etc. so they decided to try me on seroquel. Mood stabilizer Even though I wanted to come off pristiq it had been 4 years I want to see what I am like without it. Anyhow tried it for 3 nights 25 mg plus 50 mg of pristiq. I was even worse abusive, angry, irritable, hostile just horrible really dizzy too. So stopped that. then took 50mg of pristiq for 2 weeks as told to do then stop so I did. Boy oh boy as people have been saying I totally agree. I am having other health problems at moment with vestibular stuff. Dizziness, nausea, loose bowels hot cold sweats. So when I stopped sat just gone I was already having those symptoms so I took a imagrin which worked after I had a shut eye. Next day though and every other day after till today because I gave in to subside this constant dizziness, hearing my eyes move, feeling like I’m falling and all above.
Last night I was so wet from sweat but freezing, feeling sad, crying, guilty all week I have been in the house because I could not leave or drive just too dizzy couldn’t move my eyes without them shaking. I have been abusive slamming doors swearing and yelling at kids like I have tourets or something. Just no self control and sensitive to noise. So I shaved my head. I am self destructive at least it’s only hair. Better than cuts I say. Then crying feeling of guilt despair, don’t deserve to be a mother.
Anyway I’m not bipolar I do have issues which self control and impulsiveness and perfectionism and many many other things yet I’m the messiest person ever which over whelms me. I’m my worst enemy. Which in some way most of us are. We Do all that’s bad for us instead of what’s good for us. So too my long conclusion I took 50 mg pristiq today and felt more myself than I have all week the dizziness went and all other stuff. So I think sat I had a migraine as imigrin worked but hadn’t for the rest of the week. So from Sunday must have been withdrawals. I got told coming off 50mg would be fine since a low dose.. I don’t bloody think so.
It was the longest 5 days ever I would hate to come off stronger drugs like addictive types. I personally think I need to be on some thing for me to be sane. Even less then 50mg would be good just enough to tie me over. 50 mg today Did get me racing around. So I will ween off it and see how it goes. And see professionals and change my lifestyle and diet. Hope people didn’t get too bored I can go on a bit… Oh so much too say.
KS
I have been on Prestiq since it came out in 2008 and it has worked wonders for me compared to other meds. However with a recent switch in insurance due to marriage, I have been off it cold turkey for about 3 days because there has been a hang-up clearing it with my insurance. I really hate the side effects of the withdrawal but I figure I might as well experiment while I wait for my new prescription. I took BC for about a year while on Prestiq and it has really messed me up in regards to my sex drive. I thought getting off the BC would work but it apparently didn’t so I’m going to see what I’m like without the Prestiq as well. I never had the issue until the BC and things just haven’t been right since so I’m hoping getting the Prestiq out of my body will “reset” it in a way. Any tips on how to work through the effects? All I’ve dealt with so far are the brain zaps, dizziness and mild stomach discomfort.
mc
Thanks for all the posts! It really help me to decide not to take pristiq. I’m supposed to start taking it today but reading all ur posts last night were enough to scared me not to take pristiq. The doctor prescribed me placil for the first time last Nov 1 with inderal10mg as well to avoid my heart raising and I got all the side effects like massive headache, hot flashes, muscles spasm, muscle twitching, tingling sensation all over my body, confusion, raising heartbeat, dizziness and the feeling that I’m gonna die any moment, doctor said it will be gone after a week or 2, I took it Nov 1 and decide to go to the doctor who gave it to me coz my regular gp is on holiday at that moment, I went through hell the whole time I’m taking placil so I said to the doctor to change it coz I’m getting more panic and anxious every time I feel all the side effect coz I haven’t got sick like that before, the last time I got flu or fever when I was 17years old and I’m already 35 now and can’t believe I felt all that from
just a piece of tablet.
So he did ecg test to me and heart is normal, my only problem is I’m having an iron deficiency. The doctor prescribed me xanax (just 1 tablet a day 1 hour before I go to bed) he said it’s really good and no side effects, he told me he didn’t give it to me before coz its addictive, he said I can only take it for just 3 months with inderal10 (3x aday)for my heartbeat. I first took xanax on Nov 21 with inderal still but stop completely the placil. The next day I felt very normal and gave me a good sleep but a bit sleepy in day time too.
Dec 2 I feel a bit different, had headache until now which is come and go, and sometimes shortness of breath but I managed it by doing relaxation exercises, a bit of pins and needles, muscle spasm, muscle aches from my back up to my shoulder and next and sometime up to my jaw, Not sure if this a withdrawl symptoms from my first anti depressant placil so I went to my regular gp yesterday coz shes back and she want me to stop taking the xanax and inderal 10, she said the inderal 10 will make my blood pressure lower and my only problem is my iron so she wants me to continue my iron supplement and she gave me a same of pristiq 50mg for 4weeks.
She said xanax is only like a vallium and the effect is only 4hours but its addictive. I said I’m scared of the side effects and I don’t want to go through that again, she said side effects is only nausea and for 7 days only. But after reading all ur post here guys, especially about the withdrawals of pristiq, I called my gp this morning and let her know that I will cut the xanax tablet into 2 then start taking half every night for 2 weeks without taking the pristiq and lets see how I go, and she said I can do that and lets see, coz I have a feeling that I can manage my anxiety or panic attack and especially if we are trying to have our second baby, I’m 2 weeks off now from placil and just taking xanax so I’m crossing my fingers that all withdrawal symptoms will be gone soon and manage to help my self just in case I have another anxiety attack, good luck to all of u here guys! hope we all feel better soon :-) thanks again!!
TBella
It is 1:15 am Monday. I wrote Saturday about the terrible aches and pains I was experiencing and my GP’s direction to take Motrin and a muscle relaxer. Pain was better Saturday night, but truly gets worse as the meds are wearing off. I could not sleep tonight despite taking the two and using a heating pad. Was hoping that the symptoms would be much better by now. Seeing my psychiatrist late morning today to discuss.
I have not experienced any of the other terrible withdrawal symptoms that others of you have written or asked about. I feel very fortunate that this is my one and so far only difficulty. I wish each of you the best with your individual circumstances.
When I talked to my for the 2nd time to let him know about the suggestion of a muscle relaxer, etc. from my GP I asked how long the withdrawal symptoms might last. He replied that it is different for everyone, but at most about 2 weeks. I’m halfway to that point. Hope he’s right!!
D L
I have been taking pristiq for 3 years. I spoke with my doc about discontinuing, and was advised that this is one if the easier antidepressants to purge out of your system. I was told that my age, and “demographic” should take about 2 days to clear out, however it’s been about 2weeks now, and symptoms don’t seem to be subsiding. The symptoms I have experienced are all listed above except one. I wonder if anyone else has experienced a mild case of narcolepsy? I understand that fatigue is a common symptom, but I seem to feel well rested most of the time, but if I’m doing anything “less than stimulating”, I’m out like a light. (Meetings, work, long drives, movies etc..) this is very destructive to someone trying to live a fairly “normal” life.
I’ve tried sleeping more at night, (10-12hrs) but this doesn’t seem to make a difference. As much as I love a good nap, other people in my life, don’t seem to appreciate it when I nod off in mid conversation. My depression seems to be keeping at bay, for now, but I think this might change if I can’t stay awake (meetings, driving,..etc..). I understand that the drugs are not a “cure all”, and they simply help you cope while your body naturally heals from the sickness of depression, however how will my body heal from the medicine? I think that md’s should be better educated on how to explain all possible symptoms, before, during, and after any drug prescription.
This is something that all drug “watchdogs” should monitor. It seems way to easy to acquire any med that you can research. (All you have to do, is ask your doctor).
Tbella
I wrote a nice paragraph about my experience, hit the wrong button while proofing it and lost it before it posted. Glad I’m so determined to share my experience as it’s currently occurring and I am truly hoping it can help some other poor soul whose trying to go through the withdrawal process. First off I am Bi-Polar. I take mood stabilizers as well as Pristiq. Began taking the fancy combo of Lithium 900 mg 1xday, Equetro (increased dosage over time. It is a newer drug similar to Tegretol) and finally about 1 year ago we added Pristiq. Didn’t have any trouble with the addition of it. Initial dose was 50mg to start then eventually we went up to 100.
Because I’ve recently been experiencing rapid mood swings, (like daily and more severe) and I am aware that persons with Bi-Polar may not do well with being on any Anti-D for an extended amount of time, I became concerned that I was experiencing a condition referred to as “switching”. Rapid mood swings which frankly over the past 15 years I’ve rarely had. Always it came when I was on too many meds, or extended use of an Anti-d, etc. My doc agreed so last Saturday we began the weening process. He didn’t make me aware that there could be side effects. :( I was so caught up with preparing for 21 guests for T-giving I thought my aches and pains, mood issues i.e. irritability, outbursts, etc. were due the stress of cleaning, moving a ton of furniture around to accommodate the large group and being on my feet so many hours shopping, prepping and cooking all the food. My poor family thought I was becoming Manic. Oh joy.
I knew if I didn’t reduce my stress I WOULD become manic. I try hard to manage my illness. I’m very proactive after several years of living with it pretty near out of control. After going to bed Thursday night I awoke with pain everywhere! Could not sleep. Finally got up and took something like Motrin. Later that morning I soaked in the tub and stretched and tried to relax all my aching muscles. It really helped. Just my neck was not recovering. Took 3 motrin. No Help. Later on took one Aspirin which did numb the muscle pain a bit.
Woke up today with severe neck muscle pain again. Took two Aspirin but no help. Called my doc who then told me its a withdrawal symptom. GREAT. Thanks for telling me this LAST week. Called my GP as the Psychiatrist could only suggest Aspirin which of course isn’t working on its own. He did suggest warm compresses. Got out the heating pad. It helps. My family doc called back finally and prescribed a muscle relaxer along with 3 Motrin taken 3xday with meals. Just beginning this routine. Very hopeful it will work. Will post tonight or tomorrow with the results. I hope this helps anyone suffering with the aches and severe pains.
mike
If you have been getting off it for 3 months gradually with all these withdrawal effects, why not just stop. Ie., no more drug. Surely you are just dragging the withdrawal out?
M
2 days off pristiq. It’s harder than I thought it was going to be. The withdrawals are terrible. I have cried all day, feel nauseated and foggy. I get this weird numb tingling sensation in my hands. That happened when I started it too. Have been on it for a few years. Not having a lower dose than 50mg makes it near impossible to wean off so I decided to go cold turkey to avoid the rollercoaster of symptoms that come with going on and off. Doing it with my doctor and support of family and friends.
If I can add anything it would be-don’t be a hero and try and do it alone. It’s like coming off any kind of drug and you need supportive people around you. It doesn’t make you any weaker for reaching out for help. All your experiences have been helpful in making this experience for me more real and makes me realise I am not alone and not insane for feeling what I am feeling. Thanks for that. Wish me luck!
Mike
I was on Pristiq 50 mg for a year due to anxiety…. One day I realized this drug numbed me and pretty much made me a zombie. However getting off it turned out to be a struggle but it is possible…. I found eating extremely healthy and working out as often as possible helped fast track the withdrawal symptoms…. headaches and dizziness seemed to be the worst. I did quit cold turkey and the symptoms latest for about a month and a half but just try and stay positive and you will get through it…
Brad
Thanks for your post, I decided to go all the way with getting Pristiq out quickly. I want to be free of it. I’m willing to go through some pain, instead of tapering I just want to feel normal, I’m bipolar not really depressed more anxiety ridden.
I really needed your post and it helps, my Dr. said there wouldn’t be w/ds. (don’t believe her) but have ativan, topamax, heck drink some if need be but trying to taper uugh for me just seems like I’ll never get off it.
One year 50 MG
(advice highly appreciated!)
Day one. Headache. Mini breakdown but determined!
LLL
I am so thankful to have this forum where we all can share-it is good to know I am not the only one going through this!
I started taking ads about 10 years ago: first Lexapro (stopped being effective after 3 years), next Wellbutrin (stopped being effective after 2 years), then finally Pristiq five years ago. I felt I had to start taking something so I could raise my children and keep my marriage together.
I never intended to stay on something for the rest of life – just until the children were grown and my “having it all together” was not so important any more. Well, my last child just left for college; and (as so many have said) I came to realize I have been operating like a zombie for years. Looking back, I cannot say I wish I had never started taking it, because I remember feeling so horrible without it that my only emotion was sadness all the time- I could not enjoy any part of life.
So, I cut the tablets (50mg) in half for 2 weeks, then fourths for 2 weeks. Today I have been Pristiq-free for 2 weeks. The brain zaps have been bad, but someone told me MAGNESIUM MALATE would help & it has. For me, however, the physical withdrawal symptoms have been mild compared to the emotional symptoms. The mood swings are HUGE! I go from peaceful to outraged to hopeless. I am trusting this will pass over time, but does anyone have a time frame reference for me? My doctor has not been much help.
How will I know when the drug is out of my system & be able to determine whether this is just my natural state or a symptom of withdrawal? Remember, none of us started taking this drug just for fun! It was because things were not right when we were taking nothing at all! DOES ANYONE HAVE A TESTIMONY OF BEING DRUG-FREE AND FEELING GREAT? And how long does it take?
J R
I find it so interesting & helpful to read all of your personal experiences. I’ve been on Pristiq for approx 2 years & only recently realized how numb I’ve become. I’ve also gained about 30 lbs & became so tired – maybe worse than the depressed tired.
I decided I wanted to stop taking Pristiq & researched other people’s stories of coming off the drug. I decided to use a compounding pharmacy to decrease by 10mg every 2 weeks (I was on 50mg/day). The first month of 40mg & 30 mg were fine. Very few side effects, and they only seemed to creep up in the evening. (Shaky, cranky) But today I went down to 20mg & I’m having lots so withdrawal: nausea, exhaustion, cranky-mean, shaky & brain zaps. I hate this feeling & how cranky I am to my family.
However, I’m determined to get through this & get off this drug. I already feel so much more like myself…my sense of humour is coming back, my creativity in my work… There’s a sharpness that’s been missing that is slowly returning.
Best of luck to everyone else – I’ll update when these effects dissipate. Be well.
Eva R.
My doctor has taken me off Pristiq 150 mg daily as it has caused my blood pressure to go up considerably.
I have been reducing the drug according to doctor’s instructions and the main symptom of withdrawal is a bad headache and nausea. Also I have feeling again. My mother died recently and I did not cry. I did not feel anything except complete inertia after she died. I’m sure the Pristiq made me very flat. Now I am feeling appropriate emotions. I feel human again. No brain zaps but incredible dreams. Clear dreams with lots of details and I dream all night.
I feel much more motivated now. The Pristiq was very good for controlling depression but I did not have any other feelings. I am now on Mirtazapine 30 mgs day and doing well so far. Only two weeks into reducing meds.
Sunny M.
I would recommend checking out gentler herbal remedies. Check with the people at your local health food store… maybe they could suggest something that would help. I understand what you’re going through. Cymbalta and withdrawal from it nearly killed me. Never again.
LASOK
I am in day 5 of coming off pristiq 50mg … I was previously on effexor and given pristiq as a better choice of antidepressant … well I have tried many times to come off this drug, having every single side effect that is listed by others on this site but this time no matter what I’m done … it has basically made me a zombie and I feel like a drug addict …. make sure you know what you are getting into before you take this stuff … the price you pay is dreadful …. thanks to all for the tips on retaining sanity I am pumped to never take this or any other antidepressant again.
TA
Lkwest – thanks for your post and everyone else that has posted. Day 7 today and feeling ok but have moments of nausea, dizziness and headaches but I am determined to keep going and wean myself off this drug.
Sunny M.
lkwest, I like your attitude. I cannot comment on Pristiq, but Cymbalta nearly killed me. And it was hard to wean from, too. I am determined not to get back into the hands of big pharma. I will use herbs.
Willow
wow, cool info! This is one of those occasions where you suddenly discover you’re not the only one suffering this stuff. I never knew how to describe to others those scary feelings I now know as “brain zaps”. freaky stuff indeed. Thank you everybody for sharing these things, it is so important. I have been on Pristiq 50’s for about two and a half years and suffer if I miss a day. I get unreasonably cranky and tend toward suicidal thoughts. I would like to hear if anybody can get off these things successfully, i.e. with a healthy brain and attitude. Thanks again y’all, stay happy.
lkwest
I’m currently at the end of day 7 pristiq free. I wish I could say I physically feel 100% but I’m getting there and feel fantastic!
This is my detox so far..
Day 1: felt absolutely fine/no different
Day 2: after 16hrs sleep awoke bawling mu eyes out with every emotion searing at once. Dizziness, sweats, nightmares, vision glitches and nausea. By bedtime I prayed that I would live (that’s how terrible I felt, like I may not survive)
Day 3: still teary but then overwhelmed by anger.. I kicked something and almost broke my foot… such rage!
Day 4: slurred speech and vision, bowel interruptions, shivers and shaky
Day 5: woke up starving and need to eat all day (assume to recover from the emotions of the past 4 days), feeling better, able to breathe deeply and calmly, very thirsty, quiet and reflective all day in the sunshine
Day 6: eating double than when on Pristiq (now 5 meals per day), visiting friends, smiling again, drove my car now my vision is better yay! Slept like a baby!
Day 7 today: reflective on how hard this week has been, peacefully happy in the garden, walked the dog, ate heaps, laughed until I cried (wow hadn’t done that in ages, creativity is returning and I can attentively watch my favourite tv program
Tomorrow: CAN ONLY GET BETTER
I haven’t felt this good in ages… to be precise 3 years… that’s how long I was on it. Physically i feel i still have a way to go as detox/withdrawal from any dependent medication is hard on your body as it gives you signs that bits missing it. But the personal satisfaction I feel, the inner joy from knowing I am beating this dependency and will never go back on them ever again by far outweighs any feelings of nausea I may still have.
I can only advocate and encourage you all not to give up. I now believe with a clearer mind and heart that things can only get better and even though its a very hard vice to beat the power of the mind can heal all.
I recommend an essential oil blend called ‘baby calm’ its a blend of rose, lavender and chamomile… a dab on the temples is super soothing. I truly believe this stuff saved my sleep, I was having horribly vivid nightmares waking wet with sweat until I begun using this. I also purchased some relaxation incense and a healing crystal which sits beside my bed to absorb negativity and illness. If your not keen on the ‘hippie’ methods try good old deep breathing, h2o, fresh air, sunshine, pets or people that make you feel inner joy and love.
Chin up everyone if I can do it you can too… believe in yourself not in medication because as I have learned only we can help ourselves. Life is tough at the best of times, consider the time you ‘wasted’ on the meds and what you missed out on… pledge to yourself to be part of life again and love it.
I hope I can inspire 1 person to keep going with their withdrawal journey because I promise it will get better if you want it to.
Good luck!!
Susanna
I just feel like crying reading all these comments because I’m currently trying to wean off Pristiq and failing badly due to the horrific withdrawal symptoms. I just want it out of my life, I can’t believe I was ever prescribed it.
Mel
I have been on 100mg of Pristiq for about 2 years now, and unfortunately, it isn’t the medication for me as I was still suffering with anxiety and panic attacks.
My doctor and I decided to change medication to 60mg Andepra.
Today is day 4 from changing over from Pristiq to Andepra and if I had of know the side effects of Pristiq, I wouldn’t have gone down that path. My daily symptoms have been;
– nausea,
– lack of appetite
– trembling for hours
– hot flushes
– brain zaps
– tingling in my face and mouth
– feeling helpless
– suicidal thoughts (can I put up with it much longer? Is this what my life is going to be like? Etc)
– scared to be alone.
– bursting out into tears.
It’s just horrible and I feel for anyone who experiences anything like this in their lives. I pray for you/ us all. May God take this evil thing away from us.
Day 1 & 2 were the worst but I think this was because I didn’t expect this. Day 3 & 4, I went back to the doctors to explain and he gave me a beta blocker to get my heart pressure on track. In praying things get better real soon. Please tell me they will and it does? Xxx
NJ
Been on the anti-depressant roller coaster for 15 years. Pristiq was good for me for awhile. I took it for about 6 months, and felt it was better than Effexor. When I stopped Effexor, the withdrawals were so bad, I really thought I was going completely insane. I was successful at stopping Pristiq the first time I took it. I was on it for about 5 months. I got pregnant and went cold-turkey off of it as soon as I found out I was pregnant.
The withdrawl symptoms were very unpleasant. Nausea, swimmy, blurry head, shakes, tremors, and brain zaps. But I managed to press on (going back on any meds was NOT an option, being pregnant). Within 2 weeks of no medicine, I was fine. My depression was back, but it had to be managed by means other than medications. I have learned, over the years of trying different meds and trying to be med-free that the basic self-management of diet, proper sleep, and EXERCISE are the most effective ways to stop feeling depressed. 60 minutes of cardio-vascular exercise each day has been shown to have the same or greater effectiveness in eliminating depression as any of the medications. And a strong network of friends helps a lot.
I don’t have that as much as I would like, as many others that suffer from Major Depression or Bi-polar, we end up on an isolated island because of the times when we are really down and we withdraw from people and social environments. Then we lose or distance friends, and it’s hard to get that back. So, I got really down again, due to some very traumatic life events, and I went back on the Pristiq. It was helping some, but the cost is killing me. So I am on day 2 of quitting the medicine. I feel like crap. but I am still somewhat able to do my job, and take care of my 6 children…yes, I am a single mom with 6 kids.
Sometimes I am weepy or snappy with the kids, but I have learned to reign it in, no matter what. I am not looking forward to days 3 and 4 off the medicine, as this seems to be the height of mental dysfunction, brain fogginess, and fatigue. I am hoping by Monday, the symptoms will resume back to a level where I can function. But I feel for each and every person on here that has been on this ride as well.
Medications have their place, but learning to care for ourselves and manage without the pills is better. It takes time, self-awareness, determination, and willingness to do what it takes to feel well. if more doctors would give a prescription for exercise and 8 hours of sleep a night, combined with avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people; then maybe more people would get better, faster. Peace and love to all my fellow-sufferers. There is hope, though. Never give up hope.
Jess
Hi there,
I was on cymbolta 120mg for 2 years than I was getting very severe Anxiety attacks, suicidal thoughts and really bad depression about 2 months ago. So they started getting me off Cymbolta and it was horrible then the Psychiatrist changed me on too Pristiq 50mg 4 weeks ago, what a nightmare!!!, I was worse than ever, I was agitated, crying, very aggressive and my depression was really bad to the point I did not want to get out of bed. I went back to the psychiatrist on Tuesday and she told me to get off pristiq and has given me a script for Lexapro 10mg I start that tomorrow. I have been off pristiq now cold turkey for 3 days and I tell you what it is so horrible the brain zaps, dizziness, nausea, body aches and no sleep it is horrible. I just want to know if anyone has had Lexapro 10 mg before and has it made them feel any better??
Jess
rox
MY LAST FEW LOGS: 8/27 A few months ago tried getting off pristq, Dr suggested half dose for 2 weeks and then stop and I should be fine. By the third week I was waking up crying so I got back on. I’ve been on it for over 4 years and although it helped, if I ever want to have children I need to get off of it. So new psyc… I expressed how much fear I had over trying to get off of it again… So we upped my wellbutrin, got me on busbar (non addictive anti anxiety) and am now on Prozac. First week just added 10 mg Prozac. Felt Okkk… Then after that 3 days of taking 20 mg Prozac and I felt weird but bearable… So yesterday took half a pristq and felt that weirdness go away and felt normal. Today did the same but ugh… Nausea, uncomfortable!
9/8 I’m still on half a dose of pristq and two prozac. I’m really shocked that its been working so far. I think only thing I’ve noticed that’s super different is that my pms this month is soooo much worse. I’ve always had symptoms of pms but now it magnified but is bearable….
.9/24,I’m now on quarter pristq, upped to 30 mg Prozac. Lots of nausea, general uncomfortable feeling. Lack if motivation a lil more anxiety pressure in my head. Thankfully though all bearable. Been easily annoyed. In general all my emotions seem magnified. But to a doable degree. Not like last time I tried getting off of it! I went nuts.
Jill
I got a generic test where they use a swob to your gums and they send it to the lab where it tells you which drugs are good and which aren’t. After I first starting taking anti-depressant two years ago I was prescribed to Celexa 20 mg. I moved and started seeing a new psychiatrist and she prescribed me Fluxetine 20 mg, and after the first day of taking that I already felt a lot better.
Two weeks later my results came back and the new medicine I was prescribed (Fluxetine) was in the column good but use with caution. The Pristiq was in the good column so she prescribed me 50 mg. Today was the first day I took it and I’ve been having really bad headaches when I cough, I think this might be bad. I’ve read a lot of comments about this drug and they say its really addictive. My brother just died a couple months ago from addiction and I have a very addictive personality so I’m also scared about, please let me know what to do!!!
TA
I have been on Pristiq for 3 years and I agree if u forget a tablet – the brain zaps, nausea, dizziness is horrible. I’m seeing a psychologist who will help as I so need to get off these. My doc told me I can’t half these tabs (on 50grams) but I’m so keen to slowly reduced them somehow – has anyone tried this or suggest anything?
Stevie
I have been on Pristiq for 5 years now and missed a dose a few weeks back. OMG – it was horrible! Experienced severe brain zaps, confusion, dizziness – it felt like I was losing my mind! I could not get out of bed because I felt like I would fall down. My husband said that I was not making any sense when I spoke. It was really scary. Even more scarier is that I am afraid to get off of this medication because I would not be able to function at work – there is no way! I feel like I am stuck. Who has two weeks to spare so that you can go through the withdrawals – I don’t! Any suggestions on how to successfully get off of this med AND be able to function?
Walter M.
Thank goodness I read these posts. After years on the merry go round (100mg a day) over the last few weeks I’ve been reducing Pristiq and stopped 7 days ago and not due to see my doc for another 4 weeks. Trying to describe whats happening in my head to my family was worse than the noises and the rest of the symptoms.
Misery loves company but I’ve got it pretty easy compared to some of the other comments on this site. Good luck and trust yourself and stay strong.
mm
I hav gained over 10 kg in 7 months of taking Pristiq so much for helping loss of appetite I can’t stop eating making me even more depressed!
I hav always been an active person but I hav had no motivation to do hardly anything even daily chores n looking after my three kids as a single mum is overwhelming I tried all the natural stuff first but didn’t quite feel strong enough.
I lost my husband to suicide and bipolar so I needed something now. I regret it so much I’m tearful and irritable snappy at my kids. After reading everyone else’s comments I’m really concerned. I have been cold turkey from Pristq for two days cause long wknd here and I forgot to take it now feel so dizzy n nauseous I can’t move without head spins but I hav to get to a chemist for emergency supply as its father’s day today and the whole family coming over n I’m overwhelmed as I can’t move!!
I hav a baby to look after whose crying and needs me and two other kids I’m yelling at cause they want me to get ready for the ready for the day!!! Do not go cold turkey unless u can suffer in bed with vomit bucket beside u I feel like I’m coming off Heroin or something hot cold sweats brain bout to explode pls be careful not like me!!
I gotta go get emergency supply asap buy its Sunday and nothing open yet arggghh hope I feel better soon cause this sux!!!
Luca
Absolutey right about the sex drive. I feel 30 years younger! Or should I say that with the Pritiq and Wellbutrin I felt 30 years older — and I’m already in my 60s! Tough it out is right. I keep as busy as possible but also take half of a low-dose Clonazepam every couple of days. At night I drink wine with dinner and that makes me feel better for a while. I’ve tried drinking earlier in the day, though, but it doesn’t work (especially b/c I’ve never been a daytime drinker; I was just trying it for medicinal purposes). But I’m in week 4 now and haven’t felt better in years. I’m watching for symptoms of depression though; I have only had one acute episode, but many mild ones. But I’ve been on these damned drugs for more than a decade so I have no idea anymore what’s normal. I’ve gained 5 lbs in this past month but am going back to normal eating now and hope that the little bulge will soon go away. In the long run we have to remember that the SSRIs are really only recommended these days for severe depression, yet millions of us continue on them for mild or moderate. The science doesn’t support this. But… what do we do once we get off these horrible things if we find that we are still depressed?
MJ
I have been on a few AntiDepressant meds after severe opiate addiction for over 25 years, I am taking suboxone and pristiq, I do not want the pristiq anymore so I stopped, it’s been 3 days stopping cold turkey and like all the other AD meds I have brain swells and pulsation, skipping eye movements and some body twitching, but the worst is the nausea, even with being on permanent maintenance with suboxone the withdrawal affects are pretty bad, but not as bad as opiate withdrawal, stay as occupied as you can and push through, I don’t know how long these symptoms will last but I am determined to get off, not to mention your sex drive picks up something fierce which is good for your spouse!
E.S.
I went to see my Dr. for panic attacks that were getting more frequent and worse. After trying several types of anti-depressants, I found pristiq to be the one I was able to tolerate the best. The panic attacks stopped altogether, and although I was aware I was not quite myself, I thought it was a good trade-off.
After missing a couple of doses during an unusually busy workweek, the proverbial “lightbulb” came on my head- something that I never knew I was missing. It was like waking up from a coma. I did not realize that slowly over time I had become sort of a zombie.
Now that I am off the med, I feel like I missed 2 years of my life I can never get back. I tapered off pristiq over a one month period. I had relatively mild wd symptoms, disorientation being the worst.
I would say to find a dr. to help you with quitting any anti-depressant. Find one who will listen, maybe even one who prefers other forms of dealing with depression other than drugs. Every person is different, I have read the posts here, definitely see more severe symptoms in some people, not too bad for others. I wish I would have gone with my instincts and avoided starting the medication in the first place-
VM
Thank you Thank you, all who’ve contributed…I’ve been taking 200mg of pristiq alongside of a cuppla other meds eg Valdoxan, under Dr.s orders. Finally the side effects of all this were too obvious to ignore!!!… so Dr wants me to stop Pristiq so I can ‘try’ Cymbalta… phasing from 200mg to 150mg for a few days, then 100mg fr 10days.
Now I’m taking 50mg for 4 days (today is my 4th). So far symptoms have been bearable but am now struggling to breathe, boy was that scary til I decided to check out others’ experiences here… The dizziness and weird expanding head stuff I could handle, although the falling over consequences hurt… but this breathing issue is Nasty.
Have decided to try and sleep it out… it’s 10:00am… Hope I wake up… if I do, I’ll let you know if sleeping helps.
Vanessa
I have been on an extremely high dose (200mg daily) of Pristiq for about two years now. I have felt for some time
now that it has become ineffective in treating my depression. So I went to the Dr to get off it. I knew that it was a powerful drug and ‘weaning’ would be necessary. Having forgotten to take my tablets on a couple of occasions ( and believe me, if you’ve been on Pristiq you know you learn very quickly to NEVER forget to take them because the nausea, vomiting, dizziness, migraine type symptoms, light sensitivity, shakes etc that you suffer when you miss one dose are very powerful motivation indeed to remember!!) it was an endeavor I was not anticipating. But I’m not an advocate of taking unnecessary medication so off I went.
Dr asked me how many tablets I had left. Just one dose I replied (2 x 100mg tablets). Take one today and one tomorrow he said, then nothing for 4 days. Then he wanted me to try starting on Cymbalta. I was pretty shocked by his ‘prescription’ as I had really expected that the weaning process would have been much more paced and gradual. This really sounded like a cold turkey scenario to me. But who am I to argue? He’s the one with the degrees…
Well skip forward to day 6 sans Pristiq. The hellish roller coaster this week has been I would not wish on my worst enemy. Migraine, extreme light and sound sensitivity, fatigue, extreme nausea, violent mood swings, pits of depression and despair, copious amounts of tears, aching eyes, horrible anxiety, actually physical difficulty with getting oxygen into my lungs (which is really scary to have to struggle so hard to breathe since we kind of all take that ability for granted), suicidal obsession, diarrhea, dizziness , hot and cold flushes, shakiness and trembling… I could go on… I spent two days locked in my bedroom sleeping with the shades drawn tight because the simple act of standing had me reeling with dizziness, gripped by nausea and in actual awful aching body-wracking pain.
The symptoms have eased somewhat at day 6 but am still very light and sound sensitive and am pretty much useless. Trying to concentrate on anything results in headache, nausea, shakiness etc. it’s becoming a marathon effort to share my experience through these damned intrusive detox side effects. I have to say I have developed a healthy empathy for anybody having to suffer through detox! You know, a heroin addict may walk their own path to the detox point but it’s still a cruel cruel thing to suffer.
I actually got on the net today trying to find out how much longer I would be plagued by these withdrawal symptoms. I’m really hoping not too much longer (fingers tightly crossed). My head is getting thicker and fuzzier the longer I persist here and I am starting to struggle with breath and nerves and shakes. I have decided I will not be going back to that Dr. I’m not interested in trading one evil for an equivalent evil.
I’m actually thinking that all things considered, although this week has been absolutely shattering, I am stronger than I thought I was. I’m still here and I’m still fighting! Hope this has made sense. Wish me luck with my continued detox.
Oh and if your Dr suggests Pristiq for you, think hard about it.
det
I was in severe pain and went to my doctor who put me on pristique about a month ago, I started getting a dull headache and a sore right eye and nausea I did not really link it with the Pristiq as I had also been started on blood pressure medication at the same time. Yesterday I did not take the medication as I had to have a gastroscopy. Today I felt terrible my head felt like it was enclosed with a tight band and my eye was really painful and I felt really sick in the stomach.
My son said stop taking those tablets they are making your liver unwell. So tonight I thought I will look up the side effects of this drug. What an eye opener this website has been. I have 9 of the listed side effects. I really don’t know whether to go cold turkey because I have only been taking it for 28 days or see my doctor first because I felt really so dreadful tonight I was thinking of taking myself to the emergency ward at the local hospital. However until I read this site I had not realised that the problem was Pristiq.
I knew I was not depressed just exhausted from night after night of being unable to sleep due to pain. I have taken Prozac in the past with no problems so was not expecting this level of side effect as a friend had said how good it was. Wish I had never heard of it.
Ken
Hi people. Just thought I’d add my two cents. I have been on pristiq for over 2 years and was on a 100 mg a day. At first I felt like it was working but after awhile I ended up feeling slower and not sleeping very well. I went to the doc and he said to stop taking it and to start taking advanza. Big big mistake !!
After 3 days I could not handle the side effects. I immediately started taking it to stop the side effects. Since than I spoke to a person that believes a bit differently in things and he told me to try taking tryptophan he did say that this and snri’s should not be taken together as bad things can happen but I was desperate to try anything.
I have been off pristiq for one week cold turkey and have been taking one tryptophan in the morning and one at lunch. While I still get brain zaps and anger issues on a scale of one to ten I give them a 3 compared to 9 beforehand. I’m not saying they are the cure but they are certainly helping me.
vp has question for ms
I don’t know if you got my question but I wanted to know what medication you used in addition to 25 mg of pristique to get off pristique completely? Thank you, VP
vp
I started on 50 mg of pristique after taking effector for several years cause it lost it’s effectiveness so then I went up to 100mg of pristique when my mother was dying and I was in a terrible law suite with my brother who didn’t think I deserved as much as him. This was after my father died. So I was on pristique for several years after my mother’s death and now 3 years later I want to get off pristique so I told my doctor I went down to 50mg a day and continued that for about one month.
Now for about a month I’ve been taking 25mg of pristique but I’m only sleeping 5 to 6 hrs per night and I feel very anxious. I don’t know what to do, I don’t really want to go back to 50mg but I’m afraid of taking 25mg every other day. What was the name of the other antidepessant that you took 10 mg of while you got off the 25 of pristique?
I would really appreciate if you could share that info with me because it sounds like something that would work for me. I’m willing to try if I can eventually get off of both like you did. I’m 60 and I’m afraid of taking medications in case they cause dementia. Also I don’t think I need it anymore. I want to be chemical free. Please help me if you can. Thank you so much, VP
JFLC
Well tomorrow is my one week transitioning from 100mg Zoloft to 50mg Pristiq. The first day I had extreme dizziness, stomach pain and a headache. Second day dizziness and headache. Seems now I’m just having a little dizziness and only a tiny headache. I’ve been on 100/50. Next week I start a 50/50 schedule.
I’m a little nervous. My appetite has decreased; I’ve lost 4lbs which is great. I need to lose more. Oh and I’ve been sleeping really good. I hope to continue down this same path. My mood has lifted and I’m more engaged in daily activities. Will report back.
As
I have very, very gradually been weaning myself off of pristique for about 3 months and it has been hell. I thought the worst was over but tonight I’m experiencing brain zap, nausea and diarrhea and irritability. I’ve isolated myself from my family so they don’t have to put up with this.
DAMNED drug companies -only out to make a buck!
lacey1962
Been off the Pristiq for almost a month now. I’m still having the brain zaps at times but not as bad. I still feel like my brain is foggy. I don’t think the doctors need to be prescribing theses medicines when they have no idea what they medicine is going to do or how a person reacts to it. This is been a horrible experience for me. Thinking about using natural medicine next time. We are just being used as guinea pigs
S.H
I’m in between medications at the moment, just trying to find one that will work right for me. Firstly I was on 50mg of Zoloft and felt like I had lost control of everything. I then saw my GP and was prescribed 50mg of Pristiq. I was instructed to stop Zoloft for 3 days before starting Pristiq. In those 3 days I had anger outrages both mentally and physically. Then I started to take 50mg of Pristiq and felt as if I was a zombie, I couldn’t sleep at night and also had shaking of my legs intensely every moment I was awake.
Now I am on my second day of switching to a new medication which is not easy. I am feeling emotionally normal except for when I have Brain “Zaps”. I’m contemplating on just starting 60mg of Cymbalta on the third day and hoping it eases these Brain “Zaps”.
Has anyone any advice on how to ease these Brain “Zaps”? as I’m finding it unbearable?
JFLC
I’m so confused. I’ve been on Zoloft, 100mg, for 8 years. My doctor and I felt that maybe I could get better results by switching to Pristiq as recently I’ve been more down and depressed. I started taking 50mg of Pristiq today, along with my regular dose of Zoloft. I’m very sleepy, dizzy and am having stomach pain.
Maybe I should just stick with Zoloft and try to find a way to work through the depression. I’m kind of scared by the possible side effects of Pristiq. Really the only thing I’ve had a problem with on the Zoloft is with sex drive. Ugh, wish this was easier.
lacey1962
Been weaning myself off the Pristiq. I have been completely off the Pristiq for 8 days now. This drug is horrible getting off of. I’ve been nauseous, have had brain zaps, my brain feels foggy, having sleep problems now, blood pressure has went up, more anxiety. And I was put on this and klonipin for panic attacks.
Since I have been on Prisyiq my periods have completely stopped. I hate this drug. If I had known it was going to be like this I would have never tried it. How much longer am I going to have to go through this? Doctors don’t tell you the withdrawal symptoms you will have coming off it. And I do think this drug is addicting, I don’t care what the doctors say.
My advice to anyone thinking about taking this drug is don’t do it. It’s horrible coming off of. And I don’t know how much longer this is going to last. If I wasn’t taking my Klonipin I don’t think I could stand it. How can the medical field think this drug can be good for you.
MT
I am currently weaning off Pristiq and looked up various symptoms because I am SO fatigued and feel very foggy, along with a slight headache. I was prescribed this medicine for PMS, and I honestly cannot tell how well it does or doesn’t work. I did notice that my cholesterol and triglyceride levels suddenly increased, to the point where I had to go on an additional med that specifically targets triglycerides.
When I talked to my Doc about this, he could not find any documented side effects of it affecting this, but I am convinced it does. Why the warning about talking to your doctor before starting Pristiq if you have high cholesterol? I also experienced weight gain, decreased sex drive, etc. while taking Pristiq. Either way, I am glad to be getting off this medicine and thank God I was on lowest dose possible.
RE
I’ve been on pristiq and seroquel for some time now. I am also on atenolol for tachycardia. Yesterday I suffered a horrible virus….vomiting and diarrhea. This is sending me into withdrawal. It’s terrible. This happens every time I get sick. I’d like to stop these drugs, but I’m scared to do so.
Barbara
I was on a large lose of endep many years ago and had to take 3 weeks off work to withdraw from it – this was with a weaning program.
After that, I swore I wouldn’t take ad’s ever again.
However, 9 myths ago I was started on lexapro as my mother has cancer and I have a vision impairment and I was struggling. After a few months the lexapro ceased to have any effect and I was put on pristiq the week before Xmas.
By the beginning of the New Year I was feeling back to normal again and very positive. I returned to work (I had to have 6 weeks off before Xmas) and things went really well.
I decided that I was feeling so much better I was able to return to full time work for the first time in 3 years.
At Easter, I decided to stop the Pristiq. Two weeks later and I am still having withdrawal symptoms which have caused me to take 2 days off work.
My anxiety and depression are still ok but I feel so awful that I now worry about slipping back and needing meds again.
I know these meds have a place but I think that Dr’s prescribe them too quickly and without enough knowledge of the side effects and withdrawals.
Please be careful when talking with your doctor and considering commencing any of these medications.
Mary L.
Pristiq has worked for my depression but has caused every side effect you’ve listed from sweating to weight loss to loss of libido to loss of orgasm. I’m on 2- 50mg pills in the morning, but I’m considering to go to 1 pill per day. My diabetes has gotten worse, my blood pressure has gone up but not bad enough for medication but I’m on several Rxs per day for someone only 55 yrs old and I’m tired of it. Please help me with whatever suggestions u might suggest!
Mary
Darryl
Hi,
I have been on AD for two years now, swapping from lexerpro to efexor after the first year and to pristiq six months later. All seemed to work at first then simply had a numbing effect, no highs or lows just a constant state of numb & irritability.
Every time I see my M.D. to discuss my concerns with the medication the dosage is increased or I’m switched.
Prior to being moved to pristiq from efexor I had started the process of tapering my dose myself. Three days in I saw my M.D. told him my plan and received advice that this was a bad move, so onto pristiq.
Knowing that if I again raise concern I will most likely have my dosage increased or switched out, so…
I’m now 8 day in, cold turkey, and while it is unpleasant I believe the tide is starting to turn.
If there is something that I have taken away form my experience is not to put all my eggs in one basket.
KD
I am starting to understand the importance of being our own “health care advocates”! Doing the research – asking questions and if needed, getting a second opinion. Also looking into “alternative” treatments.
One of the problems that I see with antidepressants – is that doctors seem to be so willing/quick to put a patient on an antidepressant as a first response “solution”. Considering the potential side effects (and that the meds affect our brain chemistry), I think it would make much more sense to do some further testing (on brain chemistry), and make sure the person is supported with nutrition, exercise and counseling.
I switched to Pristiq in 3/2011 (after my teenage son had been prescribed the drug for depression/anxiety). Previously I was on Lexapro for about 5 years (following my divorce). Pristiq was being marketed as a possible solution for pre/post menopausal symptoms – so I thought I would switch over to this “new and improved” brand drug. At that time it was fairly new and there wasn’t much information on possible side effects. I have learned recently that the clinical studies are usually sponsored by the drug companies. Not sure then how objective or realistic they really be…
Started on 50mg Pristiq which seemed to work pretty quickly – and at first seemed to work pretty well. Then it seemed to “wear off” and the side effects started – tired, foggy thinking, blurred vision among other things. I was bumped up to 100 mg and at that point kind of felt numb – and honestly had a hard time getting through each day (and gained close to 30lbs). The most trouble part was that started isolating – wanting to be by myself where before I had always been very much a people person. Not quite sure how I got through last year and by October 2012 I felt like I could no longer keep up with my work responsibilities and resigned from my job (as a local sales manager for a National Insurance Company).
Since then I have been on a “search” to be healthy. I’ve made changes to my diet and exercise and added vitamin D (learned later that I was low -and that this can also cause depression). After missing one day – and having HORRIBLE discontinuation symptoms) – I have realized that it is time for me to get off of Pristiq.
It has been a challenge to say the least. I tried switching to Prozac – that didn’t work. I have tried going from 100- 50mg (the only two doses readily available) and the discontinuation symptoms totally put me out of commission – dizziness, lightheaded, headache, total fogginess, awful brain zaps/shocks and the feeling like I have the flu. Pretty scary stuff.
Pretty scary stuff and each time I have tried to make a change, I end up losing a few days – with at least 1 day in bed completely non functioning. Not the best thing to try and deal with – especially with being a single mom with three boys to take care of and trying to search for a new job.
I have found a holistic MD who I hope will help me to taper off this drug. Tried switching to Prozac and that didn’t work either ( same discontinuation symptoms when I stopped Pristiq). I’m hoping I can taper down in 10 percent increments by getting the RX filled at a compound pharmacy…
And then my goal will be to get my 18 year old son off this drug as well!!
Any possible suggestions and/or “success” stories (of people who have successfully tapered off – and stayed off Pristiq) would be MUCH appreciated. Unfortunately, most of the posts I have found on-line have been from people struggling with side effects and discontinuation symptoms… it would be great to hear that it is possible to become “Pristiq free”!!
Thanks in advance,
Karen
P W S
I can understand your frustration. In my opinion, having been around adult family members taking valium and other antidepressants, the key to using these powerful drugs today is to find a doctor who is trained in the use of psychotropic drugs. Then become an informed educated patient/partner with your doctor.
For me, Effexor has been a god-send. I also have ADHD which I can identify symptons of all the way back to as young as I can remember. The same goes for depression which I later learned runs in my family. With both chronic depression and ADHD I was a mess. I tried to hide as much of how I felt all the time because when I was a child, it was thought children did not have depression and ADD/ADHD was an unknown. I was afraid my family would think I was crazy [whatever that meant to them].
Again in my opinion, one should NEVER get off of a med without doctor’s help. These drugs work precisely BECAUSE they are what they are. Regards.
CS
The only thing that seems to make drug companies or the FDA pay attention to severe drug side effects is multimillion dollar class action lawsuits.
My physicians continue to insist that I take the medication du jour (most recently Cymbalta) to treat my chronic problems. When I refuse because I have educated myself about the potential costs to my health, they don’t accept the information I try to provide them about why these drugs are not a good idea.
Don’t trust physicians for this information. With every new medication you are prescribed, do your homework before agreeing to add it. Use one of the online medication interaction checkers and be sure that you are not going to have problems with the new medication interacting with your current meds. Your family can always try to sue when you lose your life and/or health, but isn’t it best to be your own advocate?
It is almost twelve years now since I lost my sister to suicide because of a bungled medication regimen. Nothing can replace that relationship in my life, but big Pharma considers these losses just the cost of doing business, and most of the time they are not held accountable.
Cindy B.
I’m just overwhelmed re all these comments. What a horrible situation to have to take crap like this Prestique. I find myself wondering how darn bad the depression and anxiety would have to be, to make one’s sanity hostage to those meds.
A few months ago I had a (rare) bout of severe anxiety due to specific stressors at that time, and my Dr. tried to convince me to start on an antidepressant and/or (worse!) a bipolar med. I studied up on her every suggestion and discovered horror stories just like the ones above. When I tried to introduce my concerns into the conversation and cited the numerous reports of terrible side effects I found on the web, my Dr. (just like so many other docs) became irritated, saying, “You can find absolutely anything you want on the web… the web doesn’t mean anything at all!”
So… who cares how many people report horrible problems like the ones above? Certainly not the doctors! I refused to start any of those meds, and I’ve been fine ever since.
J.L.B.
I am saddened to read so many comments about the dreadful side effects of the antidepressants. Why isn’t the multibillion dollar drug industry held accountable for the terrible side effects of antidepressants.
I had a very tragic event in my family caused by the antidepressant Prozac. In Jan. 2005 my handsome 33 year old son, who was the father of 2 children, committed suicide while taking that despicable drug. Evidently, neither the prescribing doctor nor the pharmacist warned my son that Prozac causes suicidal thoughts but it does and a tragedy occurred that effected several families.
Sunny M.
I’ve commented here on Cymbalta withdrawal before. I would add another symptom which affected me: severe itching, particularly in the scalp area. I pretty much had to manage my withdrawal on my own, because my neurologist (he’d prescribed it for neuropathic pain from Guillain-Barre Syndrome) thought I should keep taking it. I am very glad I tapered off, because before I had quit entirely, I was diagnosed with severe liver damage. It took awhile to convince my gastro-enterologist that it was related to the Cymbalta, and even now I’m not sure he believes me.
My experience with Cymbalta has made me extremely wary of prescription medications, and I always research them as thoroughly as I can before taking them. I was fortunate that my liver has substantially recovered. My recommendation for anyone who gets a new prescription is to ask not only the doctor but also the pharmacist about it. Pharmacists know a heck of a lot more about drugs than doctors do, and (in my experience) don’t appear to suffer from the god complex that leads so many doctors to treat patients as ignorant and unintelligent children who can’t be expected to participate in their own health care decisions. (Oops, sorry, end of rant!) I appreciate People’s Pharmacy greatly for enabling me to make informed choices about my health care.
HHS
Hang in there! It is possible to get off Pristiq. I was on both Effexor and Pristiq for several years.
I literally cut the pills in 1/3 for 2 weeks, then I took take 1/2 for 2 weeks, last 1/4 for 2 weeks. It took a good solid week to come out of a fog after the last 1/4 pill. It will get better, it just takes time to ween your body off of it.
Debra V.
I was on Effexor XR, 75 mg for 9 years. It was prescribed to me for peri-menopausal anxiety and panic attacks. The drug seemed like a miracle at first, but after a couple of years started becoming one long nightmare. I have now been off of Effexor XR for almost two years. I went through hell getting off of this drug, did it mostly on my own w/information I researched on the internet.
Looking back I would recommend to anyone that they get the help of a out-patient or in-patient rehab clinic to help them. These are very addictive drugs!!!
ms
I was on venlafaxine/Effexor for over a year as a rest from another antidepressant. My doctor and I agreed it was time to be free of all antidepressant medications and I gradually decreased the dosage over several weeks, actually months, with few or no side effects. If I did start having side effects, I would go back to the previous symptom-free level for a while and then start an even slower decrease. I could not get below 25 mg no matter what pace I tried. I was resigned finally to being tied to this drug permanently.
After several months my doctor suggested a new trial – I started on a very low dose of another antidepressant (10 mg) which I had taken successfully in the past, together with the 25 mg of venlafaxine. After a week or so, I started gradually reducing the venlafaxine, while maintaining the other drug. In this way I was able to get completely free of the venlafaxine. It was then fairly easy to get off the other medication, and I have been antidepressant free ever since!
Mary N
It must be very painful to spend your professional life as a pharmacologist and then have to write things like this, but please keep it up. I am absolutely astonished and discouraged that our so-called public watchdogs like the FDA continue to let big pharmaceutical companies push drugs like this on trusting doctors and their patients.
Sadly, I have lost faith in my own health care providers because of their refusal to take drug side effects seriously. What is it going to take to wake them up??
Debbie
I was on Effexor for 8 years. I wanted to get off the medication to see if I was depressed anymore. My doctors discouraged this saying I would have to stay on for life…Yikes! Well, I lost my medication on a Friday going all weekend without it until I saw my new doctor on the next Monday….she was fine with me trying to get off. It took about 2 months before I felt I could safely drive and about 6 months for the brain zaps and other symptoms subsided. I really wanted to get off this medication and have been successfully off for 2 years now without any depression! It can be done!!