[kkrrhh]

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!

[Travelinglady]

Hi! Evidently none of us know anything to suggest or say. I was on Pristiq for a very short period of time. I went off of it. I can't remember why.

It might help you to know that Pristiq is chemically similar to Effexor, which I can't take either.

How are you doing now?

[kkrrhh]

Thank you both.

I'm doing ok, though the Pristiq still has me pretty weird mentally and physically. It's got me feeling pretty bleh, and I'm trying to decide whether I want to stick it out or not.

[Travelinglady]

I hope the side effects will go away and it will work for you.

[toolband185]

Originally Posted by kkrrhh

Thank you both.

I'm doing ok, though the Pristiq still has me pretty weird mentally and physically. It's got me feeling pretty bleh, and I'm trying to decide whether I want to stick it out or not.

Keep us posted I'm currently on effexor xr 300 mg for 5 weeks and still haven't felt a decrease just blah feeling and increased anxiety

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[toolband185]

Any updates?

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[kkrrhh]

Thanks, travelinglady!

I actually quit the Pristiq at about 2 and a half weeks. I was having worse depression in some ways and it was just insane the negative social anxiety related thoughts it was giving me, plus tiredness instead of the initial energy. I wanted to stick it out, but was just feeling too weird. I also didn't do well with Cymbalta, though, so I think it's just that SNRIs aren't good for me.
I'm about to start on Wellbutrin now, which I know may sound odd after Pristiq causing anxiety, but dexedrine helps me a bit so I think some stimulating meds can help me. Right now I feel like if I can just get more energy and keep up some motivation, it would be enough to help me start getting a handle on things since those are 2 of my most debilitating symptoms right now. Hoping it works well and I don't have to add something for anxiety, though I worry I will. :/
ANYWAY, though! Haha.

Good luck with the Effexor. Lots of people do love it from what I've read. I hope the nonfun junk part passes soon and it helps ya!

[LonesomeTonight]

I know you've already figured out to stop it, but just wanted to say I had similar side effects on both Effexor and Cymbalta, which are also SNRIs. I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder along with major depressive episodes, and I felt like the SNRIs had a really negative effect on my brain.

Possible trigger:

I hadn't even thought about self-harm in like 17 years, but thought seriously about it while on Effexor and then actually did SH a few times on Cymbalta.

So now I avoid SNRIs. Be careful with the Wellbutrin--it increased my anxiety considerably (at one point I was on that and Cymbalta at the same time--that was a rough month or two, like simultaneous deep depression and intense anxiety...) But everyone's body chemistry is different. Hope it works for you!

[kkrrhh]

Originally Posted by LonesomeTonight

I know you've already figured out to stop it, but just wanted to say I had similar side effects on both Effexor and Cymbalta, which are also SNRIs. I have generalized anxiety and panic disorder along with major depressive episodes, and I felt like the SNRIs had a really negative effect on my brain.

Possible trigger:

I hadn't even thought about self-harm in like 17 years, but thought seriously about it while on Effexor and then actually did SH a few times on Cymbalta.

So now I avoid SNRIs. Be careful with the Wellbutrin--it increased my anxiety considerably (at one point I was on that and Cymbalta at the same time--that was a rough month or two, like simultaneous deep depression and intense anxiety...) But everyone's body chemistry is different. Hope it works for you!

Yeah, it always surprises me hearing these meds are used for panic and anxiety in some people and then trying them and seeing how they feel. And oh gosh. I read about people taking SNRIs + Wellbutrin or SNRIs + amphetamines and I can't even imagine how that'd feel if I tried it. haha.
Thanks!