Side effects of Pristiq

After reading your post, it just cements my feelings even more about this horrible drug. I am seeing my doc today for this first time since going off. I am telling him about this board. I had bouts of dizziness and it was not like yours but still awful. Now I am 6 weeks off Pristiq and my husband has noticed a real difference in me too. And to all of you out there reading these posts, look at the common statements we all are making. They are real and those of us that have been successful in getting of the med, it can be done!!! As texassugar said above, all the pills only mask the issues, not resolve them. As much as I love my doctor, he could have done a better job in monitoring my symptoms. This stuff and all of them are not meant for long term use. The serotonin syndrome is real, terrible and is caused by all of the drugs. Good for you Texas in your success, keep posting because it helps. We all can identify with you and we are supporting each other.

Hi! Thank you for reinforcing my feelings of hope you guys. I have not only been flat emotionally for many years on Pristiq, and for a while also on Geodon, an anti psychotic med given for a label/misinterpreted diagnoses of being Bipolar, but have found that the very symptoms these meds are supposed to treat are the easiest most prevalent ones they cause me to feel! Flat emotion leads to apathy which leads to procrastination which leads to self loathing for not being able to accomplish life tasks, work or be the energetic person I used to be. I am beginning my fourth week off of Pristiq. I had a fairly productive weekend in the kitchen cooking, reorganizing cabinets, making trash on a mostly sleepless Sat night. Husband had to remind me that I slept quite a bit in my chair during the day so I really don't need to start worrying about actually being bipolar/manic after all! these self deprecating and non productive patterns of being have become character flaws that are my ready, go to emotional and believing states because the were reinforced by my symptoms for so long. I am just starting to feel joy in my mini accomplishments and realize that the increasing energy I am feeling and putting forth on these small tasks are not signs that another certifiable psych diagnoses is surfacing, but an honest enthused effort to feel ALIVE again, no longer stepping into walls and just dreaming of what I'd like to do! Hubby is invaluable in the memory department, he has been sharing how he is beginning to see the person I used to be in the last couple of weeks. This is the positive reinforcement we all need as we work so hard to IIve and think again without so many neurotransmitters bouncing around in our brains. Until doctors recognize that this SSRI discontinuation Syndrome is for real, we will just have to continue to provide each other the support needed to succeed in rehab without these powerful medications. I encourage everyone to reach out for some counseling during this process for additional reinforcement and assistance in 're-framing those negative thoughts into positive self-talk. It can also be a place to deal with any resentments that may surface as the "mental fog" lifts and you begin feeling the, "life" we are intended to experience and perhaps begin to identify with what was masked when being medicated. You are a beautiful, loving being that deserves to live, love, and laugh so completely that it makes the light of your Soul blind those around you! (Especially if the only ones around are your spouse's and kids ) , Sending a big hug to everyone!

hey, I'm enjoying all your shares. I tried coming off once before and i lasted 3 months and my dr. recommended me to go back on. I've been taking the drug for about 1.5 years and while i'm on it I feel like a million bucks and am confident and certain with everything i do in life. It feels great, but i know that their has to come a time to finally get off of it so i decided to try once again since i was in a good place in my life. I went to a dr. who told me that weaning off pristiq was as simple as just stopping cold turkey because there wasn't a lower dose available. As a precaution i decided to take it every other day for a few weeks. I felt great for a few months after not being on it at all but now, here I am feeling drained once again, confused, and considering going back on. Is there anyone that could share specifically how long it took them to finally recover from the withdrawal symptoms and start feeling good naturally??

This website has been very informative. I told myself that I would not read anyone's horror story b/c in turn I will think about the aftermath too much and decide not to wean off of it. I was on 50 mg Zoloft and Xanax for a couple of months due to having two panic attacks (anxiety) about 4 months apart and I felt like a zombie on them. I went from about two months of 50 mgs of Pristiq to 100 mg Pristiq and Klonopin (as needed). Basically been on a med to treat anxiety since February of '13. I almost wonder if the Klonopin is more addictive than the Pristiq, but I'm in such a fog that it's hard to tell. I have always resorted to homeopathic remedies, but read that you cannot take St. John's Wort w/Pristiq as it is almost considered brain poisoning b/c it gives your system too much of a brain boost. I am considering weaning from Pristiq and relying on the Klonopin during the difficult moments. The Pristiq causes such fatigue and I have shallow breathing with it, making it hard to catch my breath or deep breathe. I am involved in yoga and truly enjoy it. Considering accupuncture but not sure if being on the medication while on it will be beneficial. Does anyone know or have any simple advice? Does anyone out there prefer to go the homeopathic route instead that has had any success weaning from this? God bless you all, and know you are not alone. Lean on the Lord as times like this may be His way of saying to depend on Him and His goodness and healing ability. He made us and knows us better than we know ourselves! I appreciate any recommendations....

Meow620- I've been on it at 50 mgs and 100 mgs for a total of 3 months. I haven't taken the medication for 2 days. Seeing my physician for a follow up today to see what his recommendatios are to my preference of homeopathy. I too am experiencing dizzy and disoriented spells after just 2 days of discontinuation. Did you take it for anxiety and are you on anything else now? Thanks for your post and glimmer of hope to those of us who seek to do the same thing. I hope you are feeling well and a sense of relief!

Hi! "I'm at the end of my 5th week Pristiq free! Life is improving, symptoms are decreasing, and I am continuing to attack my creative projects and my recent obsession with containing everything into organized spaces with great abandon. I hit the floors running and then fade with light headedness and muscle aches or spasms by late morning or mid afternoon. Blood pressure and blood sugars are normal when I am experiencing these "lows". I have had two complete down days this week that were spent in total pain. I called the pharmacy to review my symptoms and see if he had any idea how long I can expect the withdrawal to last and he couldn't say because there is not a standard answer. As suspected, we the patient will be the one's to learn what the duration of withdrawal is and we will be teaching the medical community. The increase in my energy level and motivation to finish something I start is markedly improved on my good days as the fog continues to clear. The "old" me is returning and and it feels good. The sense of accomplishment when organizing, cleaning, or cooking
Is very satisfying and foreign feeling to me. On Pristiq, I had a difficult time getting anything done so it looks like things are on the tight track. Best of everything good to all on this this journey to become Pristiq free! Hang in there, it seems to be getting better for me!

Wow! How scary. I hope things are better now. I am on my fourth day cold turkey off of Pristiq. My doctor told me to do this and to also just start taking my Viibryd starter pack. I was extremely nauseous yesterday and today I have leg pain so severe, I am actually scared. I don't know if it's Pristiq withdrawal or Viibryd side effects. While taking Viibryd, Tylenol is the only pain reliever you can safely take. It's not working. Ugh.....

Gunner....I was on Pristiq for 3 years and I am now at almost 3 months off. My advice to you is to do your research. I will never and I mean NEVER be on a antidepressant again. Read as many of the posts here....you will see so many common issues. I went through the withdrawal side effects and as AQUA below stated, yes there are some physical side effects left that I also am dealing with but emotionally I am in a much better place. These classifications of drugs alter your brain chemistry and with that said...educate yourself. The doctors do not know enough of how to really tell you how to taper off and I found the best support I had was this discussion board. I am so thankful for everyone and that we are supporting one another.

Good for you!! I am now going on 3 months off. I also have the same issues as you but it is slowly changing.

Another quick update. Symptoms are less frequent physical fatigue - maybe feeling a lack of energy once or twice in a 2 week period. The brain zaps and grogginess/brain fog happen at the end of a rough week over the weekend or appear during the middle of a cognitively demanding day (multi-tasking and operating across various levels of thinking. It usually clears with a 10 minute nap or overnight. The brain tingles are intermittent but ill take these over the zombie state I was in for 8 months.

My gym routine has been interrupted for a few weeks and so I don't know how I am doing here.

When I hit these symptoms I need to remind myself to back off, dial down the intensity and let myself rest. It's just withdrawal and it will go away.