1. < Depression & Anxiety

My doctor helped me successfully wean off Pristiq

Posted by Anonymous3 @anonymous3, Jan 3, 2013

Ok, I have successfully weaned off pristiq. I actually emailed this link to my MD because I had the same uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms each time I tried to wean off the medication. I tried the every other day and had to go back on because I was so dizzy and irritable! This is what he did and so far it has worked with little or no noticeable side effects. I was on 50 or 100 mg for 3 years. Most recently taking 100mg. He gave me 3 weeks of 50mg samples and prescribed 3 weeks of Prozac. To be taken concurrently. At the end of 3 weeks I stopped both cold turkey. He explained that Prozac seems to wean itself gradually over 5 weeks eliminating the withdrawal symptoms. I have been off both since December 28th. 6 days-so far no side effects. There is hope! I know it's scary!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Clt | @clt | Jan 5, 2013

I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of course, but it worked for me in 28 days. I did not have a craving for the drug but experienced symptpms. I agreed to take this med after the dr told me that it was only minimally addictive. 4 years later, time to move on. I have heard of others calling the main side effect "brain shivers". I can think of no better way to describe it. I weaned myself off of the drug in 23 days. I still felt decreasing side effects through 28 days. The plan was to add an hour or two without the drug every day or so. I decided not to set an alarm for 2:00 AM. I would take the med first thing on waking up. This worked out fine until day 22 (the last pill!). I felt pretty bad for 3 days. Brain shiver constantly but not so bad that it could not be handled. I did not drive during this time. Slowly over the next several days the effects subsided and are now completely gone.

The side effects I experienced were brain shivers, sleeplessness, fatigue, some irritability. I felt pretty bad for 3 days,but it can be done. I happened to be off work during the crucial time. I suggest preparing to take some sick leave toward the end of your regimen

The good things about getting off this drug: I got my emotions back. Joy was really joy and sadness made me cry. I should cry sometimes. It is normal. I'm saving money! I don't need a drug to control my emotions.

My dr wanted me to stay on the drug for only one reason: it's too tough to get off of it. Not good enough. I just had a very difficult time in my life to get through. I really needed counseling and not a drug.

Good luck to all of you working on this. You CAN do it. If you are considering taking this drug,weigh the consequences carefully. My dr said that he does not even prescribe it any more. That should tell us something. I did not do my research before putting this into my body. I was in an emotional state that caused me to simply rely on a dr. That was my mistake. I'll not do that again.

REPLY
3 replies
latigoblue | @latigoblue | Jan 18, 2013
In reply to @clt "I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of..." + (show)
@clt

I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of course, but it worked for me in 28 days. I did not have a craving for the drug but experienced symptpms. I agreed to take this med after the dr told me that it was only minimally addictive. 4 years later, time to move on. I have heard of others calling the main side effect "brain shivers". I can think of no better way to describe it. I weaned myself off of the drug in 23 days. I still felt decreasing side effects through 28 days. The plan was to add an hour or two without the drug every day or so. I decided not to set an alarm for 2:00 AM. I would take the med first thing on waking up. This worked out fine until day 22 (the last pill!). I felt pretty bad for 3 days. Brain shiver constantly but not so bad that it could not be handled. I did not drive during this time. Slowly over the next several days the effects subsided and are now completely gone.

The side effects I experienced were brain shivers, sleeplessness, fatigue, some irritability. I felt pretty bad for 3 days,but it can be done. I happened to be off work during the crucial time. I suggest preparing to take some sick leave toward the end of your regimen

The good things about getting off this drug: I got my emotions back. Joy was really joy and sadness made me cry. I should cry sometimes. It is normal. I'm saving money! I don't need a drug to control my emotions.

My dr wanted me to stay on the drug for only one reason: it's too tough to get off of it. Not good enough. I just had a very difficult time in my life to get through. I really needed counseling and not a drug.

Good luck to all of you working on this. You CAN do it. If you are considering taking this drug,weigh the consequences carefully. My dr said that he does not even prescribe it any more. That should tell us something. I did not do my research before putting this into my body. I was in an emotional state that caused me to simply rely on a dr. That was my mistake. I'll not do that again.

Jump to this post

Thanks to all who are sharing their experiences...:)..I cannot express the value of this forum as I was searching for any real life experiences related to taking pristiq...I have struggled immensely in regards to tapering off this medication...and all of the side effects associated with it. After 3 years of 100 mg regimen I am slowly beginning to reclaim my inner self and the things that I believe I have become numb and desensitized to...I'm in my 3rd week of tapering off...and am so thankful the brain shiver...zap...is subsiding...along with the most intense...surreal dreams I have ever recalled having...ugh...what a process...I just want to thank everyone again for sharing as I implemented a lot of everyone's advice...with tapering...diet...excersise...anti nausea meds...all in combination when I had the energy.....I definitely have learned through this process...to ask more questions related to dependency and withdrawal.....~best wishes to all..:)

REPLY
WILKINS905 | @wilkins905 | Jan 25, 2013
In reply to @clt "I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of..." + (show)
@clt

I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of course, but it worked for me in 28 days. I did not have a craving for the drug but experienced symptpms. I agreed to take this med after the dr told me that it was only minimally addictive. 4 years later, time to move on. I have heard of others calling the main side effect "brain shivers". I can think of no better way to describe it. I weaned myself off of the drug in 23 days. I still felt decreasing side effects through 28 days. The plan was to add an hour or two without the drug every day or so. I decided not to set an alarm for 2:00 AM. I would take the med first thing on waking up. This worked out fine until day 22 (the last pill!). I felt pretty bad for 3 days. Brain shiver constantly but not so bad that it could not be handled. I did not drive during this time. Slowly over the next several days the effects subsided and are now completely gone.

The side effects I experienced were brain shivers, sleeplessness, fatigue, some irritability. I felt pretty bad for 3 days,but it can be done. I happened to be off work during the crucial time. I suggest preparing to take some sick leave toward the end of your regimen

The good things about getting off this drug: I got my emotions back. Joy was really joy and sadness made me cry. I should cry sometimes. It is normal. I'm saving money! I don't need a drug to control my emotions.

My dr wanted me to stay on the drug for only one reason: it's too tough to get off of it. Not good enough. I just had a very difficult time in my life to get through. I really needed counseling and not a drug.

Good luck to all of you working on this. You CAN do it. If you are considering taking this drug,weigh the consequences carefully. My dr said that he does not even prescribe it any more. That should tell us something. I did not do my research before putting this into my body. I was in an emotional state that caused me to simply rely on a dr. That was my mistake. I'll not do that again.

Jump to this post

I wish I had ask more questions about cymbalta...it's a tuff one too ..trying to get off

REPLY
Dani79 | @dani79 | May 18, 2013
In reply to @clt "I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of..." + (show)
@clt

I am now off this terrible drug. I do not suggest my regimen for anyone, of course, but it worked for me in 28 days. I did not have a craving for the drug but experienced symptpms. I agreed to take this med after the dr told me that it was only minimally addictive. 4 years later, time to move on. I have heard of others calling the main side effect "brain shivers". I can think of no better way to describe it. I weaned myself off of the drug in 23 days. I still felt decreasing side effects through 28 days. The plan was to add an hour or two without the drug every day or so. I decided not to set an alarm for 2:00 AM. I would take the med first thing on waking up. This worked out fine until day 22 (the last pill!). I felt pretty bad for 3 days. Brain shiver constantly but not so bad that it could not be handled. I did not drive during this time. Slowly over the next several days the effects subsided and are now completely gone.

The side effects I experienced were brain shivers, sleeplessness, fatigue, some irritability. I felt pretty bad for 3 days,but it can be done. I happened to be off work during the crucial time. I suggest preparing to take some sick leave toward the end of your regimen

The good things about getting off this drug: I got my emotions back. Joy was really joy and sadness made me cry. I should cry sometimes. It is normal. I'm saving money! I don't need a drug to control my emotions.

My dr wanted me to stay on the drug for only one reason: it's too tough to get off of it. Not good enough. I just had a very difficult time in my life to get through. I really needed counseling and not a drug.

Good luck to all of you working on this. You CAN do it. If you are considering taking this drug,weigh the consequences carefully. My dr said that he does not even prescribe it any more. That should tell us something. I did not do my research before putting this into my body. I was in an emotional state that caused me to simply rely on a dr. That was my mistake. I'll not do that again.

Jump to this post

I was on 50mg for about 2 years and I will say it did help my anxiety with few side effects. However, I am going on my third week without it and wonder if I should have stayed on it. I am over the nauseated state and now very irritable and moody. Does anyone have an idea of how long that lasts before I can start feeling normal to determine if I really need this drug or not???

REPLY
tracie529 | @tracie529 | Jan 20, 2019

Hi, this is my very first post on this site and I need some help. Both of my teenagers are on Pristiq and it really is not the best thing for them. Could someone please give me ideas, step by step on how to wean them off?
TIA

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 20, 2019
In reply to @tracie529 "Hi, this is my very first post on this site and I need some help. Both..." + (show)
@tracie529

Hi, this is my very first post on this site and I need some help. Both of my teenagers are on Pristiq and it really is not the best thing for them. Could someone please give me ideas, step by step on how to wean them off?
TIA

Jump to this post

Hi @tracie529 and welcome to Connect. You have posted to an inactive discussion about Pristiq. Here is another discussion that you may be interested in reading. It was started years ago but is still active.
> Want to taper off Pristiq, makes my heart race https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pristiq-withdrawal/

Tracie, are your teenagers also wanting to get off desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)? Do you and they have a trusted medical professional to help you with tapering off the medication and providing support for their mental wellbeing?

REPLY
elizabeth63 | @elizabeth63 | Oct 10, 2023

Hello all -
Thank you all so much for taking the time to write here. I am trying to get off Pristiq and came to the internet for support and resources. I've found first-hand accounts the most helpful.

I guess I'm here for more encouraging words from people who have been through it. I took Pristiq for about 2 years and increased to 100mg/day. I gained 25 lbs. and feel as though I built up a tolerance to the drug over time.

I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it. He helped me wean down to 25mg and I had no problems with that. I took the 25mg for 2 weeks as he prescribed and then stopped. That was 4 days ago. My symptoms are brain zaps (I like the term brain shivers), whole body aches and chills, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weepiness, and irritability. It's terrible. It's not getting any better. I have 2 children and a full-time job and need to be able to function.

Can anyone provide any words of encouragement or tell me that it won't last much longer...? Trying to keep one foot in front of the other and power through but it's getting really, really difficult.

Thank you in advance.

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 10, 2023
In reply to @elizabeth63 "Hello all - Thank you all so much for taking the time to write here. I..." + (show)
@elizabeth63

Hello all -
Thank you all so much for taking the time to write here. I am trying to get off Pristiq and came to the internet for support and resources. I've found first-hand accounts the most helpful.

I guess I'm here for more encouraging words from people who have been through it. I took Pristiq for about 2 years and increased to 100mg/day. I gained 25 lbs. and feel as though I built up a tolerance to the drug over time.

I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it. He helped me wean down to 25mg and I had no problems with that. I took the 25mg for 2 weeks as he prescribed and then stopped. That was 4 days ago. My symptoms are brain zaps (I like the term brain shivers), whole body aches and chills, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weepiness, and irritability. It's terrible. It's not getting any better. I have 2 children and a full-time job and need to be able to function.

Can anyone provide any words of encouragement or tell me that it won't last much longer...? Trying to keep one foot in front of the other and power through but it's getting really, really difficult.

Thank you in advance.

Jump to this post

Hello @elizabeth63,

I see that you are having difficulty with the last part of your Prisitq withdrawal. I'm wondering if you have discussed these difficult symptoms with your prescribing doctor. If so, he/she might suggest a way to minimize these symptoms with a slower withdrawal.

I admire your determination and hope that you will soon be able to enjoy life without so many symptoms.

REPLY
con123 | @con123 | Oct 11, 2023
In reply to @elizabeth63 "Hello all - Thank you all so much for taking the time to write here. I..." + (show)
@elizabeth63

Hello all -
Thank you all so much for taking the time to write here. I am trying to get off Pristiq and came to the internet for support and resources. I've found first-hand accounts the most helpful.

I guess I'm here for more encouraging words from people who have been through it. I took Pristiq for about 2 years and increased to 100mg/day. I gained 25 lbs. and feel as though I built up a tolerance to the drug over time.

I told my doctor I wanted to come off of it. He helped me wean down to 25mg and I had no problems with that. I took the 25mg for 2 weeks as he prescribed and then stopped. That was 4 days ago. My symptoms are brain zaps (I like the term brain shivers), whole body aches and chills, disorientation, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weepiness, and irritability. It's terrible. It's not getting any better. I have 2 children and a full-time job and need to be able to function.

Can anyone provide any words of encouragement or tell me that it won't last much longer...? Trying to keep one foot in front of the other and power through but it's getting really, really difficult.

Thank you in advance.

Jump to this post

I took Pristiq for almost 2 years. I felt it was helpful to me in managing my depression. However, once I wanted to get off it, I learned there is no good exit strategy. They don't make it in very low doses and you can't cut pills because they are time-released. My psychiatrist helped me bridge it with Prozac, which is much easier to taper off. I had minimal side effects going off of it.

REPLY
krattnatic | @krattnatic | Nov 16, 2023

I am beginning my very slow tapering of Pristiq. I wish I had never gotten on this awful drug. I told my old doc nothing with weight gain or that will raise my blood pressure. Well this devil drug did both. I have been on 100mg for about a year and half. My new doc is working with me to take a 50 & 25 (75) for 2 weeks, 50mg to 2 weeks, 25 for 2 weeks and then I might have my doc switch me immediately over to Prozac or maybe add it on the last 2 weeks when I am on the 25mg. Fingers crossed I don't go postal 😁. I am hoping the bump in my cardio from just walking to walking/running I started 2 weeks ago will help.

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