Hi Everyone,

After being on Effexor for over 5 months, and took the recommendation of my Dr, and started on Prtistiq 50mg. I've been on Pristiq for approx a month and a half, and now I'm itching all over my body. It's crazy! I've tried all kinds of lotions, etc. but nothing works. Finally I went to my regular General Dr, and they wanted to make sure my liver wasn't in any trouble, and I ended up getting blood work this morning. I'm waiting for the results. Hopefully they will rule out liver problems. If it isn't liver problems, she thinks it could possibly be a side effect from the Pristiq. Has anyone else experienced a lot of increased itching all over your body? (I mean ALL OVER)

Hi Trying2unstress,

I have been on 50 mg of Pristiq for about a month and I am having the same issue - I itch everywhere - not all at the same time though. Sometimes a spot on one of my legs itches, sometimes a spot on one of my arms, the top of my foot, my head, etc. I itch like crazy! It is the weirdest thing ever! I have been on over 25 different psych meds and I have never had this side effect before. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday and will talk to him about it then, I'll let you know if he has seen this in his other patients or if he has any helpful info.

JAL

Trying2unstress & JAL

I would be insane if I was itching! I have zero tolerance for that. I have been on Effexor forever, and have never had any problems. But I take allergy pills because of ITCHING! I was going to ask my doctor about Pristiq, but now I won't. I'm glad to know this, for me but not for you two. I just read an article about Pristiq and went into their website. They list nausea as the #1 side affect, and then go on with other things but they don't mention itching at all. BUT - I've been on a many a med where I had the side affects that only 1% of all complained of. Apparently I'm sensitive.

For your sake I hope there is nothing wrong with your liver, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! Thank heavens JAL that you will be seeing your doc Monday. Trying - has anyone given you anything to help you cope with the itching while they are figuring things? Sheesh, I really couldn't tolerate what both of you are going through.
Please both of you, keep me posted with what you both find out!

This is very curious!

Thanks - sympathies to you both and good luck to you both!
Always Trying

Saw my doctor and he said the itching was a symptom of serotonin syndrome and suggested I either go off of lexapro or pristiq (I also take wellbutrin and adderall). I am going off the pristiq because I had other side effects that I am not crazy about and didn't feel like it was helping my depression anyway. The search for something that works begins again : (

Sorry it didn't work, I've been on Pristiq for a month now with no issues.

After a week on Pristiq and LOVING the lack of sexual side effects, I have to admit that I have been itching. No rash like an allergic reaction just generalized itching. I was hoping it was my sunburn going away, but I've noticed some itching in spots that got no sun. I may use the Pristiq as a weaning med - since my doc tells me it is easier to wean off of than Effexor. Good Luck to all and I'll keep you updated.

Yes, actually now that you mention it, I do have a lot of itching mostly on my forearms. I thought it was from cleaning the bathtub and not washing off all the comet.

Maybe it's what you've got. I don't think I've had this kind of itching before, at least I never noticed it. Also, the Pristiq does not seem to be working too well for me, I'm feeling quite melancholy.

Would you mind sharing your side effects?? I just weaned off Pristiq because I gained 18 pounds in 2-3 months, and started getting bad panic attacks again. Also, the sexual side effects were just as bad as the others - I'm in my 30s....I thought this was my prime!!! HA HA...I also get these wierd zappy feelings in my head, like I did when I stopped taking Paxil. I just don't know if there is any good rx out there for anxiety or panic disorder.....