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.
Greetings everyone and thank you all for your posts. I admit there were so many that I did not get through them all and as they all seemed, empirically, to be much the same I wanted to add in my two cents. Mine comes vicariously so I think this may help some of those who are supporting someone who is withdrawing from this insidious drug! My husband has been on it for almost 6 years @ 50mg.
We recently had some life changing events that have caused us both to question the validity of continuing to be addicted to a drug. We decided as a couple, after a lot of research, that the doctors and the pharmaceutical companies are not in this for him, they’re in it for them. He recently started divulging to me, and this is after 6 years of marriage mind you, that there are A LOT of things from his early years that were the true causes of his depression.
However, when Pristiq was originally prescribed it was because he was going through a bad break up and was having issues coping and focusing so naturally once a shrink got hold of him it was “let’s do an instant fix” – typical of the western medicine philosophy. Anyway, now that he is seeing a true therapist and is in a DBT program and is learning coping skills with his issues he realized that for a very long time the Pristiq was doing nothing. Well, I stand corrected, it was seriously affecting our sex life!
He tried discussing this with his shrink and her answer was to UP the dosage! He did this for about 2 days and it created immediate nausea, disorientation and worsening problems all around. Her response, switch him to Cymbalta! At this point we said enough is enough. We are taking back his life! He had existed 44 years without anything, using his own coping skills for the early life issue and now that he is learning more constructive coping skills why do we need this addiction?
REST ASSURED READERS! This is a bad drug. I am actually surprised there are not multiple class action suits out there already for this crap! As an aside he recalled to me that I had asked him to PLEASE reconsider when he first started taking this drug in 2009 because I know the spiral this stuff takes you down. If you don’t take back your life, you just keep getting switched around to other drugs, passed around to different doctors and not helped.
Sorry for the long winded intro but hope it helps you understand my position. As to his condition. He started weaning off about 3 weeks ago (note when we made this decision he switched back to the Pristiq because it could be cut – Cymbalta is a capsule). I know the blogs and the so called experts do not recommend cutting the pills because of the time release function of the coating. I ask my readers to think about this for a second. I am an aerospace engineer, know more than a little about my subject and I freely admit, I am NOT a biochemical engineer.
But, I ask you, does it truly make sense that there is a superficial coating for time release that if cut will cause an instant release of the drug? So if I cut it, I expose a cross section of the raw drug. Does this mean the pill is instantly exposed and then dissolves from inside out? Granted, possibility does exist. But here is my counter to that. How deep and thick is this coating if unaltered?
Why does it not eventually dissolve away with the same result? A sudden burst of the active chemical! With what I do know about chemical properties, I postulate that the drug actual is microencapsulated in molecular sized doses that release over the course of the day and that the “do not cut” is a ruse. Again, this is my opinion and I could be wrong. In weeks one and two he cut the 50mg to 25mg with a pill cutter. Net effect was that almost immediate return of his sexual powers.
(Also think about how THAT plays on a male’s depression when you’re taking something that supposedly is helping you but it is taking away a very primal instinct at the same time) how is that supposed to be even remotely logical? He also had headaches periodically in the first two weeks and some cases of disorientation and dizziness but short lived. Worst was going from a sitting to standing position quickly – so he learned really quickly to stand slowly (this happens to a lot of people normally anyway from time to time).
Week 3, which we are in now, he cut back to 12.5 mg (approximately since they make the pills so strangely shaped that it is impossible to cut with accuracy). He has been on this dosage for about 4 days and as he says, the struggle is now real. He is having mood swings and will go from very talkative and happy to silent. HOWEVER, I will note to you all the biggest change that I see from 6 years ago… His awareness of his past affecting his way of thinking, his knowledge that he is getting help and therapy and his ownership of the situation instead of just “giving in” to the medical community.
This is how he is coping with the withdrawals. Before this when he would have an anger outburst toward me or anyway, he’d never think a thing of it, let alone ask for forgiveness. Now that his awareness is heightened, he asks forgiveness all the time to which I response – not necessary, it’s the drugs and your past talking, not my beautiful husband who I would die for if necessary! I truly believe that one and all of us need to take back our lives.
Our lives are constantly bombarded by externals that, sad as they may be, we cannot do anything about. Current events example, the Paris attacks. I have friends and family in Paris. We checked on them, they are fine and coping. Beyond that, what can I do? Watch the news constantly, get depressed over and over and over again. I can’t control it. The ways that I can help I do (contribute the Red Cross feels really good to give, even a little) and THAT releases natural brain chemistry that helps!
Watching the depressing scenes and gore are only going to serve to depress anyone – and isn’t that truly the goal of mass media and the pharmaceutical companies – to keep us on these emotional roller coasters? Further exacerbating our situation is that I work in a different city from our home. I fly home every two weeks for 3 days. So he is going this mostly alone (family and friends notwithstanding, he does not have his husband there every moment).
But he is owning it, doing very well with it, understanding what he is going through most importantly he has accepted that his choice 6 years ago was a bad one and he is doing everything he can to take back his life. So unless this drug has permanently altered his brain chemistry and by what I have read this apparently is NOT the case, there is no reason that he can’t lead a normal healthy life with the help of therapists, an excellent support system and most importantly his own belief in himself! As I have discussed with him over and over (to the point that he would get a little sick of it I admit) – as soon as you take the step to believe that you can be happy and accept yourself without this horrible drug, you’ll be in good shape.
And he’s getting there. And I am more proud of him than I could ever express! BTW, we are very big believers in natural remedies (read as Marijuana) but at the moment we feel that the first step is to get him off the drugs and then find the correct strain that is meant for people who suffer from depression. I have high hopes for our future because he does.
We talk more now about all of this than we ever have – it’s always been like the sword of Damocles hanging over our heads. Well, I’m here to report that the strings are being cut, the sword has begun its descent, but it will not come nigh. We will both make sure of that. I hope everyone takes inspiration from this and takes the action to get off this and any and all other of these type drugs. We don’t need them.
What we need can be grown in our gardens and with any real luck (for those of us not in states that allow it) soon the federal government will allow us to grow our own medicine, at our own strength for our own use and as Colorado and Washington have demonstrated, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the world will NOT come to an end! Peace!
I’ve been on Effexor and pristiq for 13 years. I class them the same. Was on 100mg then went down to 50 mg for a month which showed no real difference. Now I’ve been off it 3 days. The first day nothing, the first night I had hallucinations of seagulls in my bedroom. The next day I was as high as a kite and felt like Jim Carrey in the movie liar liar where I just laughed and said anything that came in my head.
A crazy but happy side effect. Today I’m one minute crazy happy then next I’m just normal. Then one minute I’m going to do so much then the next I’m asleep with a dodgy head. I take ibuprofen which seems to help the body and brains inflammation. Depersonalization is present but I don’t mind that as it is the brains natural defense mechanism to trauma so I actually welcome it.
So far so good. The doctor has given me a week off work to get my head around the side effects. We will see how I go. 15 years ago when I went off Zoloft due to pregnancy it took around three months before I felt normal. So I know my body will acclimatise eventually
It’s almost day 6 of no Pristiq for me and I’m a mess. I’ve spent the past few hours reading everyone’s experiences of quitting pristiq and I am scared of what is to come. I’ve been on pristiq for almost 4 years, 100mg. Even though I have insurance it is very difficult for me to afford almost $70 a month for this medicine. Actually I can no longer afford it, that’s why today is day 6 that I stopped cold turkey taking the 100mg tablet.
I’m glad to hear people have gotten through the evil withdrawal stage but for me it has only began. I’ve experienced many of the same symptoms everyone has mentioned, such as, brain zaps, crying spells, depression, irritation,tiredness, night sweats, nightmares and I could go on. I have two sons, 11 & 5, who depend on me daily, but I feel like a terrible mother.
Today was extra rough BC my 5 year old was very sick with a stomach virus and it took every ounce of me to take care of him BC I can barely keep my sanity. I’m thankful I ran across this site and got to read these stories. It’s nice to know I’m not the only one feeling this way and that I may not continue to feel like I’m going insane. Thanks to everyone again.
Rebecca – please don’t give up. Your sons will thank you for it and not call you a terrible mother at all! I realize they are young but maybe there is a way you can help them understand what you are going through. Children are amazingly resilient and if they know their mom needs them they’ll do what they can. You’re in my prayers!
Today is by far the worst day so far of my withdrawals. Day 4 and I’m a complete mess. I walked early this morning but couldn’t do the duration, feeling tired and way too hot. I am way too agitated today. Freaking out, yelling, confusion, having terrible thoughts. Hoping the mood would get better, but everything is much worse today than any so far.
I know you will get through. I believe in you. Why? Because you haven’t given up and you are engaging in a support page to encourage your progress.?
I have been on 50 my a day for the past 5 years. I was originally put on it to lessen the awful side effects of Gabapentin, which I was taking for nerve damage in back and neck. Last year I decided I was getting off all the narcotics as well as Gabapentin. I was on 3 morphine a day, 3 gabapentin a day, 1 Pristiq a day. Well I got off everything leaving Pristiq for last as I had issues with this drug missing a dose.
I am currently tapering off 50 MG per day to every other day for two weeks. There is now a 25MG dose. After seeing my doctor last week he put me on the 25mg every other day for two weeks. It hasn’t been pretty. The eye noises, brain zaps, sweats, chills, disorientation, weight gain and severe headaches along with ears ringing have been rough to say the least. But, I am now taking 25MG and have not taken any for 3 days.
I want off this crap in the worst way and to get my life back. I’m crying occasionally, still having some minor brain zaps, headaches, ear ringing and chills/sweats but not as bad. It’s by far worse than Narcotics, recreational drugs, soda, and the nerve blocker as far as withdrawals. But I am determined and my husband is a big supporter. Soon things will be back to normal. For my pain I use Aleve and a compound cream. We can do this!
My doctor has made me stop cold turkey and says he will put me on Prozac next week. It’s been nearly 5 days since I took my last 100mg tablet. I feel like my brain is on the other side of the room trying to catch up with my head as I walk. I feel so depressed and scared. I’m crying over so many things I see online and on the news. My fiancé is so supportive luckily, I don’t know what us do without him. All I can think about is family members dying and downright horrible headaches and nausea. This drug is do awful to come off. I haven’t slept in days and even Valium isn’t helping.
I’ve been on antidepressants for around 20 years – Aurorix, Zoloft, Prozac and now Pristiq. My doctor changed me to Pristiq because I had an episode of not coping a few months ago. Last week I missed a dose accidentally and felt dreadful – nauseous, dizzy and tingling tongue / mouth / head. I decided that I didn’t want to be on this drug if that’s what it did to me so I went back to my doctor and virtually begged him to change me back to Prozac.
(I’m resigned to the fact that I’ll always be on an antidepressant). He said I’d have to put up with three days of withdrawal and then start my Prozac again. This is day 2 and I have never felt so ill. Nausea, dizziness and brain zaps, totally incapacitated. Thankfully my mum has some stemetil which has given me an hour or so relief from the nausea and dizziness.
I’ve read with interest that Prozac has been used as a bridging drug for coming off Pristiq and an so tempted to start my Prozac a day early. I don’t want to feel like this for one more hour, let alone another day. I can’t imagine coping with these symptoms for weeks on end.
It’s so comforting (and scary) reading through all these comments. I have been on Pristiq for about 5 years, initially on 50mg then 100mg for the last year. Day 2 of cold turkey. Brain shocks and visual trails are awful. Insomnia. Dizzy. Tearful. Irritable. Lethargic. Hope this doesn’t last too long…I still have a pack in the drawer which is hard because I know it will make this all go away.
This is my third attempt at trying to withdraw from pristiq. At this point I have given up on the hopes that these medications really does work. I have been on quite a few different ones with no luck. I don’t feel like these medications help at all. I am I have stopped taking Wellbutrin and now I am trying to taper of pristiq. Yesterday I felt really horrible.
This is absolutely the worst medication to get off of. I spoke to a pharmacist and he told me to get Bonine complete which are over the counter tablets that treats and prevents motion sickness. So far it’s working a little. Today is the first that I’ve gone without pristiq. I still feel weird but I’m not throwing up, feeling really bad brain zaps or nausea. So far so good. I feel much better today than I did yesterday.
Please do research and think twice before taking pristiq or Effexor. They are by far the worst depression medications to go off of. If I am unable to go without medication then I will try something else. Won’t count on it working because they work for a little while and then they stop working. Just wanted to share my experience.
Hi there everyone, I have only been on Pristiq for 28 days and decided to stop due to severe insomnia and urinary problems. My doctor said to cut them in half which was the wrong advise and then said to go cold turkey as I have not been on them very long and should not have any problems. Easy for him to say. I am very emotional at the moment after only 2 days and feel very flat plus the insomnia is still bad even with a sleeping tablet. Has anyone else out there been on them a short time and had any problems? I need some advice. Thanks, Jennifer
Wow I can’t believe how often people are posting on here I didn’t think people would have posted this year let alone today! I have been on antidepressants for 7 years and pristiq probably 3. It has some nasty side effects I used to get really bad stomach aches and flu like symptoms if I forgot a few doses then took it again. My thoughts were very foggy and desensitised emotions. And worse anxiety then normal when starting it.
I have been tapering off it during this whole year and was taking it very irregular because it made me feel sick all the time. I had really bad dry mouth, eyes and then my face was so dry I couldn’t put water on it or it would take the oil away. Eventually I was sooo thirsty all the time I just stopped. I’ve been off for about a month and a half and my dry mouth has slowly been going away. Sometimes my eyes are OK sometimes not.
And just last Thursday I took salmon oil and my skin was better the next day. Now I’m trying cures for dry eyes. Apparently the oil helps that and I started eating flax seed yesterday. Since stopping the drugs I’ve been feeling the urge to shake then it slowly started getting worse now I’m actually shaking my arms and legs. I find the more I use the muscle the more it shakes. I feel like its another deficiency caused by the drug like my skin.
Mentally I am stable. Weight lifting and diet change helped my anxiety enormously. However it did take a little while. (A few months) If I don’t work out for like 4-5 days I feel depressed again. I don’t eat many processed foods anymore. But I am afraid the anxiety will come back once I am back to normal. I hope more people try working out and eating better because I know it can make a differences for lots of people suffering mental disorders!
I am currently going through the withdrawal process. Its horrible! When my husband and I found out we were expecting, I voiced my concern about my medication to my OB. Instead of tapering, I was advised to just stop taking it. I’m on day two and I feel like I’m going to die. Brain zaps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, irrational irritability, the whole shebang.
I’m not sure if my withdraws are worse because they are accompanied by pregnancy but I sure feel like they are. If anyone else has experienced this or is going through this, please share! I would love to know I’m not alone and that I can make it! On another note, although this medicine has proven to be a royal B$@#H to get off of, it did do wonders for me and my mental health!
I wouldn’t be the happy healthy woman, mother, and wife I am today without its assistance! I think that once I get through this, God willing! I will be able to live my life medication free! I didn’t have hope like this 3 years ago. It gave me hope which lead me to my wonderful husband!
I initially started on Effexor XR 12/2/13 37.5 mg daily for treatment of migraines. I eventually increased to 150 mg. Because of my main sides effects, my neurology CNP switched me to PRISTIQ. I am now tapering with many unpleasant side effects of withdrawal. I am very determined to quit this monster pristiq. It did not have less side effects than effexor. No difference. My list of side effects while taking 100mg of pristiq for a year and a half were 15 pound weight gain, elevated BP, extreme constipation, inability to have an orgasm.
It did eliminate my migraines. The ONLY reason I was changed to pristique from EffexorXR was because of the side effects. My withdrawl is so bad. I tapered from 100mg pristiq daily to 50mg once day for 1 month. Then pristiq 50mg daily every other day for 1 month. I decided to just stop and my last dose was 10/09/15. I started tapering down my pristiq on 8/10/15. This is some tough business.
I started experiencing brain zaps, vertigo and occasional confusion 4 weeks after I started taking Pristiq. My doctor recommended that I go off it as its inhibiting my ability to go to work/live a normal life. It’s weird though because I took pristiq for a couple of years a few years ago but never had any problems. Has anyone heard of this? Now I’m day 3 in coming off it and still feeling awful. Should I be expecting to start feeling better soon seeing as I was only taking 50mg for 4 weeks?
I have been on Pristiq 100mg for a long time now cant remember how many years and decided to stop taking them, reason to cut down on the drugs I am taking. It is almost a week now I decided to take one every other day for a while and then I will reduce to 1 every 3rd day and so on to I get off them completely. I agree not to cut them in half or quarters its not a good idea to do this with certain tablets, as it says the tablet has a time release and by cutting interferes with the time release. I am getting brain zaps now and then and a little dizziness only when I’m sitting, I can cope with them. I have not had any other symptoms. Keep active mentally and physical with a positive attitude.
What some people call brain zapping is different for me. My hearing becomes distorted when my eyes move back and forth. I call this “eye-inducted audio distortion”. It’s been going on for at least two months now after ending cold turkey. If my eyes are closed, the movement causes a single ‘crunch/hiss’, but if open, the movement can cause multiple audio crunches.
The only relief I get from this is listening to music at a high volume level. The crunching sounds are drowned out by the music. I do not recommend Pristiq because the withdrawal symptoms following 50mg for 5 months usage are bad. I’m in my third month and the dizziness and crunching are with me throughout the day.
I am on day 7 off of pristiq. What a roller coaster it’s been. I visited my physicist last Monday. I told him I was put on Wellbutrin by my GP because I could no longer afford pristiq. She was giving me samples of pristiq for now till we had a game plan. He tells me why? Just stop taking the pristiq I said what about the side effects? He said oh don’t worry just stop on a Friday they only last 4 days?
Wow was he wrong. This has been a horrible 7 days. Up, down, crying, not sleeping, pain, brain zaps, basically every symptom listed above. I’m so upset 4 days I can handle but it’s sounds like it could be months. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow. I hope she can help. I feel for everyone that has to go through this. What a nightmare.
This is my 7th day on 350mg (coming off 400). This drug has been a life saver for me but it’s time to attempt this thing called life naturally. I’m getting the head aches and the vomiting, nauseous, insomnia and much to my surprise my favorite food is not tasting or the texture is all wrong. The crying spells started today and the feeling’s of absolute hopelessness. The past two nights the dreams. Today I was so tempted to just go back to 400, but I did not and refuse to. I realize this is going to be one big journey and I’m hoping to finally meet who I am. I’ve been on this dose for 3 years to long. I can do this! Chin up people we are finally not alone.
I have been taking Pristiq for about 10 years now. I began at the 50mg dose and was increased to 100mg. I decided on a whim to stop cold turkey even though I knew it wasn’t a smart thing to do. I’ve just been so sick and tired of feeling numb. I’m ready to feel again. I stopped taking it all together about 12 days ago. It’s been absolute hell. No brain zaps, but the dizziness has been off the charts and the crying spells have been frequent.
While on Pristiq, I never really COULD cry, even in situations where it was warranted. The crying spells have been out of control, but I must say, I’m much happier being able to get it all out. I’ve definitely been irritable and short tempered which is unusual for me. I’ve also experienced major sweating spells, but that’s nothing new bc sweating was a major symptom I had while taking Pristiq. At least now I know my body is sweating in order to try and detoxify and get the medication out of my system.
Twelve days later and things seem to be improving. I’m not nearly as dizzy, but it’s definitely still there. I also feel foggy and out of it on occasion. I didn’t experience fatigue in the beginning, but seem to be experiencing it now, although, I suppose that could be due to other factors as well. All in all, I’m shocked that I’m showing any improvement whatsoever after quitting cold turkey after a decade. I assumed it would be months before I got any relief from the withdrawal symptoms.
I hope I’m not being overly optimistic and am going to backslide here soon. My emotions are still all over the place, but I have committed myself to at least 2 hrs of exercise daily and have been surrounded by a great support group. I think it’s important you let those closest to you be aware of what you’re doing so they can keep a close eye on you, especially if you’re doing it without a doctor’s supervision like I am. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my symptoms continue to improve and that there is a life after Pristiq. I’d never recommend taking it to anyone. I wish you all the best of luck.
Great to know you are off meds Sam. How are you doing now? I am currently tapering klonopin. Took over 5 months to come from 0.25 mg to a 16th of 0.25 alternate days. Crazy I know, but I had bitter tapering experience a few years back with another AD that has left me with terrible ringing in the ears.
So don’t want to take chances. I still have 100mg Pristiq (50mg X 2) to taper after I am done with klonopin taper. In all I have been 13 yrs on various ADs and now I am determined to wean and hence asking people. Do let me know. Thanks.
Hello- I am writing to tell of my success of getting off Pristiq. After reading all the chilling tales of folks feeling trapped by the awful withdrawal symptoms, and after trying to go cold turkey from a daily dose of 50 mg about a year ago, I have been really nervous about starting the process. When I tried the cold turkey method it was a nightmare… zaps, noise sensitivity, vertigo, brittle feelings, crying, the whole caboodle. I am a single working mom of a young boy and can’t really take time away from work, etc.
So for the last half year of so, I have been cutting pills so my daily dose has been around 25 mg. Then I went every other day with 25 mg. I did that for about 2-3 months. finally last week, I stopped taking it altogether… and I am happy to report, the withdrawal has been pretty mild. I notice a tiny bit of vertigo, and a little headache but not debilitating (I can drive fine), a little sleeplessness, and a little short of patience, but nothing I can’t deal with. It is SOOO LIBERATING!!! I figure I will have minor symptoms for another week or so, but I am going to amp up my cardio workouts to replace the serotonin that way. NEVER AGAIN!!!
I went cold turkey 8 days ago from 100mg to zero after 1 year. The first 5 days were terrible. Brain zaps and moments of anger. Now I’m back and feel good. I would recommend sticking it out and ridding your body of it. I’m exercising, eating heaps of vegetables and smashing the water. Good luck and stay positive.
Wow! Cold turkey? I’m impressed. I am cold turkey after a 2 month taper and it’s kicking my butt. I am DETERMINED to stay on course and be done with it. Thanks for the encouragement.
The first time I took pristiq for about 2 months, it only took about 4 weeks to feel better after I stopped. This time I was on it for 2.5 years and it’s been about 5 weeks and I’m still feeling like I’m in a fog and just not feeling right yet. I’m just wondering if anyone knows if it takes longer to start feeling better because I was on it a lot longer?
I tried to reduce my dose a couple of weeks ago from 250mgs to 200mgs. I gave up after 4 days and went back to the 250mgs. In that 4 days I had headaches, nausea, vomiting, crying spells, depersonalisation increased depression and anxiety and irrational thought patterns. I am absolutely petrified to come off this drug. I’d know if I had forgotten or I was overdue to take my medication because I get a tingling sensation in my face.
I’ve had this from when I started taking pristiq. Thing is even when I take it on time now I still get this feeling and I’m wondering whether my body is adapting to my current dosage. I really don’t want to go any higher than 250mgs. I’ve noticed on this blog that there aren’t as many people who are on such a high dose. Any help would be appreciated. Like other people on here I’ve considered rehab.
First day off withdrawing off Pristiq, the problem for me was I just constantly felt light headed and nausea, and immense lack of sex drive. So far I have had some brain zaps, nausea and headaches but I am sure it will get worse. Fingers crossed it gets better.
This is real and it stinks. I have been tapering and made it to three weeks before the real side effects kicked in. I can’t see straight so I started taking pristiq again. Three days back on it but I don’t feel any better at all. Someone please give me some hope. I am so mad at my doctor for ever prescribing this.
I have been on 50mg of PRISTIQ for around 6 months and today is my fourth day going cold turkey. I am struggling. It’s my second day of side effects. I’m experiencing a foggy and heavy head, my hearing seems almost blocked but loud noises are heightened, getting hot flushes and sweating, concentration is difficult, my emotions are overly sensitive and I’m crying really easily.
I feel very separated from myself and just all round negative. I’m scared for how long this is going to last. I hope since I was only taking them for a little while and on the lowest dosage that hopefully these side effects will die down sooner rather than later. Reading some comments has made me a little more positive on it all. Good luck to everyone else who is trying to come off this drug!
Pristiq is awful! I’ve tried going off cold turkey, but brain zaps, fits of anger, and dizziness had me running back to this awful shit drug after a couple of days. I’ve now tapered off to a 1/4 of a tablet – yes I’ve cut these and feel just fine taking the cut tablet and GABA 750 mg X/1 per day really helps.
I took 1/2 tablet for 2 months with GABA, then 1/4 tablet for another 2 months, also with the GABA. I also started taking Relora to help with sleeping, 2 before bed and 1 in the morning. My hair and nails are starting to grow back, I’m starting to “feel” again, my digestive complaints are getting better and super happy to get off this sh*t.
I have tapered off from 150mg (which I couldn’t tolerate due to side effects) back to 100 and then down to 50mg. I took my last 50mg tablet 2 days ago and frankly I feel like dying. I have had nausea so bad I have been clutching a bucket for 24 hours, I have headaches, back pain, chills and overwhelming despair. I haven’t been to work for 2 weeks due to the severity of my anxiety and depression.
The reason I’m stopping Pristiq us because it hasn’t been working. I’m being put on something different. I may need to be hospitalized, which I’m trying to avoid. I’m on a waiting list for TMS. I can’t see myself getting back to work anytime soon and my employer is starting to make life even more difficult than normal. Without my income we could lose our house. I read this article in the hope that I would find out that these symptoms won’t last too long. Now I just feel hopeless.
Hang in there friend, it’s not fun at all and I’m going through it too.
Hi all, glad I found this page. I’m away from my home country and ran out of Pristiq and don’t want to re-up so I guess I’m going cold turkey. I started at 50mg then moved up to 100mg after a month. Was on that for about 3 months then moved back overseas so started taking 50mg again to prolong it. Ran out 5 days ago. Didn’t know what these weird microsecond surges in my head were so turned to the internet to see what the withdrawal symptoms were for Pristiq and boom, I get it now.. Brain Zaps. That and the tingling sensation in fingers and toes.
The Brain Zaps occur about once every 2 minutes. Have just started swimming laps and found it is a good way to get away from them as there is so much going on with your breathing and body movement and the noise swimming makes tends to drown the zaps out. I’m glad they’ve been identified and that other people have been able to explain them. It’s damn strange but I just try to get through another day to see if the next results in any less brain zaps and that the another symptoms I have (nerve tingling, depersonalization, hopelessness and sensitivity) subside just a little. Will be nice to be me again.
It has been 48 hours since I stopped Pristiq. I took 100mg for about 6 years and then went to 50mg 10 months ago with very little withdrawal symptoms. Today, I am hot, nauseated, dizzy and have a mild headache. Yet I am determined to stop taking the medicine as I do not believe that I need it and do not wish to be on any medicine not necessary. My doctor and I discussed stopping the medicine and I realized that I may have symptoms. I just hope that they pass quickly as I do not like feeling sick.
I read that Dramamine, Bonine (two over the counter medicines for motion sickness), or benadryl can help with the nausea. I began vomiting today and took benadryl; which did provide a lot of relief from nausea and I stopped vomiting. I wanted to share in case it helps anyone else.
Hi, I have been on Pristiq 50mg for 4 years and started withdrawal 20 days ago. For the first 10 days I took one tablet every 36 hours and for the next 10 days I took one tablet every 48 hours. I start tomorrow with one tablet every 72 hours for 10 days and then stop altogether. Over the last 4 years I have put on 25kg and have developed psoriasis on both hands. I used to be a colorful, emotional, outgoing and energetic person before I started taking Pristiq but feel that I have lived in a monotonous fog for four years.
It has been safe and I have dealt with lots of issues relatively calmly but it’s time to get back to reality and start to find other ways of dealing with my anxiety and depression. I want to try exercise, healthy diet, a changed career plan, hobbies and laughter. I want to enjoy family and friends without being on medication for the rest of my life. I have had withdrawal symptoms over the last 20 days.
After I have taken a tablet I return to a zombie like state for the first 24 hours and then start to clear until the next tablet is due during the withdrawal stage. I have experienced severe headaches during these “clear” hours but pain relief has relieved these. I have already had a couple of bouts of crying having totally overreacted to a couple of situations which didn’t warrant it but talked myself around very quickly and didn’t let them take hold.
I am also suffering from insomnia, finding it hard to get to sleep or if I do manage to get to sleep easily, waking after a couple of hours and finding it really difficult to fall back to sleep for hours which leaves me feeling pretty tired the next day. My concentration levels are so low also which isn’t great having just started a new job but I want to persevere. I have already lost a couple of kilos since tapering and I’m hoping this is a positive sign. My appetite just isn’t as great as it was. I will let you know how I go after the next 10 days. So far I haven’t had any brain zaps.
I want to say that I have found Pristiq to be the most helpful antidepressant I’ve been on (also tried Paxil, Lexapro, Buspar), and I have had dozens of moments over the past 18 months when I’ve thought “thank you, Pristiq!” I stopped ruminating and having constant catastrophic thoughts; I felt generally more happy each day; I got on an airplane for the first time in 16 years; etc.
This is not an ‘evil’ drug, and doctors are not evil for prescribing it; drug companies are not nefarious for creating it. It affects people differently, as the brain is complicated. So, after that shout out to this drug, I will say that I’m going off of it — because after a year on it I started gaining weight that I cannot lose no matter what I do; and now I have put on 20 lbs. no Weight Watchers, low carb diet, or exercise plan can budge.
I’m now on Day 3 of a cold turkey withdrawal from 50 mgs, and while I feel kind of crappy–horrible dreams, mild nausea and dizziness, irritability (yelled the “F…” word at a work elevator yesterday, and a coworker looked at me like I was crazy)… it really isn’t horrible yet, nor unbearable. I expect the brain zaps to start soon (I had them with Lexapro) and I’m just glad I know what the heck they are, as they are absolutely freaky weird.
So, good luck to everyone… and if you are thinking of going on Pristiq, know it’s a good drug for many, and not always horrific to go off of.
Nice one Lisa. Looking forward to hearing about your progress. You seem more calm and less frightened by the side effects. Hope all is well.
Hi. I was on Pristiq first at 100mg and now down to 50 mg for almost a year. I am coming off it because I feel it does me more harm than good. I have never had such weird dreams and nightmares since being on this med. Also feel more agitated on it then when I was not. My DR has advised me to take 50g every other day to wean off, and it is horrible, I am agitated, having anxiety attacks and cry all the time. Maybe I should chuck the rest of the tablets away and go cold turkey form here on out? I wish I had never ever gone on this med and I would’t wish the side effects of this on my worst enemy. God help me and all of us trying to detox from this horrible med.
Ok. So I can breathe. I took my last does of Pristiq October 6th, 2014. I am OK. I made it. It was rough, and I wasn’t sure I could do it many times – I only went off the Klonipin tapering down over three months and now 90+ days free of EVERYTHING! I was on Pristiq, Lithium, Klonipin, Prozac, Adderall, Serequel, Topamax, Depakote and Tegretol in various forms for 10 years. IT IS OVER AND I MADE IT. I made it. Hold on. Get help. Exercise.
Surround yourself with people who will look out for you, even if you have to “rent-a-friend” like a therapist, psychiatrist, holistic healer, counselor or use any available resource through no fee mental health care through your county. Hit up your church. Any church. Ask. Seek help. Don’t do it alone if you don’t have to, and save your family by looking outward when you are really really sick. THIS ENDS. THIS ENDS. THIS ENDS. I did NOT believe this statement four months ago. I believe it now. #yourstoryisntoveryet #thesemicolonproject
Hi five✋??
I have been on Pristiq for a year now and stopped it 3 days ago. I am experiencing headaches and nausea that come in waves. I had nausea the first day of taking it initially then only mild side effects, dry mouth, mild insomnia which went away after a few months.
I’m currently tapering off of Pristiq 10mg at a time and am down to my last week of this dosage. I did a lot of research and ended up getting a compounding pharmacist to compound the drug into 10mg capsules. This seems to have been OK so far, although each time I’ve dropped 10mg I’ve noticed that I go through a surge in anxiety, anger and crying spells until my body gets used to the change. Once I end the taper I’m going to start taking an amino acid supplement called Inkephlin to support the production of serotonin and noradrenaline. I’m hoping that this will be enough for me and will ease withdrawal. Will let you know how it goes :)
Thanks for this info Billy. Your comment is the first one I’ve seen to offer any real solution to the problem of tapering off. How do you find a compounding pharmacist that can do this? Do you have to bring him/her the pills to reformulate? I’ve been tapering for two months now and can’t seem to make it past 36 hours before the brain zaps become unbearable. Please keep posting on your progress. Thanks.
Hello Billy, Can you help me with more details of your tapering. Are you totally off the drug now? How have you been doing?
I am on 50mg twice daily of Desvenlafaxine and I am also talking to a compounding pharmacist in my locality. They have asked me the details of dosages required. I am quite confused whether to go 50mg-40mg or 45mg-45mg to start with. I also want to take it slow no matter how long it takes. I had been on other ADs ever since 2003 and this one Desvenlafaxine for about a year now.
Can you tell me:
1. What was your dosage of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
2. How long had you been taking it before you started tapering
3. How did you go about instructing the compounding pharmacist.. what dosage strengths precisely.
I hope you see this and take some time to reply. Will be very helpful.
I am struggling on day 5 and so tempted to go back on it. After 6 years of Zoloft and the Pristiq 200 mg the time has come to feel some feelings for a change. I dropped from 200mg to 100mg for three months. I did struggle a little and a GP then tried to add two more medications (anti psychotics). I took them for three days but was way too spacey, dopey and could barely get my words out (I work a stressful job in which I need to communicate well).
I chose to atop the extra meds and met with a Dr who prescribed me 50mg Pristiq. Two weeks on that I was okay, brain zaps but I could still function. Now going from that to zero I am freaked out. I just shook my 5 year old son in rage over something that would barely bother me. I am so angry it scares me. The brain zaps are horrible, I’m foggy, depressed and just want to eat constantly. I’m interstate for work next week and I need to be competent. Should I just go back on it and try again?
I have three kids under 6 – I’m becoming the aggressive psych Mum that I had which is devastating. How long will I feel like this? It seems easier to just stay in the 50mg long term.
I guess it’s only you who can decide in the long run. If it helps write letters to yourself querying the decision, pros and cons. It might help the indecision. Good luck.
Hi, I feel a little concerned as my withdrawal symptoms are getting worse and worrying me. I was on pristiq for 5 years and it slowly increased over the years. I am on 250 and my psychiatrist is bringing me down and putting me on Prozac at the same time. It has not even been a week and I am on 100mg of pristiq and 10mg of Prozac. And in a couple of days the pristiq is going down to 50mg.
These are the symptoms I am experiencing: terrible headaches/migraines, sore eyes, body aches, hot and cold sweats, brain zaps, my body honestly feels like it is bruised all over because that is how much it is hurting, body aches, diarrhea. Honestly just feel like rubbish and finding it so hard to go to work. Not sure if I should go back to the doctor and slow down the process more or not.
I too have been on pristiq (50mg twice daily) for two years. As well my Dr. had me on abilify and clonazepam. I had no trouble going off the later two, but pristiq… Wow. I’m doing it on my own. Very difficult. I’m down to 50 mg every other day but that’s like ping pong alright. Dizzy, zapping, very emotional and agitated, ear ringing, etc. Been tapering for three weeks and no signs of it letting up! God help me.
Hi de-pristiquers, I’m now on my 7th day cold turkey after 2 years mostly on 50mg. I was glad to find your comments as I do not have a support system, I live alone in a foreign country where English is not the first language so I’m feeling a bit isolated and sensitive and I’m scared that I’m going to slide into the abyss! I was having withdrawal symptoms really badly for the past 6 months even though I was taking my dose everyday???
The zaps, tingling lips, sweats, chills, off balance feeling and crying were ridiculous, that’s why I felt I needed to come off it. I’m happy with my decision but I feel like I’m losing my mind today. I have been experiencing a “speed” like effect since stopping, I just need to go walking everyday to try to get rid of the intense feeling!! I’m very restless, the dizziness and ear ringing has been annoying, the zaps aren’t as bad as I thought they were going to be, but I have been vomiting and not in exactly the most appropriate locations or situations!
I thought the walking might make me tired so I can sleep at night, but noooo, insomnia is welcoming me with open arms. I know its only been 1 week and I have a long way to go, but reading your experiences have helped immensely, thank you for sharing and best of luck to those who are in the first days or week of depristiquing.
I have been off the Pristiq for about 2 weeks now and still lingering nausea, headaches, and fatigue. I only took the medication for about 6 weeks so hopefully I will be near the end soon. The drug made me suicidal.
My doctor never mentioned the effects of missing a dose. I’m on 200mg daily and also Valdoxan for my sleep. Recently ran into money problems and couldn’t afford the medication. I wanted to die. I was a zombie at work, then became irritable with customers. Nausea and headaches. Even vomiting. Extreme shakes, and I work in a restaurant, so that was bad. Cried for an hour, couldn’t stop. Oh and my vision was blurred and I couldn’t focus otherwise my eyes would hurt. Back on it, and I’m starting to feel normal. I couldn’t go cold turkey if/when I decide to finish. I was too close to suicide and I don’t want to feel that again.
I’m going on day 5 pristiq free. It’s really walking on a tightrope without a net. It’s all at once exhilarating and anxiety causing. One foot in front of the other, right?
Hi, I had been taking Pristiq (50 mg) for only 6-7 months and gradually stopped taking it a month and a half ago (every other day for 3 times; every 3 days for 3 times; every 4 days for 3 times). Things were pretty smooth at the beginning, I didn’t have “major” side effects such as brain zaps or hallucinations. But lots of fatigue and crazy dreams. And also, most disturbing, return of some depression related symptoms (short fuse, angriness, feeling like crap, etc.). I am at the point where I wonder if those are withdrawal symptoms or the return of my depression. Following your recommendation, I guess I’ll wait 3 months to have a better idea.
I started my taper off of pristiq 3 weeks ago. I was on a 50mg dose and for the first 3 days I took half the dose by biting them in half. The 2 days after that I took a quarter dose by biting half in half again, and I haven’t had any pristiq since. The withdrawal symptoms I experienced were headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms (stuffy in the sinuses) and pulsing sensations in the head and eyes. This all sounds horrible, and yes sometimes I felt pretty off, but it is manageable if you know what you’re in for.
I read this thread before deciding to come off pristiq and it really helped me. I think if I had come off it without knowing what I was in for I would’ve freaked out when I started feeling dizzy and just taken it again. I treated withdrawals like getting a cold, just looked after myself, lots of sleep, panadol, and exercise really helped even out my mood. I’ve also found meditating really helpful. Anything relaxing and therapeutic. ‘The Happiness Trap’ is also a VERY helpful book based on mindfulness.
I feel much better now than when I was on it. It is TOTALLY worth pushing through it. I feel like I’ve come out of a pristiq haze, I feel brighter and lighter and more confident in my dealings with others. I know pristiq is supposed to help counteract anxiety, but I think it did the opposite for me and made me feel much more self conscious, as I just didn’t feel like myself. I was going through a tough time and needed some help to cope, but the sooner you can get off that stuff the better!
Since getting off it I’m smiling more, laughing louder (like I used to) and feeling moved by things. I heard a song and it brought tears to my eyes and I though to myself “oh wow, FEELINGS!! Good ones”. The stuff dulls you out, and while it can be helpful to push away bad feelings, it also dulls the good ones. My Aunty said to me “you’re never dealt more than what you are able to overcome”. We humans may be fragile at times, but we are also filled with great strength. I wish you all the best, and the strength to take control and make the changes you desire.
I had been on pristiq for about 4 years on the lowest dose and sometimes 100. I wish I had read all this information and the side affects before taking this horrible drug. I had been suffering really bad anxiety and was very emotional and would cry at anything. A bad relationship did not help! It has taken that to end and to meet someone wonderful to realize you don’t need to take this, there are other options out there…exercise, yoga, herbal remedies…I thought I was normal on this stuff until my partner said I didn’t seem to be present a lot of time.
Also my memory started to suffer as I was unable to recall information at work as quickly and accurately as I used to be able to. So I discussed with my doctor a plan to get off it and options to reduce dosage but there were no options to reduce as I was on the lowest does and I couldn’t cut the pill in half unless I asked a pharmacy to re-compound at a lot of $$$. I therefore tried taking the lowest dose every second day and then I stopped altogether. It was not good…I had bad stomach cramps, upset stomach and the worst side effect was the motion sickness.
The motion sickness got so bad at night that I was scared to drive and ended up just going to bed hoping it would pass by the morning. I had really weird bad dreams and night sweats. I felt awful and didn’t like the withdrawal effects at all. I however perceived and there was no way I was taking any more after the side affects of stopping and it has taken 3 weeks and I am happy to say that I am feeling so much better and glad to be off this yucky drug. Stay away!!!
Okay… so I’m on day 1 of only tapering off for one week. My insurance changed and I could no longer afford the pristiq. Like I said it’s day one and I’m dizzy, nauseated, and hands and feet are constantly tingling. I’ve on 50mg for a couple years now and feel horrible. I wish I had never went on this!
I accidentally started taking Pristiq irregularly about 3 weeks ago because my exam period at uni was coming up, so my routine went out the window. I’ve been taking 50mg and it’s now roughly 2 weeks since I stopped taking it cold turkey. The main side effect has been insomnia, but my depression has definitely gotten worse and I’ve also had some crying spells. Lately I’ve noticed a few flu-like systems. My main issue right now is getting rid of the insomnia; I’m really not good at handling lack of sleep/constantly being tired. Thanks to everyone who’s already posted! Before I realized it was Pristiq withdrawal, I was really concerned.
I wanted to add an update to encourage others who are trying to get off pristiq. I first posted in Oct 2014 when I was trying to “give up”… I was 100mg and had been taking pristiq for many years. It was easier to keep taking it than to try and cope… or so I thought.. anyway, I’ve been well and truly drug free for 6 months and I feel great.
The withdrawal was tough but I was determined and I didn’t follow the doctor’s advice. I was too impatient for that. Once I decided I was giving up the drugs I cut the dose down fairly quickly. I’m never going back. The headaches, the mood swings and the nausea “do” stop once the drug is out of your system.
This is a horrible drug. Came off after 8 weeks (after I missed one pill and felt absolutely horrible) the withdrawal side effects are very unpleasant and not anything I have ever experienced. Dizziness that’s dibilitating and feeling just crappy. My doc gave me 10 mg of Prozac to help ease the transition. I wish I’d never gone on it. It did not help my anxiety (made it worse) made me so hungry I gained over 10 pounds in 8 weeks (was binge eating) and had horrific leg cramps and bad dreams.
Since I’ve been off Pristiq for a week I’m back to normal eating and less anxiety and better sleeping. If it helps you and you feel better on it then stay on it, I am not writing this to dissuade anyone from getting help with depression or anxiety. I just know for me the withdrawal has been so bad. I’ve never written on one of these blogs before but I feel so strongly against the use of Pristiq that I wanted to share my experience.
I recently took myself off 100mg Pristiq, I did everything I was not supposed to do. I began by breaking them in half (for 6 months), then started taking 1/4 (for about 4 months) then completely stopped. I am 3 weeks out (cold turkey) and boy o boy was my doc upset. I feel real bad but cannot go back. I feel horrible inside, lost two friendships, have many arguments with hubby, no loving emotions towards my children. Every morning all I can think about it what people have done to me that has piss’d me off. Think ima call my doc…