@%@$# Wyeth has stopped leaving samples of Effexor XR with my psychiatrist, so I have had to be switched to Pristiq because I cannot afford Effexor. I was taking 225 mg a day for major depression and panic disorder. I have been on Effexor since it came out and it has been VERY effective for both depression and panic/agoraphobia.

I am on my 4th dose of Pristiq, was told to stop the Effexor, and am plagued with constant brain shivers/zaps/farts/quakes what ever you want to call them. They make me slightly nauseous and hostile. I am afraid to drive. The only relief is to get in bed and not move my head or eyes.

I would love to go back on Effexor, but it is not an option.

My question: How long can I expect this withdrawal syndrome to last? I do not want to lost the little money I make at my job.

TIA,

Kernos

I had that as well. It seems to very for a lot of people. For me it was about a month, I believe. At first it was really noticeable and my mind kept on it. And then it got to the point where I said, "Hey, where did those zaps go? They're gone!"

Pristiq and Effexor are both brand names, correct? How could one be more expensive than the other? If something has solved your problems and worked wonders for you, I'd try to find a way to afford it. I'd give a kidney to feel normal again. There are some forms of prescription assistance out there if you're willing to research and try.

Yes and both made by the same drug company, Wyeth. Effexor is going to go generic in the next year or so. Pristiq is an active metabolite of Effexor and should be more specific in its effect and should have fewer side effects. It has only been available here since May.

Wyeth wants people switched from Effexor to Pristiq so they can maintain their profits after Effexor goes generic. Thus, they are no longer leaving Effexor samples at doctor offices. Because of my income level, I have always been on samples. My psychiatrist just can't get them any more and I cannot afford the $300 a month to continue Effexor. So he switch me to Pristiq as the most logical choice and he can get as many samples of Pristiq as he needs. Other patients he has switched have not had as many problems as I, but experience is limited.

Such is the state of the great US health care system.

K

I understand your frustration but is there not insurance through your employer? If no, or if you are unemployed, there are affordable health insurance options and some federally mandated health plans if you fit a certain income level. Those options are the best bet, considering it's not the place of Big Brother Government to be responsible for our health care......but I don't want to get involved in a political discussion.

As for the brain zaps, as I said, it differs for each person, but I would expect it to last no longer than a month.

I have insurance, but no pre-existing conditions are covered. One feels compelled to rant, but I agree this is not the place for political discussions. I am ranting more at Wyeth.

In any case, thanks for a time frame. When in the throes of continual brain zaps, it is helpful for someone to say, "this too will pass".

I too switched from Effexor XR to Pristiq...to see if it would cause fewer problems with hypertension. I was on 225 mg Effexor as well. My initial dose of Pristiq was 50 mg and after 4 days I was sick as a dog and zapping all the time. Called doc and he upped me to 100 mg Pristiq. That helped. What I was told is 50 mg Pristiq is roughly equivalent to 150 and 100 mg Pristiq to 300 mg Effexor.

I have a follow-up appointment this Friday. I am afraid to say that I am going to tell my pdoc I don't care for Pristiq...even after I had really high hopes for it. I am tired all the time and my sleep is inadequate. I think it is too much norepenephrine for me...but who knows. I am already more than tired of the med go round and I have only switched from Effexor XR to Pristiq...though I had to do it twice as I could not go cold turkey and required cross titration.

Google "Venlor XR" or check out inhousepharmacy.com for the generic Effexor XR. Half the price, same product, just not USFDA approved cuz it's stuck in our super concervative FDA paperwork....

anyone know how costly pristiq is or if insurance is covering it? i was just started on pristiq, but got samples for first month.

I was switched from Effexor to Pristiq Sept 13 was my first dose of 50 mgs and stopped my 225mgs of effexor cold turkey. The first day was lots of anexity, irritablity, energy, sleepiness, discruntal behavior. This lasted about 6 hours then it was like coming down from a high just sat around the rest of the day and night really did not want to do anything.. The next day took another 50 mgs still having the same side effects but really can't get out of bed or want to function at all. Went to church and lunch and by 4:00 I was sick like I had never been sick before. Was in bed just wanted to lay still and not have my eyes open not move my head or my body was in bed all day and night and just got worse... My (Head Doctor) said that Pristiq was just like taking Effexor XR but that is not the case for me. By yesterday afternoon I was haveing every side effect that you could imagine it was hell for me. I called my doc and he said to start back on the Effexor xr that evening with a 75 mg pill and 2 Xanex to calm me down. I feel like my body was put through hell in the last 4 days. My doc is really great at saying you need to stop the pristiq reguardless. I have decided that if I ever want to go off of Effexor xr again it will be done just by lowering the doses very slowly because just a cold turkey switch is not an option at all unless they are going to put me in the hospital and sedate me so I do not have to feel all of the massive side effects and bring me out when I am all done with them.

Just a note: The drug company is suppost to have a program to help you get the meds. If you go to there website and there is a medication assistance program you can sign up for I would not give up my effexor xr unless it was so I did not have to take anything at all......




P.S. If your insurance coverage did not laps from one carrier to another then there is not pre-existing condition at all please let me know if you have any questions on that I can try to help you with that....

P.S.S. I forgot to ask you what state you live in??????


JPMS1472

Hi there...is it getting any better since you first posted? I am sorry if that is a stupid question.
I have turned into an insomniac. and i cannot see worth a darn even with my glasses. and I am
only 52! (only 52??? *shakes head*....) anyway, I THINK I grasped most of your post. I have no
idea when I first posted about this stuff, but it's been months. I am depressed, i am irritable,
have bouts of tasmanian rage, but the brain shivers are gone and the insomnia can't be blamed on
the drug. interestingly enough, it's highly possible that deteriorating eyesight CAN be connected to
several antidepressants, which is special :)

what's few side effects when it's helping me so much :/

This post has been edited by bill2009: Sep 26 2008, 04:49 AM