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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 19:53:04
I have tried Pristiq in the past, and thinking about trying it again. I remember having a few good days, but then other days where I was feeling weird, anxious and almost panicky (even while taking xanax). It didn't have the same calming effect as effexor. It was hard to pinpoint which side effects were fewer than Effexor, except maybe less sexual. In fact, Pristiq often made it hard to sleep at night and other times I was feeling very fatigued for no reason. The total time on it the last time was about 3 weeks. Is this a kind of med that really takes a long tong to work, or has it been common that it doesn't work for anxiety issues as well as some other therapies?
Posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:14:11
In reply to Pristiq Problems, posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 19:53:04
Hi Bearfan,
My pristiq experience for what it's worth has been less than impressive. Doesn't take care of my anxiety, but I personally have given up looking for one pill to do all. That's me.
It took forever to ramp up. Months. And by then, I had other add-on in place that could be doing the lion's share of med work. I think for me, effexor was better and I might switch out....who knows?
I take pristiq at night because it fatigues me (as do most ssri's snri's).
We took it up to 100 which was unbearable for me. Back down to 50 now and in a holding pattern--as most regular readers here certainly know. :)
So, that's my negative experience. I mean it must work for some....
Why are you reconsidering pristiq for yourself.
Posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 21:18:59
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems » bearfan, posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:14:11
I was reconsidering it because of a few awesome days I had on it. But there was a few miserable days as well. I was wondering if (how some people reported), after 8 weeks it stays steady good? Sounds a bit hard to believe since the steady state of it is 3-4 days. The other reason is a lot of pdocs are pushing this one (Saying some people having a good response to it).
Posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:30:13
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems, posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 21:18:59
How long were you on it? I do think it takes longer to reach full effect. Really at least 8 weeks. Maybe 12.
So good days? When in the course of the trial? All meds have good and bad days.
Maybe it is worth a shot. You do know that discontinuation is comparable to effexor, right? (Just an fyi.)
Posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 21:42:10
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems » bearfan, posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:30:13
Not long about 2-3 weeks non-stop. The additional anxiety, followed by tiredness, was really getting to me.
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2010, at 21:45:08
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems, posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 21:42:10
Maybe up your benzos? I dunno as never have done well on ad's. Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:45:18
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems, posted by bearfan on May 3, 2010, at 21:42:10
Are you with the same doc?
Not sure that's long enough to tell. Wonder what others will say....
Wondering what your gut instinct is and if you can trust it regarding meds....
Good luck!
Posted by bearfan on May 5, 2010, at 5:16:48
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems » bearfan, posted by floatingbridge on May 3, 2010, at 21:45:18
Dr. something about moving to 100mg, since I didn't like all the effects from 50mg, would this dramatically reduce anxiety?
Posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2010, at 12:44:17
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems, posted by bearfan on May 5, 2010, at 5:16:48
Hi Bearfan, are you asking me? Because my experience was not good at 100. Hopefully someone else will respond with more or different information for you.
Best regards,
fb
Posted by bearfan on May 5, 2010, at 17:43:58
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems » bearfan, posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2010, at 12:44:17
You or anyone else. Doctor's keep mentioning Pristiq, like its the next best thing since sliced bread. I mentioned issues with anxiety and that bumping up to 100mg could help solve the problem
Posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2010, at 21:24:00
In reply to Re: Pristiq Problems » bearfan, posted by floatingbridge on May 5, 2010, at 12:44:17
Well I certainly agree--seems doc have been given a hard sell. There are less bothersome side effects, and it's supposed to be easier for the body to process. My own doc was led to believe it could have analgesic properties (which it might possess in a minor way) and even help protect women from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. I believe that many doctors want to believe this because it sounds like a wonderful remedy to offer a patient.
This is the end of the thread.
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