Pristiq for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews

• ablawn
• April 9, 2020

"My doctor had me do a genetic test to see how my DNA reacted and broke down medication. Genomind was the test used. My doctor was able to see my body doesn't respond to SSRI's. My DNA synced with Pristiq. 1st day, I felt more uplifted. I do suffer from insomnia. 2nd morning, I woke up feeling refreshed, smiling. BEST PART! I STAYED ON TASK! I have a hard time with that. After taking Pristiq, I have motivation and not scatterbrained. My thoughts are in place. I wake up less stressed now because stuff is actually being done. Day 3, I was able to conquer a HUGE landscaping task that took me 6.5 hours to do. I felt healthy and my old self. I didn't feel tired. It was a huge difference. I felt good. So good I wanted to exercise. Who wants to exercise? It feels like that missing spark in my brain was reconnected and now I can function properly. I'm a little quick-tempered, it's helped me with that too! Overall, this medicine has been a Godsend."

• dptn
• May 9, 2020

"It is now 147 days since I first started taking Pristiq. I enjoy the small things. I was in Athens and I found myself enjoying the sight of the mountains in the distance and the sight of trees laden with oranges. I used to not enjoy these small things. I find it easier to stay motivated. I don’t feel listless very often anymore. I find it easier to set goals and to work towards them every day. I find it easier to control my cravings. I am still not where I would like to be but it is now much easier for sure. I lost 7 kgs simply by moderating my diet. I don’t get angry at people anymore. I am actually happy throughout the day. Happiness is a real part of my being now. I find it easy to be happy even though I don’t have a promotion, we don’t have a house, and our savings aren’t so great. My relationship with my wife has improved significantly."

• vano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 27, 2020

"Pristiq genuinely saved my life, but it shouldn't be used as a frontline treatment like many are reporting. SNRIs aren't for everybody, so if this isn't your perfect match, move along. To everybody reading reviews because they were prescribed this: try it out, and if it doesn't work, try something else. It's not the end of the world, you'll find what works for you."

• Shell
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 5, 2021

"Pristiq literally saved my life!! Diagnosed with major depression (although more so undiagnosed bipolar II), I started on a controversial 300mg daily nearly 14 years ago now. I’ve reduced to 200mg daily and will stay on it for life absolutely no side effects whatsoever. I am happy, social productive and successful and at complete peace within myself. I spent almost 10 years on the medication roller coaster before an amazing GP took a special interest in my case whilst co authoring the book “Brain Fuel Depletion” I was so lucky to be under his care, I owe him my life! Pristiq may not be for everyone but may my story inspire you to persevere and keep on trialling different meds until you find your right fit.....I promise you, it’s worth it"

• Jewish...
• July 24, 2014

"I have fought depression for a long time and this is the first time in years that something has worked. I lost everything but now I can rebuild my life. Pristiq has been a miracle. I have taken many medicines and I was 100% sure nothing would work. Now with Gods help I have a new life. I felt nothing for first few weeks but after a month I'm alive. Thank you for developing this miracle. All the best. PLEASE BELIEVE ME, BEFORE THIS I WAS SURE NOTHING WOULD WORK AND I WAS SUICIDAL. FEW WEEKS AGO I WOULD HAVE TOLD LIVING IS THE WORST THING POSSIBLE BUT NOW IT WORKS, MY BRAIN DOES NOT WANT TO SLEEP ALL WEEK AND LOOSE EVERYTHING AND BE HOMELESS. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. YOU ARE HERE FOR A PURPOSE. "

• Thank...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 10, 2020

"I have been on many other medications, such as Abilify and Lamictal and Lexapro, but this was the one that finally helped me fully be better. It does have side effects yes, and missing doses aren't fun, but I'd say it has easily changed my life for the better. If I was at 30% before Pristiq, then I' am definitely at 90% right now."

• Lauren
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2023

"This medication saved my life. I started with Lexapro and was in a sad fog, then moved to Zoloft which was sort of helping at first but didn't do much. Pristiq truly saved my life. It's a struggle feeling like you have to date and go through bad relationships with other kinds to find your perfect match, but you might find your brain medication soulmate someday. Keep going. Keep trying. Because I promise, I promise, I promise it is worth it when you finally find the one that's right for you and you feel human and whole again."

• Jenn
• December 22, 2019

"I had been on numerous meds that weren't helping. Horrible anxiety and depression. Extremely irritable. I decided to try Pristiq anyway and within an hour this sense of calm rushed over me. I felt so at peace. I'm more alert. I don't need constant naps. I'm positive and life is great. At first though insomnia sucked but every night it improved and didn't last long. I'm sleeping great now. Its been a few weeks and I'm still struggling with constipation. I had headaches at first too but not anymore. It has destroyed my appetite though. I can miss my dose by hours and not experience the "brain zaps" or feel any different at all unlike others. I feel absolutely amazing and it has by far boosted my marriage more than I could ever imagine. I can even see the spirits of my kids lifted immensely. I don't obsess over things like before and I'm more relaxed. I've had no sexual side effects, I can still orgasm and I've actually been more in the mood bc I feel better."

• katy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2023

"I had my first episode of Major Depressive Disorders for 4 months. I have been on so many SSRIs and other groups of antidepressants like Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Wellbutrin, Vortioxetine, and I couldn't tolerate the side effects (Insomnia, anxiety, heart racing). It was affecting my quality of life. I couldn't work, my relationship with my husband started having more problems, and I had brain fog and couldn't concentrate. Pristiq brought me back again. I felt better after the first two weeks. I have the energy to live in this beautiful world again. My anhedonia is much better. I sleep well and eat well. My relationship with my husband is great and our sex life is fantastic, no libido, no decrease in sex drive. I had minor side effects for the first two days: headache, fatigue. For everyone who reads negative reviews about Pristiq, all of us - we are different, and our bodies react to medication differently. Never give up; try until you find the right one."

• Gareth
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2020

"I've been on many antidepressants and desvenlafaxine had the least side affects. Dose increased rapidly until I was on 100mg morning and night. Recently had some anxiety, paranoia and rage issues. Got a referral for a psychiatrist. He started me on taking the 200mg Pristiq in the morning and taking 30mg of mirtazapine in the evening. Increased my issues over the 2 weeks taking this combo. Now on 200mg in the morning as before and 100mg of quetiapine in the evening. My mood has stabilised but my social anxiety has increased (even with a Valium safety net) and have trouble getting back to work. I'm genuinely glad most of you have found peace but I'm yet to find mine- with a marriage hanging by a thread and a 1yo daughter relying on me, time is not on my side."

• McGhee
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2020

"Why is this a frontline anti-depressant? Yes you read of people having positive responses to it, but it's either this or profoundly negative responses. For me personally, it made my depression worse in terms of cognitive issues, fatigue and anxiety which isn't usually a big issue for me. I was obsessing about my girlfriend cheating on me non stop and had more frequent self harm ideations. I got off it after only 3 weeks and had night terrors and bouts of anger with motivations to ending my life stronger than any I've had before."

• eaced
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2024

"I struggled with treatment-resistant depression for years and ended up in a depressive episode so severe I didn't leave my home for months. Did ketamine therapy, tested over 15-20 meds, nothing at all helped. Tried everything short of MAOIs and TMS (which were my next steps), and started Pristiq, thinking it was just one more med to add to the roster of failures, and it actually worked. It took some time, but after about two months on 50mg, I noticed things started to improve. At 100mg, I am feeling so much better. I never really believed anything would work for me, and I think Pristiq saved my life. My worst side effect is some pretty intense drowsiness, so I just take it before bed. I also tend to get pretty easily irritated a few hours after my dose (another reason to take it before bed). Brain zaps and sexual problems are also a thing. I've found taking my dose every other day manages the overall side effects pretty well."

• 32...
• March 13, 2019

"I recently came to terms with my mental illness and decided to seek help. I decided to take pristiq after it had been sitting in my cabinet for over a month. Day 1 was terrible - I couldn’t eat, I was nauseous, paranoid, socially withdrawn, went to hot yoga and almost fainted (pristiq makes you sweat a lot! Body temperature sky rockets). Day 2 was not quite so bad.. but still was not sure if I should continue because I felt a lot of brain fog. I felt kind of numb too. Although! No irritability or depressive symptoms on those first two days. So I gave day 3 a shot & I've been good ever since then. I’m only on my 2nd week now, but I just wanted to write to people who may want to give up after the first week of bad symptoms and tell them my story. Because I’ve felt great ever since then and I have had no melt downs, haven’t cried once, or yelled at anyone, or questioned my own self worth. So good luck to anyone who’s going on the same journey. I hope we all find the right cure."

• SRano
• July 29, 2019

"This medication isn't really something the average person should take. Desvenlafaxine is a alternative medication if you're extremely sensitive to all other forms of meds. I have taken over 20 different medications before and I finally had a genetic test and discovered that almost every known psychiatric medication would have a negative effect on my body. Only 4 medications were cleared in green status for me, all new and expensive, pristiq being the highest recommended. I have never experienced anything like pristiq as I haven't noticed any major side effects. Decreased sex drive, headaches, and nausea have always been deal breakers with other medications, but not this one. The only side effect I can say I have felt is perhaps drowsiness which can be annoying but avoidable with certain actions. If you've taken a plethora of medications I would recommend a genetic test as you may find you have the same sensitivity as I have, and that prisitq may be a good alternative."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2020

"One of the worst experiences of my life. This drug should not be legal. Horrible side effects and did not treat my depression in anyway. Getting off of this drug was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. I was bedridden for almost a week due to extreme nausea, brain zaps, flu like symptoms, and horrible irritation. I was on it for 10 months at 100mg. If the antidepressant does not work 4-6 weeks please get off of it! It will be a lot easier with the discontinuation. Be prepared to take time off from work and have someone that can help you since the withdrawal was debilitating. I know with depression we just want something desperately to help us feel better, but Pristiq is not it. My psychiatrist did not help me get off of it until the whole left side of brain started to hurt. I believe it is not legal in Europe and should not be here either!"

• Bob_FL
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 4, 2020

"Over the last 25 years, I was on 20mg prozac for 7 years - stopped working; 20 mg. lexapro for 8 years - stopped working - and 50 mg. Pristiq for 10 years - just stopped working. Now, I'm on Trintellix 20mg. which I like better than the others. Tapering off Pristiq wasn't too bad. My Dr. prescribed the 25mg. tabs which helped to lower the dosage. After 3 weeks - finally off Pristiq! Meanwhile, I was building-up Trintellix from 5 - 10 - 15 - 20 mg. The best results are at 20mg. Also, Trintellix is not just an SSRI. It hits the other receptors that are targeted by SSNI's and Bupropion (dopamine). So, I was able to stop taking Wellbutrin as well after 25 years. Cost is $295 per month - but, worth it. Also, there's no time release (SR or XL) with Trintellex - so, this eliminates the release differences between generic and brand. This is just my experience as a veteran of anti-depressants."

• Julie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2019

"I was put on desvenlafaxine for MDD and severe anxiety/PTSD/OCD. In the past I had treated all of the above with xanax 0.25mg to 0.5 mg depending on how bad the day was. I wanted to stay away from xanax considering it was a benzo and also wanted something to even me out as opposed to putting a bandaid on. I can honestly say desvenlafaxine is a game changer. I am on 50 mg and saw a substantial difference in my overall mood after about 3 weeks. I am very much less irritable and my mind no longer obsesses over past traumatic events. In addition, my energy level is higher. The only thing I can say in terms of side effects are I am dreaming complex dreams every single night, as opposed to barely dreaming at all in the past. All the dreams have common denominators- the same reoccurring characters and all story lines are involved."

• Crystal
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2023

"I have been taking Pristiq for 2 years now, and I say this is my happy pill. Thankful for my doctor who prescribed this to me. No more depressing thoughts. After religiously following the prescription, I can control my thoughts and emotions. I’m also currently on anti-anxiety pills, but Pristiq is definitely life-changing for me. I’m still on my lower dosage. :) Glad this worked out for me!"

• MJD
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 13, 2019

"I have severe depression and severe anxiety. I have tried EVERYTHING. My mother committed suicide 5 years ago and my father has had depression as long as I have known him so it comes from both sides. Pristiq ER 100mg is the only medication that I have found that helps both my depression and anxiety and in fact, helps me lose weight! It’s expensive but completely worth it. I now have the energy to play with my 4 year old and clean the house, run errands and “adult” in general."

• Great...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

"This is the first review I have ever shared but I wanted to give others hope. I have suffered terribly with anxiety and then depression for the past 4 years. It got to the point where I could hardly function, couldn't sleep, couldn't think straight, no interest in anything, even going into stores was really hard. After trying 10 different medications I was at a point where I had to try something because nothing was helping including SSRI's. I reluctantly gave Pristiq a try and I have to say the experience has been like nothing I have had before. I am on 50 mg and going into week 5 and have been feeling better and better. I had mild side effects which have mostly gone away. I am not 100% back to my old self but the difference is so profound that I had to share to let others know that there is hope. I have combined it with an improved diet and self care and I finally feel like I am on the right track."

• Micah
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2020

"I have tried a lot of different antidepressants/mood stabilizers for my Bipolar Disorder. Lexapro, Cymbalta, Trileptal,etc. Before Pristiq I was taking 150mg Lamictal and Venlafaxine 75mg. I was changed to Lamictal 200mg and Desvenlafaxine 50mg. At first, I loved Pristiq. It seemed to really help my anxiety. After 2.5 months, I started to feel tired all the time. No energy, no motivation, no drive. I had no interest in doing anything. Talked to my PCP and stopped Pristiq. Now trying Trintellix with the Lamictal 200mg. Hoping for the best."

• kbillz
• December 3, 2014

"I want to start off my review by stating that everyone is different; so what worked for me may not work for you. With that said, I was suffering from severe MDD, anxiety, OCD, border lining on psychosis after I had my son last summer. I was so miserable for his first year of life, and then I was finally put on Pristiq after trying about 10 other anti-depressants/anxiety meds. I seriously feel like a normal person again. I can enjoy my family and friends, and am able to maintain my relationships with them. This has been a literal life saver for me, and because of this, I don't mind that my insurance doesn't cover it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2019

"I have suffered with anxiety and depression most of life. Been on sertaline and after so many years was not working for me, I felt I was going into a deeper depression. I went and changed my meds to pristiq, I can honestly say I feel so much better in myself, more focused, energy and starting to see things clearly then negative thoughts... I can honestly say it’s changed my life for the good :)"

• grlboss
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 20, 2023

"I was initially on Effexor—supposedly one of the strongest, most hard-hitting antidepressants out there—and was faced with some major side effects. Afterward, I was prescribed Pristiq, a metabolized version of the drug Effexor. It does the same good job at helping depression but without the side effects. I am happy with this drug and encourage people struggling with Effexor to try this instead."

• Skitt...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2024

"Pristiq gave me a sense of normalcy and decreased suicidal ideation. My depressive state got better. I’ve been taking it for three years now and I’ve been so much more functional, regaining interests in things I liked. The only downside is the side effect of the falling elevator sensation when I didn’t take it for more than a day or two; it came randomly and felt like a jolt. I started with 50mg initially after stopping Cipralex, and we increased the dose accordingly. At 150mg, although my mood and mental state improved, there were libido issues (sexual dysfunction and anorgasmia). So, my dose was decreased, and Wellbutrin XL was added; it’s probably the best combination for me along with Adderall for ADHD combined. TLDR: Great for depression, great for mood and functioning. Side effects I experienced: sexual issues and a specific withdrawal symptom."