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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!

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elizabeth63 | @elizabeth63 | Nov 25, 2023

Best of luck to you. It sounds like a great exit strategy. I would suggest calling immediately if you feel any withdrawal symptoms (look up antidepressant discontinuation syndrome) and have your doc help you come up with another plan. My symptoms lasted 3 full weeks but I made it and am feeling much better. It was NOT easy.

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2112richard | @2112richard | Feb 26, 2024

Thank you! It gives me hope.

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cas2001 | @cas2001 | Jul 28 3:54am
In reply to @dani79 "I was on 50mg for about 2 years and I will say it did help my..." + (show)
Profile picture for Dani79 @dani79

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???

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@dani79 Did you come off of 50mg to 0....its too quick with this drug. Should have gone to 25mg for few weeks.

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cas2001 | @cas2001 | Jul 28 3:59am
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @elizabeth63, I see that you are having difficulty with the last part of your Prisitq..." + (show)
Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

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.

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@hopeful33250 yes a compounding pharmacist should be able to make you a lower dose if there isn't one available. Im in Australia and 50 is the lowest we can get. Its hell apparently coming down from that.

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hburrows | @hburrows | 1 day ago

Hi, really happy I found this thread. I’m currently weaning off pristiq, just went from 100mg/50mg every other day to 50 mg every day. I’m from Canada and the lowest dose is 50mg, so I’m nervous about the next steps. It’s nice to know other people have successfully done it! This drug was definitely not worth all the stress and anxiety.

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con123 | @con123 | 15 hours ago

My doctor also used Prozac as a bridge to get off Pristiq. It was a smooth process for me.

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