Weaning Off Pristiq For Good (Page 6)

I just wanted to tell all of you trying to get off pristiq, its possible. I was on pristiq for severe panic attacks for 6 months. It saved my life. It gave me a chance to slow down my career, gave me a huge wakeup call. This drug put a cloud over my brain. I was not my happy, fun loving self. I was like a step ford wife. You can't wean off this pill. I was on 50 mg. I did every other day for a month. Every third day for two weeks then cold turkey. It really was not so bad. I layer on my couch for three days, cried a bit and watched movies. I'm happily on all holistic medications, no longer a slave to Pristiq. If I can beat anxiety, anyone can. My biggest advice.. Exercise. Next, surround yourself with positive people. Three, talk out your problems. Good luck.

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To Loni - go o your local apocothary and they can help compound your doses to smaller and SAFER portions.
The one I went to told me he had huge oppositions to this drug and had weaned many, many people off of it.

To Danielle - speaking for my own experience, I got a Don Croft Zapper. It was recommended to me by a naturopathic. Physician and this helped tremendously with my dizziness. That combined with the natural herbs the spocothariest put me on have eliminated a depression I thought I would have to live with the rest of my life. If you want to talk further we can exchange emails ... By requesting so through the manager of this website.

I wish you both great success.

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Just an update. I have now been on this drug for over a year, I previously commented in December last year I have lowered down back down to 50mg as the 100mg was giving me terrible migraines. I am currently on day three of not taking my Pristiq and I have found that exercise does help. I also have been taking nausea tablets from the doctors twice a day, vitamin B12 and D tablets, Innerhealth Plus capsules and Centrum as an all purpose vitamin. Trying to eat regularly and glucose jelly beans. I have found that I am still getting the light headed feeling at this stage and my mood is very up and down, horrible random crying and anger bouts which I hope will pass. I am trying to think positive as I am not giving up, I do not want to go through this again. I had so many bad side effects from this tablet which I didn't realize until I stumbled across this forum last year. These included weight gain/constant wanting to eat, horrible nightmares, hot and cold flushes, complete lost of libido, yorning all the time, really tired and no energy and I never found much of a difference with it helping my mood apart from making me feel numb to emotion. I couldn't get to sleep at night but when I did I struggled to get out of bed in the mornings. My doctor and I actually believe that it has made my anxiety worse and wants to put me on another medication but I am wanting to try some herbal or anything else before I become stuck on another drug again. Thank you to everyone who has commented and given their suggestions it has given me the motivation to get my life back.

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Rachy, I also posted awhile ago that I wanted to stop. My goal was after the holidays but I am just now starting. My doctor wants me to switch to Viibryd but I'm not sure I want to. Today is my first day off Pristiq. Honestly, not as bad as I expected. A little brain zappy but not too bad. Did my usual Crossfit workout and went about my day. We'll see how tomorrow is. Thinking positively as I think our thoughts influence how we feel physically.

I wonder if the people weaning slowly may be prolonging the misery? This doesn't seem near as bad as getting off Paxil (so far).

Stick with it girl!! And be careful of herbs they can be dangerous too.

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Hi Kelli,
Thanks for your reply. Today is day 8 for me and this is the best day, yesterday also was not too bad. The nausea was the worst for the first couple of days but man symptoms that got to me was being lightheaded and the weird brain zaps were the last to go. Still hanging around a little if I move my eyes upwards and a little when I am getting tired. I've been working out every night and only clean eating which has helped massively. You are 100% correct with the thoughts as I have remained positive throughout the transition even though I think it was about the third day I had horrible mood swings (poor fiance haha). So glad to be off Pristiq and I really am feeling 95% today, no crazy horrible nightmares for a while, hot and cold etc. So much more energy oh and drinking at least 2l of water a day. My doctor also wants me to change over to another brand but I am feeling positive and will stick with my Psychologist and see how I can manage my anxiety in other ways for now. Oh and I know its probably not the safest way but I 100% believe that going cold turkey is the best way to not prolong the horrible withdrawal effects. I don't see the point of going a couple of days then putting it back in your system to then try and stretch it out again. Just seems like a long horrible process. I would rather 5-7 bad days then a month of on and off side effects.
Best of luck!!

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I have been on this medicine for about 3 years and I am on day 3 of trying to wean off of this medicine. Feeling very jittery and confused. I can not seem to concentrate which is difficult because I am at work. I am hoping to get encouragement and support as I try to go through this process. Right now I am feeling very scared and anxious that I will never be free of this medication. If anyone has any suggestions or words of encouragement they would be greatly welcomed!!!

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Maggie,

My best suggestion is to ride it out! I stopped cold turkey one week ago. I am just now to where there are no brain zaps. The first few days I had trouble concentrating. Each day gets a little better. Drink lots and lots of water. Take 1-2 grams of fish oil a day. I also have been taking 2000mg of vitamin D. Have your doctor check your vit D levels. Most important, do high intensity exercise every day. It makes an incredible difference. Good Luck!

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Thanks so much. I will definitely try those things!!

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This thread has been helpful. I would like to add some thoughts and what I have learned.
I've been on 50 mg of Pristiq for 9 months and it's time to wean off. From this thread I tried the every other day approach for the past week and quite frankly the "other" day has sucked and not pleasant at all. I went to my pharmacist and he was very helpful. First, he said that taking a time released pill such as Pristiq every other day is too much of a jolt to your body if you have been taking it for a significant period. He suggests that the best way to wean of Pristiq is to start off by only skipping one day during the week (for example: Sunday). Do this for 2 weeks. On the 3rd and 4th week, skip a pill 2 times (for example Sunday and Wednesday). For Week 5 and 6 take the pill every other day (skip Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday). Week 7 - Skip (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Week 8 skilp (Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday). By then you are only taking 2 pills a week. Week 9 try only taking the pill 1 during the week. The withdrawal symptoms should be much more tolerable with this approach.
I would like add that the person on the thread who doesn't understand why everyone doesn't just quit cold turkey and just have a bad week of withdrawals isn't being responsible. Everyone is different and everyone responds differently to medications. Trust me, it were easy everyone would do it. Also, most people, cannot lay on the couch for a week while the brain zaps take over their every move. Unfortunately, we have families to take care of and work to go to.
Pristiq worked for me for the purposes I needed it. Because getting off the medication is so difficult, it will be a reminder that I need to find other ways of handling life and anxiety in a healthy positive way so medication isn't necessary. However, if I need it (or you need it) then find one that works for you.

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My daughter is Pristiq free! The price of meds went up substantially and that made her determined to go off. She didn't like the way she changed after starting. Anyway, her doctor was horrible....he told her to cut the last 4 in half and then she would be done. Her "discontinuation" symptoms were horrible the second day of being off. I went to get her more, but before she put more in her body we went to an acupuncturist.....unbelievable!!!! She is free of Pristiq! Headaches, brain zaps, jerky vision, anxiousness, irritability gone! Maybe a little irritable at times, but she is 19. She didn't want to go to the acupuncturist, but now she is so happy that she did! Heartbreaking to watch someone you love go through that pain....I wish all of you well. Acupuncturist also treat anxiety and depression. Good luck and God bless!

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Hellen, If the following paragraph is referring to me;

"I would like add that the person on the thread who doesn't understand why everyone doesn't just quit cold turkey and just have a bad week of withdrawals isn't being responsible. Everyone is different and everyone responds differently to medications. Trust me, it were easy everyone would do it. Also, most people, cannot lay on the couch for a week while the brain zaps take over their every move. Unfortunately, we have families to take care of and work to go to."

I never said it was right for everyone I just meant what was correct for me and I actually work in legal position while having a family to look after so it wasn't easy for me either so you really shouldn't assume on things you don't know. As I stated I was only advising what I believed was best for me (and worked well) I much rather have the side effects gone as soon as possible and not dragged out so I could continue with my life as per normal. If what you wrote wasn't in relation to my previous statement then I apologize for thinking so.

It has now been around a month off the Pristiq and I am feeling fantastic! Good luck to everyone else on here, it is possible and don't let the bad days win.

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Confused. First u said it saved your life, then u said it was a cloud over your head??... Pristiq was prescribed to me for depression and fibromyalgia, should I even bother taking it?

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Hi, I found out I was pregnant 6 days ago and immediately stopped taking pristiq which I've been on for 3 years. I'm really struggling but for the sake of my baby I believe it's worth it! My husband and 3 children are suffering a bit with my mood swings and tiredness! Just want to feel normal again! I hope someone can tell me how long u have to endure this tiredness and mental behaviour before it all settles down

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I want to wean off, but when I am off for one or two days I literally feel like I a crawling out of my own skin. I am a nightmare to be around, which is not my typical happy cheerful personality. I can get pretty anxious and my OB prescribed pristiq because the other SSRIs I had tried had sexual side effects. I hate this!

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My daughter got thru the bad withdrawals with acupuncture....she went from headaches, brain zaps, vomiting, sweating, vision issues, extreme moods.....to tolerable relief at the first visit. She almost went back on Pristiq because she had had it and couldn't continue. I brought her to acupuncturist as last resort. So happy that we tried it! Good luck!

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I too am trying to come off of pristiq and am having a hell of time---i am miserable. point blank---on top of the fact that i definitely have a depression issue i am dealing with all these physical, horrible feelings going on in my brain,,,i am trying to get an appt with a neurologist because i think this is a form of epileptic-sometihng or other....not actually epilepsy---some form,,,, to try and describe it....
im very afraid of having a seizure----i went to a psychiatrist and she insisted i try Vibryd (i know im spelling that wrong) That was terrible---it stopped the circus going on in my head but gave me palpitations and stomach pain....im just tired of taking all these damn pills ---------now with that being said....here i go and sound like a complete hypocrite but percocet is something i take everyday for pain,,,,,i know if i just really focus on losing about 40 lbs maybe i wouldnt have so much damn pain,,but right now im trying to go of pristiq---- so heres my question because i cant get ANY doctor to answer this----is my taking the percocet prolonging the weaning off,,,??? because when i take the percocet,,,the horrible crap going on in my head takes a bit of a rest...its still there but not half as much...and im talking about the movement of my eyes from left to right,,,,making me dizzy....the brain waves,,and i do mean waves...like fish swimming around in my head----the percocet relieves this temporarily but then its all back the next day.....im wondering if the percocet is just prolonging this weaning off period? Does anyone know if this is true? Im truly at my wits end and feel like maybe i should put myself in a hospital.....but like many of you,,,i have responsibilities and cant just stop life from going on,,,,,i dont know what to do...i wish the damn neurologist office would call back and say,,,oh yes come right in...we have a spot for you....but that would be too easy......no,,,now the doctor has to review your"case" and decided whether or not she wants to make you a patient..,,,its ridiculous....ok,,anyway please if anyone has any info about percocet setting off the side effects of pristiqu and whether or not this is a good thing.....please let know---thank you!!!!!!!

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Go to a respected acupuncturist......immediate relief for my daughter.

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The funny thing is my husband is a licensed and wonderful acupuncturist-- he's been telling me to try this--- i will do it But i still need to know about the Percocet issue Thank u so much for trying to help :)

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Awesome! I took my daughter as last resort. I had to drag her there....she is very happy I did. Acupuncture can relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety,as well. My Boss's son encouraged me...he has found great relief. Seems like a different guy..happier, less tense. Good luck and God b!

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To the person using Perkaset to ease withdrawal symptoms from Pristiq: First of all, have you been weaning off this drug under your doctor's supervision very gradually or just going cold turkey? I was on 100mg for 4 years, and initially went down to 50mg per my doctor's orders. This was too much of a leap. I was extremely tired all of the time. So, she put me back up to 75 mg, using one a half 50 mg pill, cutting one in half. That was much better, but even with the 75mg, after a few days, I started feeling irritable, anxious, overwhelmed, and sensitive to sound off and on. I am under a lot of stress right now and my doctor felt that I might have adrenal fatigue based on my history of chronic anxiety and prescribed Ester C for that. That did help a great deal. I am getting a bit off track, but I think you need to work closely alongside a trusted medical professional who knows your history and can recommend certain dietary supplements, vitamins, and changes in diet which can help you get through this. I know making the necessary changes to my diet and taking certain supplements have helped me a lot. Hope this helps.

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I am trying to taper down from 100mg to 50mg Pristiq - and hoping someone (who has had success with this) can help... I have been on Pristiq for over 2 years. I started on 50mg and the first couple months felt great - but then started feeling tired, foggy thinking and no/low motivation. My doctor then bumped me up to the 100mg which I have been on for awhile now... after gaining 35+ lbs and mutiple other side effects, I have decided to try and taper down. The discontinuation side effects are down right scary! Lost my job last year as well as insurance and had a time a few months ago where I simply couldn't afford my prescription - and went 36 -48 hours without...literally could not get out of bed - major headache, lightheaded, body aches (like the flu) and super vivid dreams (nightmares), that I couldn't snap out of ...thankfully someone helped me get my script - and still it took a couple days to feel "normal" again.
I went to see my doctor last week and he gave me samples of the 50mg and advised me to take 1 1/2 (although technically they are not to be cut/crushed)...decided to just "jump" from 100 to 50mg. Felt OK the first few days (just a little lightheaded). Then yesterday noticed that my moved/energy was WAY down and today been weepy, exhausted, body/muschle aches and pretty depressed... any suggestions on how to best ease the transition from 100 to 50 mg? My goal is to eventually be off Pristiq (and if needed, get back on Lexapro which I took years ago and worked fine without any of these side effects)! The manufacturer of Pristiq has really done a doozy on us consumers - not only in the way that they formulated the dosages, but in the lack of information provided (or not provided) on how to taper off this drug. I asked my doctor to please ask his Pharmaceutical rep about this the next time he/she came in to his office(...
In the meantime, Pristiq is being HEAVILY marketed/advertised (especially to women). I have seen so many ADs in women's health magazines, on-line, etc. and every time it just makes me so angry that the pharmaceutical industry is so willing to treat us as guinea pigs - all for the sake of making money!!
Last note, in my research, I learned that this drug was not approved by the EU - AND that a 65 million class action lawsuit was filed by the shareholders against the company (for not fulling disclosing the side effects of the drug)., They were expecting this drug to be very profitable - thus probably the reason for the heavy marketing (to increase the sales before it possibly gets discontinued).
Enough of my venting... any help/advice you can offer on how to successfully come down off Pristiq would be much appreciated.

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