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3.6 Overall Rating

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Most voted positive review

98 People found this comment helpful

I hate to break it to you folks, but you could not feel better hours after taking this for the first time. I have tried every kind of antidepressant known to man. This has worked. No side-effects, it took some time - but IT WORKS. Don't listen to all the negative reviews. Everyone has a different chemistry so what is deemed "horrible" for one means in no way, shape, or form that this is the ex...

Most voted negative review

12 People found this comment helpful

i truly thought that there was a magic pill out there that would cure my depression and anxiety. i have been on 9 different medications since 1998 most recently Pristiq. NONE of the medications i have been on have helped because there is no magic pill. i am NOT telling anyone to stop their medications but i am saying (for most people out there) you have to face what is depressing you-- figure out ...

Shared reviews and ratings

Jen | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
1/26/2024
Condition: Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

First of all, I have ADHD and had a work related cognitive breakdown and was immediately put on pristiq. Started at 25mg and quickly titrated to 100mg daily. I stopped after 7 months because it didn't work. It's been 3 days and the brain zaps, fatigue, and vertigo are unbearable but I refuse to go back on any antidepressant now. My depression is a co-morbid symptom of my ADHD. My stupid company was the most toxic and abusive workplace ever, which caused my ADHD -related breakdown.

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zozander | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
1/21/2024
Condition: Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started Pristiq in September and somehow i’m coming off of it even worse then I was going on it. Definitely different for everyone, I had a very poor past few months and was extremely impulsive and had many depressive episodes. I’m coming off right now and the withdraw has been absolutely horrendous. Supposed to start with Auvelity soon but i’m a bit traumatized. What works for one person does not always work for someone else. I did well on Lexapro and Welbutrin.

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David | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
1/2/2024
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I found it has been less effective than Lexapro. Started on 50mg and it helped, but as it was not great my GP recommended increasing to 100mg stating many people are on this dose. The increased dose has increased the side-effects but no change in effectiveness in controlling my mental wellbeing. I have since seen that evidence suggests that 100mg is not more effective than 50mg.

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Linda | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
9/4/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I continue to be very tired, low energy, and I am very unmotivated. I also cannot sleep well.

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Lynda | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
8/27/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Pristiq has worked well for me. Keeps me grounded, allows me to think with my head, and not my heart. Beneficial with emotional issues. Still do get mild depression , but it's manageable, not long lasting. I'm more positive

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Jess | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 5 to less than 10 years | Patient
8/2/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on many different medications and they didn't work. I started this medicine and it has finally helped me live my life. I have been on it a long time, and at highest dose allowed. Now I have to try something else and I'm kind of scared.

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kel | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to less than 2 years | Patient
7/28/2023
Condition: Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was prescribed this for PMDD along with Loryna (birth control). I found that the combo did help with my intense emotional symptoms, however was not very effective towards my Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I sometimes feel time but other times I have intense anxiety that is hard to control. I have not experienced any side effects, which is the only reason I think it works fine for me.

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Kathy | 19-24 | Female | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
7/8/2023
Condition: Major Depressive Disorder
Overall rating 2.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

The worst side effects. Sweating. In winter even. Fatigue headaches and loss of appetite and not being able to organise.

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RH | 45-54 | Male | Patient
6/4/2023
Condition: "Change of Life" Signs
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

What's the "End Game" for taking this? is it to always have to rely on this because I cant be Undepressed? I get to live a medicated half life? There's no surgery to relieve me of this condition. I cant talk my way out of it . So I guess in order to have a life I get to have a "fake" life/ medicated life with side effects, the issue is from within not a condition that can be "cut out" or operated on

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Anonymous | 13-18 | Patient
5/31/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

For a long time, I have been struggling with finding a good anti-depressant for me. This medication was really rough on my body for the first 2 months of taking it. I had to change my routine and eat breakfast every morning, if I missed a dose I would go through withdrawal, and I would get extremely sleepy on it. Once I leveled out and found the right dosage for me with my body getting used to it, it helped me immense amounts. No anti-depressant has worked for me at all, yet this one was able to. I have been on it for 5 almost 6 months, and I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with a medication that will work for them. Remember, everyone's body reacts to medications differently, and what works for me might not work for you. Also, people may have side-effects that I don't have, but if I were to go on a medication that works for them, it may not work for me. Everyone's body and mind are different. Read More Read Less

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Christelle | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
5/26/2023
Condition: Major Depressive Disorder
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been waiting 6 desperate months for the day that I could finally write this review and say I found a medication that works!! I have been dealing with MDD and an anxiety disorder for a large portion of my life. In my case it is genetic and not caused by any external factors. I was on Effexor for many years which save my life but unfortunately after 8 years it stopped working, however I am so grateful for those 8 years. Since then it has been trial and error for 6 months during which I dealt with panic attacks, suicidal ideation and a feeling complete hopelessness as I have everything to live for but could not control this disease( I even had to stop my job). Since 3 weeks my psychiatrist has put me on pristiq and I feel normal for the first time in a long time! I no longer have crippling anxiety, I wake up in the morning without racing thoughts and uncontrollable negative thoughts about myself. I feel that I can think clearly, concentrate and would be able to finally work again and continue living my life after one of the most difficult years I have ever had to endure. If you have not responded to many ssri’s like me, please give this a try!! From everything I see and hear this medication seems to work well for treatment refractory depression!! Don’t give up hope, I almost did!! Love to all and stay strongRead More Read Less

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Leanne | 65-74 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
5/21/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on this med for 2 weeks. I see in the reviews that people are warning others not to use it. Listen, we are all different. You can die from eating strawberries if your body is allergic; that doesn'tmake strawberries bad. One patient's reaction is simply that--their reaction. Depression is a very, very difficult illness to treat, and no one knows what will work for them. You must try for yourself and not expect that you will have the same side affects as someone else. So far--2 weeks in--I see mild side affects with improvement. I'm hoping I continue to experience positive changes. Read More Read Less

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Diana Bishop | 45-54 | Female | Patient
5/19/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 1.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Horrible, horrible, horrible is all I can say. It is banned in Europe for good reasons. Expect to experience every side effect listed. Withdrawal symptoms after only 90 days almost killed me. I made important decisions I never would have made while on this medication. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

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Depressed lady | 35-44 | Female | Patient
5/17/2023
Condition: Major Depressive Disorder
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I’ve had treatment resistant Major Depressive Disorder & PTSD for over 30 years. I’ve tried every type of therapy inside and outside of doctors offices. This is the first drug that has helped me. It’s working so well (going on 5+ months) that I’m anxious to think what I’ll do if it ever stops. It has been life saving and life altering for me. Everyone who knows me can see a notable difference. I’ve had zero side effects. I’m so incredibly grateful to have found something that works.

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Shelly | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
3/7/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was in crisis with major depressive disorder I had tried over the past 25 years so many different medications which helped but not enough then with a new doctor she prescribed me pristiq after about a month or so what a difference my ability to keep up with responsibilities and also starting to be able function and do more is awesome what a difference!

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JD | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
2/22/2023
Condition: Major Depressive Disorder
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
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I want to give credit where it's due and share my experience so that it might resonate and help others. It's been a year since my "crash" and no one is still sure exactly what caused it but I feel Pristiq (generic Desvenlafaxine) should get the credit for pulling me out of an 4month insomnia/OCD/Depression rabbithole that darn near killed me. Everyone shouts from the rooftop when something doesn't work..so I feel it's only fair to do the same when it does. Crash got so bad psychiatrist insisted I go in-patient (I did not want to go on it this was how I was gonna feel for the rest of my life..dig?) and even though this was the WORST experience of my life for half a month it was here that I was given Pristiq for the first time (altho NO credit to them IMO). They threw handfuls of pills down my throat without really bothering to check for interactions. The psychiatrist only spent 1-5 minutes with me everyday and when I asked for more time he ignored me. Therapy was a joke (kindergarten level coloring sessions w/ Dr. Phil pop psychology) and it repeated after 7 day!. Thrown in with some truly disturbed and violent people (several there under police court direction) with no safeguards..and staff DID NOT CARE! Never got any decent sleep cuz feared getting attacked in night by other in-patients. Wife finally got me discharged (this whole time I was "voluntary"..but they wouldn't let me go for 16 days) by threatening legal action (altho the real trick was that SHE was a nurse and knew what patient rights were and were not). I got home and I was a zombie for a month (in-patient passed out benzos like candy..be careful of this) while a dozen meds leeched from my body..BUT I kept taking Pristiq the whole and after 6 weeks I finally began to feel normal again. I NEVER thought I would ever feel normal again..but I did. It's been almost a year later and I'm still taking the lowest dose and it's working for me. In truth, I'm tired A LOT, I'm over-sleeping and I've gained a lot of weight. But this is where discipline and will power need to kick in and intelligently managing my day..BUT..I'm alive. If I had it to do over I would find a way to unplug from job and duties for 4-6 weeks and just STAY HOME, get family to take of you and experiment with meds. Also, go slow..doctors wanna increase dose after just 1 or 2 weeks but this is when nasty side effects can really kick in IMHO). I started off with Zoloft but it only made my (already present) insomnia even worse..and I am self employed so staying home meant no money coming in. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL I EVER ALLOW MYSELF TO GO INPATIENT AGAIN! The truly sad thing is I was told by several other "inmates" (who had been in and out of these many times) that this was one of the nicer facilities. Sadly, I believe them. With a small handful as an exception, I truly wish Karmic retribution on each and everyone of the doctors, nurse & techs involved with my inpatient stay. I was simply a piece of meat that had good insurance to them and they did not care if I lived or died, got better or hung myself. AVOID INPATIENT LIKE THE PLAGUE! (IMHO)Read More Read Less

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Lindsay C. | 25-34 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
2/9/2023
Condition: Other
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
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Satisfaction

I have GAD,DEPRESSION AND PTSD AND IBS. This medication was terrible. The first time I took it made me have headaches, nausea, jitters, increased anxiety, insomnia and diareah. This medication is supposed to help you with depression and anxiety not make it worse. I took a gene sight test and it's still not for me. If you are thinking of taking this medication I would think about it and take the time to research to weigh your pros and cons considering that their are no pros. But what I'm trying to say don't take this it will make you feel crummier than you already are now.Read More Read Less

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Meg | 25-34 | Female | Patient
1/26/2023
Condition: Depression
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I’ve been on several different SSRI’s over the years and this is the first one to really work well for me. I’ve thought antidepressants have helped me in the past but now I realize I had set the bar so low for myself to feel okay. I’m able to work though things in therapy with clarity I haven’t been able to achieve in the past without benzos which affected my ability to work and be productive. I wish I could take this at night instead of at the beginning of the day since I’m more likely to forget then. The half life is shorter so if you miss a dose you definitely feel side effects from withdrawal pretty quickly. But if taken at the same time as prescribed every day that isn’t an issue. I would highly recommend it to people dealing with depression, particularly for people who have tried other antidepressants that haven’t worked for them in the past. Read More Read Less

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matthew | 55-64 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
1/4/2023
Condition: Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I took one 50 mg tablet and will never take it again. The effects I experienced were extremely unpleasant. I felt dizzy, confused, disoriented, anxious and nauseous.

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AJTexas | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
12/29/2022
Condition: Bipolar Depression
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I spent years trying antidepressants with no success. Pristiq works. I will never stop the Pristiq because I know it provides the chemical that my brain is missing. It also took me years to be diagnosed with bipolar II depression (I do not have the highs as in bipolar I). Pristiq works for the depression. However I recently went through a mixed episode of severe anxiety and depression that was crippling for several months and a mood stabilizer (Lamotrogine (Lamictal)) was added. I wonder if others on Pristiq have the same type of depression and could also benefit from a mood stabilizer in addition to the Pristiq. Again, I know I will always take these meds and I am ok with that now.Read More Read Less

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