Can anyone please help me with withdrawing from Pristiq?

Posted by nancypatton @nancypatton, 2 days ago

I stopped taking Pristiq May 5th and it’s now June 2nd. The first few weeks were awful but I have overcome most of the withdrawal symptoms except for the horrible mood problems after waking up in the morning. In the beginning the morning mood issues were overwhelmingly terrifying feelings of dread, anxiety, depression and hopelessness. I felt like I was going insane. Now that has subsided for the most part. What’s still happening is the same issues but in a less extreme way. I just can’t keep living like this. I have no real life in the morning, it’s taken up by trying to keep from crying, trying to talk myself out of what feels very real and hoping for a better day tomorrow. I went off Pristiq all at once because I felt it was causing heart palpitations which scared me. My psychiatrist said that I hadn’t been on Pristiq very long so it would be ok to stop all at once and switch to Duloxetine immediately. I really could use some support and help.

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dotpeacock | @dotpeacock | 1 day ago

I weaned off Pristiq gradually over 6 months & it was still awful. I am now on Auvelity & feel so much better. I cried a lot & felt very sad while wearing off Pristiq. It is not easy but worth it if it is not helping your depression. You can get through it and I wish u the best. It’s trial and error with medications but keep trying until u find the right one for you. Wishing u the best and success in your journey.

ellemccope | @ellemccope | 1 day ago

It sounds like the abrupt taper off of the Pristiq is causing your severe discontinuation symptoms. Sometimes, you have to go back on the med at a low dose and do a slower, more gradual taper. Have you spoken with your psychiatrist about your morning mood? Perhaps, he/she can suggest how to address it. Also, have you started titrating the duloxetine? If so, maybe, once you reach a therapeutic dose of the duloxetine, you will start to feel better. Please consider discussing all of your concerns with your doctor. You shouldn’t have to suffer. I’m sure he or she can help. I wish you all the best. Please know that you’re not alone. I’m trying to taper off of Mirtazapine, so I empathize with you. Hang in there! You’ll get through this!!!

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