Because the anti-anxiety/panic attack meds my PCP put me on initially didn't work he put me on Pristiq which is more of an anti-depressant and supposedly much like Effexor (which I've been on in the past). Anyway, this post is about the side effects which to me are plentiful and much more than I've had with any medication that I've ever taken. Nausea (but no vomiting and I'm able to eat although I'm not hungry at all), fuzzy head, and the worse for me - severe sweating of my head and neck (this is much worse than the hot flashes of menopause). What I've read and what my doctor says, makes me believe these side effects will diminish over the next few weeks as the medication builds up in my system (today is day 4).
Is anyone else on this medication and if so what kind of side effects did you encounter and when did they go away?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Who Else Has Experience with Pristiq?
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25 COMMENTS:
Hubby says that if your dose if 50mg it is stated that all patients experience side effect in the first week.(his pharmacy schooling has been a great help in this family)He has always stayed up on all the new drugs, which is a good thing. Starting new medication can be frustrating. hope your side effects go away in the next few days.
I have no knowledge of this medication. The side effects sound terrible. I hope they go away soon.
Try to have a great day. :)
I never had side effects with any medications, but then I don't take, in general. I hope that you will get adjusted and used to them so that you will be ok and feel fine again.
On another issue: My "Memoirs" are now on a private blog. If you send me your email to "pvoegtli@bluewin.ch", I will send you the invitation link.
Was here to drop EC. :)
The side effects sound like they are making you miserable. I hope they subside soon. Is the drug helping with the anxiety/panic attacks? Personally if the drug wasn't doing what it was supposed to, I wouldn't bother to take it, especially if it had some nasty side effects. On the other hand, if the drug was working well to stop the panic attacks, the side effects would be a small price to pay. Hope it all works out well for you.
I feel so bad that you are having so many side effects from all the medications you try. I hope these dissipate soon and it works the way it is supposed to. Good luck!
Sorry, I haven't taken this one, but I'm familiar with some of the side effects that come with meds like that. I hope your body adjusts quickly and the sweating goes away. I know that's the most uncomfortable and aggravating feeling.
Hi Debs - these tablets sound truly dreadful. Have you asked for a second opinion and whether perhaps hypnosis or hypnotherapy might be of help. It may also be useful if you could perhaps get checked out to see if your body is absorbing enough Vitamin B as this helps enormously when panic attacks occur.
I do hope it is all sorted out very soon - please know that I am thinking about you. :)
I wish I had specific advice to give as far as Prestiq - but this is one that I've yet to be prescribed.
I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks for the past several years - my pcp initially treated me with Wellbutrin and Xanax. I have four kids and a full time job... I didn't have time to goto therepy or see specialists... I counted on my pcp to help me...
I progressively became worse, and had to break down to see specialists. I'd learned that Wellbutrin is the worst medication to prescribe to someone with anxiety - as there is something in it which increases levels of anxiety.
The specialist then started me on Seroquel.... Which was the absolute worst two months of my life. The side effects were unbearable. I became a shell of a person, it took my personality away... it also affected my small motor skills, I was unable to concentrate.... pure hell...
I was taken off of this - and put on Effexor.... Then, I had to open my big mouth and say that I was still experiencing issues... (though I must admit the seroquel completely took the anxiety/panic attacks away.... along w-ith every other aspect of my being)
So, the doctor put me on Geodon... its in the same class as seroquel.. and I'd only taken it for two nights. Both nights, I found myself walking around my living room in a fog, not knowing where I was..... very scarry.... I stopped it right away.
So... The "new" treatment plan is for me to take Lamictal? So far, so good... I've only been on it for a week - and no side effects... Though, they said it will take two months for me to reap any benefits of this med....
We'll see.... I know how awful the side effects of these meds can be - especially when you are taking them with desire to better your quality of life.......
I wish I had the answers..... But, know that you are not alone, and I'm thinking of you
Today is day 6 and I'm tolerating the side effects a little better, got a decent night's sleep finally and maybe the next few days will see the side effects even more tolerable or better yet, gone. I'm definitely feeling better (anxiety and depression).
I want to thank everyone for their good wishes.
Isn't it strange how we are all so different?
This one I have not been on. I have severe reactions to anti-depressants.
I've been on just about everyone on that has hit the market in the last decade up until about 4 years ago.
I experienced a severe psychotic episode while on anti-depressants for the 2nd time about 4 years ago.
So they will not give them to me anymore t all. They make me suicidal and I am not aware of what I am doing.
Odd I have been on Xanax for years now for severe and chronic anxiety, panic disorder, and extreme PTSD.
It's all that works for me. Thank the good Lord that my body has not built up a tolerance. I take the same dosage today that I started with 10 years ago and it still works.
I am not trying to scare you or anything. But, really be very careful and make sure you let your DR. know about any and all side effects.
I hope you get this resolved soon. I will keep you in my prayers!! You take care!!
big hugs,
Jackie:-)
I can feel for you when it comes to quitting this habit. I smoke for 16 yrs and then gave it up cold turkey 32 yrs ago. I haven't regretted it one bit and I feel a whole lot better because of that decision made back then. If you really want to quit, you should be able to do it w/o any help at all. Have you given that method a try? Just curious!
Friends 4 Life!
No experience with this drug but it gets me so upset when doc prescribe you one thing, and then you have to watch out for side effects. Its like you are out of the frying pan and into the fire.
No knowledge of this product but wanted to wish you a quick "side-effects-be-gone".
Have you tried any alternative care like massage and aromatherapy?One of the best resources for antidepressant information is www.drugawareness.org. I personally met Dr.Ann Blake Tracy a few years ago. Antidepressants are very damaging to the body, increase risk of breast cancer, and withdrawal can sometimes be life threatening so please be informed.
Be well, Jen
Hi there! I found you while "doing the drop" with Entrecard. You have a lovely blog, and I enjoyed reading your posts.
Personally, for panic/anxiety, I have found aromatherapy to be a huge help. Seriously, I know it sounds crazy, but the scent of lavender and vanilla is very calming, and so is the smell of menthol. Just thought I'd mention it! :)
I don't have any experience with this, but it was very informative. Thank you for sharing. Hope you find the right dose.
I'm sorry I don't have any experience with or knowledge of that drug. Hope things improve for you soon.
Sandy
Hang in there, here's a hug for ya
Traveling Suitcase
Have not taken Pristiq but do take an anti-depressant (amitriptyline) for migraine. My suggestion that I follow for all new meds is to start them at a lower dose (by cutting the pill in fourths or eighths) and then slowly increasing to the recommended dosage as your body learns to tolerate the drug.
I never had this medicine before. What does the pharmacy say about the lasting side effects? How long are they suppose to last?
Lets hope they get your meds balanced. It can some times be hit or miss. Take care and have a good week.
consider biofeedback therapy with a psychologist. i went to 10 sessions and was pretty much cured of anxiety. side effects were better sleeping, more focus, feelings of calm.....lowered blood pressure! you learn how to sense when your body is getting ready to have a panic attack and you actually ward it off before it happens. after a while it becomes natural. you can feel it way ahead of time, and are easily able to prevent it from escalating. it becomes the norm for you not to have one, instead of being swept away. i also do 15 minutes of guided breathing every day, just to keep myself tuned up.
I have heard of this medication but am not on it. Hope it works out okay for you and the side effects go away. I know how frustrating it can be to find the right medication.
HI there Mama Flo! I hope you are feeling better and coping with the lung treatments. It sounds very stressful. Thank God we quit smoking when we did....it could be worse.
I have never taken Pristiq. I take Ativan for anxiety from time to time but I never had the type of reaction you described. I hope you find something that works well for you.
Peace,
Diva
Know how you feel having panic attacks, I have suffered with them for 10 years now, continually getting worse. New doctor had me do a sleep study and I needed a Cpap machine for breathing at night and I have not had a panic attack in 30 days. I can't tell you how good I feel. Just a thought you may have sleep apnea.
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