I have gained TONS of weight on Cymbalta and went to the Doctor today and he gave me samples of Pristiq. Who all has tried this? I will be taking it with Lamitical because of Bipolar? Any advice will be appreciated! I had been cutting back on my cymbalta for the past 2 weeks.

Seeing that no one has replied to this, I wanted to say that this is the newest ad out there and hope you let us know how it goes for you!!!!

Jackie

Hi Tina.

This is great! I have been on Lamictal for years and Cymbalta for 4 months. The Cymbalta has caused weight gain of about 15 pounds in a month or so. Never before have I gained weight with any medication, and whats more is I cannot even get the weight off!

My doctor switched me to Pristiq just yesterday. I forget to ask him how to switch, so this morning I simply replaced a 60-mg tablet of Cymbalta with a 50-mg of Pristiq. Hope I'm still alive in a few hours!

The research I read on Pristiq is not very encouraging. Basically, it is a patent extender for Wyeth. The only difference in Pristiq and Effexor seems to be that the 50-mg dose is the actual therapeutic dose. There is no need for titration, so you will find out faster whether it works or not.

Cymbalta worked better than Effexor for my mood and anxiety but weight gain is something that will end up making me more depressed - something I will not live with. It should be interesting to see if the weight comes off. If it does, maybe the joy I get from losing weight will make up for the lack of efficacy from Pristiq.

Keep posting on this one!

I recently (2 weeks ago) was switched from Cymbalta to Pristiq. At the same time I was added Wellbutrin (the generic) at 300mg per day. My depression & nerves have been the worst in a long time. But I've heard this can happen with new WB users, so I honestly can't comment on the Pristiq.

Update: Day 6 on Pristiq.

Wow. This seems to be working great. I have more energy and motivation, decreased appetite, and am no longer taking naps during the day. What a difference from what appeared to be a slowed metabolism from the Cymbalta. As far as my mood, it is about the same as on Cymbalta but if my weight is controlled and my energy stays up, that alone will lift my mood.

Loving it so far.

Pristiq is basically a new form of Cymbalta, so be careful!! If you had negative side effects on Cymbalta, you will probably have them on Pristiq as well. The Wellbutrin may mask the negative Pristiq side effects at first, so monitor your feelings and energy level carefully. If you begin to feel tired, lethargic, and/or apathetic, I encourage you to re-evaluate your use of Pristiq. The Pristiq could be making you worse (like Cymbalta does to many people). Pristiq has only been on the market since Feb. 2008, so there is not much public info available yet.

You may only need the Wellbutrin to help you feel better.

Pristiq is no way, shape or form related to cymbalta. It is the active metabolite of effexor.

Effexor, Cymbalta and Pristiq are all in the same category of anti-depressants: serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

I am on day 4 of taking Pristiq. I sure hope I dont gain weight. As for my depression, well there is no change but I guess it's too soon to tell. Everything I read on here about medication scares the heck out of me.