I've been on Pristiq for about a week. Though I know of course the full effect will take weeks, it has actually seemed to help some days with an increase in motivation and energy, probably from the norepinephrine I guess.

I've been having types of anxiety that I haven't felt in a while, though. My anxiety used to be a lot worse for years, but I've finally had real improvement the past year or so especially and things have been a lot better even if still far from perfect, and I don't want to lose that. I've been feeling a lot more automatic, out of control anxiety in social situations. I've also had a sudden return of agoraphic type feelings, where when I leave home I can't think clearly and feel at least slight panic until I'm back home. Warmer weather tends to make my anxiety a little worse, too, but I know the Pristiq is really causing most or a lot of this. Also some possible depersonalization/derealization, but anyway.

I know it's only been a week but I'm freaking out a bit and am having trouble waiting to see. Even if it helps the depression it just seems to me like more norepinephrine would make the fast heartbeat and other physical symptoms of anxiety worse, and I wonder if those and the increased sweating I've heard about ever even out and go away? Way back when I tried Effexor the anxiety and other side effects made me give up early, and Cymbalta caused other side effects that made me quit after about 2 weeks, so I've never seen if SNRI's end up helping me. I've heard people talk about SNRI's actually working for anxiety and the initial increased anxiety going away, but I'm worried it won't and this will all be for nothing and make things worse.

Anyone have any input? Thanks!