Side effects of Pristiq

I have now been free of Pristique for about 7 weeks and have new benefits all the time. I went for a hearing test and my hearing had actually improved when I was told this it suddenly occurred to me I haven't had vertigo for ages. I sweat it affects you where you have weaknesses. I have tinitus and once had bad labryinthitis and as a kid didn t like spinning and getting dizzy. I think pristique makes your weak spots more vulnerable. Does that sound mad?

Hi, @joannapickford7. Thanks for sharing the improvements you've seen in your health as you've weaned off of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Here is the list of side effects for desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) in a Mayo Clinic article about this medication https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/desvenlafaxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071583.

Does this align with some of the differences you've seen coming off this medication? Are you still feeling the zaps you mentioned before?

luky06 go to a doctor talk him for change your medicine.be stay well

I am thankful to find this blog; as my experiences have been very similar. Literally identical experiences, including the past few years bad even while taking it to experiences weaning off.

My doc originally prescribed Pristiq in 2008 for me for hormonal / menopause and/or death of a parent etc. in general to help me. Instead for over 10 years my life changed physically & mentally for the WORSE... this has been a horrific drug as it turned out in every way). Besides all the physical problems (see the lists!) mentally I feel grateful to be alive. I was extremely suicidal. I was soooo much better in life prior to taking this drug.

I have experienced all & every experiences Listed by everyone on this blog. Too long to list.

I feel the pharmaceutical CO should immediately cease in producing this drug and doctor’s - prescribing physicians should NEVER ever prescribe.

Imagine all the medical problems, physical problems, literally ruining lives. Seriously, lives lost
.. In addition ... Imagine suicides ... families may never know lives lost of a family member due to taking Prestiq and / experiencing withdrawals.

Lives lost taking this drug not to mention suicides w withdrawals.

This drug literally killed me.

Let’s not allow this to happen to anyone.

What shall we all do?

Literally ruined my life, every day, mentally and physically.

Yes - please keep us posted. It is horrible @ yes agree total Hell. Pristiq has literally stripped me of my mind, previously healthy body and feels like my soul.

I have weaned off. But the damage is done - physically & mentally after 10 years.

I have had due precisely from Pristiq: Cardiac disorders – Tachycardia.
General problems too such as weight increased, liver function test abnormal, blood prolactin increased.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders – kegs /nerves shaking at night, many sleepless nights over 10 years ! Overwhelming Musculoskeletal stiffness.
Nervous system disorders –Syncope, convulsion, dystonia.
Psychiatric disorders – Depersonalization, suicidal, etc.
Renal and urinary disorders – Urinary probs, retention, etc. electricity running thru my head. Constant ear ringing.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and several trips to the ER.

Relationships with friends & family have definitely been damaged too. Literally effects ability to function at all & to live any type of a normal life.

And the pharmaceutical companies continue to make this horrifi drug and pharmacies make HUGE profits & docs still prescribe?

It’s not if ... it’s a matter of when something will happen the same as we’ve all for the most part any way have experienced.

It’s ruining lives.

Hi, @coloradolori - I'd like to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So sorry to hear about all these effects you are experiencing. You may have noted we have groups with discussions about many of the areas in which you've had health challenges in the group directory https://connect.mayoclinic.org/groups/ where you might meet other members who'd have some input and support to offer you.

Are you now taking something else instead of Pristiq? Are you getting some help with the health issues you mentioned?

I have been taking 25mg Pristiq for 10 days. Then 50mg for 5 months. Along with only 2.5mg of liquid Lexapro. I am on my 4th day of weaning Pristiq. 25mg. Doctor gave me 30. While raising the Lexapro to 5mg. 10 to start after 10 days. What can I expect after only 5 months? I have Ativan on hand if things get bad. Thanks.

Hi, @jjej - thanks for sharing about your journey tapering off of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) thus far while raising the dosage of escitalopram (Lexapro). I've moved your post here so that you could meet many others who have weaned off of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and get support and some thoughts on what to expect. Please meet @coloradolori @jakedduck1 @joannapickford7 @heidi28 @lisahoward.

How is your taper going so far? How are you feeling, @jjej?

Thanks. I gave been on 50mg of Pristiq 5 and a half months. 2.5 of Lexapro, too. I have been weaning off the Pristiq for 7 days by taking 25mg. Upping the Lexapro to 5mg. Stared 10mg today. I have 23 more 25mg of Peistiq to go in the weaning process. Does this sound ok? In day 20: I will have 10 pills left. Should I take every other day? My side effects are more anxiety/Depression/insomnia. Incapable of manual labor for more than 15 minutes. Out of breath and sweating. This is really scaring me. Will this end and then the Lexapro will kick in? Thanks.

I might simply be focusing on if too much. But. I now have restless legs. I get very sweaty and exhausted with manual labor that normally I really like. I am more nervous and antsy and impatient and even more insomnia. Do you think it is the weaning of generic pristiq or the adjustment to raise of lexapro. Or both. I just want something to work like I hear so many people have success. Thanks.