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I was prescribed Pristiq for severe back pain, as the back pain specialist said my physical issues do not explain the severity of my pain. I took 50 mg for a couple of months and had no effects, either good or bad. The Psychiatrist then upped the dose to 100 mg. Good news: my back was better. Bad news: I had to sleep abput 12 hours a day. I was falling asleep during my commute, both morning and evening. The Psychiatrist suggested I taper off the drug. I went down to 50 mg for a few days, and then pondered whether to do one day on and one day off as she suggested. I read this discussion plus others, and decided that a) I didn't want to have a "rollercoaster" effect on my brain b) I just want to get off the thing. Next week I am testifying in court as an expert witness and the week after that I am going on vacation, so it was now or never. I quit on Saturday. Saturday and Sunday were good. I even got my open water diver certification on the weekend! Come Monday morning.... all hell broke loose in my body. I couldn't think, I felt dizzy and nauseous, I was sweaty and just overall miserable. I had a nervous breakdown about my son's contact lenses being lost in the mail. I don't have meltdowns like that! I also told my boss he was "bitchy" and I replied to a client with a very stupid email. I stayed home from work today (Tuesday), but have to work anyway. My brain feels a bit better and I haven't had a meltdown. My stomach, however, is completely messed up. It hurts really bad. Fennel tea seems to help calm it down. I am hoping the symptoms get better by tomorrow, since there is no way I can stay home another day. I wish I had never taken this drug. I understand it can do wonders for some people, but the little relief I got for my back pain was not worth it.
Replies to "I was prescribed Pristiq for severe back pain, as the back pain specialist said my physical..."
I concluded that already... Only 4% of people stop taking the pills because of side effects? Weird. I guess some depression can be bad enough that you'd rather live with the side effects.
I just don't know what doctor. I've been to various specialists and they've either given me pain killers or antidepressants. Pain killers work and the short term side effects are minor, but I'm scared of long term side effects. So, I pretty much suck it up and live with the pain.
I am on day 9 off pristiq. It's the first day I've felt almost 100%, although I still have a mild headache and had a minor emotional meltdown.
Days 3-7 were the worst: horrible stomach pains and nausea, coupled with foggy brain and emotional meltdowns. The stomach pain got better on day 6, but the brain fog got worse. It is not fun to prepare for trial while having brain fog!
Also, I was very very hungry. Food helped the pain. That seems to be better now too. I am a lot less sleepy, too. I guess my normal pain-filled life is back!
Hang in there. I was on Pristiq for 8 months and then began a taper. Alternating days, and adding 1 more day on every 14 days. It has now been 24 days off of 50mg. My worst day was on my 7th day off, terrible chills, but I knew what was on the other side: freedom. Now I'm seeing my energy return, but still occasional brain fog. Be gentle with your mind, and where you have the option to let it rest, take it (should be taking my own advice as I write this). I'm completely foggy this evening. Some social anxiety these past few weeks, but it gets better. It is an accomplishment, each day further in this process. Take care.
Hi there - I have posted a few times (complaining about the side effects/withdrawal symptoms of Pristiq) - and have finally decided to do something about it and "taper down" from 100mg to 50mg. I saw my doctor last week and he gave me samples of the 50mg (since I have been out of work and currently uninsured). Although the tablets are not supposed to be cut/crushed, he suggested I try that if going straight down to the 50mg was too much. Well I started last Wed (on 50mg) and felt pretty good for a couple days (except for a dull headache). By Saturday night I was feeling pretty "spacey" and lightheaded. By Monday I was in a state of overwhelm (partly because on financial stress), but also noticed that my mood and energy were definitely "low" - so I took another 1/2 of a 50mg. Total meltdown yesterday - so I have incorporated the 1/2 tablet with my 50mg of Pristiq each morning and also started taking 1/2 a xanax twice daily (as prescribed) to help keep me calm. I forced myself up and out of bed today - walked my dog and got some chores done. other than that, I feel like I just want to be left alone (and cancelled on going to my moms for the 4th), with little to no energy and overall feeling achy and blah.
From those of you who have tapered off Pristiq - does this sound normal? And how long does it usually last? I am still confused about how to successfully taper off this drug (even after reading all of the posts). I asked my doctor (somewhat sarcastically) to please ask his pharmaceutical rep how to wean off this drug the next time he/she comes in to see him!
Regarding the post above, please provide an update on how you are doing! Hopefully you are feeling better... and I encourage you 100% in your efforts to get off of Pristiq!
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Here is a link to the website...http://www.pristiq.com/side-effects.aspx
Your psychiatrist prescribed it for pain management? Get another doctor.