Brettd -I'm off Pristiq but how long does withdrawal last?

[brettd]

Hi everyone,

 

I was on Pristiq (50mg) for at least 5 years for General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), finally coming off in April this year.

It was not fun coming off, especially the first month or 2 (completely spaced out in the head, tired, emotional etc etc), however I think I'm nearly right now.

I just didn't think that personally the side effects whilst on it were worth it for any benefit I was getting.

 

So my question to anyone in the know out there is: How long should/does withdrawal from Pristiq last?

 

My doctor seems to think withdrawal should've well passed but that conflicts with what I've ready elsewhere.

Its hard to get any real information on how long it should last, and I don't think doctors really grasp how bad the withdrawal is (at least doctors here in Australia).

I'm trying to work out if the reason I'm feeling ordinary at the moment (tired, brain fuzz etc) are due to Pristiq withdrawal or something else.

So far my doctor isn't being much help.

 

Thanks.

[GiaK]

It can take weeks, months or years...there is a large spectrum and variety from person to person.

 

And you're right, most doctors have no clue to the point of it being a criminal issue since a lot of people are seriously harmed. 

 

You're in the right place to get support. There are ways you can support your body as it heals and then there is simply time. In time your body will heal. 

[dalsaan]

Hi brett

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Can you tell us how you came off pritiq? When did you start tapering, how big were your drools and how often did you make them? What was your last dose and on what date?

 

I'd say it is withdrawal, all sounds familiar. Lots of Drs are clueless on withdrawal and in Australia there is very little discussion of it in the professional development literature for medical practitioners

 

Can I ask you to put your medication history, including answers to the above, in your signature. Here's a link to how to do that

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/893-please-put-your-withdrawal-history-in-your-signature/

 

This helps us provide more informed comment and support

 

Dalsaan

[Petunia]

Hi Brett,

Welcome from me too.  I'm glad you found us. Congratulations for getting off Pristiq, its a difficult drug to taper off.

 

Its true that most doctors, the world over, know very little about the reality of withdrawal from antidepressants.  If they do know, they are not admitting it to patients.

 

You wrote that you have been feeling tired with brain fuzz lately.  Do these symptoms come and go?  Have you or do you have any other symptoms?

 

Have a look around our site and especially check out the pinned posts at the top of the symptoms and self care section here:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

 

You will find lots of ideas to help you feel better as you continue to recover.

 

Petu.

[brettd]

Thanks everyone for you words of encouragement and support.

Its much appreciated.

 

Its nice to know that there are people out there that understand what I'm talking about.

I'm definitely past the worst of it now, its now just down to giving my body time to adjust to its new reality of life without Pristiq.

My symptoms are more intermittent now, which can be frustrating, as soon as you think you're getting over it, you have a few bad days.

But bit by bit its getting better, and will continue to.

 

Thanks again.

[Rhiannon]

Hi Brett--

 

I'm sorry you've had to go through this. Read our Symptoms and Self-Care section, there are lots of good ideas there on ways to help cope with symptoms. We find that healing is kind of a roller coaster thing, with ups and downs and ups and downs, so don't be discouraged if you have a bout of bad days, that's normal. Glad to hear things are looking up for you.