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...