SourCherry: Pristiq

[SourCherry]

I have been taking Pristiq now for over two years. I stumbled accross forums on the topic and was shocked to see side effects I was experiencing, and had not made the connection to Pristiq. I never had a weight problem before I started taking it, but I am constantly hungry! Lack of motivation, I had no clue this was associated to Pristiq!! I thought I was just changing into a hermit! It was all I could do to go to visit my sisters! I never had a problem before I started this medicine. I guess I didn't associate lack of motivation because it didn't happen right away. At first I was full of energy! Felt great! But as time went on I put on a lot of weight and had to talk myself into the simplest tasks! After a year of being on Pristiq, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I have read that this has happened to other Pristiq users. However, my father has high blood pressure so this may just be hereditary.

I decided to taper off!! I have read the horror stories of withdrawal and it scared me. However, I want off of this medicine! So Monday I took my 50mg dose and decided to take one every third day. Today is the third day, and although I am dizzy, it isn't anything that I can't tolerate. I decided to take one if the withdrawal gets bad enough. I know that cold turkey is not recommended but I figure if it isn't keeping me from working or doing my everyday things it was ok?! I will keep you all posted about the process for me. I know everyone is different so I would never recommend this method to anyone!!!!!

I was just wondering if anyone else went this route? What kind of withdrawal symptoms you had? How did you taper off? Just stories about your experiece being on Prisitiq, the side effects you had while on it, and what made you decide to quit taking it and regain your life back:)

Edited June 7, 2013 by Karma
Added member name to introduction

[dunerbug]

I don't know anything about pristiq. Unfortunately, I know some about withdrawal, and how to get it. 

I would encourage you to re-think going off so fast and try tapering more. 

 

I know the feeling of just wanting to be off the med. But your system has gotten used to having this chemical for 2 years, you can't just rip it away without difficulty. 

 

Others will be along with more knowledge on your particular med.

 

Welcome to the board. 

[alex]

[sourCherrry], skipping doses is the worst you can do.Don`t do it!

Pristiq is a powerful drug, you will have to taper very carefully.

Other members will help you out soon.

Keep your regular dose until you get help

Edited June 7, 2013 by Altostrata
removed personal information

[basildev]

Hi [sourCherrry],

 

Welcome to the forum. You will find lots of friendly support here.

 

Alex and Dunerbug are absolutely correct. Alternating doses every other day is one of the worst things you can do for your nervous system (the informaton in the link below will explain why). You're feeling okay now, but I promise you it can get much, much worse if you continue to skip doses.To avoid serious discomfort, we recommend no more that 10% taper every 4-6 weeks. Read all about it in this link:

 

http://survivinganti...-forum-and-faq/

 

I recommend you go back to your original dosage immediately and when you're ready you can begin a steady taper. Here is some information on how to taper off Pristiq:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/876-tips-for-tapering-off-pristiq-desvenlafaxine/

 

 

Please add your medication history in your signature so we can get a clear picture of where you are. Instructions on how to do this are here:

 

http://survivinganti...your-signature/

 

I wish you the best of luck with your taper.

Edited June 7, 2013 by Altostrata
edited to remove personal information

[SourCherry]

Hello all! I have gotten my screen name changed by the advice of a very nice forum member  Sour Jolly Ranchers are my favorite candy!!!

I appreciate everyones advice. However, my withdrawal is really not anything that is very bad! I guess I am lucky, at least so far. Today is day 4 without Pristiq and I am still a little dizzy, but other than that I am fine. Like I said before, I keep them with me, in case I get bad. I have been so lucky, I have been able to work even through the dizziness!!! Again thank you for your concern

[SourCherry]

Day 9 without Pristiq and the dizziness is almost gone!!! Already my lack of motivation is gone, and I am walking every morning. The damage was done by the drug and it is going to be hard to get the weight off. At least I have motivation to do it now!!!! So much happier now!