1. < Depression & Anxiety

Side effects of Pristiq

Posted by Native Floridian @nativefloridian, Jan 7, 2012

Has anyone successfully tapered off Pristiq? If so, what was your plan? I am considering going off this medicine. I take 50 mg per day and have done so for about 2 years. I understand there are very significant withdrawal symptoms and I would like to stop taking Pristiq because it causes my heart to race when the time release happens. I am afraid this medicine may not be good for the heart because the clinical trials state that anyone with a heart condition was not allowed to take it.

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Wendora | @wendora | May 16, 2013

I am so ready to get off this medication. I am afraid of the side effects though! I have started by extending the time between doses a few hours each day. I am tired of being a slave to this medication. I am also curious to see if this is the cause of my weight gain over the past 2 years.

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1 reply
Krista Carlock | @kristacarlock | May 19, 2013

I went on Pristq 2 1/2 years ago because my daughter with Cystic Fibrosis was diagnosed with a very intrusive and hard to get rid of lung bacteria pseudomonis. Pardon the spelling. Well I am working on coming off of the drug and I am really frustrated that the people who make it don't have a way for us to come off of it. I cut my pills - as directed by my doctor, because there was not a set way from the people who make Pristq to come off of the drug safely. I took 1/2 a pill for 2 weeks and then a 1/4 of a pill for another 2 weeks and the only side effect I suffered from was dizziness from time to time. But it has been 2 weeks since my last 1/4 pill and I STILL have dizziness from time to time. Is there anyone who might know how long it will take for my body to get the drug out of its system?

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beconscious | @beconscious | May 20, 2013
In reply to @beconscious "Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February. Every 14..." + (show)
@beconscious

Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February.
Every 14 days I add one more day without a pill. I'm now alternating 3 days off, 1 day on. Taking it each morning. No cutting.

Symptoms are only noticeable on the first decrease/add-on of one day in the taper cycle. Some 'brain zaps/electric feeling in the brain'. Mostly when changing focus or sudden eye movement. Not fun, but interesting. The goal is to expand to 4 days off, 1 day on until the end of May, then discontinue altogether and observe.

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Down to every fifth day. On this last drop I'm seeing some more fatigue and over the weekend some real 'confusion' out of it sensation. But it cleared up after a few hours.

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SB13 | @sb13 | May 20, 2013

This is a horrible drug. I tapered as much as I could, but skipping days with the last 50mg was causing unbearable side effects so I waited until I could spend 3 straight days in bed coming off. It has now been 2 1/2 weeks and I still get brain zaps with dizziness like nobody's business. I have been extra emotional because I don't sleep well. The thing about coming off is that I am more socialable then I have been in over a year. I would never recommend someone going on pristiq. And I wish everyone luck who is trying to get off!

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1 reply
SB13 | @sb13 | May 20, 2013
In reply to @beconscious "Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February. Every 14..." + (show)
@beconscious

Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February.
Every 14 days I add one more day without a pill. I'm now alternating 3 days off, 1 day on. Taking it each morning. No cutting.

Symptoms are only noticeable on the first decrease/add-on of one day in the taper cycle. Some 'brain zaps/electric feeling in the brain'. Mostly when changing focus or sudden eye movement. Not fun, but interesting. The goal is to expand to 4 days off, 1 day on until the end of May, then discontinue altogether and observe.

Jump to this post

I understand tapering, but I feel so bad for you because you are dragging these horrible symptoms out. I hope you start feeling normal soon.

REPLY
beconscious | @beconscious | May 21, 2013
In reply to @beconscious "Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February. Every 14..." + (show)
@beconscious

Taking 50mg Pristiq for 9 months and began an alternating day taper in February.
Every 14 days I add one more day without a pill. I'm now alternating 3 days off, 1 day on. Taking it each morning. No cutting.

Symptoms are only noticeable on the first decrease/add-on of one day in the taper cycle. Some 'brain zaps/electric feeling in the brain'. Mostly when changing focus or sudden eye movement. Not fun, but interesting. The goal is to expand to 4 days off, 1 day on until the end of May, then discontinue altogether and observe.

Jump to this post

There is a light. I think these symptoms over the past 3 months are manageable enough that the next step will be to stop completely. No more adjustments. I'll see the family doctor in a week and see if he confirms.

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ggmarie | @ggmarie | May 21, 2013

Woo Hoo!! I am finally off Pristiq!!!! I am feeling normal again, the brain zaps have finally subsided to the rare side now (they are caused by your neurotransmitters firing) and I am just downright happy again! I am smiling, laughing and feeling like myself that I was beginning to question if she would ever be back again. All I can say to all of you is it will take time. There will be side effects while your brain is adjusting, and that is why is important to taper. I went from 100mg to 50mg and tapered off for 3 weeks. I had hoped to do it in 2 weeks but too many symptoms. I am hopeful in renewing my life. I never ever thought that this medication would actually start destroying my life. I lost all de sire to be part of life, felt empty and so emotionless. After 3 years I feel myself again. I am smiling again, joined a gym to help get rid of my weight gain. And just working out has made a difference. I really wish the best to all of you and know that it is a struggle. I did it and it was hard but I will NEVER go on a antidepressant again.

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8 replies
ggmarie | @ggmarie | May 21, 2013
In reply to @ontariobonnie "Oh this thread has inspired me. I have been on Pristiq for three years after having..." + (show)
@ontariobonnie

Oh this thread has inspired me. I have been on Pristiq for three years after having a breakdown brought on by years of a tramatic marriage/breakup. I was NOT depressed when I had this breakdown. The breakdown basically consisted of a three day panic attack then a trip to the hospital to rule out cardiac etc. then back to family dr. to get meds/plan of action. She prescribed pristiq 50mg and ativan/lorazempam as needed for panic attacks. AFter a few weeks of being homebound and seeing a psycologist and family taking care of me and my son, I started to pull out of it. AFter six weeks I returned to work and everything has been ok since then, three years later I'm sick of taking this damn drug and want my life back. I have put on about 50lbs in three years and have tried numerous times to get the weight off, exercise and strict dieting etc. I would lose a bit but not much, not as much as I think i should have! I am 43 years old and I want to be like I was before this madness started. I'm on blood pressure meds now due to this drug and also cholesterol medication. I am starting tonight my taper. I take my meds before bed so tonight I am NOT going to take my pristiq. Fingers crossed. My thoughts are with everyone who has had the misfortune to become a slave to this drug.

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Good for you!!! I totally understand the feeling!!! I am doing good...feeling enthusiastic about life again. I was so worried about you going cold turkey, but only you knew what you could tolerate. Keep in touch....we have a bond here and I want to know how you are doing too.

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ggmarie | @ggmarie | May 22, 2013
In reply to @wendora "I am so ready to get off this medication. I am afraid of the side effects..." + (show)
@wendora

I am so ready to get off this medication. I am afraid of the side effects though! I have started by extending the time between doses a few hours each day. I am tired of being a slave to this medication. I am also curious to see if this is the cause of my weight gain over the past 2 years.

Jump to this post

Hi...there are so many common issues on this discussion board regarding Pristiq. Weight gain, brain zaps, losing yourself emotionally. My doctor reduced by dose from 100 to 50mg. He did recommend tapering for a week then go off, but I came up with my own after reading so many problems that everyone was having. I also extended my doses by 12 hours after each dose for the first week, then 24 the next, 48 the last week. I am now off and I feel good. I gained weight also and now have to work really hard to get it off, but the best part is now I am off that drug. Best wishes to you...

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ggmarie | @ggmarie | May 22, 2013
In reply to @rammsm "Good news. I have read about every post on this forum and have yet to see..." + (show)
@rammsm

Good news. I have read about every post on this forum and have yet to see a success story. Well, I am one. Quit cold turkey and the only withdrawal was one headache and two days of feeling a little "fuzzy". I feel so much better and happier off of this drug. Good luck to those of you trying to quit. May you have the success I had.

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Took me 3 weeks, I am a success story. Lets help support everyone else.

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