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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One last tip....it took 2 months to realize the positive effects of Pristiq after I started taking it. Nausea was another side effect. The acute side effects were gone after 2 weeks, but I didn't feel much benefit for 2 months. My sister is a physician and kept coaching me to stay with it.

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@hopetobedrugfree

My doctor had me go from 100mg of Pristiq to 50mg over 3 months. Then, when I saw her yesterday and told her that I didn't experience any major withdrawal problems, she gave me the following schedule for the next 14 weeks:

every 2 days for 4 weeks, then
every 3 days for 3 weeks, then
every 4 days for 3 weeks, then
every 5 days for 2 weeks, then
every 7 days for 2 weeks

This may be overly cautious but if it lessens the withdrawal problems, I can live with it.

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I went through the four weeks of taking 50 Mg every other day. No side effects. At the end of four weeks and as I was starting the routine of taking 50 Mg every third day, I was on a cruise and had a anxiety attack. Now 10 days later, I am having anxiety attacks when I wake up. I am able to calm myself down and function somewhat normally but I get prickly feeling all over my body along with occasional warm feeling throughout my body. Looking forward to better days.

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I quit Pristiq cold turkey the night before my wedding. I haven't experienced any withdraw effects at all and that was 10 days ago. I was on it for 6 months,and I haven't had any with so I guess everyone is different.

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@kmunroe

I wanted to post this to help anyone withdrawing or considering withdrawl from pristiq.I was taking 50 mg's per day for 2 years. I didn't want to take any drugs anymore. I wanted to "battle" on my own. No judgement - I hated my side effects from the drug. I experienced a signifigant lack of intrests in all things creative, sex, music (i am a life long musician) Also I felt it deadened my ability to be passionate about anything? I never actually "felt" anything while taking the drug? Before I started it I felt absolutely hopeless, if not for my animals I don't know what I may have done. ok - I decided 6 weeks ago I was getting off this drug. I spoke with my doctor and started to taper. 50 mg everyother day for 10 days, than I cut the pills in half(yes I know NOW there was a time release coating) for 10 days, than cut into quarters (12.5 mg's for 5 days, now 3 days completely off. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT. This drug is a beast. Side effects have included horrible VIVID nightmares of betrayl, weird taste in my mouth, weird smells, weight all over the map, feeling like constant out of body experience, mood swings, despair, insomnia. But - it is getting better every day. There is life after pristiq... I have focussed through all of my symptoms on knowing - it is the withdrawl! NOT ME! Hard to do. But do able. Just know in your core it is the drug NOT YOU losing it. For me - it seems like this drug surpressed my emotions/feelings/issues the moment it got in my system and now i'm dealing with these issues again as I coming off the drug. I admit I am way better suited Now compared to 2 years ago to deal with these things and not everybody will be as "LUCKY" as I am, so just know that. Also, I let everyone close to me know what I was doing for support reasons. If anyone has any questions I would humbly lend advice and support. MY DOCTOR IS COMPLETELY INEPT AND INCOMPETENT RE: PRISTIQ AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRISTIQ! Remember - you are NOT alone. Just reach out...

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1 week off of pristiq and I feel absolutely horrible...
More so at night time's as I'm busy throughout the day with my children..
How long do the brain zaps, headaches, dizziness and feeling short of breath last?
I wish I never went on it, not something the doc should prescribe just for anxiety... quitting cold turkey

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@kmunroe

I wanted to post this to help anyone withdrawing or considering withdrawl from pristiq.I was taking 50 mg's per day for 2 years. I didn't want to take any drugs anymore. I wanted to "battle" on my own. No judgement - I hated my side effects from the drug. I experienced a signifigant lack of intrests in all things creative, sex, music (i am a life long musician) Also I felt it deadened my ability to be passionate about anything? I never actually "felt" anything while taking the drug? Before I started it I felt absolutely hopeless, if not for my animals I don't know what I may have done. ok - I decided 6 weeks ago I was getting off this drug. I spoke with my doctor and started to taper. 50 mg everyother day for 10 days, than I cut the pills in half(yes I know NOW there was a time release coating) for 10 days, than cut into quarters (12.5 mg's for 5 days, now 3 days completely off. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT. This drug is a beast. Side effects have included horrible VIVID nightmares of betrayl, weird taste in my mouth, weird smells, weight all over the map, feeling like constant out of body experience, mood swings, despair, insomnia. But - it is getting better every day. There is life after pristiq... I have focussed through all of my symptoms on knowing - it is the withdrawl! NOT ME! Hard to do. But do able. Just know in your core it is the drug NOT YOU losing it. For me - it seems like this drug surpressed my emotions/feelings/issues the moment it got in my system and now i'm dealing with these issues again as I coming off the drug. I admit I am way better suited Now compared to 2 years ago to deal with these things and not everybody will be as "LUCKY" as I am, so just know that. Also, I let everyone close to me know what I was doing for support reasons. If anyone has any questions I would humbly lend advice and support. MY DOCTOR IS COMPLETELY INEPT AND INCOMPETENT RE: PRISTIQ AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRISTIQ! Remember - you are NOT alone. Just reach out...

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Did u step off gradually? I did half doses for two months then every other day for a month. It took several months for the brain zaps to stop completely. It\'s with it in the end but I would strongly suggest not stopping cold turkey! That\'s dangerous! I also supplemented with Rhodelia Rodea and St. John\'s wart for the anxiety and mood swings, it helps and it\'s all natural. <br />
I will NEVER take an anti depressant again because if Pristiq! <br />
Hang in there and good luck. <br />
<br />

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@kmunroe

I wanted to post this to help anyone withdrawing or considering withdrawl from pristiq.I was taking 50 mg's per day for 2 years. I didn't want to take any drugs anymore. I wanted to "battle" on my own. No judgement - I hated my side effects from the drug. I experienced a signifigant lack of intrests in all things creative, sex, music (i am a life long musician) Also I felt it deadened my ability to be passionate about anything? I never actually "felt" anything while taking the drug? Before I started it I felt absolutely hopeless, if not for my animals I don't know what I may have done. ok - I decided 6 weeks ago I was getting off this drug. I spoke with my doctor and started to taper. 50 mg everyother day for 10 days, than I cut the pills in half(yes I know NOW there was a time release coating) for 10 days, than cut into quarters (12.5 mg's for 5 days, now 3 days completely off. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT. This drug is a beast. Side effects have included horrible VIVID nightmares of betrayl, weird taste in my mouth, weird smells, weight all over the map, feeling like constant out of body experience, mood swings, despair, insomnia. But - it is getting better every day. There is life after pristiq... I have focussed through all of my symptoms on knowing - it is the withdrawl! NOT ME! Hard to do. But do able. Just know in your core it is the drug NOT YOU losing it. For me - it seems like this drug surpressed my emotions/feelings/issues the moment it got in my system and now i'm dealing with these issues again as I coming off the drug. I admit I am way better suited Now compared to 2 years ago to deal with these things and not everybody will be as "LUCKY" as I am, so just know that. Also, I let everyone close to me know what I was doing for support reasons. If anyone has any questions I would humbly lend advice and support. MY DOCTOR IS COMPLETELY INEPT AND INCOMPETENT RE: PRISTIQ AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRISTIQ! Remember - you are NOT alone. Just reach out...

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I ended up quitting cold turkey. I just gritted my teeth and got through<br />
it. It was scary, at the time, not knowing how long the withdrawal<br />
symptoms would occur. To anyone reading this wether you decide to quit<br />
cold turkey or taper off, rest assured the side affects will subside. I<br />
can\'t recall how long but I would say they will gradually decrease and in<br />
about 2 weeks time will be completely gone. I was shocked that my Dr. had<br />
no idea what I was talking about when I told her about the withdrawal<br />
symptoms I was having. I will also never take an antidepressant again if I<br />
can help it. I originally went on them for hormonal mood swings,but I<br />
don\'t feel that antidepressants are the answer. In my opinion there must<br />
be a better way to deal with PMS!!! Diet and exercise help. 2 things I<br />
struggle with being consistent in, but it is really vital!! Best of luck<br />
to you and just know that you will feel back to normal soon!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

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@kmunroe

I wanted to post this to help anyone withdrawing or considering withdrawl from pristiq.I was taking 50 mg's per day for 2 years. I didn't want to take any drugs anymore. I wanted to "battle" on my own. No judgement - I hated my side effects from the drug. I experienced a signifigant lack of intrests in all things creative, sex, music (i am a life long musician) Also I felt it deadened my ability to be passionate about anything? I never actually "felt" anything while taking the drug? Before I started it I felt absolutely hopeless, if not for my animals I don't know what I may have done. ok - I decided 6 weeks ago I was getting off this drug. I spoke with my doctor and started to taper. 50 mg everyother day for 10 days, than I cut the pills in half(yes I know NOW there was a time release coating) for 10 days, than cut into quarters (12.5 mg's for 5 days, now 3 days completely off. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT. This drug is a beast. Side effects have included horrible VIVID nightmares of betrayl, weird taste in my mouth, weird smells, weight all over the map, feeling like constant out of body experience, mood swings, despair, insomnia. But - it is getting better every day. There is life after pristiq... I have focussed through all of my symptoms on knowing - it is the withdrawl! NOT ME! Hard to do. But do able. Just know in your core it is the drug NOT YOU losing it. For me - it seems like this drug surpressed my emotions/feelings/issues the moment it got in my system and now i'm dealing with these issues again as I coming off the drug. I admit I am way better suited Now compared to 2 years ago to deal with these things and not everybody will be as "LUCKY" as I am, so just know that. Also, I let everyone close to me know what I was doing for support reasons. If anyone has any questions I would humbly lend advice and support. MY DOCTOR IS COMPLETELY INEPT AND INCOMPETENT RE: PRISTIQ AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRISTIQ! Remember - you are NOT alone. Just reach out...

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Both my husband and I went off the Pristiq VERY slowly and had nearly ZERO side effects. We cut the Pristiq by 1/4 of a tablet every other day. It took several weeks to finish, but it was worth it. We have five children and wanted to be able to parent lovingly even when going off the Pristiq. We saw all over the place that we are not supposed to cut the Pristiq, but we did it anyway, and the results were fantastic. I was the first to try this, and when my results were so positive, my husband did the same. The ONLY side effects we experienced were a little head buzzing and occasional dizziness. VITAMIN C was recommended by someone and it worked beautifully to end the buzzing and dizziness within a few days. NOW...we both are losing the weight we need to lose, and more importantly, we are interested in living life again. We are GRATEFUL to have had the Pristiq when we were both severely depressed due to painful curveballs life threw at us. But...once that painful season passed, it was time to get off the Pristiq and get back to living again. I hope this is helpful.<br />
<br />
(

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@kmunroe

I wanted to post this to help anyone withdrawing or considering withdrawl from pristiq.I was taking 50 mg's per day for 2 years. I didn't want to take any drugs anymore. I wanted to "battle" on my own. No judgement - I hated my side effects from the drug. I experienced a signifigant lack of intrests in all things creative, sex, music (i am a life long musician) Also I felt it deadened my ability to be passionate about anything? I never actually "felt" anything while taking the drug? Before I started it I felt absolutely hopeless, if not for my animals I don't know what I may have done. ok - I decided 6 weeks ago I was getting off this drug. I spoke with my doctor and started to taper. 50 mg everyother day for 10 days, than I cut the pills in half(yes I know NOW there was a time release coating) for 10 days, than cut into quarters (12.5 mg's for 5 days, now 3 days completely off. IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT. This drug is a beast. Side effects have included horrible VIVID nightmares of betrayl, weird taste in my mouth, weird smells, weight all over the map, feeling like constant out of body experience, mood swings, despair, insomnia. But - it is getting better every day. There is life after pristiq... I have focussed through all of my symptoms on knowing - it is the withdrawl! NOT ME! Hard to do. But do able. Just know in your core it is the drug NOT YOU losing it. For me - it seems like this drug surpressed my emotions/feelings/issues the moment it got in my system and now i'm dealing with these issues again as I coming off the drug. I admit I am way better suited Now compared to 2 years ago to deal with these things and not everybody will be as "LUCKY" as I am, so just know that. Also, I let everyone close to me know what I was doing for support reasons. If anyone has any questions I would humbly lend advice and support. MY DOCTOR IS COMPLETELY INEPT AND INCOMPETENT RE: PRISTIQ AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO PRISTIQ! Remember - you are NOT alone. Just reach out...

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I\'m not sure how long you have been on it, and I\'m no doctor, but it lasted about 4-5 days off and on. I got off of it because it made my heart race, much like an upper would do. I prayed and tried to keep myself distracted. I also started a vitamin called l-theanine and a super stress b complex. The thing about meds is that your body doesn\'t realize if it is entering your body artificially or making it, so if you take it for a long time the withdrawal will be worse and your body will have a hard time reacting and will not make what it needs to, to help you. I tapered off the dosage then stopped. I still get anxious but when I pray about it and remember to breathe, it is all okay.

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I have been forced to stop my Prestiq since my doctor does not give refills untill appointment every 3 months and I run out 1 week prior to being seen. This time she was out of town and I was going out of town. I quit cold turkey. I am (4 days later) still dizzy. DIZZY! I can not move my head side to side or I loose my balance ( not to mention my lunch). My ears are ringing so loud I was sure others could hear it. I refuse to start taking it again. I had the same problem with Cymbalta. I started these medications 6 years ago with the loss of job, mother in law, both parents and empty nest. I think I am better now. I just hope these symptoms end. Any suggestions?

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@barnhart

I have been forced to stop my Prestiq since my doctor does not give refills untill appointment every 3 months and I run out 1 week prior to being seen. This time she was out of town and I was going out of town. I quit cold turkey. I am (4 days later) still dizzy. DIZZY! I can not move my head side to side or I loose my balance ( not to mention my lunch). My ears are ringing so loud I was sure others could hear it. I refuse to start taking it again. I had the same problem with Cymbalta. I started these medications 6 years ago with the loss of job, mother in law, both parents and empty nest. I think I am better now. I just hope these symptoms end. Any suggestions?

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It will get better. I quit pristiq 1.5 years ago after being on it for 3 years. I took a week off work and fought through the withdrawl. DiZzy to the extreme. Couldn\'t drive for a good 4 days. Then probably shouldn\'t have for a few more! After a week was fine but still had the brain zaps for a good 4-6 weeks. Good luck and keep us posted !!<br />
<br />

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