Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is an antidepressant drug that functions as an SNRI (Selective Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor). In other words, it prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in addition to that of norepinephrine. It was created and marketed by Wyeth – a company that has now become part of Pfizer. This drug is extremely similar to that of Effexor (Venlafaxine) as it contains the same active metabolite.
The goal with the development of this drug was to take only the active portion of Effexor and eliminate the rest with the hopes of side effect reduction. It took many years for the FDA to finally approve this new antidepressant, but it’s widely debatable as to whether this drug really has major advantages over Effexor. As an analogy, most would agree that this drug is to Effexor as Lexapor is to Celexa.
It is largely thought that this drug was developed mostly to protect business for Wyeth. By creating Pristiq, the goal was to convince psychiatrists to switch from Effexor to Pristiq to protect the billions of dollars that Effexor generated in sales. They have done this by suggesting that Pristiq carries fewer side effects and is generally better tolerated than Effexor. However by now, most evidence suggests that is inferior to Effexor on several levels.
After trying Pristiq, many people find it intolerable and realize that it carries many unpleasant side effects. Others find that it simply doesn’t work as well as they had hoped to alleviate their major depression. Since many people don’t want to be on antidepressants for life, withdrawal from Pristiq is usually inevitable.
Factors that influence Pristiq withdrawal
When it comes to withdrawal from any antidepressant, there are various factors that play a role in determining severity of symptoms. These factors include things like: time you took the drug, dosage, your personal physiology and drug sensitivity, as well as how quickly you tapered off of the drug.
1. Time Span
How long were you taking Pristiq? In general, the longer that you take an antidepressant, the tougher it is to quit. When you take a drug like this for a long period of time, your body and brain become accustomed to functioning under its influence. Additionally, long term users generally need to increase dosage because they become tolerant. The shorter the term that you use Pristiq, the less withdrawal symptoms you will likely experience.
2. Dosage (50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg)
In most cases, people start out at 50 mg and then if necessary titrate the dose up to 100 mg. If the 100 mg works for awhile, but then stops working, a psychiatrist may double the dose to 200 mg. Over time, the more you increase the dosage, the more difficulty you will have withdrawing.
By increasing the dosage, you are essentially forcing your body and brain to function under the influence of more Pristiq. Most research suggests that there is zero additional benefit to be had by taking more than the starting dose of 50 mg.
3. Individual Factors
It is also important to keep in mind additional factors that may influence withdrawal symptoms. These factors include things like: your physiology, daily habits, diet, exercise, social support, and other drugs that you take. Most people have different reactions to antidepressants based largely on individual factors.
One drug may work brilliantly for one person, and be an absolutely hellacious experience for another. It is the same concept in regards to withdrawal – one person may experience very severe withdrawal symptoms, while another may not notice much of anything during discontinuation.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
In the past, a major problem associated with Prisitiq discontinuation is that there wasn’t an intermediate dosage between 0 mg and 50 mg. Thankfully there is now an intermediate 25 mg dose of Pristiq that should help with the tapering process. Even though the 25 mg tablets may be an easier transition down to 0 mg (nothing), they are still “time release” tablets, meaning if you cut the tablet, it breaks the specially formatted “time release” coating.
Breaking this “time release” coating will cause the drug to be absorbed all at once within your system – which may be extremely intoxicating and is not recommended by most. Instead, what some knowledgeable doctors may do to help ease withdrawal symptoms from the 25 mg dose is prescribe another drug with an easier withdrawal – similar to a replacement therapy (fluoxetine is a popular choice).
Another common strategy for reducing Pristiq is to transition patients to its parent drug, Effexor (Venlafaxine). These drugs are molecularly similar, and since Effexor is available in lower doses, it may allow for an extended taper – making the withdrawal process more tolerable. Quitting Pristiq “cold turkey” may result in prolonged withdrawal symptoms that are more severe than had an individual tapered down to the 25 mg dose and jumped from 25 mg to 0 mg, or transitioned from 25 mg to a replacement antidepressant to make withdrawal more tolerable.
Anecdotal accounts suggest that some individuals have had success taking 25 mg of Pristiq “every other day.” Most educated professionals would argue that this is an ill-advised strategy, akin to playing “ping pong” with neurotransmitters and the brain – possibly exacerbating the severity of withdrawal. In any regard, working with a trained professional to taper off of Pristiq slowly should help minimize the number and severity of discontinuation symptoms.
Prisitiq Withdrawal Symptoms: A List of Possibilities
Below are a list of common symptoms that people have experienced when they discontinue Pristiq. Keep in mind that your experience may be different from that of others. Individuals have different experiences when it comes to withdrawal symptom intensity and duration.
- Anxiety: Any drug that inhibits serotonin reuptake can lead to major increases in anxiety when a person stops it. In many cases people get anxiety relief from taking Pristiq because it elevates serotonin levels. When a person stops the drug, their brain is expecting to receive the serotonin boost, but does not get it. This leads to abnormally low levels of serotonin and makes some individuals have intense anxiety during withdrawal.
- Brain zaps: It is common to experience “brain zaps” or electrical shock sensations throughout the brain during withdrawal. It is not known exactly what causes these, but most people attribute it to the brain going through neurochemical readjustments. It is attempting to return to homeostatic levels of various neurotransmitters and in the process, people feel “zaps.”
- Chills: Many people experience extreme chills while taking this medication. Some people get used to the drug though and after awhile they subside. However during withdrawal, many people re-experience “chills” and feel as if they are really sick. These chills may last weeks, but will eventually go away as the body and brain readjust.
- Concentration problems: It is very common to experience foggy thinking while on Pristiq and other antidepressants. However, when discontinuing the drug, concentration problems can become very unbearable. Most people are frustrated by all the symptoms that they are experiencing and in addition to these symptoms, they experience reduced cognitive functioning. Many people have described this as “brain fog” that takes weeks to gradually improve.
- Confusion: It is common to experience mental confusion upon withdrawal. This may be a result of memory problems in addition with an inability to properly concentrate. If you feel extremely confused during your withdrawal, just know that this will improve over the next couple weeks.
- Crying spells: Many people endure periods of crying spells because they cannot cope with the crazy emotions that are triggered during withdrawal. If you feel more depressed than before you started Pristiq, it’s largely due to the fact that your serotonin and norepinephrine levels are abnormally low.
- Depression: When withdrawing from an antidepressant, it is common to experience a resurgence of depression. This depression may be significantly more severe than prior to your usage of Pristiq. It is important to understand that during the withdrawal period, it is expected that your depression will be very severe. This is because your brain is in neurochemical imbalance as a result of the drug. This imbalance will naturally correct itself as you learn to cope with life without the drug.
- Depersonalization: Perhaps one of the worst feelings during withdrawal from Pristiq is that of depersonalization. If you feel weird, unlike your natural self, and more like a zombie or like you are living in a dream, it’s likely that you are depersonalized. This is a result of changes in neurotransmitter levels as well as your brain attempting to make changes to reestablish normal functioning.
- Dizziness: Feeling dizzy is something that nearly everyone experiences when they quit an antidepressant. For some individuals the dizziness may last a week or so and get better. For others, the dizziness may linger for weeks and/or months before it improves.
- Fatigue: Since Pristiq is known to give people increased levels of energy, coming off of it may result in fatigue. You may feel mentally, emotionally, and physically fatigued when you quit taking this drug. The fatigue is mostly influenced by drops in neurotransmitters and your body using energy to try to restore normative functioning.
- Flu-like symptoms: As someone who has used Pristiq, I experienced flu-like symptoms when I first went on the drug. It is very common to experience these symptoms upon discontinuation as well. You may feel chilled, nauseous, dizzy, achy, have a fever, and in some cases you may actually vomit.
- Headaches: In addition to feeling dizziness, headaches are always among the most reported withdrawal symptoms. Most people notice that their headaches typically improve over the course of a few weeks. In order to manage your headaches, be sure to get plenty of rest, drink water, and consider taking headache relief.
- Hopelessness: The depression that you experience during withdrawal may lead you to feeling completely hopeless about life. It is important to recognize that this is merely a phase of withdrawal and that you will regain hope for the future. For this reason, it may be necessary to seek out help from a therapist if you are unable to find hope in your situation.
- Insomnia: Due to the activating nature of this drug, it can lead people to experiencing unbearable insomnia while taking it. In other cases, it can also lead to people to developing severe insomnia during discontinuation. This insomnia is thought to be a result of low serotonin levels – which result in abnormally high arousal, anxiety, and inability to sleep.
- Irritability: You may notice yourself become increasingly irritable during withdrawal. Innocuous things may lead you to become very angry and/or short-tempered. Just know that being irritable is very common during withdrawal. This symptom should gradually improve over time.
- Mood swings: Moods may transition from feeling hopeful and energetic to feeling completely depressed and hopeless. You may feel angry one minute and better about your future the next minute. Mood swings may last for an extended period of time until your brain has repaired itself.
- Nausea: This is a very common symptom to experience when coming off of Pristiq. You may feel very intense nausea – almost like you’re halfway to the point of vomiting. The nausea should gradually die down after a few weeks.
- Panic attacks: The fact is that many individuals experience panic attacks during withdrawal from antidepressants. You may not have had much anxiety prior to your usage, but the drug tweaks your neurotransmitter functioning to the point that anxiety can become abnormally high during withdrawal. High anxiety may lead you to experiencing a full blown panic attack. Do your best to manage the feelings of anxiety by engaging in relaxation and activities that will help desensitize your nervous system.
- Sensitivity: Many people experience an increased sensitivity to loud sounds and bright lights. This is usually caused by hyperarousal and the fact that when your nervous system is highly sensitized, normal sounds can seem amplified and/or threatening.
- Sleep changes: Antidepressant withdrawal can wreak havoc on your sleep. You may notice that you feel increasingly tired throughout the day, but cannot seem to sleep at night. Your sleep cycle may become unpredictable. Do your best to make sure that you are getting enough sleep so that your body and mind can recover.
- Suicidal thinking: During discontinuation from any antidepressant, a person may develop suicidal thinking. The suicidal thoughts during discontinuation may be very intense and difficult to deal with. They are thought to be a result of low neurotransmitter levels as a result of withdrawal.
- Sweating: Another very common symptom that people experience during withdrawal is that of sweating. You may sweat profusely during the first few weeks of withdrawal. This may lead to sweats throughout the day and during sleep (night sweats).
- Tingling: Some people have reported tingling sensations in their hands and feet. Just know that this is likely a result of your nervous system attempting to function normally without the drug. Since it is not receiving the drug, it is generating a “tingling” feeling. This will subside over time as your body adapts to functioning without the drug.
- Vomiting: Certain individuals have pretty severe reactions when coming off of Pristiq. In less common cases, some people actually experience nausea so extreme that it leads to vomiting during withdrawal. This vomiting should subside within a week or two. If not, you may need to come up with a slower tapering strategy.
Note: It is understood that Pristiq stays in your system for approximately 2.54 days after your last dose. Many people notice that withdrawal symptoms become most severe after the last bit of the drug has left their system. In other words, discontinuation symptoms may really start to emerge after 3 days of being Pristiq-free.
Pristiq Withdrawal Duration: How long will it last?
Pristiq is considered a very difficult drug to withdraw from, especially for those who have been on it for a lengthy period. There is no dose lower than 50 mg – which further complicates the “tapering” process. Work with your psychiatrist and determine the best plan to gradually taper off of this medication. By conducting a gradual taper, it is thought that you will lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms and experience a quicker recovery.
There is no set withdrawal “time frame” for any antidepressant medication. Some people may quit taking the drug and notice minimal withdrawal effects that last for about a week or two, then completely clear up. For individuals that are highly-sensitive to medication and withdrawal effects, the symptoms may last for weeks or months. Individual factors have a major influence in determining the intensity of the withdrawal phase.
Understand that the average withdrawal period lasts between 6 and 8 weeks – just as long as doctors say it takes an antidepressant to kick-in. However, I would argue that unless proper tapering is conducted, the withdrawal effects actually last much longer. For many individuals I recommend reevaluating symptoms after 90 days (i.e. 3 months). By taking 90 days, you are giving yourself a lengthy period of detoxification and time to heal.
Many people have incredible difficulty when it comes to withdrawing from SNRI’s because they create imbalances in two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine. Therefore it can seemingly take longer for many people to recover. During withdrawal from any antidepressant, it is important to make sure that you are getting plenty of sleep, take good care of your body, and get quality social support. If you have experience withdrawing from Pristiq and/or are currently going through withdrawal, be sure to share your experience in the comments section below.
I have been on Pristiq for over 5 years at 100 mg. I have been dealing with another health issue for the last 18 months, that of Burning Tongue Syndrome. My tongue feels like I burnt it on hot soup most of the time. If it doesn’t feel like that, than it feels swollen, or my whole mouth is dry, or I have a metallic taste in my mouth. Food does not taste good anymore. And I have not had a hot cup of coffee since May 2013.
I have been to at least 9 doctors who can not tell me what is wrong with me. I am currently working with a neurologist at a Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She has done a brain MRI, blood and urine tests and wants to do more blood tests. I have been on the internet looking for answers constantly. Every time I Google it, I can come up with different results. I am also taking omeprazole for a hiatal hernia. So Google that. Well omep can block the absorption of B12. Have all vitamin levels checked, all is well there. Then I find that the Pristiq can cause dysgeusia, or altered tastes. OK, time to get off this stuff.
I did not take my pill this morning. Talked to the pharmacist about how to come off it. He told me to get the dr to write a script for 50mg and start with that for 2 weeks than taper off every other day going as slow as my body needs to. OK. Went straight home and did just that. I have the 50 mg and might start them tomorrow. I am doing just fine right now, no withdrawals at all …yet. Will see how I feel in the morning. All the stressors I had when I started this drug are gone now, so I am hoping that I won’t need anymore ad’s.
I have been on something for most of my adult life and my dad was manic depressive and my aunt was schizophrenic. So I am really worried that I won’t be able to do without SOMETHING. But my husband has told me that he sees that this drug has taken away all my highs and lows. He said this when I told him I just realised that I have not cried in years!! Even when my mother died 2 years ago, I did not cry. I miss her every day.
He told me that I am not as happy as I used to be, but I am not a sad as I used to be either. This drug just keeps you at an even keel I guess. But its time to end it and see what happens. I am glad I found you all. John John, I would love to know how you are doing?? Do you still read this?
I am about to embark on discontinuing pristiq after being on 100mg for 3.5 years- I am so scared but I believe my positive attitude about it will help a lot- I have tried twice before to stop but couldn’t put up with the withdrawals. I should never have been put on this awful drug, I have such a big heart and this drug has turned me into a monster who cannot even remember my rage outbursts. I have lost almost everything in my life (even my own life) due to this drug and a bad attitude – I am now finally scared but excited to come off this devil drug.
I don’t mean bad attitude in a blame way either – I have depression, anxiety and PTSD. Some doctors think I have borderline personality disorder but I like to think that’s just a label. I have been through so much and finally have a positive attitude about ‘getting better.’ I have been depressed for so long, maybe part of me relied on it. I WANT to be happy and positive. Last time I tried to taper I thought I wanted it but I wasn’t ready. I am ready now, so I hope, side effects included, I will push through because I know I have a chance to live a happy and positive life. PRISTIQ FREE!
I am yet to decide on a specific plan – every health professional has been zero help which seems the general consensus anyway – I don’t think I can go cold turkey, nor alternate days. From what I have seen from other sites and stories, this can (not always don’t panic) make the withdrawal symptoms last longer and be more severe. I have read about dose dumping playing ping pong with your brain. Having said that, we all know it’s recommended not to cut the bastards so tapering is going to be hard.
I have joined survivingantidepressants[dot]org and find that site to be really helpful – but I will keep updating on here too. My love, support and positive energy to you all and best of luck.
I speak regularly with a sympathetic counselor who is helping me through this period. I’ve been on meds for nearly 15 years. He reckons I’ll experience discontinuation syndrome for 6 months or more. Sounds about right to me.
An update from me. I’m now nearly two months pristiq free. My anxiety levels way are up, and I’ve just had a huge wobble. This of course then makes me more anxious: asking myself if I feel this way because I’m not on the drugs anymore or whether I’d have this episode anyway. And around and around my brain goes. Still determined to keep off them. I just need to do more exercise, meditation, and avoid the very strong temptation to self-medicate (which, sadly, I’ve been doing). Still onwards and upwards.
Hey everyone, I think that this thread is amazing, so nice to see mutual support happening here. I’m 24, I’ve been on pristiq for about 15 months. Overall it’s been super helpful, but like other folks had some pretty intense side effects like bouts of rage, persistent thoughts of suicide, dis-attachment etc. While a psychiatrist recently suggested I go on anti-psychotics only half an hour after meeting me, I took this as a sign I needed to get off these drugs altogether. I know myself well enough to know that I’m not experiencing psychotic symptoms.
I postponed going off the meds until after my law school applications were completed. Unfortunately this date happened to coincide with a diagnosis of mono. Not really sure what are withdrawal symptoms and what I should blame on the mono. I tried going cold turkey but after a few days decided to go every other day. Like other folks have said, I find it helps to keep focused on things to take my mind off of the symptoms.
A little exercise has been helping too. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and I hope everyone gets the care and support they need and deserve. It’s about time we embrace a harm-reduction approach for mental health, instead of this pharma-industrial complex that controls what kind of treatments we have access to.
Hey Stu, just wanted to say that antipsychotics are way overprescribed. Their usage for depression isn’t well-supported and it’s disappointing that a psychiatrist would be so quick to recommend one without any psychotic symptoms. Arguably some of the worst medications to be on (esp. long-term) for those without actual diagnoses of schizophrenia are antipsychotics.
Years ago I was in a similar situation to you, and my psychiatrist nearly had me convinced that I was going to develop schizophrenia… 10 years later without any medications, never did. In fact, I never even had any signs of schizophrenia, but at the time I became scared that my psychiatrist knew what he was talking about.
I’ve found that in most cases, it’s better to trust yourself rather than a psychiatrist. You may want to consider finding a new psychiatrist. I share your sentiments about harm-reduction. Wish you nothing but the best in terms of your withdrawal and improving your mood. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and situation.
Good luck to everyone struggling withdrawal. I keep reminding myself that I survived when I stopped smoking and I had terrible withdrawal when I stopped taking cortisone so I can survive this. However, I’m absolutely amazed how dreadful I feel. It’s been weeks and I’m still dizzy and I’ve got shivers, headache and very thirsty. One good thing, the nausea has gone. I think that’s a positive sign.
Has the dizziness improved any? I had bad dizziness for about a month. After nearly two months it’s improved, but when I get agitated it returns. I’ve also noticed an increased general anxiety and often wake up with a start. It’s hard work, for sure.
Yes you can do it. I started weaning off by taking my 50 mg dose every other day on October 8th for one week. Then stopped it. Yes it is tough and I greatly appreciated having this blog to read and help me through it. The worst thing was being dizzy and I called the Dr for help with that but was told to wait it out another week. I did and slowly the dizziness got less and less. I discovered the less I moved the better I felt so I have been a total couch potato for another week.
Agree with all above that all the symptoms are difficult to deal with and did at times doubt my wanting off Pristiq but happily I feel I am going to make it. As of today I feel better so it has taken 3 weeks with the first 2 weeks being hell. I don’t really feel great yet, very tired and feel that will just take some time to get better. So bear with it and rest a lot… plus drinking lots of water was helpful too. Best luck to you all!
I’ve been on 100mg of Pristiq for about a year and a half. It’s been priceless and awesome. Before it, I tried Prozac, Cymbalta, and Welbutrin. For me, Prozac was zero benefit – huge side effects. Cymbalta was zero benefit – moderate side effects. And, Wellbutrin had a little benefit – a little side effects. Pristiq’s been huge benefit – very small side effects!
Very small side effects, that is… except when my insurance jerks around with covering my script. Sometimes they take up to a week reviewing my perscription before agreeing to cover my doctor’s renewal. When that happens, I go through:
1. Super light-headedness
2. Detachment from the world, for the first couple days.
3. Hopelessness, if I’m off it for any longer than that.
4. Does anyone else experience a super dried out nose on Pristiq? It’s annoying, but goes away if I’m off it for more than two days.
5. Moody with friends and family members.
6. Tingling up my arms. But thankfully no “brain-zaps”.
Hi everyone! Finding this page has been the highlight of my evening. It’s like an online support group. Reading through everyone’s posts made me laugh out loud, just because we’re all going through this ridiculous experience and these bizarre symptoms. It’s crazy. I’ve had major depressive disorder since I was 15 (I’m 32 now) and have been on meds for the past 7 years. First Cymbalta, which worked for the depression but caused some unpleasant side effects, the worst of which was gaining an obscene amount of weight.
I wanted to get the weight off, so my doctor switched me to Zoloft which didn’t work for me at all. So then we tried Pristiq, since it’s an SNRI like Cymbalta – and it worked GREAT. I felt happy and balanced, I had energy, life was good. I have now been on Pristiq for about a year and a half. During that time, I got a new job at which I am really happy, moved to a new city (for the job), began sorting out my finances (yay new job that pays me decently), ended communication with a guy who was no good for me, and just basically got into a very stable place.
I started to wonder if, when I’m doing so well, it’s still necessary and a good idea for me to be taking an extremely powerful, mind altering drug. At the same time I was wondering about this, I began making a very intense effort to finally lose the weight I had gained after starting antidepressants. After two weeks of counting calories and working out, I had lost one pound. I cut down to even fewer calories and worked out more. I gained my one pound back, plus another. After my weigh-in on Sunday, I decided it was time to at least try going off the drugs and see if I could thrive without them. I began tapering my Pristiq on Sunday night – cut my 50 mg pill in half.
I took another half pill on Monday. Now it’s Tuesday evening (almost time for another half pill), and I’m experiencing my first withdrawal symptoms: headache, upset stomach, achy and fatigued muscles. Also some slight weirdness with my vision: for a few minutes the top half of my computer screen appeared shaded gray to me, with the bottom half of the screen looking normal. It was like I was wearing bifocals, with sunglasses on the top half and normal glasses on the bottom half. (I imagine that makes me sound pretty crazy. Thanks, Pristiq.)
Anyway, I don’t know what to expect over the next few days to weeks since everyone’s withdrawal is different, but it’s nice to know that you are all going through this and are all still alive (so far). Hang in there, guys.
I found pristiq to be a wonderful drug which stopped me having panic attacks. After 18 months my doctor recommended tapering off it. I did this over 5 weeks, first week 1 day on 1 day off, second week 1 day on 2 days off, third week 1 day on 3 days off, fourth week 1 day on 4 days off. I have just completed week 5 and after the fifth day I stopped taking pristiq completely. I have experienced bad nausea, sweating and feeling like I had the flu but hoping this will start to pass. Paracetamol seemed to help. Pristiq was exactly what I needed to get me through the past 18 months and the tapering side affects have been worth it. Exercising every day, even though I didn’t feel like it definitely helped as well.
I am 25 years old and have been on 50mg Pristiq for 1 year to help me deal with Anxiety caused by traveling/being away from home and separation phobia. I started the program “The Linden Method” that has helped me so much with thought patterns and made me a lot stronger in the mind, it helped me to learn to not feed the anxiety. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels they need help with controlling those voices/your subconscious mind. After feeling really good, I decided to come off Pristiq (also recommended by the Linden Method) I am 25 years old have been married for 2 years and in a year or two would like to start a family. I didn’t want Pristiq in my body.
I did start taking Pristiq every second day for about 1-2 weeks but I am impatient and because I felt good I went cold turkey after that. I am now about 2.5 weeks free from Pristiq. I wish I had written down the last time I took a tablet because my memory has been terrible the past 2-3 weeks I have forgotten. My first week I was fine, actually felt really good and strong. Then my symptoms started. I feel so angry, I am very moody (I’m happy 1 minute down the next), I’m very dizzy (I feel like I am swaying as I write this).
I’ve had a bit of anxiety (just going out for dinner and things like that), I’ve been nauseous, on and off foggy head, horrible to my husband (he is so supportive and I’ve told him it’s me and not him and I’ll be back soon (haha), unhappy, horrible thoughts (wanting to be on my own), no sex drive, everything irritates me at the moment, I could scream at people, road rage, the list goes on! Every morning I wake up and self-analyse (hmm how am I feeling today? Do I feel anxious? Etc etc.) this simply makes me feel horrible because I actually encourage myself to feel anxious. This is a habit I need to stop doing and I am currently training my brain to stop this.
I have been quickly snapping myself out of that by letting my dog in whilst I get ready for work, being over enthusiastic with him saying good morning to him and having a cuddle this is distracting myself. (it sounds horrible but I would prefer to be on my own, but I’m letting him in on purpose to make me busy). I am also very proud of myself, throughout the past 2 years of suffering I have not once had a day off work. At my previous job I had a few melt downs but never left for the day. I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts so being at work was better.
I will admit though I did work with my mum so that made life easier being at work. It feels good to write this down and I am hoping this all starts to improve ASAP. I’m keeping my mind busy as much as I can with study and reading but it feels like as soon as I stop with horrible thoughts are there. I need to push the away and remember they are just sensations they are not really there. I want the horrible mood swings to stop, I’m not really liking this person and I want to show my husband that I love him (although he knows it and knows this is the effect from the withdrawals).
I am determined not to go back to medication. I’m determined to fight this! Things I am using to help with my withdrawals are: St John Warts, Vitamin B tablets, Bio Vera brand 5HTP (its natural), Camomile Tea, Ginger Tea. Thank you all for your amazing posts! please keep posting and if anyone has a time frame of how long this will go on for, I would love to know. WE CAN ALL DO THIS!
I have been on pristiq for 7 years and up to 200mg a day. I decided it’s time for me to get my life back. I miss being close to my partner, I miss having REAL feelings, I miss my old body (pristiq gave me the tummy bulge) It’s day 8 of tapering down from 200mg to 100mg. I think I’m handling it ok. I have had the brain zaps, the tingling in hand and feet, the nausea, the headaches, the brain cloud, confusion, irritability, and I can’t sleep at all because of insomnia and RLS. today I’ve started with the crying and emotional roller coaster of feelings of whether or not I can bet this.
The horrible feelings don’t last long but are frequent. Tomorrow I’m dropping to 50mg to see how I can cope. Everytime I have these awful feelings I just think to myself how much healthier I’m going to be for my kids and my partner. These forums are such a blessing. Without reading all you guys stories I think I would have been committed by now lol. Cheers to life without the evil Pristiq.
How do you feel now? And how long until you were normal again?
I have only been taking Pristiq 50mg for one year. Yesterday I went without my tab and woke up this morning about 2 from a horrendous nightmare, I’ve experienced nothing like it before. I tried to get up to get some water but I couldn’t move as the shakes were so severe and my head felt wobbly like I couldn’t keep it still. There is no way I could come of Pristiq cold turkey! My partner was really scared this morning when he saw the state I was in. The zapping was unbearable also. I ended up taking my Meds. I hope my doctor can help get off these :(
I was on Pristiq for a short period of time and the withdrawal was the worse experience of my life. I had brain tremors, issues with my hearing, dizziness which led me to have problem with walking. I had to break the pill in half took it for a week and then into quarters for a week then crumbs to get off of it. The withdrawal symptoms lasted a good 6-8 weeks. I feel it’s a dangerous medication, there are other drugs out there that are safer and cheaper.
Day three coming off Pristiq for me and its not a pretty sight! Severe headaches, fits of rage, flu like symptoms, nausea….pretty much the same as you all. Pristiq was actually causing heart palpitations for me so my dr said to get off it. No way will I ever touch another AD as long as I live, and this sh#t is pure evil! I feel for each and every one of you and I loved reading all these posts, makes me feel a bit human again :) I have a follow up Drs apt in three weeks and I’ll be telling her exactly how I feel about this drug grrr! Keep posting everyone and stay strong :)
Wow, this is so frightening! Reading these posts makes me want to cry. I have been taking Pristiq for 1 yr now. I am thinking about getting off cause of the nausea i sometimes experience just taking it regularly. I messed up my schedule and am in bed today till I feel better. I am in my early 40’s and have a child that I love and adore. How could I make her go through this with me.
She deserves only my best which is why I started taking this in the first place. I truly suffer from depression and have been my best while on it, but am terrified that I will have to take it forever. Smoking weed does help tremendously for the nausea, and anger. Much better than getting some other medication. May God and the universe help all you very brave people out there trying to get off this stuff!! It does’t look like I’ll be able to do that any time soon.
Praying for you.
Wow, wow & wow…..I am so impressed with you all supporting each other and the struggle to feel better that each and everyone of you (including me) are going through! Yes 10/8 the dr said I could take my 50mg dose every other day for a week then stop. Here it is 10/22 and I’m a week without any Pristq. It has been rough but now I know I’m not alone and I can do it. I hope I can make it past this dizzy stage… I can’t do a thing, so dizzy but if I keep my head real still and not move my eyes too fast I can deal with it. I really want off this drug and am looking forward to being close to my dear hubby again. It’s been a long 2 years of very little “love” due to Pristq. I’m so glad I found this site and all of the encouraging info.
This is an excellent article. It is helping me to cope with my efforts to get off Pristiq once and for all. Thanks to the author. I quit cold turkey but am probably coping better than most because I am still taking Wellbutrin.
I’m dealing with these palpitations in my heart and bad withdraws symptoms coming off pristiq, I didn’t see any of you suggest anything that’s worked for you working through these symptoms, besides smoking pot which is not an option. Is there anything, and drug like, Benedryl or something that works to help through these?
I’ve called my dr over this too. I will keep you posted when dr calls back. Hang in there and move slowly it helps.
Hi Brian, I have been keeping my brain preoccupied on things I enjoy. I am a nerd so been doing computer gaming etc. It seems to help to focus on something you enjoy. As for something to help with the withdrawals, I have been to my Dr. (I am on day 9 of going cold turkey) and am taking St John’ Wort (it’s OK to take it cause the Pristiq is out of my system. Also been taking b complex vitamins with ginseng tablets. I have been taking this mix for 2 days and its been helping as I’ve been to work today and yesterday. I hope this helps!
Hi Brian, I’ve also searched for help to cope with the effects of withdrawing and haven’t found any answers. I’ve been tapering down from 100mg to 50mg and now 25mg (roughly) headaches and nausea seem to be the worst for me. I’m taking panadol or similar for headache. The nausea is a tough one and not much helps. Sorry I couldn’t offer any advice.
I am on day 4 coming off after doing every other day for 2 weeks and have pretty much every symptom… Dr. Prescribed low dose of Prozac to help with the symptoms for next couple weeks… Hoping it works!
Exercise and supplements, they sell B complex with C and I’ve also seen fish oil recommended. If you can’t bring yourself to go for a walk try doing a short workout video on youtube. An OTC nausea med like Dramamine could also help.
Okay everyone, this is how it’s going for me. Life is still very, very stressful with or without medication. Anyway, I’ve managed to cope on cutting the 100mg tabs in half and maintain that dose for a week or so. I admire the patience of others because 2 days ago I purchased a pill cutter and I’m now cutting the 100mg into 4 which is roughly 25mg and I’m taking that dose. Still suffering nausea and head feels cloudy but nothing I can’t cope with. It does seem possible to get off this drug and I’m hoping my next post will be highlighting my success. Keep busy, push the negative thoughts out of your mind, and stay determined and positive. You owe it to yourself.
I have been taking this med for 7 weeks now. Within two weeks, I began to feel stronger, more confident, had an increased level of energy and considerably less social anxiety. It seemed too good to be true, and it was. I had been diagnosed with major depressive order and social anxiety 16 years ago, and have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Serzone, Elavil, and Pristiq (not at the same time). With the Pristiq, I began to have episodes of extreme rage and anger, along with bouts of inconsolable crying and thoughts of suicide.
This was not me. I have been deeply ashamed of the things I have done during my outbursts. I am living in a veritable hell. I liked the benefit of more energy, less appetite, and more boldness, however these other issues have become too unbearable for me and my family. My husband has been very concerned, urging me to return to my psychiatrist, and today was the day that pushed me over the edge. I have read of the withdrawal symptoms, and am scared to death in having to pursue this necessary stage. My psy is having me switch to a tapering dose of Effexor.
Of great concern to me is the mental fog and confusion, as I am a teacher and do not want my precious students to see me in such a way as to lose respect and faith in my ability to effectively lead them. I am planning to take one week off. The sad part is, I had done ample research on the drug before taking and had that gut feeling that I would be one of those who would have a rare side effect. In addition I was just diagnosed with sarcoidosis, have fibromyalgia, bronchiectasis, GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, arthritis, and hip bursitis, severe nasal disease. Based upon my limited exposure to Pristiq, I could and would never recommend this drug to anyone.
I’ve been on it for too many years to remember. It is not helping. I got down to 50mg for past 2 years. I have tapered the 6 months. It has been hell. I have serious arthritis issues and spine issues. The withdrawal for me seems to be causing muscle spasms that are excruciating. The past 2 weeks I have been taking 1/4th of a tablet to barely a crumb every other day (I know, I know).
But This is actually working. I’ve gone 3 days now without any at all. I am exhausted and in pain. I’ve wasted thousands of dollars on this drug over the 8 to 10 years I’ve been on it. I am determined to quit it and not be it’s slave anymore. If my emotions get waaaaay of (they have been, but it’s better) I have alprazolam .5 mg that I take 1/4th of and that helps but I’m doing that rarely because I want my mind and body back. It wasn’t helping me. I have known it for years. Horrible addictive drug. Shame on this company.
As of last week, I covinced my psychiatrist it was time to come reduce some of my meds. The side effect of weight gain which was affecting my self esteem is now got to a point of affecting my health. Gaining 20 Kgs in 2 years is too much, no amount of exercise helps cause I also have a thyroid issue and arthritis in my foot. Endocrinologist points fingers at meds I’ve been taking, psychiatrist points back. I’m not a big girl, I’m about 64 Kgs and 169cm. It’s become too much for my body.
I know Pristiq is hard to taper off from. First experience 3 years ago, from 100mg to 50mg, doc told me I had to be on a lower dose before I could start ECT. Even in hospital, with round the clock care, the withdrawals were a nightmare. Cause I was already in a fragile state (thus ECT) the withdrawals felt like death was a easier option. That experience made me realize you don’t f#ck with Pristiq!!!
I’m now trying to reduce 200 to 150mg of the Pristiq and it’s been really hard, it’s like withdrawal from illicit drugs (something from the younger more emotional times). It’s better than before, but I still wouldn’t wish it on my worse enemy!! Sometimes I find it hard to distinguish, “hold on! is this is symptom and trigger? Or is this just the stupid bloody Pristiq withdrawal talking?” Thanks for letting me vent! PS also reducing seroquel 300mg to 250mg.
My 17yr old granddaughter went on pristiq 50mg in July 2014, finding it hard to cope with school bullying and year 11 pressure. She started tapering 13th October and is experiencing crying jags, panic, anger, hopelessness etc. I’ve been reading all your comments and can only hope this will pass. Any suggestions on what I can do to help her? I’m terribly afraid, having read so much about teenage suicides. I feel so guilty, should have found out more about this drug before allowing it to be prescribed.
Don’t feel guilty Marg, none of us knew how bad this could be for us. I’m on day 7 my cold turkey withdrawals and I’ve been getting brain zaps, not eating properly etc. You just need to talk to her and see what helps her cope through the withdrawals… For myself I find distracting myself by keeping my brain busy helps me, so I’ve been playing video games etc. Things like reading books lets my brain wander, but this is just from my experience! Maybe going out for “coffee” (I don’t drink coffee), going for walks, and keeping her busy will help.
Hi Marg, I think we all agree that it’s hard to be on antidepressants and even harder to come off them but when times get tough and you feel overwhelmed you need to try something. I have posted my experience above so you’ve probably read what I’m going through. I’m feeling much better since I cut down my dose but maybe I’m lucky or maybe there’s just so much stress in my life that I’ve become accustomed to the knot in my stomach and the permanent headache.
Anyway, I wanted to comment on your situation and your granddaughter’s situation. Why is she trying to come off pristiq? She isn’t on a high dose and she hasn’t been on it very long. It does take a month or so to really work so she wasn’t on it very long before deciding to stop. Didn’t it agree with her? Or perhaps she hates the idea of medication. If it wasn’t agreeing with her, then maybe she should see the GP about trying something else. If she hates medication then I’d suggest exercise.
Not an easy alternative but if you can manage to do something it really does help. I do housework, mow my grass, dig in the garden and “create” things to keep me moving and occupied. Nearly, sends me silly going around in circles but if I stop and think about life I’d never get out of bed. The anger, the crying and the hopelessness is typical but she isn’t able to control it. Been there done that, and the thing that started my problems was “food”… many years ago. I had an eating disorder which I managed to hide very well for a lot of years. Family still don’t know 20 years later.
Has your granddaughter been dieting? My problems started with a sensible diet and turned into an obsession. I had no idea the reason I was so angry, depressed and manic was due to me starving my body of vitamins. I thought I was stressed at work and the doctors believed that to be the case. It was better for others to believe I was overworked and run down. I was 16 when I first started controlling my life with food and I only recently realized that this had always been my coping mechanism.
Yo yo dieting and comfort eating or starving and throwing up. It all plays hell with your emotions. Withdrawing from pristiq is hard but not impossible and the withdrawal will pass. I hope your granddaughter is feeling better by now. Good luck. If she’s having the symptoms you describe after such a short time on the medication maybe it’s not all withdrawal. I’m only guessing but the poor girl is trying to take the hard road at the wrong time of the year.
9 weeks into pristiq withdrawal cold turkey. So nauseous I can’t function and feel like I’m never going to be well again. Went from 300mg to cold turkey. Can someone help me please!!!!!!
How are you going Andrea? I am on day 7 and find that if I keep my brain busy on stuff I enjoy then it makes me not dwell on how crappy I’m feeling. I hope you can find something that helps with you!
Andrea, that’s a big step from 300mg to zero. How are you going? I had terrible nausea just cutting the dose down so I can imagine how ill you must be. I understand that you probably want to stop this medication immediately but I think easing off slowly will give you a quicker recovery in the long term. Seems that going cold turkey isn’t the best option if you were taking high dose of pristiq. It might seem like it’s a slow process to cut the dose down and ease off but if you’re still struggling with bad withdrawal symptoms it might be worth considering.
Hi Rosa. It’s been nearly 4 months and I have my good and bad days. I’m still sometimes nauseous, I have heartburn, pain in my stomach, my bowels won’t function without movicol and coloxl and I can hardly eat. I’m going to go see my doctor again next week. I hope your doing better than I am.
If you can get a small bottle of Peppermint essential oil and add a couple drops to a glass of water that should quickly help with stomach discomfort. As an added measure, I also rub several drops over my stomach. I read that ginger helps the stomach as well! Both things you can get on Amazon for under $10.
Hi Andrea, I know it has been some time since you posted, but I would love to know how you’re doing. I’m only on day three but I’m concerned about how long you suffered. This sure isn’t easy, but I feel determined.
How is Pristiq even on the market when we go through so much hell to get off it? I don’t know about you guys but I wasn’t told about the effects of withdrawal when I was first put on it… THIS IS BEYOND DISGUSTING! It makes me so angry! I would have never gone on them if I had known this is what it would be like to get off them!
I am angry right there with you! So upset that my MD, who I trusted, said to take this low dose pill to help take the edge off while I was going through a difficult time. Had I known it was a life time commitment I would have declined. These doctors have no idea how badly these pills can screw up ones well being. I was on them for two years, MD just kept refilling them. I forgot to refill, then a snow storm hit so it was two days without them.
I figured it was a perfect time to go cold turkey. Well it has been 8 days and I am miserable. Mostly B/C of the extreme dizziness. I can’t get anything done. The only thing that seems to help a tiny bit is extra strength coffee with lots of sugar. I don’t want to give up since its been 8 days but I can’t live with these withdraw symptoms either. Since it is the lowest dose and time released, I’m thinking of cutting a pill in half, then taking that half to try and cut in 24 pieces (crumbs) to represent 24 hours and take as needed.
I plan to do that for a week or so and then taper to a 1/4 pill cut in 24 pieces (micro crumbs). That, coffee, milk thistle, and lots of lemon water. The only trick is that I have to get out of bed to pick up my refill. Ugh! Anyone on or not on antidepressants should really look into amino acids to improve and balance out dopamine, serotonin, etc. I found some great product reviews on Amazon for L-Tryptophan, DL- Phenylalanine, NAC, Tyrosine and Mucuna cochinchinensis.
I wish I did this research before taking pristiq. From now on I am going to do my research and not trust doctors at face value. MDs are simply people who studied medicine as a practice, and we all know there is no money in healthy patients. In the meantime, I am going to look into building a website warning against the dangers of pristiq withdrawal symptoms.
Quit four days ago. Very intense dreams – not bad, just full color and memorable. A few head zaps, continuous ringing in my ears, but that’s been going on forever. It was my idea and cold turkey. Been on it for maybe five years? Just feel overmedicated (Welbutrin, Trazadone, 1 mg Klonopin). Great talking therapy made my depression so very much better, so I decided to get rid of the most expensive drug first. Will keep the Traz and Klon to sleep. It’s funny when another site said 72 hours for complete drug withdrawal and this site has people up the wall after 6 months.
Wonder how much of it really is absence of the drug. I am in school (again) for MSW so have had a few med-som classes (I want to do drug and alcohol counseling). It just seems like real evidence for a lot of psych meds is very sketchy. You can alter brain chemistry through talk therapy just as well. But this is depression, not psychosis or schizophrenia. Less hard data on depression; can’t see it in brain imaging. Oh well, good luck to one and all, including myself. I’d just like to have clearer thinking at the end. And more energy if that’s possible.
On day 5 of going off cold turkey. Brain zaps are getting better. Nausea not so bad. Insomnia, well it’s 4am as I’m typing this. About to take Ambien since my body needs rest to help with recovery. I was tired of being on this pristiq for 5+ years and I want to get back to feeling normal. I have great family support so that helps. I’m almost over all the bad days so thanks be to God!
I am on day three of Pristiq withdrawal after taking the medication since August 5th. The reason I decided to stop taking it was because I had more anxiety and horrible mood swings on it than off it. I have been experiencing dizziness, brain fog, some stomach upset and have been on the verge of tears for the past 3 days. One extremely bothersome symptom I have been experiencing since yesterday is a shaking in my chest and throat.
I feel these “catches” in my throat. It’s very hard to explain. They become more bothersome when I sit down to “relax”. Has anyone else experienced this? I hope that when people are prescribed Pristiq, they take the time to research the drug because it seems that it is not very effective for anxiety. I cannot understand why this drug is not successful for me as I took Effexor for almost 10 years. Here’s hoping things get better each day!
Stephanie,
I think i know what you mean by the catches in your throat, is it like a double breath?
I think they are like palpitations. I had them too.
Im so glad I found this!!!! I am almost up to hour 24 withdrawl cold turkey. .. I dont know how I managed to be at work all day today!!! Feeling nauseous and unable to eat and having headaches and shaking so far. My story… I was diagnosed with depression when I was 7 years old (I am 25 now, yes I’ve been on antidepressants for 18 years of my life) 10 of these years have been on Pristiq I think. I was on 100mg a day.
I did a brain study and have been told I have major depression. I guess the reason why I want to get off Pristiq is because I don’t want to be on antidepressants for the rest of my life especially when its been part of my life for such a long time already! After reading this page I’m scared about what the coming days, weeks, and months have in store for me withdrawal-wise… WTF ARE THE BRAIN ZAPS?!
I’m in Australia, I live with my fiancee and he is being very supportive, but ultimately doesn’t have any idea what it is like to be on antidepressants, let alone withdraw from them. The last time I tried going off antidepressants I was 14 and went suicidal, so I would love to have some contact with you guys to have someone I can speak to that know about my situation. My email: is.reeree(AT)gmail.com. I hope you guys are still reading this page xx
Hi Marie, I am in oz too. 24hrs cold turkey at psychs request. Brain zaps are a normal withdrawal side effect. It’s like all the sudden you get like an electric shock from the inside. Mine is not just limited to the head though, I get them in the head and chest. Lol. It’s just the brain readjusting. So don’t be shocked when you do get them.
Have you tried lexapro? I did have some success on that, but realised after 10 years of being on a multitude of AD’s that I had actually been misdiagnosed. Which is why AD’s never worked. I was only ever dealing with depression because everyone thought my “craziness” was just my personality. Which to an extent it is. I have since been diagnosed bipolar which explains a lot since I have a strong family history. TBH I would even try bloody electro shock therapy just to restart my brain to feel normal.
In saying that though, AD’s do serve a purpose. Number 1 NEVER go off them without the supervision of a dr. Find a good one. Number 2 TALK. Not just to your poor partner, but others in the situation and/or a good counsellor. Talk till you can’t talk any more. It will help you immensely. Number 3 NATURAL aids like rescue remedy spray and the Bruer pills that you pop under your tongue help with the anxiety that comes with taking AD’s.
I was on Lexapro after being on some pretty heavy benzo type medications because my dr at the time said they would be safe to take if I fell pregnant (jury still out on that one). Though I did have two children whilst on it and they are A-OK.
Glad I found this thread. I’m now coming up to my 5th week without Pristiq after tapering from 100mg over a month or so. In the first two weeks I had intense withdrawal, esp the light the dizziness, brain zaps. After a month I’m doing well. The main discomfort (though I am still getting dizziness) is the sudden burst of emotions I’m getting from seemingly trivial triggers.
It’s similar to that feeling of dread you have when you realize you’ve done something terrible, or when a loved one tells you they no longer love you. It’s very intense and is following by generalized anxiety. Other than that, I feel OK. The best thing is the feeling of empowerment I’ve got – that I’m taking matters into my own hands. I’m determined not to go back on ADs, and that is a powerful thing to remember during the bad periods. Best of luck to all.
I’ve been on pristiq 100mg for about 5 years. During this time I experienced many sad and depressing events and decided it was easier to keep taking meds than to try and “cope”. After reading the above comments I’m beginning to wonder if the medication was really doing me any good at all. The reason I’m wondering is because I have had many episodes of explosive anger and mood swings which I never experienced prior to taking pristiq.
I assumed that this was due to my sad stressful life and if I wasn’t taking pristiq I’d be much worse. Well, fast forward to a couple of months ago when life really got tough and finally I decided to get off everything. My life was starting to unravel even though I was taking the magic pill and I decided that my methods for dealing with confrontation were unacceptable. What the hell was wrong with me?
I was fed up with listening to my own excuses and I fed up with my inability to cope so I decided to get off pristiq. A couple of weeks ago I started to take 100g every other day. This was okay but I decided that it was too large a dose and I might be better taking 50mg a day and then tapering it down.
I’ve been cutting the 100mg tabs in half and taking half a day, which I assume is roughly 50mg. I’m not worrying about the feedback saying this isn’t recommended because I haven’t noticed any major effects.
However, I am glad to read that others have experienced shivers, nausea and headaches because I’ve been suffering from those as well. I didn’t realize it was withdrawal and just thought I was stressed out from current events in life. As for mood swings or anger outbursts I can honestly say that NOTHING could be worse than what I’ve experienced over the last few years. On occasions I have behaved like a raving lunatic for very little reason and then felt so terribly guilty that I never wanted to face my husband again.
Which is ironic because one of the reasons I started taking pristiq was so I could cope with my husbands disregard or my feelings and his lack of interest in me and our marriage. I’d already tried drowning my sorrows and that hadn’t worked so pristiq was the next step. So, here I am, trying to withdraw. Sounds like it’ll be a struggle but I gave up smoking once and that was hard. I also gave up cortisone after 13 years and that withdrawal was pretty brutal. So, I’m hoping this will be just another serious of all the usual suspects and eventually I’ll come out the other side.
In closing I’d like to say that my/our greatest strength is determination. You can do anything if you want it badly enough. I can cope with all the side effects and symptoms because I have made up my mind to beat this. When this last packet of pills is finished that’s it for me so fingers crossed. Good luck everyone.
Just started the tapering of Pristiq yesterday 10/8/14. I have been on the wretched med 7 weeks. It will take a months to taper off completely. All the while reintroducing the SSRI I had been taking the past two years and it was working. (Greedy doc wanting a kick back is all I can say to the change of meds initially).
I cannot take the Pristiq (50mg) without smoking a joint (indica) because of the awful nausea, anxiety and RAGE I experience 15 minutes after taking the pill. I did not smoke pot before this dumb drug! So day two… Smoking my pot and reminding myself it’s going to get better. Most awful medication ever in my opinion
I guess I’m a Pristiq success story – I’ve been on 100mg for two years with a brief interlude of 150mg, and it worked on the first try (I’m also on a mood stabilizer). Because of what seems to be a new chronic pain issue my doctor is switching me to Cymbalta and I have to start tapering down to 50mg of Pristiq as of tomorrow, and then as the Cymbalta goes up I will come off the Pristiq. Coming down from the 150mg was hellish – does anyone have any tips for going from 100 to 50 and from 50 to nothing? Any advice on Cymbalta? I’m getting really nervous.
I have been on pristiq for two years now, been slowly coming off them. I was on 100 mg a day. I took 50 mg for a month, then cold turkey. I have suffered and had so many withdrawal symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, body aches, loss of focus,attention short, ect. It has been two weeks since I stopped. I am still very ill, feels like morning sickness on top of the flu on top of withdrawal symptoms. I found out the hard way that coffee / tea make me very ill, so been suffering with no caffeine as well. Ginger Ale is now my best-friend along with ginger gravol. Sleeping is bit harder and the world is so bright and new and loud and colorful now off the pills. I been having such bad back aches in middle of back for long time, anyone else get this problem? Gained alot of weight too and am happy to be losing it now that I’m off the pills. Hope you all feel better soon.
I also am experiencing severe back pain since stopping Pristiq one week ago. It is not low back pain (where I have a damaged disk) rather muscle pain on both sides of the spine near the rib cage. Have never had this before. Did nothing to cause it – except perhaps spend too much time in bed due to fatigue since stopping the cursed pill. Is anyone else experiencing weird pain – other than the expected headache, nausea, dizziness, etc.?
Hi Cathy! I just started tapering off Pristiq about 48 hours ago. My first withdrawal symptoms hit today as I was driving home from work: headache, stomach upset, and muscle ache/fatigue. My neck, arms, shoulders and upper back suddenly felt intensely achy, almost like I had the flu. The muscle discomfort lasted about… half an hour, I guess? Then it passed as quickly as it had come on. I had read that muscle aches can be a Pristiq withdrawal symptom so I figured that’s what was going on. Sounds like we’re in the same boat! I’m wondering when the achiness is going to return?
I’ve had back pain too, and Aleve hasn’t helped. I’ve lived on the heating pad. It was so bad yesterday I was nauseous. And I cried, but I don’t know if it was because of the pain or withdrawal.
I’ve been 16 days cold turkey. I’d been on 50 mg for about a year and a half, and really wanted to come off because off extremely intense headaches I was getting ONLY in the top, right, center part of my head. Through a really horrible clerical error, a prescription refill request I had made was lost, and when re-sent, my doctor had gone on vacation and the replacement doctor had to review my file, blah blah blah. Long story short, when the refill was finally processed, it took 9 days, and I had been without medication for 3. So I said screw it.
That having been said, it’s day 16 and over the past two weeks, I’ve experienced literally every single symptom listed above. For the first week, I was so dizzy at times I felt drunk, had the “flu”, and couldn’t sleep normal to save my life. Week two, everything really started to feel much better. Dizziness stopped, “flu” went away, but the anxiety and mood swings started to kick in. Random triggers like my girlfriend talking about a lazy coworker she has made me completely panic and feel like my heart was racing for no reason. At work, I really started feeling the depersonalization. It’s hard to explain, but there would be moments that felt like deja-vu or slightly out-of-body.
Then there was yesterday and today, the beginning of week three. I’ve started noticing an intense physical anxiety and restlessness. Intense need to tense up and fidget a lot, plus I’ve been clenching my jaw so hard my teeth hurt, and the first panic attack I’ve had since before I started Pristiq. The panic attack led to some of the first suicidal thoughts I’ve had in some time, as well as a wall punch (which hasn’t happened in years since I’m not a f#cking child… or so I thought). Then I came online to do a bit more research about the insanity I had just experienced, found this page, and mood swung right back into normality.
I really have been trying very hard to stay very conscious of the fact that there are legitimate side effects that are going to be hard to deal with, but every day seems to get more and more intense. I’ve decided to speak to my doctor, now that she’s back from vacation, tomorrow about what my best course of action is, because I really, really don’t just want to go back on medication, and at this point, I don’t know if there’s any real possibility of tapering at all… especially from 50 mg.
I’m in a weird limbo between actively focusing on staying calm and questioning my own sanity, so anybody who may have any helpful advice from experiencing anything similar or just advice on how I can help stay positive? Because the past two weeks have been terrible and kind of surreal, and I’m really beginning to struggle with this.
Tyler thank you for sharing your Pristiq experience from hell! OMG!! I’m really NOT crazy! These feelings and side effects are real and I’m not alone in having them. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know that. I don’t have any helpful insight on getting off this drug, but I am grateful I found this site and read all the stories. There is hope… I think.
I am so glad to have co-withdrawers to share this experience. I started 8/24 taking the 50mg every other day after abt 5 years or so of daily use. I am now at 1 tablet Friday night and Tuesday night. I plan on this til mid Nov. This is my step-down plan a/c my PA wanted me to stay at every other day for 4 months! I actually feel better on the days I don’t take it. I am relieved to hear about the symptoms others are experiencing. I thought it was just me! I have felt emotionally numb on Pristiq and had the insomnia and sweats for years. God bless everyone for your openness.
5 days without Pristiq. I had a horrible bout of abdominal pain tonight. It last for about 20 minutes. It was horrid. I almost called 911. It’s over now and I’m in brain fog and am a bit weak. Sucks.
TBH, I’ve been on pristiq several times in the past – and with great results, believe it or not, with it being the only antidepressant to ever have worked for me. Every time in the past when I came off of it (it’s extremely costly and well, I was in college), I would be fine – just extreme fatigue and irritability (but i’d always been that way – even as a child).
But now, this last time, I can hardly take it – I’ve been off of it for 5 days now and it seems like there’s no end in sight for these withdrawal symptoms – lightheadedness, dizzy, nauseated, fatigue, night sweats – you name it – the mood swings are the least of my worries. I stopped the med because I was experiencing some severe stomach cramps w/ vomiting around the same time every night (usually about an hour after I take my meds). So, I split the pill as an experiment to see if it really was linked to the symptoms (this is a common side effect for me with other meds I’ve had to discontinue) and it was – so my doc told me to get off of it since that could turn into something serious.
I’ve never had a withdrawal from a medication like this. I’ve been on zoloft, paxil, wellbutrin, prozac, cymbalta, effexor, lexapro (scary stuff there), as well as abilify (all over itching) and seroquel (extreme myoclonic jerks). Btw, this meds list was over a 4 or so year span – I just – JUST – was recently diagnosed Bipolar I – no one knew what I had this entire time – just agitation and depression. No one knew. Now, my doc wants me to consider the TMS -like shock therapy, but safer and more effective (yes, I researched it a ton), and I’m thinking about it.
Hopefully everyone can find their own way out of this horribleness, and get to feeling normal once again.
Maybe you ought to think twice about the new diagnosis BIPOLAR. Being on and off that amount of medications during a 4-year period could easily account for your ‘bipolar’ personality. If I were you, and if I could take it, I’d give myself a real long rest from all meds. I don’t suffer from any of this and have only taken Paxil once for 4 months with success. But my husband is the one who is ill in our family and I’ll share some of my 20-years long experience with antidepressants and other dangerous medications. It’s a long and very depressing saga and now, I blame doctors and I blame big pharma for a lot of the evils we have suffered through. But more of that later. Just to explain where I’m coming from when giving advice of cooling it with new meds for BIPOLAR. Be very careful of dispensing psychiatrists.
I have been on pristiq 50mg for about 6 years, I decided I was done! so I stopped cold turkey for 3 days and that didn’t work, I was miserable, I had severe withdraws times 10. I went to my wonderful doctor who advised me how to do this. July 20th I tapered 1 pill every other day for 3 weeks (the off days I had mild dizzy and lightheadedness) then I tapered 1 pill every 2 days for 3 weeks (I definitely was having brain zaps, severe painful diarrhea, dizzy, foggy, depression) but I was sticking with this!
My Dr said taper as long as I feel comfortable doing so. September 3rd I was able to go 3 days with out a pill and then I was able to go 4 days without a pill.(I always tried to go that extra day when I could) today is October 7 it has been 6 days since I took a pill and I am OVER THE MOON!!! Most of my withdraw symptoms are gone, just mild dizziness.
I want to encourage everyone it will get better! I have had tremendous support from my husband through this. Its a horrible horrible pill! I truly believe if you have been on Pristiq for any length of time, that it will take 3 months to get it out of your system. Good Luck to all!
It’s day two of not taking Pristiq. I have chills, nausea, headaches, poor concentration, tingling, fevers, and what feels like motion sickness every time I stand or move. I was only ever on 50mg but had been taking it for over a year.. I just wondered if anyone out there knows when this gets easier??
I’m another person who has never posted in an online forum about anything. I am so relieved and so upset to have found all these comments. I’ve been on 100mg pristiq for 6 months and took my last tablet 2 days ago. I’m relieved to now know that the symptoms I have had about 6 times in the period I’ve been taking Pristiq are due to withdrawal when I’ve missed a dose.
I think I must metabolize the drug super fast as the withdrawal symptoms kick in for me if I miss one dose. Last week I forgot to take my tablet in the morning and 4 hours later at work I had hot flushes, chills, nausea which had me dry reaching and horrible motion sickness / giddiness. I even had pins and needles in all fingertips. I realized and took my tablet 4 hours too late, went home from work and to the GP.
She couldn’t work out why the symptoms were happening so fast but we decided to get me off this bloody drug. She has prescribed fluoxetine which I can start tomorrow and have taken without any problem before for many years after the onset of post natal anxiety started 8 years ago. But thankfully I’ve found all your comments which have encouraged me just to get off everything.
I am seeing a psychologist for the first time since have anxiety (8 years too late) and I’m in charge of my health much more these days. I just wish I’d known more about Pristiq and the withdrawal symptoms before I ever started it. Has anybody else had similar rapid onset of withdrawals like me? Let’s hope this means I get through it faster so I can get on with my life.
Prozac takes much longer to metabolize out of your system, up to a week as opposed to 2.5 days which seems to be the norm for Pristiq. My withdrawals came on almost exactly on time, I took my last dose Sunday morning, missed Monday & Tuesday, was fine til this afternoon (same Tuesday) and now it’s midnight and I’m scouring the cabinets for supplements to take to ease the illness (Vitamin C, magnesium, and fish oil have all been suggested). Prozac seems like it may be a good option for you but I’d also add vitamins & exercise to the plan and make sure you plan at least a week of no responsibility in case you find it’s too much for you to function.
Yes, I have experienced those same almost flu-like symptoms upon missing one dose of Pristiq 100mg. I was so scared because I had no idea what could be wrong that would cause me to chill and sweat and hurt so badly, almost like something crawling on my skin but feeling deeper than just on the surface. I took two days to realize that I had not taken the Pristiq.
Within hours of taking a dose, the symptoms subsided and then I knew it had to be missing that drug! I can’t believe I actually went to a psychiatrist and she put me on this stuff. Started out with the usual 50mg, and then she wanted to increase it to 100 mg as I couldn’t “feel” any benefit. I let her increase it, then she wanted to go up to 200mg to which I said no, I will just stick with the 100mg for awhile to see if I get better.
Convinced myself I felt better, although looking back I think I did that just to satisfy her. I’ve been on this stuff for years now. The doctor retired and I find myself without a doctor and running out of the meds. Thought I could get off pristiq by just skipping a day and then two days until I ran out of pills as I was told you couldn’t cut them.
Even trying this, I am experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, and unexplained anger and yelling at other drivers. (I’m not usually like that at all.) At least now I know it is the lack of pristiq that is causing it. Well I only have 4 or 5 left (100mg), and now I find this post. Don’t know what I will do now but sounds like I might need to find another doctor.
Don’t have a primary as she unexpectedly quit too! In my present state of mind, I have no idea of what I should do. I can’t even make a decision, nor stick to a plan if I had one. Please pray for me as well. Thank you.
This article and thread is great!
This drug is not.
I’ve struggled with depression for many years. Finally hit rock bottom and went on Fluoxetine (Lovan/Prozac) and had a wonderful 12 months where it did absolutely everything it said on the label, with the only side effect being a diminished appetite and a 10kg weight loss! ;) Then it “pooped out” on me and, after another year of misery, I started Pristiq – around four months ago. It’s given me severe insomnia, constant headaches, awful, scary palpitations and I’m the most depressed I’ve ever been. I’ve pushed almost all my friends away.
The more I read about this drug, the more I’m angry my doctor started me on it! (I guess she had to try SOMETHING). There are so FEW success stories. Being a registered nurse, I’m definitely skeptical of Wyeths motivations for releasing it. Big pharma do this all the time – slightly tweak a drug so they can maintain their patents and dissuade doctors from prescribing generic forms of the old drugs.
So I stopped cold turkey a few days ago. I worry it may be foolish (I don’t totally trust my judgement right now) but I really just want this crap out of my system. I want to get back to homeostasis. Remember what it feels like to just be me. The dizziness has been pretty severe. Some headaches (no worse than usual). Slight queasiness. I’m hoping it won’t be too rough, seeing as I’ve only been on it a short while.
Great to read others experiences. Good luck everyone!
You are so right about the unethical practices of drug companies. Wish I had taken my doctor’s advice and switched to Effexor instead of going of Pristiq cold turkey. Today is day 7 and I am so sick – literally unable to care for myself. Can’t these drug companies be sued for promoting a drug that is so toxic and injurious to one’s health? I am still on Wellbutrin and perhaps that is preventing the electric shocks. But the nausea and headache along with severe sweating, fatigue and withdrawal from all social contact is unbearable. Am sometimes tempted to take another pill. I’ve never been addicted to anything in my 61 years but coming of Pristiq in hellish.
I have been on 50mg for about 5 or 6 years now. I decided to tapper my dose to take it every other day. At first the zapping sensation would come every morning for about a week, then by week two I noticed it diminished to the morning that I needed to take my pill. Now I only feel it every so often on the morning I need to take my pill.
I also noticed some bouts of anger that appeared out of nowhere and some bouts of crying that appeared out of nowhere. In each bout I reminded myself that I was allowed to feel these emotions but not let them affect others around me and that they were also likely due to my tapering of the drug so they would not last forever. They usually lasted from 10 – 30 mins and then subsided.
I have been tapering for about 3 months now and am thinking of making the dose every 3 days. So far the taper method seems to be okay for me. Withdrawal symptoms are at a minimum.
Hi there – I have just started tapering, and I am only getting weird brain zaps late the night after the second day . So I am only getting a few withdrawls. Your post has given me confidence, as I only see negative experiences here, and I have been on Pristiq for 4.5 years and am on 100mg tapering to 50. Here’s hoping I get all the way so I can have a baby! :)
I decided yesterday that I was not going to continue taking Pristiq. I found that taking the pill made me drowsy no matter what time of the day it was taken. I was not my usual self…I was lethargic! Slumping around and constantly in need of sleep except that I had insomnia. Whatever…I decided to stop. I had been on for exactly 10 days and have been off for exactly 41 hours and I feel like complete crap. Is this even possible??? Cloudy in the brain, massive migraine, can’t focus and feel like I am in a daze or dream. Can anyone offer insight and advise if this is unusual for a person who has been on this medication for such a short amount of time?
All very typical and it is an evil drug, I tell ya. See my success above. I would say after two to three weeks those side effects WILL stop or greatly diminish. Anxiety has been a big deal and shock to me. I didn’t have that before really. Keep in touch. This is like a secret blog for us getting past this.
My wife went cold turkey off Pristiq 7 days ago after being on it for 4 years. She has been on some sort of psych med for 11 years, after our first kid was born. She had post-partum past the 12-month point and some anxiety attacks. She became very distant and she hasn’t been the same woman since. We had an amazing first 10 years of marriage, but the last 10 have been grey and cloudy. We would forgo sex for up to 12 months at a time and average about 3 times per year, only at my begging. She has been on Lamictal, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Ambien, Xanex, Effexor, and a dozen other things.
Nothing has made her “better.” As an aside, we’re both very physically healthy, we have an amazing kid, and a wonderful family, and we’re moderately wealthy. I’m athletic and a dedicated husband, father, and church leader. Life should be good, but she just wants to sleep and watch TV. The doc just prescribed her another SNRI and it made her sick, so she stayed on Pristiq. Taking all these meds hasn’t helped, so why do they keep prescribing new meds? We finally both decided this week that maybe all the drugs were the problem. Pristiq causes fatigue, so take an upper. It causes sexual dysfunction, so take Wellbutrin. It causes sleep issues so get a CPAP and take Ambien.
It seems like craziness. Her friends shared with me that she didn’t seem to have the full range of emotions. After reading about the problems with the lack of options for tapering off Pristiq, she went cold turkey. She spent the first 3 days in bed with nausea and fatigue, but the 3rd night she felt like she had the first real restful sleep with normal dreams in years. She dreamt of a dozen situations in her childhood where she had been treated poorly, but in her dream she had the chance to politely stand up for herself. It was very therapeutic! However, later that night she was down hard again with nausea and headaches.
The evening of the 4th day she went for a hike with me! Amazing! The 5th day she woke up nauseated, mad, and weepy, but by that night she acted like her sweet old self. She sat and talked to me and smiled and told stories. She was bright-eyed and alive. I was almost in tears with joy. Yesterday (6th day), she worked a full day, cleaned, and was talkative, and seemed like she was over the hump, but this morning she felt worse than ever and is still in bed with nausea and a headache.
She said she is happy she stopped Pristiq because she feels like she’s getting “poison” out of her system, but she feels terrible and is worried she won’t feel better. We called her doc and he balled her out for stopping cold turkey. He said she should go back on Pristiq, cut up pills and do a slow taper. He didn’t agree that they couldn’t be cut up. She declined because the thought of taking any more of a med that makes her so sick sounds unbearable to her. He basically said he can’t help her and hung up.
I hope this post helps someone. As an adoring husband who longs to get his bride back, this is stressful, but I feel hopeful that we might be on the horizon of a new day. I think there’s a chance I will get her back now, but I hope this nausea will go away. I just hope we didn’t make a huge mistake going cold turkey. I’d love to hear from anyone else with advice. God bless you.
David
I’d love to hear and update on this story!
It has been 12 days since my wife stopped Pristiq. We went to see the doctor in person a few days ago, and he said after the first week of cold turkey, it’s best to just finish the withdrawals. She still has dizziness and occasional nausea, but she’s much better. Antivert is supposed to help with dizziness, but we can’t find it anywhere. She has also taken Zofran for nausea. I remind her regularly that it has only been a couple days and that she keeps getting better. She feels like it has been so much longer and can’t see the progress like I have.
She is sleeping better and doesn’t need Ambien so much anymore. She is acting like her old self more and more. In fact, at church the pastor said something really funny and she threw her head back and laughed with abandon. I was just overwhelmed with love and joy to see her enjoy life. We have talked about the fact that she has been numbed to extreme emotions. She’ll feel full happiness now, but she’ll feel full sadness as well. It’s okay. Living in the full spectrum of emotion is part of the joy of being fully alive. King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 7:3 said, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us.” She knows there will be bad days, but she knows that I’ll go through them with her and God will never give her more than she can stand up under.
She’s thinking about quitting her job and volunteering more. She feels like she could exercise more and feel caught up around the house. I fully support her. We’d miss the money, but I’d give up a LOT of money to see her work out. It’s amazing how a good workout clears my mind and actually gives me energy. She still doesn’t have much energy and has a lot of aches and pains.
Neither of us have any regrets about her quitting anti-depressants at this point. I wish doctors hadn’t told her to stay on them all these years. I suppose there are reasons why, but I’m not sure they are compelling or in the full interest of the patient living a full, healthy life….at least in her case.
Where ever you are on your journey, I hope this helps or encourages you. Most of all, find comfort in the fact that you were made for a purpose, and your trials are refining you and pointing you toward your Creator. There is no comfort in the world apart from Him. There will be tears in this life, but there is One who will wipe away all of your tears forever, and He loves you.
God bless you,
David.
Thank you so much for sharing. I have made a decision today to come off Pristiq after being on it for at least 4 years. I am afraid, as I have in the past tried to leave this drug only to experience all the typical withdrawal symptoms and have not been strong enough to follow through.
I know this is going to be a long journey, although I feel encouraged from reading your recount of your wife’s strong will to hang in there.
I pray that God will be with me to wipe away my tears as I know they are about to embark on me.
Please keep me posted on your wife’s progress, I look forward to hearing how amazingly she is doing.
Cheryl M
I hear you I just had the same conversation with my husband tonight. Week four going off Pristiq cold turkey after only 6 months. I wanted a quick fix for a very very stressful time and I had no idea what an evil drug this is. My husband just wants the woman he married back. I’ve had the mad happy vomiting flu symptoms along with the insane dreams and total crazy sleep.
I’m a Christian and never thought I’d really take anything like this and if I ever get this out of my body and brain won’t ever again. I teach school so going off is extremely difficult. Positive thinking much prayer and a very supportive husband and my best friend sister is making it possible for me to do this. I totally understand every post and I’m so sorry that we are going through this but I’ve learned there is no quick fix to stress and anxiety.
There has to be other ways to cope. As a Christian I know God is always there but this time I thought he needed the help of Pristiq . Worked for awhile but then all I did was gain weight and it wasn’t doing what it did at first. Prayers for all who are going through this. I am determined to make it. I want myself back too!
Thank you David for sharing. I hope your wife is doing well. I was on anti-depressants for years. Was on Pristiq for a while. I tapered off by going to Effexor for a short time because I could cut the tablets. It has been one week since I took my last tablet of 6.25 MG. I feel terrible; brain zaps, dizzy, nausea, cloudy thinking.
Your sharing has given me hope. I believe the Lord led me to your post. I sometimes wonder if I will ever feel like I want to feel again. My wife and I have a 16 year old son (who happens to be yelling at his xBox right now). I want to be the father that God wants me to be. It is so difficult being so out-of-it right now. I am hoping and praying for the Lord to heal me. Please keep us up to date…
I’ve never left a comment on any forum, but I feel so encouraged by all the posts because I’m going through this withdrawal hell myself. My GP told me to go cold turkey with pristiq! He prescribed Valdoxan which I am taking, but I feel angry and confused and don’t know if I should continue with any meds. I am experiencing day three without pristiq and it’s no picnic!
I don’t feel confident to drive because of the dizziness. Other withdrawal symptoms are nausea, headaches, moodiness , foggy brain, brain zaps, exhaustion and I get very hungry when nausea subsides. My mum was on effexor for years and it took her a long time to come off it and I never knew that pristiq is pretty much the same thing. I’m so mad at my GP for not warning me what I might experience when I stop.
I just hope that I’ll feel better soon. I try to pray but God feels so far away! Thanks again for everybody who share their experience. It makes me feel less alone!
In most cases of post partum depression, the best and most effective treatment is the taking of fish oils.
These fats become depleted during pregnancy and when replaced the recovery is commonly very quick.
Antidepressants never work. They are brain disabling chemicals and all that they do is to deaden the patient’s emotional life and that may make them feel ‘better’ than they had done hitherto.
Antidepressants never work in the sense that they never solve the underlying problem. Stories about brain chemistry put about by the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry are simply lies.
I am a psychologist and when I am told by a patient that they have be put on antidepressants, I ask them the following questions;
1. What explanation did the prescribing doctor give for his/her decision to put you on this drug? (Most of the explanations are simply lies.)
2. Did the doctor tell you that you would have to be on this drug for a long time?
3. Do you feel that this drug solves the underlying problem for your ‘condition’? (Most say “No.” Some will say that they understand that the drug is a prop to help them over difficult times. That is the only use that these drugs have.)
4. Do you want to be on this drug for a long time, or for life? (Very, very few want to continue on the medication. Some will say that they feel that the drug confirms their fears that they are defective, a fear often planted by the medical profession. The whole process is understood by many patients as an attack upon their personal integrity. And they are right.)
I agree! And I feel blessed to have found it!
Hello Elizabeth – I have been waiting for your post! Unlike the other posters that have been on Pristiq quite a while while, you and I are short-timers. Me being on 50 mgs for only 1 week and in that short time I have experienced headaches, dizziness, nausea. This is not for me. I had been on 15 mg of Lexapro the last few years for anxiety and when I went to doc for refill she suggested, since my life has calmed down, that the Pristiq may be better since it mainly helps with depression.
I was very hesitant in taking a new drug since the Lexapro worked fine but I acquiesced and took it. HUGE mistake. Since these 50 mg tablets cannot be split I went off cold turkey and my symptoms are so much worse that I have spent this past week in band and I’m afraid to drive with the dizziness. I have a medical follow-up in three weeks. Please keep in touch. -Joanna
Joanne. I was also only on a week and withdrawal was not fun. On 8th day off and still am sweaty, weepy, and anxious. How long did your symptoms last?
I have a fantastic, thoughtful & careful doctor who has been gradually tapering off Pristiq and bridging me with Lovan (Prozac). Mostly because Pristiq has caused me to gain a huge amount of weight & I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (no family history) at only 46. I was on 150mg of Pristiq for a few years, so was quite chemically dependent on it. My brain function was very used to Pristiq.
Even with the gradual tapering I noticed a difference when I got down to 50mg of Pristiq combined with 20mg Lovan. Mostly intermittent bouts of anxiety, agitation & irritability combined with some mild nausea (queasiness mostly). After a couple of weeks of this regime my doctor moved me completely off the Pristiq & increased the Lovan up to 40mg. That was last Wednesday & today is Tuesday, the following week. It has been a nightmare.
Symptoms of extreme mood swings, hopelessness, severe anxiety, agitation, incredible anger (screaming profanity at people from my car window who wouldn’t let me move into traffic lanes is EXTREMELY unlike me) & high levels of fatigue. I’ve felt irrational & absolutely bat sh*t crazy truth be told.
The irony is I’m a mental health professional myself so I recognized the signs & am thinking that I just need to ride this through & I’ll be ok. Last night I snapped again in a neurotic, frenzy like manner yelling, swearing & felt like I was in a barely controlled rage. It’s a very, very scary feeling. Very unpleasant especially as I can see, after the fact, that my behaviour is deeply concerning for my family to see & I can easily determine that it’s completely out of character for me yet I can’t control it.
After I snapped verbally & neurotically at my 13 yr old son I realized I’d lost the plot again & felt I was really, really struggling with Pristiq withdrawal. No brain zaps, as others mention, but extreme levels of mood swings. I decided to call my dr & have made an appointment for tomorrow morning. In the meantime I’ve taken some Valium to take the edge off what I can only describe as seething anger simmering in my veins. It seems to have helped. Today I felt so despondent and guilty about my outbursts I slept the day away to avoid having to deal with myself.
This is a drug that really can grip some people, me included, making it very difficult (and dangerous) to come off – even with bridging with Lovan and gradually tapering over a good 5 weeks.
I think it’s really important to get help with this drug withdrawal. Can’t say I’m homicidal (lol) but it scares me that my mood can become so unbalanced & extreme. I just hope it all settles soon as its debilitating in that I feel the need to protect the world from my moods at present so I’m at home alone so I don’t flip out in public.
Yours in craziness, Lindsey
Hi Lindsey, I am “weaning” off for the the second time. This time my psych has told me to take 50mg for three days then stop. I have to have a week of “washing” the system out before I embark on an MAOI. I knew in myself that the 200mg I had been in for 6 months was going to be changed so I had already tapered to 100mg for two weeks prior. Today is my first non pristiq day. I recognize the usual symptoms… zapping, tingling, fatigue and complete irrational mood swings. Through single mother with four into that mix.
I can’t tell you how many times I have sworn today. My kids are very balanced and understand. Doesn’t make it any easier on them though. My eldest is only 10. I am dizzy, confused and have constant vertigo. I know this week is going to be a bitch. They are heading to their dads for a week, so the timing is perfect. I have been down this route before though about a year ago. I tapered off over three months. Then when I was completely off the drug for a month, a cycle of hypo mania started. I ended up in hospital… diagnosis, bipolar. Family history, so it wasn’t a surprise.
I have an amazing supportive family. I was living with my sister last year when this happened and she was my saving grace. This year I am in a house on my own but she is only around the corner. I only have to get through tomorrow and then I know they will be “safe” from my out bursts. I am also a full time Uni student. I know that there is no hope on earth I am going to be able to go there this week. I can barely drive the kids to school! I have diazepam to help take the edge off and I take it as soon as I see I am being irrational with the kids.
I put myself in time out so to speak until I feel it working. All it does is slightly take the edge off. Moral: There is NO easy way to come off this drug. I am sure it is effective for some people, but when the dose constantly has to be increased to a max of 200mg as in my case to no effect at all, I wonder why it is even prescribed. I had all the side effects, with non of the benefits. I gave it time to work too. Believe me!! I am SO desperate to feel “normal” that I am saying yes to anything. I never want to experience a hyper manic episode ever again.
I too am way from “homicidal maniac” but for the safety of the public, I too shall hide from view for the next week. Lol. I am suppose to start Nardil the week after I stop the pristiq. So wish me luck I guess. Together in craziness, Ren
Analeise, Do you recommend the Prozac bridge? Right now I’m on day ten of tapering off with smaller doses of effexor.
Prozac has one of the longer half-lives of the antidepressants that acts specifically on serotonin, which means it takes longer to flush out of your system. So theoretically it’s a slower taper because your body eliminates it slower. It also comes in conveniently small doses such as 10mg so you can stretch the taper out longer. It’s important to also make lifestyle changes like adding exercise, getting a little sun every day, and generally keeping yourself occupied with positive, uplifting, or even just comforting activities.
It has now been 4 weeks since I quit Pristiq cold turkey. I wish that I had a knowledgeable doctor because I have been through hell and am still suffering. Many of my physical symptoms such as severe back pain, sweating, shaking and dizziness are much better, but since week 3 my main withdrawal symptoms have been insomnia (which I have had since week 1) as well as massive despair and hopelessness.
The despair is nothing like the depression I felt when I first went on the drug, it is so much worse. Every time it gets dark it gets a lot worse, but today I have woken up feeling this way. Last night I drove to an after hours doctor and was all ready to give up and go on another antidepressant, but she prescribed me a very low dose valium. It did allow me to sleep, but I still feel so low today.
I am also incredibly anxious about everything, especially if something happens to my husband or that I will end up pushing him away through this. It is unbearable. Today I have a my first counseling session. I am really hoping I will walk away with some tools for dealing with this. I wonder if it is going to be this bad for another 2 months? If so I would have to go back onto something, because I can’t cope.
Hi Catherine, Your symptoms seem extremely similar to what my mother is going through right now. I was just wondering how you are doing and if you had any advice. She is having a difficult time through this. Thanks!
I am just past two weeks cold turkey and it has t been too bad. I am exercising more and frankly smoking pot which has really helped. The zaps stopped after 10 days. I am very short fused and hot tempered. However, the best hung has been a very real sense of “this is an appropriate emotion for this situation.” The fog is lifting although I still feel like a cinderblock is in my head. I’m not up for much sexual activity.
My bowel movements are back to normal and my hunger has subsided. I could eat all day at first. I frankly don’t think the drug was doing anything for several years. I was in 200 and the. Backed down to 100 once day for at least five years. I think it is a bad drug for many and for me, it was time to stop. I also suit so caffeine several week prior and that has been so wonderful. I have had two nightmares that was awful the first week. I have not cried, but am almost fighting that like “Nope nope, I am not going to cry over this,” and I am a big old tiddy baby usually.
It is the end of summer and I am worried about winter. I am going to try an organic and other methods to fight it this time. I am going to do yoga, acupuncture, herbs and other this time. It has to be cheaper! Good luck to all and cold turkey seemed doable or me. I think I had to psych myself out to do it but it has not been too hard or bad at all. I think I was on Effexor and then this awful drug for right years! I’d love to keep up with this thread. John.
John John,
This gives me hope as I am doing it cold turkey. Only on my second day and last night sucked. I was not aware of the insomnia this could cause but I am not so I may be taking something tonight. I have not started having the zaps yet but I too psyched myself up for this and am ready for them. Thanks again for the information.
How is it going? I read to try adding Metamucil and I have to say it seems to help it out. I am still aging a zap or few throughout the day, but they are mild and lessening in frequency. I have no regrets stopping it. There are some times where I feel very heavy and lethargic. I have had some client situations and personal by time stresses where I might have cried in the past, but not during this cycle. I may be white knuckling it, but am proud. Let’s keep in touch on this. So few people understand it. All my partner says is “Oh, that’s why guy were an asshole that first week.” Lol. I will say that long and mild walks have helped me. I find myself talking alone in he car like it is a real Therapy session, but I am getting to a lot of truth.
I went cold turkey from 50mg. On day 7 I almost went back taking it again because I felt like I was being electrocuted, brain zaps, confusion and dizziness. I am happy to let you all know the last 2 days I’ve been free of all withdraw symptoms. Please hang in there. I am a huge wimp and managed to get through it. Try and stay strong. It can be done. What these drug companies are doing should be illegal.
I complained to my Dr when I missed a dose I was tingling all over and he said it had nothing to do with this medication. Both Dr’s and pharmaceutical companies only care about making money off of our suffering. I am so upset about this. I have read from women that want children and can’t come off to students trying to get through school and how many children are out there that can’t express how they feel.
It is so wrong. I wish I could do something about it so I just keep coming on here and hope that I can encourage all of us. I took me a long time to find people in my situation that had reach freedom from this horror. Those who accomplish this freedom keep coming back on here and give others hope. Google the supplement Magnesium chelated. Empower yourself – that’s half the battle. Wish you all success. Live Free.
Thank you for this post! Actually for this entire thread, as I feel reading it has really helped prepare me. I’ve been taking pristiq for almost 8 months and recently decided it was more harmful than helpful, as rather than feeling and dealing with life’s ups & downs I have been living in a dulled state of monotony. Life threw too many obstacles at me at once and I wasn’t coping, so the Doc put me on this stuff.
He didn’t mention the side effects or difficulty getting off it. In these last 2 weeks I went through a break up and I had 2 panic attacks and realized that the medication was not the answer. I’ve been on 50mg and have started tapering off. In the last 5 days I spent the first 3 on half the dose (I just bit them in half), and the last 2 days I have been on a quarter. Amazingly, I feel good! Clearer than I’ve felt in a LONG time!!
Thankfully I had already started doing morning workouts again which helps elevate the mood, and paired with making this decision makes me feel like I’m taking control of my life again. I even asked for a raise today!! I have taken paracetamol for the headaches and yes my sleep is lighter and more disturbed, but I’m sure this will ease and it is well worth it. I feel more myself again already, even my eyes look brighter. Tomorrow I’m not taking any pristiq, I’m done with the stuff. Feeling hopeful about the future, will keep you posted :)
Hi all, I have been off Pristiq for about three weeks now after reducing the dosage to half, then a quarter. I still have the headaches and I get VERY tired in the afternoon to the point where I had to leave work early the other day as I just couldn’t cope. I’ve had burning and watering eyes which I thought was hay fever, although I’ve never had it that severe before. Some dry coughing too.
I’ll be glad when it’s all over and I’m going to search for other ways to manage my depression even though my doctor says it’s my only option as I’ve had a number of recurrences. I’ve lost some weight though exercise and better eating and I am seeing a naturopath. Try everything you can before going back to the drugs. Anyone who wants to contact me to discuss further please let me know as it’s hard to talk to those that have not experienced this.
Wow I totally agree I feel like I need to go to a rehab to get off pristiq. I am so upset about the doctors who prescribe it and the drug company. I have tried so many times to get off pristiq but I get sick and have the horrible brain zaps along with crying and insomnia. So I go back on it… And the cost is ridiculous. I just don’t know what to do.
Hi Sara. This is the first time I’ve ever participated in one of these threads; but the withdrawal has been so bad that I feel I need to. This is day 5 of withdrawal. I was on 50 mg for the last 4 months. I’m coming off cold turkey because I don’t see any other option. Taking another medication that I will also have to stop taking eventually doesn’t seem to be an appropriate way to go.
Yesterday, day 4, I took .25 mg of clonazepam in the afternoon to settle me down and it did help. However, be warned that clonazepam withdrawal is also hellish and be used extremely sparingly, if at all. I exercise, eat well and have support, however, I have not asked my doctor’s advice yet. My main reason for sharing is to give you support to hang in there. If it gets to bad, then reach out to someone, don’t be alone and stay as busy as you can. Get as much sleep as possible…and remember it’s all temporary and that you can do it.
Hi Sara, I agree with your comment on needing rehab to come off pristiq. The first time I tried was a year ago and it nearly pushed me over the edge. I went back on because I was too afraid of what happened when I went off them. For the last months I cut down to half. I then started skipping a day. Then 2 day. I am now off them for nearly a week. I still get the brain zaps but not so bad. Everyday I’m feeling a bit better. Hope this helps. Definitely would never have started taking them if I knew how hard it was to get off them!
Hello, My doctor had put me on a cocktail of vyvanse and pristiq which I was on for almost 7 years! When I relocated to another state and had to set up a new doctor he was incredibly surprised that I was on it so long and suggested I really look at a alternative. I read tons of history’s on withdrawal from this drug and was afraid of what would happen to me while I was traveling since I travel for a living and I didn’t want anything like what has been said above hitting at one time while I was in the middle of nowhere!
They finally started a 25mg version of pristiq (not that anyone had any) and so my doctor had me bump my 50mg down to 25mg and then for three weeks take one 150mg Wellbutrin then finally drop the pristiq and go to 300mg of the other. Well the first couple days nothing really happened then it hit dizziness all he time and feeling incredibly foggy and tons of brain farts! I am only the third week of being off of the pristiq and still dealing with some of the effects of withdrawal but some new things have popped up…
My emotions have come back, my wife says I am not as mug of a robot as when on the pristiq and there are the enjoyable mood swings! I just try to take notice of that and try my best to not push them on others. I just would love for the dizziness and nausea to stop because with the amount of driving and flying I do it tends to hit at the worst possible time! Take care and thanks for the insight everyone.
There’s a 25 mg version? I have been taking 50 mg every other day. The side effects are awful. Stomach pain, headache, brain zaps, dizziness. Wonder if the 25 might help. Instead of having it in my body every other day.
Bill, As I was reading everyone’s comments, yours caught my eye when you mentioned Wellbutrin. I started taking Pristiq about 2 years ago after telling my doctor that the current one I was taking was not working anymore, which was Zoloft. So he recommends 50mg of Pristiq, worse mistake I ever made was getting on that evil medicine, after a few months of starting Pristiq.
I told him it wasn’t working and wanted to stop completely, but he talked me in to trying 100mg. I could not tell that much difference, then one day I missed a dose, and I literally thought I was gonna die, JUST ONE DOSE, what had I got myself into, then I decided to go to a psych doctor (a professional) not my primary care doctor. After telling him my story of my real life near death experience (symptoms of a heart attack, brain zaps, extreme nausea, pounding headaches, and nervousness like I can’t even put in words) from (one) missed dose.
Even though these symptoms only lasted a day, that was my red flag to stop. He immediately dropped the dose down to 50mg and added 100mg of Wellbutrin, then 6 wks later, he stops my Pristiq and and adds another 100mg Wellbutrin, I take one in morning and one in evening, first 2 days was rough, but 3rd day I felt sooo much better, symptoms are slowly leaving my body.
I want to eventually stop Wellbutrin and he said it was not hard to get off that med. but now just taking one day at a time, prayers to you and all who are trying to get off Pristiq, hope this helps someone.
I am going out of my mind! I’ve been off for about 2 weeks and have every symptom listed. I, like so many others feel like giving up. Most days I don’t want to wake up!! It’s of the devil!!!
Ugh… I’m so sorry you’re still having so many negative withdrawal symptoms. I’m on day three. I sure hope I’m successful this time. I tried several months ago but my husband and daughter were not prepared for my emotional rollercoasters. I didn’t want to put them through that so I agreed to go back on 50mg.
This time I feel more determined. It’s hard. The brain zaps are annoying. It’s hard to concentrate. The night sweats, sleeplessness, numbness, irritability, emotional ups and downs aren’t fun but on the flip side, I feel myself coming back to life. I feel determined this time.
I have prepared my husband and he seems on board to see it through with me which is a huge help. Reading this thread has been very helpful as well. Thanks to all of you who share. Stay strong!!
Thank you for your encouragement. I have been on 50mg Pristiq for 6 years and I wish I would have done a little more research before just taking whatever my doc said. My new doctor is having me take Prozac for two weeks and then quit the Pristiq. I’m on day 3 and the brain zaps are crazy. Never experienced such a thing before. Anyway, I felt like a zombie all day with headaches and nausea. Thanks for letting us know it gets better. Will update as well, hopefully if things go well…
Omg!! I soooo agree with all of this!! I’m ready to put my money into relaxation, travels or savings!! When I lost my insurance, and found out the cost of this med for 1 month??? I lost it!! I’m going to let my spouse read these comments so he’ll understand all of this!!!
Hi John John,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m on my third day cold turkey from 100mg dose. I tried about 6 months ago and didn’t last long but am determined to be stronger this time. At this stage have had the zaps in the head which can be tough when trying to concentrate but I’ve been on leave from work since the start and have a couple of more days leave before I head back to work. Apart from that have had headaches but just taking headache pills as prescribed.
I must admit I’m a sook and had a bit of a cry at one point (going through separation and have a little boy that I miss spending every day with) but determined to work through them. I’m hoping the early days are potentially the worst you’re likely to feel so if I can get through say a week or two and this is the extent of the discomfort then hopefully I’m on the right side of the fence for getting through this ‘experience’.
Good luck to everyone going through this process.
Stuart
Hello, I went cold turkey by accident. I became ill at work and went straight to hospital – no one realized I was on Pristiq and I didn’t tell the hospital consequently – cold turkey. It hasn’t been too bad though just 7 days now and finally out of hospital as well. Have decided to stay off the stuff. Symptoms have been: 3 days of ongoing nightmares that I just kept reliving, nausea, dizzy – like seriously dizzy – often totally lose my balance and bump into the wall or suddenly just sit.
I did have a big headache right in the top of my head for a few days but it has gone. I think I have been very lucky as all the symptoms where mixed up with my other illness and basically I just felt like crap for a week! lol. No anger, actually feel very calm, relaxed and nothing upsets me, slightly amusing really, just dizzy.
Oh wow this is so great to read! I’ve gone cold turkey off 100mg. I didn’t mean too, but I moved to a different country about 6 months ago and I woke up one day and realized I had ran out of the stuff. I rang up to see a doctor and I was told I would have to wait a week because I hadn’t registered with the health care system in this country yet. I was so scared about how I would get through the week without it, but I got through fine. The physical side effects were really minimal so after a week passed I thought I’d keep off it.
I’d been thinking of coming off it anyway. Pristiq has been great for me, I had no side effects while taking it and it totally changed my life in a really positive way, so now I want to see if I can sustain that naturally. If it turns out I can’t then thats ok, it was worth a go. I’m in week 3 now and I think things have been going really well considering. Side effects so far are:
– nausea (for the past week I feel extreme nausea for at least half the day),
– constipation (past week only),
– crying spells (I was at the pub on a friday night and I just started crying uncontrollably, I’ve never cried when drinking so it scared the hell out of me! So embarrassing!)
– extreme anxiety,
– unable to concentrate at work.
I know these don’t sound great, but they’re not as bad as they sound and I thought coming off such a significant medication like this would be way worse. I’m really positive and 100% know I can do this. Good luck to everyone else out there, no matter if you decide to stay on it, or go off it, you’re not alone!
I’d stay away from depressants like alcohol when you’re coming off an antidepressant, even if you’re usually a happy drunk it can really bring you down. Light exercise including yoga or just a walk can help immensely.
I can really relate to this comment! I was taking 50mg of Pristiq for just over a year and have decided to stop cold turkey (as you cant cut the tablets you have no other choice but to STOP and deal with all the nasty withdrawal symptoms). It’s only been 3 days (kill me now!) and I’ve wanted to give up so many times. But I’m going to keep pushing through. I have a ravenous appetite, I cant stop eating and I’m not a very big person I don’t eat a lot so that’s been a very strange side effect.
I could literally eat all day long! I have the typical headaches, brain fuzziness, vertigo, constant dizziness, nausea, HEIGHTENED sex drive which I think is strange as its supposed to be the opposite (I had almost no sex drive whilst taking Pristiq so clearly its back with a vengeance) and I have symptoms of a common cold/flu. So runny nose, sweating, body aches and pains, sore throat etc. Anyways I would LOVE to know how long this will go on for?!
I’ve read that it can last 2 weeks or up to 3 months! I’m scared as it’s so hard to just get through the day or have a decent sleep without the nightmares or weird dreams! Can anyone let me know how long these symptoms lasted for?
Wow! I’m having IDENTICAL withdrawal symptoms! I was on 50mg for three years. I tried to “taper” once before but failed. I’m on day 10 of cold turkey withdrawal. This med was just okay for me. I think it stopped working and I could not seem to convince my doctor that it was causing high cholesterol…ugh. I’m pushing through though I, too, wish I knew how long these side effects were going to last! Let me know if you find out.
So happy I found this thread. I am withdrawing off 200mg cold turkey… I’m on day 4. It has been hell so far. I literally can’t talk and I’m slurring my words! Been vomiting, have diarrhea, and a headache from hell. I feel like I have the flu, it’s just hell. The only positive about any of this is I have been horny as hell all day… I think I’m getting my mojo back!
I am trying to withdraw, and the psychiatrist had me splitting the 100mg tabs for 2 weeks, taking 75mg. I’ve now read that it’s not advised….ugh. Now I’ve been taking 50mg for a week. He tried adding Abilify in a tiny dose, but that made it much worse – only took for 2 days. He suggested 50mg every other day, but I see this isn’t recommended either?
I was going to quit cold turkey, and now I see here it makes it …. longer…. worse?? I can’t think, I’m off balance, and have a headache with nausea. I have 30 days of 50mg, but I”m supposed to begin another antidepressant….so confusing. This is not fun.
Listen to your psychiatrist, not something you found on the internet.
Terrible comment. A doctor isn’t always right.
I would get a different psychiatrist! My bottle even states that you should not break/cut these tablets, but a psychiatrist told you to? I’d be questioning him/her! Then dumping him/her! Talk to your pharmacist or GP about withdrawing!
I am on day 12 and it has been a roller coaster of emotion, vomiting, brain zaps, upset stomach, pains in living, cold chills, sweats, agitation, suicidal thoughts, anger, guilt… The list goes on. The insomnia and night sweats have been exhausting and sometimes I don’t want to wake up! About day 3 I could only walk while the brain zaps kicked in by hugging the wall, fell over twice – felt like someone has pushed me violently to the ground.
Thank you drug companies for profiting at the misery of ever bodies mind and health and all to fill your corporate pockets. I would recommend this drug be banned and never used on humans or animals . Everyday brings a different and soul destroying side effect that quickly gives less and less of a reason to continue. And so; do I keep taking it – no- but something makes me want to like a junkie hooked on cocaine or something not legal.
Well let’s see what tomorrow brings – more tears- more disappointment, brain zaps, vomiting, so return to the start.
How are you now?
I split pills very slowly and was told by pharmacist and 3 doctors that it was ok to do. It has works for me. But you must do very slowly. Slivers at a time. I even bought a small scale to measure going down a gram at a time.
I would get rid of your psych!!! If they are recommending those things then they not actually familiar with the drug. Not good. Best of luck!
I am finding it hard I went off pristiq cold turkey. It’s the constant head pains that kill me then play on my mind.
Hi. How are you going since going cold turkey ???
I’m 13 days cold turkey from 50mg over 8 months. I timed to come off over Easter weekend so I didn’t have to be at work. The first week was uncomfortable and unpleasant. Experienced most of the symptoms above: brain zaps, rise in body temperature, weepiness, vivid dreams, depersonalization, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, irritability, hypersensitivity to both light and sound. Depersonalization is like being stoned without any of the fun.
Most of these passed within seven days, some of them only stayed for a few hours or so. In the second week, brain zaps were still an issue. However, they did dull significantly, and were spaced further apart. I’ve noticed that my anxiety has been heightened and I’m experiencing teariness from everything to news articles to cat videos on Youtube.
Stuff I’ve been doing to manage the symptoms:
-Taking Neurocalm (not a drug) during the withdrawal period which seems to have helped. It could be a placebo effect, but whatever, I’ll take it.
-Incorporated light exercise after the first five days. I haven’t in the last three days due to low energy levels and my mood has dropped significantly. Highly recommend keeping up an exercise schedule when the major withdrawal symptoms begin to recede.
-If you’re able, I recommend taking some time off work so you’re able to properly deal with the symptoms. I stopped on a Wednesday and didn’t start feeling the full effects until the Friday, if that helps.
-I’m keeping a mood/anxiety diary, a food/exercise diary and following a routine. This has helped me monitor my mood and distinguish where diet and exercise is having an impact or if something else at play. Following a routine (particularly around exercise, nutrition, relaxation and socializing) also helps my symptoms of depressions generally and I do expect my symptoms to increase over the next few weeks.
-I also briefed my partner with what to expect and how he could support me. I think this is really important if you live with someone.
-Today is the first day without brain zaps. It’s not to say they’re gone for good, but it does highlight these symptoms are only temporary. I understand it’s quite daunting for people to come off (trust me, I read the forums too) but it is manageable if you have a plan for during and after.
P.S.: If you can’t take a week off, or have someone dependent on you, I would discuss a tapering drug with your doctor. It may not be necessary but I had the luxury of doing very little for at least four days from withdrawal and had no major stress or responsibility in that time.
Thanks for your comment! This has cheered me. I am on day two of cold turkey after tapering my 50mg (on for 9months) for a week and a half. I did this by alternating days. Depersonalization & dizziness, brain fog, & a general ‘hangover’ feeling where my head is swimming were hell for the first week of alternating but I seemed to adjust somewhat after a week. I had my last dose in the morning two days ago and my head feels as if it’s full of rocks.
I agree with the comment that depersonalization feels like being stoned without the fun part (haven’t touched that stuff in over ten years though). I’ve noticed in the last 24 hours that I’m irritable and lose my temper more easily (sucks to be my four year old or my school students ATM!). This morning I got teary but other than those two I haven’t noticed any major anxiety or depression; it’s the swimming head that is stopping me being functional & feels hellish.
I’ve been taking 30-45mg serepax and that makes a HUGE difference in taking the side effects away. Unfortunately I’ve only been allowed a few due to the risk of being reliant on them, but I must say I’m sure they’re easier to withdraw from than pristiq so I’d rather take my chances. I’m not abusing them so I don’t see any issue (my doctor does though ?).
I’ve made a ‘keep calm kit’ for anxious spells; I’ve included my favourite comedy dvd, mindful colouring, recipes for easy healthy meals, inspiring quotes, and pretty nail polishes. I’ve got two weeks off work for school holidays and plan on watching loads of comedy in my PJ’s & trying to get some exercise going when my withdrawals allow. I’d love to have some more serepax for this time as it seems to massively help but I’ve only got enough for the first three-four days.
Magnesium and vit C are also recommended by my naturopath to reduce the severity and likelihood of anxiety episodes. I’m determined to persevere as long as possible!
I am also doing the cold turkey. (I’m 31years old and have been on pristiq for about 12 weeks). I’m on day 5… I am usually one who can handle drug side effects, but this is a whole new level of experience. I’ve experienced the brain zaps everyday, headaches are pretty horrible. I find I’m so very sensitive to light and computer/phone screens.
I don’t have nausea, but I’m prone to migraines, which I think I’m getting pre-onsets all the time. I sleep very easily, due to being tired all the time. I find if I can get in a quiet room and close my eyes for 15 minutes my headaches calm down a bit or take a nap if I’m not at work. I’m curious as to how long it took for you to not have any symptoms at all?
I’m 5 weeks off and still have dizzy spells and strange eye sensations. I wish everyone was alike and we knew exactly when these side effects would end.
It’s my 3rd week and still feel quite dizzy. By taking Meclizine (or any motion-sickness medicine) will ease the symptom.
I agree. Motion sickness or nausea meds in low doses has helped ease some of the symptoms. I had been on 100mg for approx. 6 years. I was warned about the terrible withdrawal side effects, and also recognize breaking the slow release seal isn’t great. But I went down to 75mg for 2 weeks, then 50 mg for two weeks then 25(ish)mg for 2+ weeks.
Worst days for me were the first 36-72 hours on 75mg, then first 36-72 hours on 25mg, and finally 36-96 hours post going cold. In ascending severity. Right now I’m 6 days since my last dose. Initial side effects were terrible: brain zaps, dizzy, nausea, loss of balance, cold sweats, falling asleep late around 12pm, running to the toilet, crying spells.
Most of those side effects for me started to ease at the 4 1/2 day point. But from day 3 onwards irritability and a short temper kicked in quite severely and hypersensitivity to sound/light and they are still going strong. I am also a little depersonalized. Not great news for my toddler and bubba.
We all know kids can push our buttons at the best of times but I have to be hypervigilant not to physically show my frustration with an arm grip that’s too tight (e.g.) or using really sharp responses with body language that I would never, ever normally use. That hulk-like reaction has scared me a few times to be honest. At least I know what it is and am working hard to reign it in or just walk away with a conscious focus on not doing it.
Right now I have brain zaps that are receding in severity, the nausea has eased quite a lot, I’m still struggling to fall asleep and am super tired during the day, and still irritable and hypersensitive. The digestive system seems to be calming down, the crying has almost stopped and the headaches are gone. There is no lifestyle ‘good’ time to come off this drug.
But medical advice is that there are better SNRI drugs out there anyway that are also more forgiving in side effects when you forget a dose or need to stop taking them. I personally have had to take time off work to deal with the withdrawal side effects. Very happy I did too. Not keen on crying, irritable, angry at work or trying to explain why using a computer is so terrible to my senses at the moment.
I have definitely needed understanding and gentle handling from those closest to me. It is not only medically right to come off my SNRI now but I am so happy to know I never have to go through this again. It’s like ripping a bandaid. But I would never, ever recommend cold turkey to anyone. Nor tapering down for anything less than 2 months. My 6-7 weeks was a push too quickly in hindsight.
To anyone reading this, be kind and forgiving to yourself. You can’t control these withdrawal side-effects. And put in place a support team around you in any way you can. Remember it’s tough now, but it will stop and then you’ll be clean. Maybe not today but there is a set time frame for all of us and you’re body will thank you in the long run for changing drugs or stopping altogether if that’s where you are at. We’re not alone in this.
Thanks for the comment…it’s good not to feel alone.
Thank you so much! I’m back on my meds after 3 days off them. I am just sobbing after reading your experience! I am a college instructor and I just don’t know how I got through two classes. Had to call my husband to come by the campus and pick me up. I have all the side effects. I am very sick right now! The headache just kicked in about 30 minutes ago. I got to get off these meds, but do it right!!! Please pray for me. My doctor should have warned me!!!!
Hi all, I teach kindergarten and am going cold turkey off Pristiq after being on it for over 6 years. My doctor thinks that it was contributing / not helping an autoimmune condition which has developed. My sister had the same issue with hers and it resolved itself after she stopped taking it. I start by mentioning my job because it is impossible to teach 26 four year olds while sweating, shaking, nauseous, emotionally uncontrollable (happy one second / unexplainable rage the next).
Every time I hear noise, move quickly, or try to focus on more than one thing at a time my brain feels like it physically cringes. Luckily I have leave and a doctor who follows me closely, but I am wondering what the other side of this looks like? How long did it take for your body to feel “normal” again. Was there any drug or tool that was helpful to manage the symptoms of withdrawl?
What kind of supports (people, drug, food, activity) did people find helped alleviate or modify these horrible symptoms to a point that you could be a functional human being? Thanks for this forum, it truly helps to know I am not losing my mind and that I am not alone in this struggle. Liz
Hey Liz! I’m 4 weeks free of it now… I stopped noticing brain zaps after 3 weeks but by then I was only getting them when I was super tired. The nausea or I call it my sensitive stomach is just starting to subside now. In the first week I had a lot of bed rest and trying not to move, so that pretty much limited me to watching tv and reading.
I did my best to get out of the house for at least half an hour every day, walking around shopping centres or going to the super market. I found lavender oil and pillow spray a blessing… I have a diffuser next to my bed so I constantly had the lavender oil going. If I was having a bad day I would take 1/2 to a full Valium depending on what I had to do that day but didn’t want to use it too much.
As much as a craved healthy salads and meals I just couldn’t stomach them, eggs and toast were staples. I also craved cold so had icey poles on hand and ginger ale or beer. If you want to talk to me at any time about your withdrawals more than happy to lend an ear… I know how horrific it is! But I’m back at work at 95% now and free of pristiq! gina.bowman[@]icloud.com
Withdrawl from pristiq is real. It is horrible. Brain zaps, agitation, anger, pain…all real. I just need to know how long will this all last. How can I feel better? It is very scary and I feel like it will never end. It’s been 34 days since I ended my taper. Still can’t function.
Rachel, would love to hear how you are doing now? I started tapering a few weeks ago and today is the first day without any pristiq…. Trying to convince myself that it will be ok!
Hi Erin, Did you manage to stay off Pristiq? I hope you are now feeling really good. I was only on it for 13 days, but did not like it so I am going cold turkey. It is my 4th day without it, feeling weepy and dizzy, but when I read comments about how people have managed to do without it, it gives me courage to keep trying.
Pristiq withdrawal is a horrible mental nightmare. It’s very real! I’m in my fourth day and feel like killing myself. I’m experiencing every withdrawal symptom and am about ready to just go back on it. I am barely functioning at all. I don’t know what else to do!
I hope you’re ok. I’m on day 10 of tapering off by using tiny doses of effexor. I went 2 days cold turkey and was on the verge of a breakdown. I’m ok-ish. Determined though.
Wow. Withdrawal is brutal. Definitely negatively impacting sleep, work, home life. Day 6 (after tapering back down to 50 then cold from there). Zaps are decreasing in frequency and intensity. Fog is still there. Sleep is weird. Shakes/tingles/numbness still mega. My GP initially was very dismissive of withdrawal symptoms. I have to push the point with him so he knows that it can be severe…
Just started tappering down. 50 mg once every two days for two weeks than once every 3 days for two weeks. So far been ok. But comments here are scary. Are you doing any better now?
2 weeks cold turkey. I have had all of the symptoms. The zapping has mostly stopped, really tired, chills, sweats, feel sick. I have been on Effexor and then Pristiq for 20 years. It has been brutal.
I have been on an antidepressant since age 26. I am 49. I wanted OFF the effexor so my doctor put me on Pristiq. I lost my insurance so I can no longer afford it! I am struggling with all side-effects and could use a support group!!! This is horrible. Prayers for all of us!
How have you been doing Dawn? Keep strong.
Be strong ❤️
Dawn, I’m so sorry for you and hope you have been successful. I’m tapering off and it’s terrible, can’t even imagine going cold turkey. I’m rooting for you.
Hang in there, it will only get easier. I am in my 22nd day after 5 years on this horrible medication… dizziness and nausea were the worst symptoms for me, but I am feeling better with every morning.
Jane, what made you want to stop after 20 years?
Took Effexor for many years before switching to Pristiq. I couldn’t handle the side effects, especially the nausea so after 2 months I quit cold turkey. Feel dizzy, nausea, headaches and no appetite. I’m 67 and have taken antidepressants most of my life and none of them have made me feel normal EVER. I give up. Going to try therapy and just xanax for awhile and see how that works. Good luck everyone.
Jane, please let me know if you have been successful in coming off Pristiq. I have also been on effexor for a long time and then pristiq, the latter for 8 months with little success. I am now coming off pristiq and it is dreadful.
Hi! I’m on day four right now and am feeling exactly the same! I’m not sure when you wrote this comment but how long did it take until you felt “normal” and “functional” again? It’s so stressful do you have any tips?
I started tapering 4 months ago and took my last morsel yesterday. I’m feeling a bit ill… mostly a huge headache and flu-like symptoms. I’m trying to just get through it.
Oh my god, you were tapering for 4 months? I’ve been tapering for a month, was on 100 then down to 50 for a week then 25 for a week. Yesterday was my first day without, and today I feel so horribly ill, like I have the flu…chills, sweats, tummy ache, running to the bathroom, kinda dizzy, is this what you had going on?
I was on 200 mg for roughly 5 years but the side effects were getting to me… so I took myself down to 100 mg (I was a psychiatric nurse for 20+ years so I knew about tapering). Now I want off it completely. When did they start making 25 mg tabs? I have just made the decision to do this and the biggest barrier has been the fear of withdrawal. I know that if I am late with a dose I feel ill within 6 hours. If I miss a dose… I get the worst frontal lobe headache imaginable.
Hi Norma. I was on 50mg for 7 years and have been 15 weeks off. It took 5 months to taper. If you have any questions I would be glad to help. Denise
I’m glad you mentioned the frontal lobe pain. I’ve had a constant headache inside my skull for a week and was getting worried. The only other time I had a headache like this was when I was bitten by a red back spider.
I’ve been on 300 mg for just over 3 years. I’m on 200 mg now but don’t know if I’ll be able to stick with the withdrawal much longer. I feel like I’m constantly on the verge of a panic attack. Best wishes to everyone who is also trying to come off Pristiq.
Tracy so sorry haven’t been on in quite awhile. I tapered 5 months and have been 10 weeks free but still got some symptoms of withdrawal. My anxiety level is higher and I’ve had a few bad panic attacks. Headaches are not as often, but still pretty harsh when I get one which I have today. I had a rough night.
But TRACEY I REFUSE TO GO BACK ON. It’s been a rough haul, but life has to get better. Your symptoms are exactly what I had and it’s not easy but you will get threw it. Believe in yourself and me. I’m so sick of it. But I won’t give in and let pristiq kick my ass!!
Hi everyone, Well I’ve been off 50mg pristiq now for 18 weeks. ? I was on it for 7 years and 2 other antidepressants prior totaling 16 years altogether. I also took Elavil for the last 7 years and have been off that 22 weeks now. I’m tapering off my last 0.5mg of clonazapam I was on 1mg daily for 6 years.
I’m 49 and started antidepressants at age 32 all because of a panic attack. And never once doubted my family doctor. Then just thought it was what I would do for life. 10 months ago I woke up one day and said I wanna live again I wanna be free of meds I’m not depressed never was… just had panic attacks and anxiety. Through my 16 years the other 2 pills were added to my regime for panic and sleep problems along the way.
I thought ok I’m NOT GOING TO TAKE THESE ANY MORE IVE GOT TO LEARN TO DEAL WITH ANY ANXIETY I HAVE LEFT!!! So I began my taper. It was a long process but if you do it slowly it’s really going to be ok. You will survive. I mean that. I spend 20 weeks cutting my time release 50 mg and I did it slowly week by week and it worked fine.
I had body aches and crying spells and I was so scared like I’m a huge baby. I’ve read some borrow stories too. I was so afraid but I made it. I ended up buying a tiny scale to weigh my reductions daily. And cutting the pills was ok. Nothing weird happened to me. I know they say never cut them but it was ok. I want to add I’ve never done any drugs in my life don’t even drink alcohol so I was not self medicating through this.
I want to also say it’s possible to do this be strong and have faith in yourself. If you do it slow and steady you will be fine. Slow taper gives your brain a chance to adapt. If anyone has any questions feel free to email me or ask on this site. Denise ? deniseolsen67[@]gmail.com
This is exactly what I’ve been going through for over 3 weeks. I feel like I’m dying. Non stop diarrhea nausea. I’m about to lose my job, can’t hold my head up. I need help. Don’t know what to do.
My daughter is overseas right now and was taking 100 mg daily and was not feeling well. She was under supervision to increase it to 200 mg daily but now she is having suicidal thoughts. I am worried for her. I want her to titrate down. I have already sent an e-mail to our psych nurse who prescribed this in 2014.
I was on Effexor for a few months years ago and the side effects were awful and I came off of it slowly. The info on the withdrawal on Pristiq scares the crap out of me. Should she just go back down to the 100 mg daily? She has not been on the 200 very long, maybe 2 weeks.
Rachel et al, I will respond to the withdrawal symptoms issue as it is of major concern by so many people on Pristiq, and rightfully so. I am a pharmacist and had a serious brain injury that has kept me from working even. This was on top of four other concussions earlier in life (mostly sports and two car accidents).
I chose to go on Pristiq b/c I knew I was experiencing serious neurotransmitter imbalance in my brain and was drifting into serious depression and concentration issues months after the serious brain injury. I spoke to a specialist and I suggested Pristiq 50mg and she agreed. I did very well on the medication but after 8+ months on 50 mg I wanted off.
Here is how I approached coming off and it has been working for me so far: I still had approx 60 tabs of the 50mg so I started by cutting the tabs into 1/4 tablets = 12.5 mg each. I know, it is recommended to not do this, but the half-life of Pristiq is 10 hours and up to 14 hrs if liver is compromised. So I took 1/4 tablet every 6 hrs (upon arising, mid-afternoon and approx 9-10pm for last last dose). This allowed me to go from 50mg to 37.5mg.
I also discussed with the specialist the need to offset any “brain-zaps” or difficult concentrating and decided that Ritalin (methylphenidate) 10mg would be good to have on hand. I cut the 10mg in half and place 1/2 tab under the tongue for sublingual, rapid absorption. It works for me and I only use the Ritalin (half-tab, but I have the option of going full tab if I was ever experiencing serious brain zaps which I have not).
I never take any Ritalin after 5 pm so it is out of my system in time to go to sleep – usually 11pm. After 3 weeks, although this can vary and others may want to go 4 weeks or longer, I reduced to two 1/4 tabs per day – upon arising and the other approx 12 hrs later. I am currently down to 1/4 tab (12.5 mg) that I am taking daily and have used Ritalin very sparingly – some days none at all and some only 1/2 tab.
I cannot say that this will work for everyone, but I have found that it has been adequate for me over the past two months. Slow and steady withdrawal – it can take at least the 6-8 weeks that the drug took to work to also come off. Use a good pill cutter and I found that cutting the tablet diagonally and then the 1/2’s into 1/4’s kept the tabs intact well.
I also started doing more exercise just before lowering the dose of Pristiq and continued right through. You have to help the process by getting you body in a good a positive state for the changes that will hit it. As for the Ritalin – I am not saying people should be asking for that and using it, but it did work for me.
I also did NOT abuse it – some days I used none and some days I used a whole 10 mg tab ( 2 x 1/2 tabs) but never more than 2 x 5mg SL doses were ever needed. You must prep you brain too, by positive thoughts and focus on the eventual outcome of being off! Good luck.
This is very helpful info for me. I was trying to figure out how to come off that last 50 mg… and this makes sense to me. I started at 200 mg and am now at 100 mg… but I too want off it completely. I’m so tired of the side effects. I was a psych nurse for 20+ years so I know what withdrawal can look like. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this, this is the reality that doctors should be sharing with their patients. People should not think they can just take it one day and off the next, it does not work that way. I have tried to come off AD and always stayed on because I thought the WD symptoms were a relapse, and they never told me any different so I thought I had to be on ADs for life, so now I am.
This was very helpful information!
I am now terrified! My doctor told me yesterday that there isn’t a lower dose than 50mg so I can either take them every second day or cut them in half and take that. I don’t want to take something to get over one drug then have to take something to get over the next. So reading all of these responses, I’m scared and unsure of whether I want to stop now.
Leighann, I just recently went to my doctor about tapering down from 50 to 25. Your physician is wrong – 25mg is now available. Ask again or consider going to another doctor. I will be reducing to 25 over the next several months, then I will see what to do next. I am taking it very slowly. Good luck.
I’ve had all withdrawal symptoms…it’s been a bit of a nightmare. I wished I would have stayed on.
I’ve been on 100mg of Pristiq for about 2 years now. I tried about 2 weeks ago to go cold turkey… horrendous idea. I’ve never felt so angry at EVERYTHING around me, so sad ABOUT EVERYTHING in general and worst of all, I’ve never wanted to die as much as I do now. At this point in time I’m more afraid of giving in to my suicidal thoughts than I am getting back on Pristiq.
Maybe one of these days someone will construct a realistic plan of getting off Pristiq, as of yet I haven’t heard of one. I pray for all of our damaged souls… outside this group no one really understands our mental any physical anguish.
Morgan, I was dropped from 200mgs to 0 in 1 week following a ‘misdiagnosis’ of my illness after 20 years. I was on the med for 8 years. My last dose of Pristiq was on the 27th of January 2017, I’ve had all the symptoms of withdrawal above plus so, so many more that aren’t mentioned.
I just want to let you know I hear you and can empathize as I’m going through all those emotions like you as well, so much anger and sadness. I’m in my 6th week of no meds and my pdoc has said 3 to 4 months is expected at least so I’ve still got quite a way to go. It’s so easy for them, for me knowing I’m going to be screwed with my emotions and the way my brain can’t function correctly for an indefinite amount of time (as who says it will end in 3 or 4 months?) is terrifying plus add in all the physical withdrawal symptoms as well.
Anyway sending out a virtual hug to you.
My GP took me off Pristiq 50 mg in one week after I was on it 8 years and switched me to Zoloft 50 mg for 3 weeks then added buspar then switched me to Prozac 20 mg. I have been off Pristiq for 7 weeks and am still having issues with dizziness and crying spells. It has been a nightmare. 7 weeks later off Prussia and it’s still hell. I am off work again for another 3 weeks. When does the dizziness go away? HELP!