[Dkoucky]

My wife started taking pristiq for anxiety 3 days ago, it is making her symptoms FAR worse. Her doctor is gone tomorrow and we are leaving on a trip the next day. Should she continue the medicine? Also of it has any bearing she is starting her period as well.

Thanks for the help!

[mazing]

A woman's cycle can affect medications due to the hormonal changes, and 3 days is not a very long time for the effects to stabilise. Some medications do take a week or two to take effect and side-effects to settle.

You said that her doctor is gone tomorrow but could she call the office and just check with them or another doctor at the practice about the risks? I would be hesitant to stop any medications so quickly as it can take time to work effectively, and depending on the dose can be dangerous to stop again without monitoring, especially when it comes to antidepressants.

[Leed]

I have to agree with the other poster. 3 days isn't long enough to determine if the medication is going to work, and the fact that her period is starting could have an effect too. Some meds take weeks to take effect so she should take them for awhile to see if they're going to work, and to see if she has any side effects and if so, to see if she can tolerate them or if they go away.

Like the poster said, DON'T let her stop them abruptly because that can be very DANGEROUS. With some meds, it you stop abruptly, it can cause seizures and other nasty problems so speak with your doctor before stopping them!

I wish you the very best! Please take care, and God bless. Hugs, Lee