sassnbelle going off Pristiq

[sassnbelle]

Hello there - I stumbled upon this discussion when I googled "can you cut pristique in half" and I am so glad I did! I have been pn prostique for 5 years and have decided to switch over to welbutrin. I had terrible withdrawal symptoms about a month ago, as my doctor (whom I am not pleased with) switched me from pristique to welbutrin cold turkey. I guess he did not know they are two completely different drugs. I had the withdrawal symptoms of a heroin addict going cold turkey, i.e, vomiting, diarrhea, brain zaps, dizziness, nausea. I initially thought I had the flu until I called the office back and went in to see another doctor. She knew immediately what had happened. She put me on this plan and 1 month in, I can say I think I'm headed in the right direction:

 

April 20 - 27 - Daily in a.m. 150 mg welbutrin, 50 mg pristique

April 27 - May 4 - Daily in a.m. 150 mg welbutrin, 50 mg pristique every other day

May 4 - May 11 - Daily in a.m. 300 mg welbutrin, 50 mg pristique every 2 days

May 11 - current - Daily in a.m. 300 mg welbutrin, 25 mg (cut pill in 1/2) every 3rd day)

 

During this whole process I have not felt well. I can completely relate to all of you who are going through this. Between the fogginess, brain zaps, dizziness, nausea & diarrhea, it's amazing I am still functioning. If I knew there was no withdrawal plan, I never would have started pristique 5 years ago. I will update you all in a week or so, which is when I hope to be completely off of pristique. Wish me luck! And best to all of you as well.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, sassnbelle.

 

I wish you luck with that tapering plan. Usually, alternating or skipping doses is not a good way to taper -- it's an excellent way to generate withdrawal symptoms.

 

If I were you, I'd consider cutting up the Pristiq tablets and taking it without skipping any days.

[basildev]

Welcome to the forum Sassnbelle!!

 

I wish you the best of luck and I'm glad you found us:)

[beconscious]

Best of luck and success. I'm not too far behind you. I decided that the symptoms of a quick taper will be work, but well worth being rid of the attachment to the drug.

 

Working at this taper since February. It's not fun, but its progress.

[sassnbelle]

Hi everyone -

 

Well my plan failed miserably; as I should have guessed based on most of the feedback here. Cutting the pristique tablets in half and spacing the days apart only gave me those terrible withdrawal symptoms. I have a 9:30 a.m. ET doctor's appointment to get this straightened out. I'll report back. Wish me luck!

[sassnbelle]

Best of luck and success. I'm not too far behind you. I decided that the symptoms of a quick taper will be work, but well worth being rid of the attachment to the drug.

 

Working at this taper since February. It's not fun, but its progress.

 

Wow, good for you that you're able to plow through the WD symptoms! It's simply not an option for me; career woman, mom of 2, super star. lol - I'd have to take a week off and hibernate in order to get through it. Good luck!

[Altostrata]

Don't count on getting good advice from your doctor.

 

Be sure to read our Pristiq tapering topic http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/876-tips-for-tapering-off-pristiq-desvenlafaxine/

[beconscious]

I agree with Altostrata, its very rare to get good advice from a doctor - this has been my experience anyway.  I needed to supplement this advice with internet forums, friends, family and others in the medical community.  My massage therapist went through a deep depression after her sport career finished. She has been a great resource and guide.

 

sassnbelle - I can relate to the busy life, too 8 month old baby, high stress corporate job. The pressure is on to get myself sorted out. I was once the best at what I did. I hope to get back to this. Having children to love has been such a healing element to all of this, I am sure you will agree. Take care!