After a long period trying different ADs, I've gone back to Effexor. My Dr. prescribed the latest incarnation, Pristiq, supposed to be more effective but some say it's just a trick to extend the patent.

Along with the Pristiq, my Dr has prescribed a folate supplement that is supposed to make the AD more effective.

I'm starting the second week and feel ok, hoping for better results as more time goes on.

I just started Pristiq today and will keep you posted. This is after being weaned off Paxil CR which I was on for four years, then going to Cymbalta (what a nightmare). I really thought I was going to die. I was then was put on Zoloft which caused severe side effects. I'm hoping Pristiq will work for me.

I've been at the 50mg dose for 2.5 weeks now, so I'm still hoping for improved effects. My Psych dr is more concerned so he prescribed the 100mg for when the 50 mg rx runs out. If Eeffexor goes to a generic, I'll go back to that just for the cost savings. I was also prescribed 0.5 mg Clonapam/klonopin 3x daily for this incessant anxiety I have, maybe due to just starting out on the Pristiq, not sure, but it seems to help.

I was put on Cymbalta when I went off Effexor, I was told that Cymbalta used the same mechanism as effexor but had some additional AD properties, I did ok on it, but it wasn't any better/worse than effexor for me. So once again I switched to try to find the magic bullet.

Hi Infidel,

This is very interesting to me. I take Effexor and have for about 15 years. I have always had success with it and continue to, which I am so thankful about. Recently I heard about this drug, Pristiq, but at the time the person couldn't recall the name of it. She said that it was supposed to be better than Effexor. Now that I know the name, I think I will do some research on this - right now! I'll get back to you with whatever I find out.

Thanks for this info!

Always Trying

HE


Hi Always Trying,

Pristiq is actually produced in the body of anybody who takes Effexor, it's a metabolite of it. One of the advantages is that the theraputic dose is only 50mg which a patient can be started on straight away. I guess the reseason that the dose is so much lower than Effexor is that not a 100% of the Effexor is metabolised into Pristiq. It also avoids the main pathway into the liver which would help anybody with any liver problems - though it does not completely avoid being metabolised by it.

It's expected to have less side effects than effexor but I think it's to early to be sure. As regards it's effectiveness there seeems to be some doubt about it having any advantage in terms of effectiveness over EFFEXOR -the (POSSIBLY) cynical view is that this drug has been produced to switch peope over from Effexor as that goes 'generic' in a couple of years.

Also this quote from a link I find has the following to say -

"" The main Wyeth marketing point for Pristiq is that patients can get better by taking the beginning dose of 50 mg, eliminating the need for a complicated upward dose titration process. Sorry, but this is not different from Effexor. If you look at one of the original fixed-dose studies of Effexor, comparing patients taking 75 mg, 225 mg, or 375 mg, you’ll find that the 75 mg dose separated from placebo as well as Pristiq’s 50 mg. Psychiatrists typically begin Effexor at either 37.5 or 75 mg/day. At least with Effexor XR, when you keep increasing the dose, efficacy improves, meaning it actually has an efficacy advantage over Pristiq, because when you increase the dose of Pristiq, you lose efficacy, according to the U.S. study data. ""

This suggests that it either works for you or not at 50 mg. This could be seen as a disadvantage, but looking at it a different way, you start at the effective dose and don't have to wait for it to be titrated up - that measn you'll find out quicker if itt is going to work for you or not and would reduce the time taken to get noticeable effects as you don't have to wait to get to the theraputic dose - i've been on effexor for 3 weeks and i'm still only on 112.5 though that goes up tomorrow to 150.

I think it's most likely to have benefits for people who respond to Effexor but get bad side effects and who could hopefully change over to pristiq and maybe reduce or mostly illiminate them though there's not enough data yet to be sure of that. Time will tell, but lets hope it will turn out to be a godsend to anyone for whom Effexor works but have severe side effects.

Hope this helps

Prot.

Prot -
You are 10 steps ahead of me! The info I found is from exactly where you found it, so I have nothing to add. Only the info you did add was good to know and of course not written by Wyeth. Another thing that is very interesing to me is that I do have liver problems, which my doctor knows. She hasn't ever made any comments about it, but maybe with this new drug out, she may want to switch me. Hmmm, all good food for thought.
Thank you very much for your knowledge!


Also, RITCHIE! Hey - come back and keep us posted on how this is working for you!

Always Trying

Infidel,

You too please keep me up to date on how this works for you. I may wait til I hear from you guys before I talk to my doc about it.
(Sorry about that!)
A.T.

Thanks for all the information. It helps a lot. Still on the 50 mg Pristiq but haven't noticed any difference. Still have the crying jags and extreme sadness. I know it takes time but I don't want to wait. The only side effect I have noticed is slight nausea. My doctor prescirbed Provigil and Lamictal several months ago, so I'm taking these with Pristiq. I don't have all the symptoms of bipolar according to him, just mood swings. I wonder how long before the dosage of Pristiq is increased if the 50 mg doesn't seem to work. I'll keep you guys informed and let me know anything you find out also.

I'm brand new to forums, but I REALLY hope this forum keeps up and you guys continue to give updates on Pristiq. I've been on Effexor XR 75mg for almost 2 years with awesome results in decreasing my anxiety and depression. I have a new husband and my life is awesome now except for the darn sexual side effects; I would love to get off of the Effexor but the withdrawals are TERRIBLE!! My doctor gave me Pristiq and says I can replace my Effexor with it starting tomorrow. I am very anxious and hopeful. Lets keep everyone updated on this new drug.

My doctor took me off the Pristiq. I had rapid heart beats, increase in anxiety, and severe hostility and crying. I'm now back on Paxil which I went through hell to get off. In addition, he has put me on klonopin three times a day. I'm not sure what's next but I'm feeling a little more in control. But, just because Pristiq didn't work for me doesn't mean it can't work for someone else.

I'm really curious about this new drug. I'm really curious to read some pposts from people who have taken both and tell if there really is that much of a difference or if it is really just another patent extender. I bet the withdrawals will still be just as hellish for alot of folks.

Has anyone every heard of sever itching as a side effct from taking Pristiq? 50mg

Did you also experience sever itching when you were on Pristiq?

Hey just signed up so thanks. A little about me: Been depressed for as long as I can remember. Had an aunt and uncle commit suicide when I was young and father left when I was six. Saw father for the first time in about 25 years (35 now, married, 3 year-old boy and baby girl on the way) and we didn't say a word to each other. Also, started a new job which sucks and this maybe triggered the latest episode of depression, but...
Started taking Cymbalta about a year ago, opted for therapy off and on in the years before but figured I would try drugs for the first time. Cymbalta started out good but then became a nightmare. Went from 30 to 60mg in a weekend and had all the side effects: Nausea, fatigue, insomnia (no kidding!), everything. Things seemed to even out, felt good. I could focus, good mood. Very recently, it seemed to stop working Stuck with it until yesterday when I met with the nurse practitioner and she gave me samples of Pristiq. Took one this morning, so far so good! I really thought I would freak from not taking Cymbalta but I feel okay. I will keep you posted...