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). Â 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. Â 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.” Â 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. Â 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. Â Many people notice that withdrawal symptoms become most severe after the last bit of the drug has left their system. Â 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.
You poor buggers. WE poor buggers. I agree with the people who say this is a conspiracy of the drug companies and doctors. The medical money-go-round. Absolutely despicable and deplorable. Isn’t the Hippocratic oath to first not cause any harm? And yet we are MORE suicidal, MORE depressed going on the thing that has been prescribed to help. Then going off. Well…. ARGHHHH and yes, nobody warned us how hard.
What an evil poison. They don’t even know all the downstream effects yet… and how effective it is at doing what it is meant to do… Well I understand that for some people (my brother is one), anti-depressants can be helpful. Some really benefit. I suspect though, that like myself and many of you; many many people out there are rapidly ushered out the door of the GP with this ‘quick fix’ which in fact may not be the thing to help them.
In my case age 37, I suspected some peri-menopause contributors. Doc reckons too young though I have since found out that it can take up to 15 years before menopause. Yeah!! More joys of being female. Anyway last few years I have noticed periods shorter duration and less flow. Also few days prior, extreme despondency, depression, you name it. Miserable hoplessness. I suggested Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder to doc but he ignored. (Psychologist now agrees it is a real condition).
In my case has notably worsened past few years so I just mention this because through this journey I now suspect some of the depression may more rightfully be attributed to hormone disruptions or surges… who knows. So in many cases antidepressant may not be the answer. Now I am going to try some of the natural stabilisers which include 5 HTP (serotonin precursor) and women’s balancer like a natural Oestrogen. (I use Healthpost and read the comments of people who have tried these supplements).
I had a bad start in life, and am high risk factors for depression, so yes probably I had it over the top cos bad few years and notably cos that pharmacist mentioned; I had a severe concussion about 8 months before doc put me on the meds. I was very proud and went whole life without AD so it was very difficult but I decided maybe doc right, I’ll give a try. I was started on Lexam and I had a bad side-effect; dysuria.
Doc didn’t believe me but it was real. So real I did all the UTI eliminations to prove. Then in his absence (cos he takes holidays every 3 months.. what, don’t you? Oh something wrong with you for not being a dual doc income house!!!); the doc put me on Pristiq. Apart from the hell and worse depression, suicidal ideation etc going on, they didn’t have any bad side effects for me except for yawing and kill the sex drive; plus no orgasm or really hard work to get one.
So generally ok. Then I went up to 100 and was on for a year. Recently I had a really really sad day- very down and I had been on 100 for ages. (Happened to be 3 days before period….!). Anyway I thought these aren’t working. Clearly. And I am not going up higher dose, that’s it I’m done.
I had sacked the GP because that last time I asked him if I could come off them and he said like many of yours; ‘just take every second day’.
I looked at him in utter disbelief. I said; ‘ you can’t do that. If I miss one dose I get dizzy, very sad etc by end of day’. He belittled me and insinuated I was hypochondriac by saying: ” If you believe that is what is going to happen, then it will”. So I thought I am on my own with coming off these things. Then I talked to a chemistry mate who said I could cut up, and taper carefully. Like the lady said just doing it slowly, throughout the day… he suggested in honeycomb.
He wrote me this schedule to carefully taper over 3 months. So I began, funny when first attempt to cut created all different size fragments so I knew the dosage was going to be bit hit and miss. Anyway I went 50mg fine (cos as they say, anything over 50 is ? effective), then I went 25 and still fine. 12.5 starting to notice the brain zaps.. Well I had done all this over 2 week period. Much much faster than ideal, I know. Well on about day 14 I had to lie down at 6pm. Very early for me.
I awoke at 8pm extremely nauseous (and with incredibly painful ovulation, worst ever). I got up to go for a warm shower and I vomited like crazy. Very sick. Well I was so disturbed by that that next morning I wasn’t game to take anything. So I have actually gone cold turkey since. So 2 weeks of very rapid tapering then cold turkey. Not ideal or advised at all, but is doable… I had severe diarrhoea next 3 days where I was scared to eat. Appetite out the window too.
Very bad brain zaps of course. No headaches but I am lucky there. Mood, well you guys know. Mainly just general grumpiness and some easy crying. Intolerance. Some weird dreams yes. Sleep; weird cos no desire to go to bed, but once there sleep quickly. In mornings I have been SO drousy and fatigued most of day. Moving very slowly and bones sore. Terrible memory and easily distracted.
I couldn’t take time off work so have just had to put on the brave face and keep going. Some days I couldn’t face anyone and have had a few sneaks around the corner to cry. It is now day 8 and I woke up this morning very sad. Been sad and teary all day but the brain zaps are a little bit better.. slightly less prominent but still there. The digestive system has settled a bit – no appetite but a bit more solid inside no more diarrhoea.
Knowing what this is and why I am feeling these things has really helped me to hang in. Like 1 guy said, when first tapering off I actually felt emotionally more happy than I have in ages. Once through this withdrawal/discontinuation I am looking forward to being happy once again. Feeling excitement. I forget that feeling. Keep up the supplements like Magnesium and B vitamins, Calcium as they say.
Keep up the sleep if possible early nights. Keep up the exercise. At the moment I don’t really want to eat much but when you can, eat very cleanly and we are giving our bodies the best chance. Not only by having the nutrients you need available to hopefully generate your own serotonin and norepinephrine etc again, but also to allow the body to regrow the receptors it has got rid of. Neurogenesis. The exercise will help keep circulation, breathing everything good that way and hopefully release endorphins.
I find animals have really helped me. Plus a reason to live cos they need you, they rely on you to feed them (or kids if you have). I have to thank everyone and sites like this cos it has helped me so so much. I thought I was on my own after that useless, greedy overpaid doctor disillusioned me further, but reading this has really helped. Also to know how many people suffer from this and how awful it is. I just wonder how such things can be legal.
It is criminal that they can do this to our bodies. Hang in there. Know that you are not alone cos there are thousands of us out there going through this nightmare. Know that one day we will feel joy again. Know that you have survived this long so you can do it. It is a journey of physical, emotional and ultimately spiritual growth. Who knows why we had to experience such an awful thing but ultimately we know ourselves better after it, and how to keep even better health.
Not ideal at all, but if it only lasts 6-8 weeks the end is in sight. I am on day 8 of cold turkey and yes it sucks, but I am at work, I am not completely unintelligible and I can put on the brave face as required. The brain zaps and digestion and exhaustion, well everything… just awful. But we will make it. After this many days the brain zaps and digestive thing have settled a bit so I think it will keep improving a bit day by day.
Hang in there folks. We won’t let them dumb down the population without a fight. If enough of us wanted to do a class action against Pfizer, I think we could. We could extract some of their poisonous wealth. I hate the evil. Can contact me if you want. This written Nov 2016. aggjs[@]dodo.com.au
After 8 yrs on this stuff at a high dose, I’ve managed to be fully off it for a month. Withdrawal is horrid. The last of the physical withdrawal is easing off (dizziness, fogginess, headaches, chills/fever, etc). Now if I can just get through the “angry at the world” vs “I wish I would die” mental rollercoaster I think I’ll be okay. I don’t remember who I was without this medication but I’m scared that I’m really not a nice person.
I was on Pristiq for only 5 & 1/2 months. Doctor wanted me on 100mg but it made me feel so drugged and made my blood pressure so high I asked to change prescription back to 50mg. I have been tapering off for two weeks now. Did 50mg every other day for a week. Nighttime on days I didn’t take it was hell. Queazy, moody, depressed, crying. Better next day I took it about 6 hours after ingesting.
Haven’t taken at all in 4 days now and in most ways I feel so much better. I do feel drunk most of the day everyday and am sweating like crazy also feel a little sick at night last couple of days. Also have a humming in my head which I assume is a less intense version of the brain zaps others mention. I think I was lucky to have taken a low dose for a short amount of time. I will be glad to have this out of my system.
I reduced from 200mg to 100mg over a period of months as I was not getting a lot of benefit from the medication anymore, last week my doctor advised me to stop taking the pristiq 100mg and in 3 days begin zoloft. OMG I am on day 3 and have been smashed with all the withdrawals. This is a nasty business and I don’t think GP’s consider that people have to work and function during this time. Will the effects reduce once I start the zoloft or am I going to go on like this for weeks. not ok.
I am on day 3 cold turkey. I took 50mg of Pristiq for a year and then 100 for a further 12 months. Emotionally in a good place and was ready to come off. I have done tapering before and so not recommend. Side effects felt cold turkey so far are brain zaps, nausea, diarrhea, pulsating in feet, eyes, legs.
Today I had a lymphatic drainage massage to help drain the drug faster and tomorrow seeing a naturopath who is also a trained pharmacist and uses natural remedies and food to help the balance the brain. I’m a personal trainer and have found clean eating has helped with the nausea, definitely no sugar and lots of fresh food. Will post again in a few days to keep you updated. Definitely prefer this cold turkey than when I tried tapering.
Tapering withdrawal symptoms were much worse and cutting the tablet or breaking the slow release coating is a no no.
I have been off pristiq for two weeks now. I tapered off 50mg over 3 months. I know right such a small dose compared to some. I was on Pristiq for just over 12 months and I was on Zoloft before this for three years. I tried to come off the pristiq only 6 months after taking it I did the alternate dose and I couldn’t cope at all. I am not sure if I wasn’t ready or if the discontinuation syndrome was so bad for me.
After this I resumed my dose and researched the best way to come off. I ended up cutting my dose right down until I was on 12.5mg and it took me just on 3 months. Even after all that hard work I am withdrawing. However I don’t think it is as bad as it would have been if I did not taper this way. I feel sad and I am moody, nasty almost and this is not me at all.
I feel bad to the family because I am not my usual self. The worst for me is the fatigue and sleep problems. I have had a bit of anxiety and panic and I am awoken during my sleep with heart palpitations and anger. I do feel very sensitive to noise and I don’t really feel like socializing to much. It has improved from the first week but not much.
The first week I felt very disorientated and constantly dizzy that has stopped now. I just feel a little confused at times. I am proud of myself though and I hope it gets better soon.
Hey Rachel, I did the exact same as you did (I went from 300mg to 0 in 6 months) today is my two weeks with out it… the zaps get less intense ever day! Sleep is still an issue but that’s because pristiq masked so much! I’m trying to avoid sleeping tablets, but I’ve missed that much work that some times I have to take them. My doc recommended half a Valium on a bad day. I have it if I know I’m going to be in an anxiety inducing situation.
My natural remedies that have helped is sleeping with a lavender oil demister, rescue remedy drops. Activated vitamin b’s. Hot baths and showers. Avoid alcohol at all costs and coffee (I work at a wine and coffee company and had to go into tastings had major migraines after that which has never happened before) and just sleep.
I’m in Australia (not sure where you are) I didn’t have access to the 25mg tablet so I had no choice to cut by 50s into quarters. Naprogesic which I usually use for period pain was amazing. If you’re in America I bought naproxen at a Walgreens which apparently is what helps with the nausea and cramps. Feel free to email if you want any more from me. I feel like we are in a similar place right now, and did the same taper. gina.bowman[@]icloud.com
I’ve been taking 100mg extended release for a few years now. 20 years on various antidepressants, Pristiq had worked the best with minimal side effects as compared to many of the others. Due to insurance costs and a lot of emotional healing over the last few years, my doctor agreed to taper me off completely. I successfully tapered from 100mg to 75mg over 14 days, with ringing in my ears that subsided.
Reduced to 50mg 2 days ago, and tonight, out of seemingly nowhere, I’ve had fits of hysterical laughter combined with crying. Unable to fully catch my breath – or take long, deep inhales/exhales. My husband and I talked through what I could do, and I decided to eat something sugary, which increases serotonin. After a bowl of cereal, it’s about 90 minutes now where I’m a lot calmer.
It feels like the hysteria/crying is on the verge, but it’s controlled at this moment. I have an uptick in anxiety but it’s been manageable thus far. Praying and my husband’s support is most important. It’ll be worth it, I believe (we’ll see in another couple weeks.) To those who indicate there isn’t a dosage between 50 and 0 – there is a 25mg extended release – maybe it hasn’t been available that long.
I was on Desven 100mg for almost a year or more, and started tapering only since August. In addition to Desven 100, I have also been on Lamictal 100mg for a longer period. My doc and I got Desven titrated from 100 to 50, maintained that for a month, and then from 50 to 37.5 for 20 days, and now down from 37.5 to 25 the last couple of days. Yes, the side-effects are definitely there, and making me feel irritable at really otherwise normal stimuli, feel hopeless, depressed, socially uncomfortable.
But the very thought I am getting OFF of the drugs is so much of HOPE. My doc is extremely supportive and wants me off the drugs, but in a slow, titrated manner so as to not provoke the system. I would encourage you to talk to your doc, and express your desire to wean off the drugs, and if he isn’t supportive (and I am assuming you’re not going to just die if you don’t take these drugs), then switch to a more senior, reliable doctor.
That is a struggle, but I’ve seen mine over 16 years (of which a 3 year stint was with a different doc who prescribed and preached these drugs for life!), and I’ve had a doctor who’s supported me more than 90% of this period of time. You actually don’t need these neuro-regulators, your body is one piece of brilliant work by God, that NO doctor ever can decipher, and definitely not the brain! Trust in God, trust in your loved ones, and reach out to LIVE LIFE!
I tried to come off Pristiq 4 months ago. I had crying spells & couldn’t concentrate. Went back on & it didn’t work the same… I became anxious, depressed to the point I needed hospitalization. Terrible drug to get off of; I stopped for good 5 days ago; am on several drugs to control symptoms such as restlessness, agitation, suicidal ideations, and depression. I have had the chills, body tremors.
Luckily I have a good support system and hoping in 6 months I can start tapering a couple of the meds. Going to have to be patient and good to myself. Everyone you are not alone, you are not crazy. Professionals don’t seem to acknowledge this but it’s true. If I would have known this I would have been happy to stay on it the rest of my life but can’t go back in time. Best of luck to all… hang in there & take care of yourself.
I was referred to a psychiatrist by my PCP for depression. He immediately put me on Pristiq. Took it for 2 weeks before considering filling the script. Due to insurance issues I have gone cold turkey and am so amazed at the symptoms I am experiencing! Dizziness, headaches, brain zaps, totally bizarre dreams, etc. This is after only 2 weeks! This is so nuts! I will never take this drug again.
I think Pristiq should be illegal to prescribe and absolutely abolished. I have been off it now for 5 months and it’s been the worst 5 months of my life. I got each and every last withdrawal symptom, plus severe hair loss, (have literally lost half my hair)! The only good thing is I lost the 15lbs I gained while on it but truly, I wish I’d never started the stuff in the first place… it wasn’t worth the relief it gave me.
I took it to cope after losing my dad 4.5 years ago. Doctors should be made well aware it’s an evil drug that will seem to help but really will destroy you. The fact you cannot even taper because of its time-release coating made it next to impossible to quit. Pharmaceutical companies get richer and richer while they addict us to their poison. It’s so wrong and we need to raise awareness about it. Government should protect us and not allow it to happen. Absolutely evil drug!
Have been off pristiq 50mg for around six weeks after taking it for 3.5 years. Feeling absolutely terrible. Bad mood swings, insomnia, depressed and anxious all the time. I hate being like this the fatigue and aching legs every day is hard to cope with. I have no motivation anymore – how long will this go on for? Not coping very well as I have no family support.
Having come of Effexor after 9 years, now coming off pristiq after 18 months feels so much easier. Exercise, lots of sleep (and sleeping when you feel you need to) and a very small dose of Valium if required (I try to only take if absolutely necessary) has made this much less painful than the awful experience of Effexor withdrawal. There’s no easy way to come off these drugs but it’s worth it. So eyes on the prize so to speak really helps boost a positive mindset for me.
After being on 50 mg pristiq I hat petted down and I am now off it all together. I have severe withdrawal symptoms. Vomiting, dizziness, confusion, agitation, headaches. I sometimes have to spend the day in bed, I feel so ill. I cannot manage my life most days. My doctor has suggested my taking lexapro and tapering that off. I am not keen to do this… I am very angry that I was never warned about withdrawal problems. It is now about 4 weeks since I stopped this dreadful medication.
I must be one of the lucky ones…! I had taken 100mg for 8yrs or more… The price has escalated so much to $300/month I thought maybe it’s time to quit. I’m 60 y/o & thought I can cope with the withdrawals without a lot of stress in my life currently. I had about 10 pills left when I made this decision so I cut them in half & took one half every day for a week & then every other day until I took the last half on Wednesday last week.
Friday, Sat & Sun were pretty unbearable mostly brain zaps, nausea, dizziness, headache & insatiable appetite (probably to curb the nausea). When I found this forum on Sunday I thought this could be a long haul…but no! I still felt kind of unstable Monday this week but yesterday much better & today, Wednesday the symptoms have nearly completely subsided.
Keep the faith…the horrible withdrawal symptoms may not last as long as others have experienced. :) Good luck to anyone making the transition from drug brain to clarity!! I think it’ll be worth the struggle!
I am 54 years old and stopped taking Pristiq “child turkey” about for weeks ago after taking 100mg daily for eight years. I am experiencing the symptoms mentioned but now experiencing blisters on my skin and severe itching that I have been taking Benadryl (50mg) every six hours to relieve. That only helps some and causes extreme tiredness and tremors. Is there something else I can do to stop this? My doctor doesn’t know what to do. PLEASE HELP!!!
I was started in Pristiq 50mg and after my first month of being on it, all I did was cry and cry. So I got reevaluate my and the Dr. Upped my dosage to 100mg. I felt like a completely crazy person transitioning, plus I had missed 2 pills between starting new dosage. It was horrible, tremors, dry heaving, anxiety attacks, suicidal ideation.
I honestly have no idea if it was the do adage increase adjustment or missing the two pills. Long story short…I adjusted to 100mg, feeling pretty good, and of course to scared to get off it. My prescription got denied refill so I’ve decided to quit cold turkey. Which I have been reading is not the smartest thing to do. Either way I am doing it and today was day three and the first day of symptoms.
I’m hoping BC I was only on it for 3 months it should not be so bad. My symptoms today have included, agitation, anger, dizziness, light headed, unable to focus my eyes, small headache and tiredness. Hoping to make it through work tomorrow and overcome the weekend. Sending out hope to everyone going through these times right now.
I had been on pristiq for 8 yrs. I had moved to another state and my insurance changed, and even though I had one refill left my insurance required an authorization from my Doctor in my previous state…which he decided not to give because psychiatrists are worthless. I ended up having to quit cold turkey. I had been taking 100mg/day and have been off of it for a couple weeks.
Luckily I only experienced depersonalization (still ongoing) some lightheaded mess, one headache, and fatigue the first week. I guess it wasn’t doing much for me since the anxiety and depression did not change. Just hoping that being on meds for 16 yrs (started at 10 yrs old) didn’t completely mess up my brain. Fingers crossed.
Three days cold turkey. Same as everybody else. Brain zaps, dizzy, sweats, insomnia etc. I started Pristiq for some mild anxiety and sleep difficulties. What a mistake, and I should have known better. I was a psychologist myself but trusted my GP and later a Psychiatrist. I believed it when I was told that a counsellor couldn’t effectively be counseled and that medication was the way to go.
The effect of Pristiq on me was poor judgement, irritability and anger, even worse sleep than I was trying to treat, dehumanization and withdrawal from others and life. Of course these symptoms all point to depression and therefore continued Pristiq, of higher dose is necessary. Up to 400mg by one psychiatrist, about 3 years bouncing between 150 and 200mg now. And of course none of these side effects are useful when trying to help others, particularly the dehumanization and lack of empathy that I have felt for 5 years since starting Pristiq.
I have lost my profession (deregistered and unemployed for 4 years now), lost my marriage, lost all but one friend, and have generally mistreated those who have remained around me (family and new partner). Of course I must take responsibility for my own actions, I did and said the things that have cost me so dearly, but I truly haven’t been me, the person who cared enough about people to quit another more highly paid profession to work as a psychologist… the person who dearly wanted to help others.
I am deeply ashamed and cannot begin to make amends for the last few years, it is unethical to contact past clients and apologies for my own poor judgement. I have tried to quit this medication on a number of occasions as I have felt worse being on it than I have ever felt while off it, but medical advice has been that I am still suffering major depression and must remain on medication.
Now I know that it is just withdrawing that mimics depression and anxiety even though my GP, and the Psych Board deny any ill effects of Pristiq.
I have been on and off Pristiq for the last 5 years on twice for short periods at (50 mg only). It generally takes about 2 weeks to get out of my system. Normally just on it for a short period of time, then I feel ok. I have always just gone COLD TURKEY, sure I had a little brain fog, and a couple of silly thoughts. But I just got over it and on with other things. Just do it! Stop if that what we want, but remember it takes 3 weeks to kick back in, so if you seriously think you need it maybe stick with it.
Hey everyone, I am trying to come off Pristiq ATM. I have been on them for about 6 months. I first didn’t consult my doctor and cut my 100mg tablet in half, which resulted in terrible withdrawal symptoms… I now have prescribed the 50mg tablets from my GP. I’m wondering how long I should adjust to the 50mg before going “cold turkey”. I was hoping this process would be quick, the main reason I want to come off the medication is that I have a interview in 2 weeks to join the Army. I don’t like my chances of joining the Australian defense force if I’m on anti-depressants.
I had been on Zoloft for over 20 years, in the past three years I’ve been taking Pristiq. I decided that I wanted to know who I was without antidepressants. I started tapering off Pristiq over 8 weeks ago. The 1st month I took half the dosage everyday. Felt numerous symptoms, anxiety, flu symptoms, headaches and so on. The symptoms improved somewhat.
Starting the 2nd month I started taking half of the dosage every other day. I did this for two weeks, the symptoms were bad and didn’t seem to improve. I went back on every day half the dosage. Today 8/16/16 I started with a quarter of the dosage to see if that helps with the symptoms. It’s been difficult! Wish me luck!
I am 6 weeks in into tapering, and my god it has been a struggle. I’ve been on Pristiq since I was 17, now 23 start at 200 now on 50mg. I’ve been on university holidays so I have been able to take good care of myself – early nights before the real symptoms kick in. I am now able to go 4-5 days without serious side effects, but on the 5th day I get terrible brain zaps which causes my head to jerk and I’m terrible agitated, fidgety and feel like my head is going to implode.
I am back at uni this week and taking it slow. Trying to do 5 days at a time, then slowly progress to 7. I’m a little worried about my concentration because I feel like my attention last about 2 mins before I start doing something else. Has anyone been experiencing weird dreams?
I’ve been having these dreams where I’m sort of going inside of myself and controlling myself through my dream. It’s a really strange sensation and usually have to wake myself up because it’s not comfortable (i.e. I’m scared).
Help! I’ve run out of Pristiq while in Columbia and haven’t found any yet. I usually take 200mg and now I have nothing so I am suffering from a lot of withdrawal symptoms. Is there anything natural or easy to get that I could try to ease these feelings until I find some?
Hi, I have come off pristiq 50 (with my GP knowledge & guidance) after having been on it for 5 years. I stopped it on 10th June 2016 and after 2 weeks had some anxiety, tremors and nervousness. I spoke to my GP who advised this may last another couple of weeks. Everything settled down however as of the past week (now the 18th July, 2016) am starting again with nervousness, bad anxiety etc.
I am wondering if anybody can advise is this standard with stopping the Pristiq. If so can anybody let me know how long these type of issues have lasted with them. I am trying to stay away from medications. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
I am 22 and I have been on Pristiq for seven unfortunate years. I wanted to get off of this medicine so I gradually reduced my dose from 100 to 50 to 25 and now I’ve gone cold turkey. How is anyone able to physically function throughout the day while going through these withdrawals? I’m only on day 2 without it and basically I’m wondering just how long it will be until I feel “normal’ again.
I’m so glad to have read some of these comments and know that it is in fact the withdrawals. I keep going back and forth… my withdrawals are so intense I keep wondering if I’m actually ready to stop pristiq… which then sends me in to anxiety. I was put on these for my PPD, by my nurse practitioner…and wonder if it was ever the right choice.
I have a mental heath work and school background so I’ve just been kind of trying to monitor myself… which obviously doesn’t work I realize now. The angry outbursts, mood swings… dizziness, major fatigue, anxiety attacks, feeling so zombie like…all real deal. I was only every on 50mg once a day for 2 years.
About 6 months ago I tapered down to every second day. The last 2 weeks I got enough guts to start every 3rd day but the withdraws have been so unbearable… I just hope it gets easier and in a few months can say I kicked these pills.
Day 6 now and the horrible withdrawals have kicked in. I’m so nauseous, depersonalized, I feel like I’m about to have a turn like a seizure or something. I just feel horrible. Does anyone know how long will it last? Chest pains too. Constant body jolts.
Hi everyone, I’m day 3 cold turkey. I’m a bit concerned because I have very few withdrawal symptoms. I’m prepared to go back & taper if it gets excruciating (if anyone experiences concerning low mood or feeling crazy I recommend tapering) but right now I feel extremely happy, I feel nauseous so I take motion sickness tablets “Kwells” (over the counter) and half hour later I’m ok. I did take 10m lexapro day 1.
Above a girl alternated between lexapro and pristiq. But I’m overstimulated and not sleeping & I’m worried about serotonin toxicity which you can die from & believe I had it when I increased a dose of Luvox in my past – I believe I’m lucky I was so sick). Yesterday I made a chicken corn and chicken stock with bucket loads of veggies, garlic & the essential GINGER to help with nausea & I’m able to hold it down and I went for a walk (lots of water & coconut water with all the electrolytes).
I drank on pristiq, whilst it’s not recommended to drink on any ADs Pristiq becomes null and void as alcohol blocks it’s function (a psych not my gp told me this). So I think a few times a week I had withdrawal symptoms anyway and compromised the efficacy of the pristiq so I’m wondering if that’s why my withdrawals are minimal. I also wasn’t on it long. Whilst on it I had body jolts & twitches (they were painless but annoying).
Now I have none and my mood is extremely good. I’ve had horrific withdrawal symptoms on a couple of ADs but this time it’s fine. Are the symptoms coming? I didn’t sleep one minute last night (I’m an insomniac) but I was also overly excited like a kid before xmas because of a very happy event.
I’m not sure what body shocks/zaps are but wonder if that’s the body jerks I experienced?
I had a migraine all the time on it, I put on huge amounts of weight, (1/3 my body weight) I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror my face would go red. I looked so sick all the time. I often became slurred in speech. I was extremely calm on it though. It didn’t resolve the insomnia. So if you think I can expect worse withdrawals let me know. As an aside if anyone knows of an AD with weight loss (as with lexapro) not gain and is good for insomnia please let me know.
Lexapro is amazing but I didn’t sleep. Avanza resolved insomnia but massive weight gain. The key for me has been asking my husband to go easy and explaining what I’m going through so he can be supportive. It would be awful to go through this without support & understanding so please communicate with your loved ones. Thank you & good luck.
Was on Pristiq for 4 months and achieved nothing. Now off it for 4 months and I have a constant brain buzz or zap that never goes away it’s so annoying. Has anyone experienced the same brain buzzing and did it go away?
I’ve been on 50mg daily for 2+ years. Going on the drug was frightening… tremors, nausea, dizziness. But at the time I felt so depressed I was willing to do anything to feel better. After 12 months of spiritual work, rebirthing, breath-work sessions and generally dealing with the true causes of my depression, I decided it was time to be free of Pristiq.
It is, in my opinion, the worst mistake I’ve ever made, medically. I have researched discontinuation for months, found nothing but horror stories really. Determined, I started tapering one month ago. Two weeks of doses every second day, two weeks of doses every three days. My last dose was 5 days ago. Symptoms have reached their worst – I think – and I’m working through some pretty severe withdrawals at the moment: dizziness, vision impairment, sensitivity to noise and light, irritability, tremors, sleepiness during the day, insomnia between 8pm-1am, sweats and chills, back ache, headache, sadness due to fear and uncertainty about all of these.
My saving graces are good food, small meals and snacks throughout the day. Also, drink plenty of fluids: hot chocolate, herbal teas, coffee works well in the mornings. I enjoy warm showers in the morning and try not to spend time in front of the mirror for the time being (be kind and nurture yourself). Also, I have been taking two good doses of paracetamol with calmative (codeine phosphate and doxylamine succinate) each day when symptoms seem to ‘peak’.
It works wonders, reduces the withdrawal symptoms and gives my body and mind a rest from the intensity of the withdrawal process. I am reluctant to drive my car, I find myself zoning out. My work life has been impacted. But I know I want to do this and I can do this. I am however VERY concerned about what Pristiq does to our bodies and am at times quite scared by how awful I feel. There have been times in recent days when I just sat with my head in my hands and cried because I’m scared, frustrated, angry, irritable and so very confused and foggy.
All I can do is hope that this process won’t drag out from weeks to months. I think it’s important to remind ourselves that we’re doing the best we can, and it might be a hard journey but it is possible to do.
After being on Pristiq less than two weeks, I couldn’t tolerate the sexual side effects and went “cold turkey” thinking I had not been on it long enough to experience true withdrawal. Boy, was I ever wrong!! Flu-like symptoms with chilling and sweating, dizziness, and terrible nausea leading to vomiting stopped me in my tracks. So ready to feel normal again!!
Hello everybody. I quit cold turkey three weeks ago and I just want to pass the message to all that it does get better and to hang in there. I was on 100mg to treat my anxiety (not depression). I was attacked a few months earlier by an individual and was not able to cope or deal with this nor did I have any confidence to speak or say as little as hi to anyone. I had severe panic attacks.
I was on the drug for 3 months before deciding that I could not let this consume me any longer. I wanted to enjoy life again. I was determined.*** I do recommend that if you do quit cold turkey to PLEASE take at least a week off. Day 1 and Day 2 had very little side effects. Day 3 to Day 6 will be your worst period. If you can pass this period you can tolerate anything after this.
I recommend that you take a week off from Day 3 in order to get the best benefit for your time off. Day 3 to Day 6: You will have the urge to jump back on it, but all I can say is HANG IN THERE. You made it this far just a few more days until the worse part is over. Always tell yourself it’s okay. Believe in yourself you’ve come this far.
***During this period I strongly recommend when walking to look down. If you look straight ahead / move your head or eyes you will become very dizzy…. Looking at the ground will prevent you from becoming extremely dizzy… I did take gravol during this period so make sure you have some handy with cold ice water.****
Day 7 and onwards: you will get brain zaps, nausea, brain fog, fatigue, insomnia but nothing compared to the beginning of the week. You will be able to return to work, however I sit in an office setting and it was easy for me to sit and re-focus every now and then. Going on Week 4: Most side effects are gone. On a random day I might have insomnia but that’s all… and this could be due to work…I’m loving life.
I’m excited to see what’s ahead and I am not looking back… I have returned to my normal hyper self and people have noticed this… my brain activity has also returned back to normal… I no longer have delayed thoughts and is able to focus. Just always remember to hang in there. Surround yourself with positive thoughts. You can do it. The best is yet to come and I wish everybody the very best. Cheers
I feel like DEATH! I’ve been on pristiq 50 for 5 years. I feel like it did its job and I no longer need it. Coming off is no joke! I’ve had every symptom listed. Wild dreams. Restless legs. Dizzy, sweating, concentration issues, crying spells, insomnia, panic attacks. I need a pill to get me off these pills!
The first time I tried to quit, I had every symptom imaginable. I didn’t taper the correct way and it was a nightmare. I had very intense brain zaps, uncontrollable anger and frustration, nausea, dizziness, crying spells and extreme panic attacks.
I went back to my normal dose and then tapered. I cut my pill in half, then a quarter and finally down to an eighth. I stayed on each dose for 2 weeks and then I quit. I have been pristiq free for a week now and the symptoms are very manageable.
I still have slight anxiety. The brain zaps are so light that I barely notice them. No anger, no frustration, no crying spells and very little dizziness. I experience moments of forgetfulness and confusion, but I’ll take that any day over what I experienced previously!
It’s a scary thing to go through and I wish everyone the best. Love, hugs and prayers for your healing.
I have been trying to get off the for around 6 weeks. I started cutting it in half and taking half daily for about 3 weeks. Then the nurse told me to start taking half every other day. It has been 6 weeks, I started taking a qtr. pill every other day. I am having brain shocks, crying, not sleeping, headaches, all the systems! I fell down just walking to the car! How much longer is this going to last?
I thought I had the flu, was throwing up, stomach pain, sweats. After reading all the comments about how all of you have coped with this, I threw the rest of it out. I want off this drug! My husband and I have been going crazy trying to deal with my symptoms. At least now we understand what has been going on with me. That helps.
Thank you all for sharing your stories it has helped me to know I am not alone.
I went cold turkey for 3 days and my meds are getting reviewed in 11 days from today, and I decided f#ck this, I am not coping with this pain. I have given up and gone back on it and I’m still waiting for my body to readjust to being back on the medication. I feel sick, sweaty, anxious and my head is so sore it’s left me in tears just because of the pain, and I have a very high pain tolerance. Proof of this is I have tattoos under the bottom of my feet.
This pain was just too much. To anyone doing this, take time off work or school because this is going to SUCK and treat it like you have the flu or something because your body is going to hate you for moving. I tried to get up to go to the bathroom and ended up having to crawl because I was so dizzy and even changing directions caused the most painful brain zaps I have ever experienced.
I’ve been on pristiq for several years now but down to 50mg the past year – I really want to get off completely but have been afraid of WD particularly when I can feel foggy and generally weird/not focused when I miss just one dose. Also, I’m already on wellbutrin (300mg) so not sure if that will help or exacerbate the symptoms. Any feedback from someone who has been on similar medications/combination and has weaned off pristiq would be helpful.
I quit Pristiq cold turkey three weeks ago. I’d been tapering for months and was taking 25 mg daily. All this was with my doctor’s knowledge and the guidance of a nurse. Partly from the many helpful comments on this site and partly from the withdrawal symptoms I was experiencing even on a lower dose, I decided to go the cold turkey route. I’d come to the conclusion (from the comments) that regardless of tapering, going to a compounding pharmacist or going cold turkey, there would be some (or a lot of) discomfort.
Using some advice this site, I:
– started prior to a long weekend (Victoria Day weekend), so I wouldn’t be at work and could focus on the withdrawal
– made sure I was taking my vitamins (Vit B Complex 100, Vit C, Vit D, Vit B12 (slow release), Magnesium, Omega-3, chlorella) and drinking plenty of water
– told a friend about my plan. She called me daily. It was lovely to hear from someone who cared
– alternatively kept myself busy watching tv, napping, and doing quiet projects. For example, I built a barbeque, and started painting some furniture.
– my appetite was low, but I made sure to have healthy food 0n hand that I could get excited about eating.
– took my dog for walks (slowly in case I fell! ?)
– tried to maintain a sense of humour
– took one day at a time (probably the most important thing)
I had brain zaps, tingling, an awry body thermometer, cobwebs in my brain, a wonky sense of balance, fatigue, headaches, and really not wanting to see a soul. Talking was hard, because my brain was processing thoughts so slowly. But you know what? I did it! Also, I much sooner be “sick” like this than have the stomach flu or food poisoning!
When I went back to work after the long weekend I wasn’t feeling my best, but was confident in my ability to do my job. I did two things to help:
– I pretended that I felt better than I really was. This wasn’t to convince others, but to convince me! It worked.
– I continued taking my vitamins, doing neurofeedback and going to the gym
Three weeks later I can tell you this:
– my friends tell me there is a sharpness (or less fog) in my gaze
– I’m able to stick to projects. On Pristiq I was definitely lazier and had to push myself
– a creative energy has emerged that I’d forgotten existed
– I’m participating in office meetings. Before if I had an idea, I couldn’t be bothered bringing it up
– I’ve dropped five pounds and find it easier to watch my portion sizes, eat somewhat nutritiously and keep treats as occasional delights rather than daily go-tos. Only about 55 lbs to go (mostly all gained after I started on Pristiq)
– I have a sex drive again. I’d forgotten it existed!
However,
– I’m more emotional and can weep on a dime. But I don’t feel depressed or sad
– I’m a bit more anxious about the future. However, I don’t recall this being a problem for me
– I still get brain zaps, but they are very mild
– I’m not absolutely certain, but I think alcohol make the zaps worse.
The emotions don’t worry me because they feel natural, but can anyone tell me how long they’re going to be this raw? Pristiq is a devil of a drug (I know some people would call it the devil), but for the time I needed it it helped me. I was on it for five years, but during that time I’d also sustained a concussion.
What a great site; your comments helped and supported me a lot. Thank you!
I can relate to all of the symptoms as described by these people, however, for me one particular side effect when I stop taking Pristiq is I lose all inhibitions, and my sex drive goes through the roof. For some individuals this may seem a wonderful benefit, but being single it drives me absolutely crazy.
I related my concerns to my local pharmacist, i.e. inhibitions or lack of, and he informed me this drug, when suddenly withdrawing from it had induced the same peculiar reaction in him. I have had to send multiple messages to family and friends (ladies) to explain my abnormal and inappropriate behaviour. Any other people can relate to this unusual side effect?
This is the worst drug ever. I have been tapering off for 2 weeks taking every other day. This is the worst I have ever felt in my life and I have been through cancer. This drug is HORRIBLE I wish I would have never started taking it. It seriously should be taken off the market. Head spinning, lips tingling, sweats, crying spells, depression. I can’t handle it.
Hello, I have been off and on anti-depressants for the last twelve years. I am 31 and I am trying to get off pristiq for multiple reasons. It really changed my life in a positive way and I do believe that antidepressants are a positive for many people. I was on 100mg and have been taking 50mg for the last three months which I was able to do without too severe side effects.
Nausea, dizziness and depersonalisation have been hard, but I have been able to go on with life. Tapering between 50 and 0 (in form of cutting the 50mg tablet into halves or thirds) was not recommended by pharmacists or GPs due to the slow release mechanism and matrix of the tablets that would be damaged by the cutting of the seal. I am now on off the medication completely, it’s day three.
Day two was hell (due to all the symptoms discussed above) today is a little better, but I am worried that it is not realistic to go from 50 to 0 at this stage as I have to start a new job in a month and I am worried that I will not be able to perform 100%. Is anyone on the other side of a couple of months and can share whether their experience? I want to be healthy and happy and I believe that I am at a stage in my life where I can try being AD-free but nothing is going to make me fall back into a hole as fast as being fired for not performing the way I should be.
So maybe I should stick to 50mg for another year and see how I go then? Still better than 100mg? I am otherwise quite healthy, I exercise a lot. Would also love to be able to be pristiq side effect free. They are bad, and I have been willing to accept them if needed, but… you know… IMPORTANT: I am talking with my GP and I strongly believe that one should not go through this without the supervision of a doctor.
But I find with this one as with others in the past, the empathy or understanding for the withdrawal effects has been lacking. Thank you all for sharing, it makes this process a lot easier.
Follow up: I’m on day 7 and feeling stronger. The first few days were hell but I expected that and honestly, I just let myself feel rubbish and tried to maintain the clarity that I was feeling rubbish because my body was suffering from withdrawal and not because I had to go back on the meds. This is isn’t too say that I feel amazing, but I can still see the light at the end of the tunnel and I’ve gone 40 hours without crying.
For those looking for support or advice I would suggest the following:
1) It’s unwise, if not dangerous, to do this without your doctor’s support and supervision. Pristiq is not evil and sometimes you just have to be on it. Don’t go off it cold turkey without consulting your doctor.
2) tell your family or friends or someone you trust what’s going on. They can only offer support if they know you need it. My parents have been in constant contact with me via messages and phone calls. A friend dropped by soup, twice, I burst into tears both times I was so grateful for the support, and I take those kind of tears as ok :) it has made such a difference hearing their words of encouragement and support.
3) Sticking to a routine that included making myself leave the house every day, even if it was just to talk around the block. I met my neighbor’s poodle and his enthusiasm made me burst into tears but I had a big smile on my face.
4) No coffee, no alcohol (not that I could have stomached either)
5) Lots of sleep
6) I have found a pharmacist who has been able to provide some empathy that my Doctor sometimes lacks. I don’t hold this against him, but it’s something I needed. Due to her suggestions I have been using the following:
7) Electrolyte drinks (I use the powder that you add to water) to help with rehydration due to the gastro-style side effects. Drink as much water as possible. I found it helped reduce headaches.
8) Supplements in form of immunity defense and one calming one I take before going to bed. I got cold sores on day three which was further evidence that this doesn’t just affect you mentally (if anyone doubted that in first place) I know herbal and vitamin supplements are another potentially divisive topic but If there’s a chance the supplements help, I’m willing to try. I’ve had doctors that have spoken for and against them. I will also go on a vitamin B complex once I start work.
I’m still worried I’ll crash but I’m trying to be patient and see how I go. Good luck everyone.
I was on Pristiq for about 1 year. Started at 50 mg, then increased it to 100 mg when I felt it was not working. I had minimal side effects while on the drug. I started an exercise program and started noticing my mood improve so decided to come off the medication altogether. I went down to 50 mg for 30 days, then a 50 mg pill every second day for 15 days.
I have now been off the medication for less than a week and while there are withdrawal symptoms, they are bearable. Mostly brain zaps and irritability. I also noticed I am low on energy and was slurring my words a little bit last night. Every day the brain zaps are getting less and less intense.
I am hoping by the end of the week they will be mostly gone. What has really helped is exercise. I plan to use exercise from now on instead of medication to help with my anxiety and depression. I only wish a personal trainer was covered by my benefit plan. :)
I was on Pristiq for 3 & 1/2 years. I started coming off Pristiq in February 2016, 1/4 tab at a time, as suggested by my Doc. I did this 3 weeks at a time. During this period I didn’t have any particularly noticeable side effects unless I forgot to take one. I took my last quarter tab 1 month ago.
I have experienced the brain zaps, which are becoming less and less. But the feelings of confusion, memory loss, lack of motivation, insomnia, itchy feet, twitchy legs, exhaustion, headaches, feeling worthless, guilty and lonely have been overwhelming at times. I actually felt quite strongly last week like maybe I should just have a tablet because I was feeling so strongly of all of these things.
I realized how addicted I had become when I had this thought. I have progressively become highly emotional. I have started crying hysterically when I am on my own. All of my problems seem HUGE. I find myself analyzing everything, and the results are that I feel worthless, guilty, and so alone. The rational side of me, reminds me that I’m a great mum, who has done every thing I possibly can to provide for and protect my children.
I am a good friend, I am a hard worker, I am a fun person, and I do have so many people who care. The other side of me says that despite all of that I am alone, so what was the point of doing anything. This side of me wants to close the curtains and bury myself into movie or series one after the other… This side of me doesn’t want to speak to anyone, get out of bed or go to work.
This side of me feels like I just can’t do this anymore… I feel an enormous tiredness which I can’t shake off at the moment. I closed my eyes and dozed when I had a friend visiting me yesterday… thank goodness she is such a good friend… The headaches are daily. So… reading this article has been so helpful. This isn’t me… the way I’m feeling.
And it sounds like there is light at the end of this tunnel if I just look after myself. I think my hardest obstacle is support. I have no family in the state I live. And while friends are great, I think you really need family support. I do have an amazing therapist, who I have now booked in some regular visits to over the next couple of months, and hopefully that will assist me through this rough patch.
Thanks to such helpful reading on the subject of coming off Pristiq. You get prescribed it in a flash, there were hardly any side effects going onto it… who would have known it would be such a jerk to get off it!!
Hi Jay, hope you are holding up ok, and you have a doctor you can talk to?
I have been taking pristiq now for about 5 to 6 weeks. And my GP has taken me off of this because I have been having mood swings and nausea. And now since last Thursday, I have been very ill, having almost every withdrawal symptoms that has been listed on this site. My question is how long until this passes?
Please update this article. The manufacturer introduced a 25mg Pristiq tablet a couple of years ago, which should prove helpful for people who are trying to taper down from higher doses. Amazingly, a lot of doctors and pharmacists still don’t know that this 25mg tablet is available, so patients need to ask for it.
Hi there: If you are reading this, you are likely in a similar boat as I am. On medication and wanting off!! I am on day 5 of a cold turkey from Pristiq. If you read no further, jut know one thing. It will be ok. I am going to get through this. I had been on 50mg for roughly three years. There were a number of reasons I chose to do this and do it cold turkey.
1. I realized my life was muted and damped by this drug
2. The original issues causing my depression/anxiety are resolved
3. I feel I have the coping skills now to handle issues I could not in the past.
4. I hate being dependant on a drug.
You may be asking… well ok, but why cold turkey and not taper? I had read so much about tapering that seemed to just prolong the inevitable. For me I reached a point where I just could not take one… more… pill…I had 5 left in a 100 pill prescription and my doctor could not see me until the day I would have no pills left. I started thinking… man this is really controlling me.
The only reason I am making this appointment is to re-up this prescription… that seems wrong! I had missed days in the past, so was familiar with the start of the withdrawals… dizziness mainly. I did read up on various people’s experience, and was well aware of the possibility of severe side effects. I still decided to do it. It was the right time.
My husband is away on business for 6 weeks, and while some may not understand this, it was better for me to do this alone…without having to explain it, or deal with his concerns over this decision. In fact, he has no idea I am going off them. Once I am on the other side, I will tell him. Before you say… you are crazy! get back on those pills… this is the only way this will work for me.
I know myself now, and I know I have always been a ‘fixer’ for others, to my detriment. Others depend on me to be strong, but I need this time to just be strong for myself… and do the fixing for ME. So,.. back to the reason most of you are reading this… what am I going through on day 5? What did I go through days 1 – 4?
For me, day 1 was a breeze. I had already adjusted from taking my 50mg in the morning, to taking it at night (because I was trying to stretch them out until my appointment! …ughh). I had gone through a few dizzy spells the day I did this, then two nights later… screw this I thought. I am done.
Day 1 fully off – few symptoms
Day 2 – dizziness and some brain zaps, feeling tired by the end of the work day.
Day 3 – I started to feel pretty crappy…like a low grade flu, with the start of GI problems. Like, anything I ate was flying through me..I am sure you get the picture. The brain zaps were much more severe, and I also started with sweats and fatigue. This day I pretty much just vegged in the house…actually did not go out at all. I do not seem to have any insomnia, and was able to sleep through the night on Day 3.
Day 4 – pretty much a repeat of Day 3 in terms of symptoms. I forced myself to be more active, and went out and did some normal week-end activity. My mood is good, great in fact. I feel more alive it seems, and I tell myself that my brain is waking up from a lonnng slumber, and needs to stretch and get going slowly. The brain zaps are very weird, but I understand they are caused from my brain trying to cope with the lack of seratonin and repair itself. I have made myself celebrate each brain zap as another step toward freedom. I periodically say to myself “f@%$ YOU PRITIQ, when I get a zap…it helps ..lol.
Day 5 – back at work and trying to be sensitive to my symptoms. Brain fog, and zaps are pretty much constant, my stomach is sketchy, and I am having problems with focus, but I can deal.
I do not know what Days 6-10 will bring, but whatever it is I will get through it. I am stronger than this drug, and knowledge is power over it. I am not freaked by any of the symptoms, because I am expecting them.
I want to also list the supplements I am taking to try to counter balance this rollercoaster.
1. Fish Oil – high quality Omega3
2. Tumeric – golden paste – I have been on this for years
3. B100 complex
4. Magnesium
I also have been “juicing” for the last week to try to make sure I get plenty of nutrients. I am considering staring l-tyrosine and 5-HTP. It would be great to hear if anyone else has tried these with success. Please wish me strength and I hope relating my experience so far will help someone. Do not try cold turkey unless you are very ready mentally for it.
I suspect this approach is not for everyone, and so not feel like you are not strong if you can’t do it. There is a method for everyone, and the most important thing to do is prepare yourself mentally and physically for this. Thank-you for reading. Angela
Hi all. I have been taking pristiq for around 3 years now after firstly taking effexor and then Lexapro. I was initially on 200mg for around 1 year and then asked for it to be reduced down to 100mg. I am on day 5 now of not taking it after going cold turkey.
I have previously forgotten to take my medication for a few days and got very lightheaded. As to date I haven’t experience this, but this morning I was very emotional and couldn’t stop crying. I am yet to experience any other symptoms and how that this continues.
I just contacted my sister who is very into herbs, vitamins and essential oils and she is going to contact some people to get me onto the right dosage of vitamins for me to take. I will post the information for all when I receive it. Good luck to everyone who is trying to come off any antidepressant medication.
I started Pristiq 50mg in December 2011. This past February I decided I wanted to go off it and see what life is like without antidepressants. Mind you, I’d been on medication since I was 31 and self prescribed with drugs and alcohol since I was 15. I’m now 45. I tapered with Pristiq 25mg every day for two weeks and then every other day for another two weeks.
The first month was awful. Brain zaps, agitated, crying jags, etc. The past month has been better but filled with anxiety. Every day. Not being able to breath, catastrophic thoughts, agitated, hating everything. In short, it feels like depression is back. However, it could be withdrawal type symptoms since I’d been on it for 4 1/2 years. There’s no research. My doctor doesn’t know.
I’m hoping someone on here has some experience, strength, and hope regarding your situation and how long it took you to get back to square one. Looking forward to your story. Thanks!
I’ve been off of Pristiq (150 mg) since Saturday when I was told by my dermatologist that my biopsy results indicated that I have developed an allergy to the drug. It caused Urticaria (hives) for months which was originally thought to be Ringworm as it looked the same. I have been on Pristiq (first 50, later 100, and more recently this past fall, at 150 mg dose).
Now, I’m very concerned about ingesting any of the competing drugs. My doctor who prescribed the dosage told me to “taper off” by reducing my dosage in half and breaking one of the 50 mg pills so that I would take 75 mg. I refused since I put myself at risk of further allergic reaction.
Unfortunately, the alka-seltzer-like buzzing/fizzing in my head just hasn’t stopped or decreased and am very much unable to get on with my day as normal. I need answers on what to do and need them fast. Someone, please help!!!
Supplements such as Vitamin C, E, 5-htp, and Sam-e might help, they’re all over the counter. I found the fizzy Airbourne or Berroca vitamin C drink tabs work well. If you can get your Dr. to give you another antidepressant that you can taper off of, such as prozac. Prozac is a completely different drug and hopefully you won’t have a reaction to it, but ask your Dr. if he can recommend an antidepressant you won’t react to.
Stay away from Effexor, it’s the closest chemically to Pristiq. Give yourself time to rest as much as possible, if your dermatologist ok’s it Benadryl might help you sleep and decrease the histamine reaction of the allergy.