1. < Depression & Anxiety

Side effects of Pristiq

Posted by Native Floridian @nativefloridian, Jan 7, 2012

Has anyone successfully tapered off Pristiq? If so, what was your plan? I am considering going off this medicine. I take 50 mg per day and have done so for about 2 years. I understand there are very significant withdrawal symptoms and I would like to stop taking Pristiq because it causes my heart to race when the time release happens. I am afraid this medicine may not be good for the heart because the clinical trials state that anyone with a heart condition was not allowed to take it.

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cmhall1118 | @cmhall1118 | May 5, 2022

I’ve been on Pristiq 100mg for four months. I have zero energy and motivation, a huge appetite, headaches and neck tension. I feel emotionally numb and things that should bother me, don’t. I feel TOO chilled out. My Dr thinks these are my depression symptoms but I feel like they’re side effects from the medicine. I can get 8-10 hours of sleep a night and be completely exhausted all day. I cannot function like this, I have two children I need to keep up with. Does anyone else experience this? I’m hoping I can start weaning off with my Dr support and then get off this medication.

REPLY
1 reply
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | May 7, 2022

Hi @cmhall1118 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So glad to have you. You'll see that I moved your post to a long standing discussion about Pristiq side effects so that you can meet other people having similar problems. @daliea, @anonymouse, @linamend, and @flow65 perhaps you can share your experience with @cmhall1118

Has your physician offered suggestions of other medications that might be a better fit for you?

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1 reply
linamend | @linamend | May 7, 2022
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @cmhall1118 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So glad to have you. You'll see that..." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @cmhall1118 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So glad to have you. You'll see that I moved your post to a long standing discussion about Pristiq side effects so that you can meet other people having similar problems. @daliea, @anonymouse, @linamend, and @flow65 perhaps you can share your experience with @cmhall1118

Has your physician offered suggestions of other medications that might be a better fit for you?

Jump to this post

No. No further suggestions for anything new, just going back on Zoloft (Sertraline). Been a long road of anxiety/PTSD, etc. As we age, it become more difficult to find SSRI/SNRI etc that can be tolerated.

Thanks for putting my post w Pristiq issues! Appreciate that. 👍🏼

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daliea | @daliea | May 7, 2022
In reply to @cmhall1118 "I’ve been on Pristiq 100mg for four months. I have zero energy and motivation, a huge..." + (show)
@cmhall1118

I’ve been on Pristiq 100mg for four months. I have zero energy and motivation, a huge appetite, headaches and neck tension. I feel emotionally numb and things that should bother me, don’t. I feel TOO chilled out. My Dr thinks these are my depression symptoms but I feel like they’re side effects from the medicine. I can get 8-10 hours of sleep a night and be completely exhausted all day. I cannot function like this, I have two children I need to keep up with. Does anyone else experience this? I’m hoping I can start weaning off with my Dr support and then get off this medication.

Jump to this post

Hi, I have been taking Pristiq for six years now. My doctor had GeneSight testing done and Pristiq was one of three antidepressants that I can take. I am taking 75mgs. One hundred mgs. I believe is a high dose for Pristiq. Perhaps you need a lower dose. Do not stop taking it on your own,withdrawal is very difficult and could be dangerous. I hope you find the one for you.

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1 reply
cmhall1118 | @cmhall1118 | May 7, 2022
In reply to @daliea "Hi, I have been taking Pristiq for six years now. My doctor had GeneSight testing done..." + (show)
@daliea

Hi, I have been taking Pristiq for six years now. My doctor had GeneSight testing done and Pristiq was one of three antidepressants that I can take. I am taking 75mgs. One hundred mgs. I believe is a high dose for Pristiq. Perhaps you need a lower dose. Do not stop taking it on your own,withdrawal is very difficult and could be dangerous. I hope you find the one for you.

Jump to this post

Thank you! I plan to ask my doctor about a decrease in dose this week. I also had the gene testing done and it was in my “green zone”. I previously was on Lexapro which did absolutely nothing and the gene testing showed it in my “red zone”. I’m glad pristiq works well for you!

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1 reply
daliea | @daliea | May 8, 2022
In reply to @cmhall1118 "Thank you! I plan to ask my doctor about a decrease in dose this week. I..." + (show)
@cmhall1118

Thank you! I plan to ask my doctor about a decrease in dose this week. I also had the gene testing done and it was in my “green zone”. I previously was on Lexapro which did absolutely nothing and the gene testing showed it in my “red zone”. I’m glad pristiq works well for you!

Jump to this post

I am so glad that I was able to share with you,there is no magic pill unfortunately but it helps to get the best medication for your unique body. The journey of pain and depression isn’t easy but it helps to be able to connect with others who are struggling.

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