Hi everyone,

I'm new here and I was wondering if there was someone out there who could help me with a few things.

As the title says, I am weaning off Effexor and going on Pristiq. I have been on Effexor (225mg) for around 4 years. I think it's high time I changed Medications as I feel Effexor isn't doing anything for me anymore.

This is my third day of both Effexor and Pristiq and I am crying uncontrollably for no reason. I didn't realise that I am pushing People close to me away, which my Partner has made me aware of. I get angry for no reason, I have the brain zaps really bad and I just generally don't feel well. Basically feeling the same way I did when I was sinking. I don't feel suicidal which is great! But I also don't know why I'm crying so much.

I feel all alone, my Partner is 3 hours away and he's angry coz he can't be here, my Mother is away in the UK and she won't be home until Thursday. Only positive thing is my beloved Cat is sitting here next to me purring away. She always makes me smile.

Is this a normal feeling? Will it pass or am I better off staying on Effexor? This is horrible!!

Thanks all

Hi, yes cats are awesome. Also, the dizziness/zaps is normal and a very common feeling when doing most anything involving Ads. You probably know this very well being on a high dose of Effexor and undoubtedly missed a dose once or twice. The mood swings also are common.

As far as making the decision on whether or not to stay on effexor it's far too soon to tell. As long as you're just having dizziness and zaps , I'd give it at least a month before making that decision. I'm going to predict that the zaps go away in one more week.

Assuming that you are seeing a psychiatrist/psynurse, why did they recommend this change? Or, why did you ask to change?

Hiya,

Thanks for your reply...

Well it's now day 5 of the weaning process and I must say I feel pretty D*** good. I jumped out of bed this morning feeling happy. I have very slight brain zaps which is even better. Yesterday I felt like utter crap! I have taken my last 75mg of effexor so we shall see how we go tomorrow.

As for the choice to change? Well, my Doctor told me about Pristiq after I described some of my side effects and that I have been sinking. I also told him about my episode a few weeks back where I felt suicidal and I would have used any means necessary to end my life. I had no idea what came over me, I just woke up in a bad mood, slept the day away and by the time the Evening came, I was grabbing things (anything) I could use. I was so lucky my partner knew what was going on, otherwise I wouldn't be here Today. After a cry, I felt much better.

So far so good!

I might have been confused. I thought you were doing a gradual taper off effexor while gradually adding pristiq in parallel. So, tomorrow you're not going to be on anything? Good to hear your doing better.

No, no lol.

I am still on Pritiq, but my Doctor told me I need to stay on Effexor for a few days to wean me off. So yes, I had been taking both.

I took my last Effexor today so now it's just Pristiq as of tomorrow.

Hi , and welcome to Pristiq.
I've been taking Pristiq 50mgs for three weeks. My doc also took me off Effexor. I was at only 150mgs though. But he started me straight up on Pristiq. He said the 50mg was the same as the 150mgs Effexor. So there wouldn't be any side affects.
He was right. I eased into Pristiq without a battle.
I think it was a smart move. I feel more withit now days. I'm not constantly falling asleep, and my moods are getting better by the day. My depression has subsided considerably, and I can actually crack a smile without breaking any thing.
If Pristiq is the same med as Effexor, like some are saying, Why am I feeling better?

I'ts not the same. Pristiq can sort of be said to be Effexor lite. Instead of starting with Venlafaxine and having your body break it down into about 6 other chemicals (not all psychoactive), Pristiq is one of those 6 chemicals 'desvenlafaxine' (shortened name). You may feel better because you don't have to deal with breaking down venlafaxine. Who knows, at least you feel better.