I had gone to my doctor last week explaining that the antidepressant medication that I had been taking on and off for 9 years was not taking care of the anxiety and fibromyalgia pain I had been experiencing. She introduced me to Pristiq and gave me several weeks of samples. I really had hoped it would work with the holidays coming and having kids at home, etc. I also feared changing my antidepressant at this time because I didn't want to be more messed up than I already was, especially over the holidays. The next morning I didn't take my normal celexa dose (40 mg) and I started the pristiq (50 mg). I could not believe the difference in how I felt and almost wondered if it was all in my head since I had felt so bad for so long because of chronic pain issues, migraines, daily headaches, TMJ jaw pain along with facial and head pain, fibromyalgia symptoms and chronic cervical and shoulder pain. I felt like doing something for the first time in a long time!! I felt like life was worth living again and that I do have alot to look forward to in life. I felt like I used to feel and I truly never thought I would "feel" that way again because of the 25 years of pain issues I had been experiencing. I have only taken pristiq for 5 days now, but I have only ever had a negative reaction to an antidepressant change in the past. Because this is a "brand" prescription I am hoping my insurance pays decent, otherwise I will what the pristiq has that the generic brand effexor XR does not have since effexor is also an SNRI. I am sorry to be so lengthly, but to feel so well is definitely something I want to share with others in depressive states with pain, depression, and anxiety issues. Good luck to you all!! Published: November 25, 2008 ::

I was diagnosed with chronic depression in 1978 and three years ago with bipolar disorder. I've taken more antipressants than I could possibly count, none of which have had more than a minimal effect until I started taking PRISTIQ! About 5 weeks ago my doctor took me off a combination of EffexorXR and Wellbutrin and prescribed Pristiq in their place. He continued my use of Lamictal. The change has been dramatic. I just woke up one morning suddenly realizing that I wasn't depressed and I remember thinking "Oh my God, is this was normal people feel like?!" It happened quite suddenly. I'm still feeling some of the confusion and disorientation associated with major depression however my doctor says that these symptoms should subside. I've also noticed a decrease in my need for Xanax and my insomnia has all but stopped. I only wish is that something like Pristiq had been available 40 years ago! Published: September 12, 2008 ::

Pristiq has calmed me down alot. I can think of other things besides bills and cleaning. It has made me able to slow down a little and enjoy my everyday life. I've only been on it for about 6 weeks now, but so far so good! Published: July 14, 2008 ::

Started it 1 week ago. I felt better after the third day. I take it in the morning because it's a mood lifter. I love the time release factor. It helps me feel good all day and tired when it's time for bed. The doctor gave me a 2 week sample. I hope it's not to expensive, as I have no insurance. I have had no side effects and will continue taking this. Published: May 30, 2009 ::

Am so happy to have found a drug that motivates and energizes me after taking so many that just zone me out! Have also lost the 8 pounds that I packed on when taking Lexapro. Depression is gone and I'm feeling better than ever after only 2 weeks. WOW! Published: August 31, 2008 ::

I have only been on this medicine for three days but noticed a change in how I felt after only two hours. I asked to change meds because the Cymbalta I was on made me want to sleep all the time. After over a month you would expect that to wear off some but, NO!!! I almost fell asleep behind the wheel twice, decided it was time for a change. The doctor prescribed Pristiq. After two hours on it I got a burst of energy and actually felt like doing something. The next day I felt very bubbly and happy for the first time in months and MOST important of all is my sex drive came back. Mind you I was not on the cymbalta for years either so that may also be a reason I had a change so soon, mabey not. Yes I have side efects. I have the ocasional dizzy spell and slight insomnia but, considering all the other side effects I have had to deal with, I am more than willing, and happy to soilder on and see if I continue to feel as good as I do now,even though it is so very early on in the treatment. My family deserves a happy person, not a mean, snappy grouch. Published: September 25, 2008 ::