I am new to this forum since I am also wanting off Pristiq and searched for articles regarding withdrawal. Needless to say I am shocked by what I am reading and though I do not have regret taking this medication, I wish I had known more about how hard it will be to taper off. I take 100mg daily and like many of you, I experience the same symptoms. I really felt alone to be honest with you. How do you tell people about "brain zaps" and some of the other issues relating to this medication? I did have a positive reaction to the medication for quite some time but since I was increased from 50 to 100, now I see where the problems started for me. I have read so many of the posts and I am thinking, wow that is me! I have gained so much weight, I eat at night like a mad woman, feel emotionally flat and have no desire for anything anymore. Someone said they lost their happy, and that is how I feel. My zip is gone, my libido went who knows where, and I just feel like a blob. I see my MD on Monday, and I found this forum afterwards just so I could prepare myself. Needless to say, I am somewhat scared but I have to get my life back like many of you. Someone had a good idea about tapering that actually makes sense. I am not a nurse but I am in healthcare and I do know that drugs build up in your system and you have to give it time to readjust. Just when you first started, it takes time to get the benefit. The worst thing you can do it cut them. They are time released and this is a big no no. I don't think skipping is the answer either. So my plan is to time my pill and then take the next days a few hours later each day. It may take me a few months to do this but I am willing to try this to help eliminate the terrible withdrawal effects that I am reading about. So wish me luck and will post updates.