Side effects of Pristiq

I took that medication six years ago the side affects were unbelievable it affected my hearing it felt like people were screaming when they were talking normal my head spun it was a horrible experience. I was on 100mgs a day for a month and addicted I had to taper down slow it took about eight weeks all two weeks I went from half to a quarter and then cut the quarter in half I stopped I had to go back to the crumbs of the medication and then come off it it was a nighmare for me no other medication I've ever taken have I gone through anything like that.

This drug can't be sugar coated I myself from experience think its dangerous because it takes no time for an addiction to grab hold of you. I suggest those trying to come off it do it the way I did it I tried the way the doctors told me it didn't work I had to go to the crumbs from cutting the pill to finally get off it. The end of the taper down was really bad it was why I had to go to the crumbs of the medication to wean off it.

I have the same thing with the sensitivity to sound, among other things. It’s horrible! I’m glad I found this board. Trying to wean off this medication. I only took 50mg for one month and decided to get off because of the side effects. Dr. Recommended taking 50mg every other day while starting 10 mg of Prozac. Then the next week off the Pristiq and increasing Prozac to 20mg. That didn’t go well!! The withdrawals were awful. So he said try 25mg of Pristiq every other day to see what happens. That’s where I’m at now. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to wean off this when I was only taking it for a month. I wish I never took it in the first place!

@irishgirl55 & @lt74 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

It sounds like both of you have support and information to give.

@lt74 Did your provider mention why you are unable to cut the pill and take it each day? I know some pills are designed in such a way that doing so isn't advised.

Hi- you cannot cut pristiq in half, as it’s designed to release slowly. It has something to do with the half being 11hours!

@ottawalisa Thank you for clarifying. I knew some medications worked that way. It makes sense going every other day then.

I broke it in half and the quarters and it worked for me. I could not go from a full dose three days a week and then down to two and off it didn't work for me so I did it the way it worked for me were all different and sometimes we know what's best for us.

I just followed my doctors orders. And the pharmacist also said not to break or crush them.

Hello.

I hope I’m in the right place. I have been on 25mg of Pristiq for 3 days. I am planning on stopping tomorrow because it’s just the absolute worst.

My question is should I expect major WD symptoms after only 3 days at a low dose? I am scared. I am hoping my Psych calls me in the morning to discuss.

Thanks!

Hello @jordanstutz1 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I understand you are frustrated with Pristiq and wanting to stop taking it. I am not a medical professional but would suggest waiting until you have a chance to consult with your psychologist to ensure you are going about this in the safest way possible and with all the information you need to be aware of. Will you come back and share what you learn once you are able to consult with your psychologist?

@amandajro i spoke with my psych (and my PCP) and they both affirmed that I should not experience any sort of discontinuation symptoms, given the fact I was only on starting dose for 3 days.

My PCP said one would need to be on it for weeks or months before that becomes a concern.