AuntieDepressed: Pristiq is the devil in a pill

[AuntieDepressed]

Hi I am new here. Found this site after reading endless others. This was the most helpful site as it actually offers advice for sufferers of withdrawal. I was only on Pristiq for 2 weeks, only once a day, 50 mg. So it should be easy to stop it right? NO! I have read all the info about pill splitting or not splitting. I decided to stop it cold turkey because the drug was making me so damn nauseous and disconnected. Now I am shivering as I sweat profusely. I have bowel cramps. I am severely nauseous and cannot eat. 

 

Does anyone reading this have this experience after such a short time? Any advice? I am desperate. I am so damn frustrated as I just switched after 2 years on Nortriptyline. I was so hopeful I may get relief from crippling depression, instead I am worse off. And now I have nothing in my system to battle depression.

 

By the way, this damn drug was rated safe from my DNA test of these drugs. Yeah, sure it is.           

Thanks to each of you who share your story and I send hugs and support to each of you!  

 

[ChessieCat]

Hi Auntie D,

 

Welcome to SA.  Yes, you have found a very helpful site with lots of great information and supportive members and knowledgeable volunteer staff.

 

Did you switch directly from Nortriptyline to Pristiq?  The withdrawal symptoms you are experiencing are most likely from the Nortriptyline.

 

Introduction to AD Withdrawal Syndrome

 

When did you stop taking the Pristiq?  Because you were only on it for 2 weeks, you might consider reinstating Nortriptyline.  About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms

 

Once you have completed your signature the mods will be able to suggest what dosage to reinstate.  This will depend on when you last took Nortriptyline.  How to put your Withdrawal History in Signature (dates, ALL drugs, doses and how you decreased/increased).

 

After stabilising on Nortriptyline you would then be able to taper slowly to minimise withdrawal symptoms.  Tips for Tapering Off Nortriptyline

 

"And now I have nothing in my system to battle depression."

 

Would you mind telling us why you were prescribed Nortriptyline in the first place?  It may be that the drug has ended up causing depression.  It is a good idea to learn coping techniques, eg CBT either by yourself or through a therapist.

 

These helped me to understand that the brain has changed from taking ADs and why a slow taper is recommended.

 

Video: Healing from Antidepressants: Patterns of Recovery

 

Brain Remodelling

 

Have a read of the links and come back to this Topic to ask questions and to journal your progress.  Click Follow This Topic (top right) and you will be notified when someone replies.

 

CC

[Fresh]

Hi AuntyDepressed , sorry you're feeling so awful , glad you found us.

 

You're having withdrawal syndrome from stopping abruptly , which is extremely common and extremely unpleasant.

It can go on for many many months , with new symptoms developing at any stage.

It sounds like the nortriptyline "pooped out" on you (stopped working) which prompted the change to pristiq.

 

The only way to stop the withdrawal developing is by reinstating.

Please read the links Chessie Cat provided and use this thread to ask any questions as you go along.

Do you have any nortriptyline there with you , what doses?

 

We can help you get through this , it's going to be okay.

Please click FOLLOW at the top right , and you'll receive an email each time someone posts here.

 

Best wishes , Fresh