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Weaning off Pristiq

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Posted 9/16/2014 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking 50mg daily of Pristiq for about 5 years now for anxiety. I recently spoke to my primary doctor about weaning off due to ongoing weight gain, high blood pressure, and other side effects of this medication. He recommended me to take 1 pill every other day for a week, then 1 pill every two days, then 1 pill every 3 days until 3 weeks has ended. He said that should do it. He also told me that during the weaning period if the side effects were tough, I could take .5mg of Xanax. So, I'm still in the 1st week of the weaning process and feel like hell. I have side effects of brain zaps, pressure in my head and ears, headaches, nausea, some diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue, tingling shocks in arms/legs, and trouble sleeping. I'm reluctant to take the Xanax during the weaning period in fear that the withdrawals from Pristiq may continue after week 3. And I don't want to replace the Pristiq with the Xanax. I've read posts where people have tried OTC vitamins, fish oils, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice on what I can do to minimize the withdrawal symptoms at this point? Should I take the Xanax as advised by my doctor? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Posted 9/16/2014 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Jason,

I would take the Xanax as your doctor suggested. I've tried some OTC vitamins but nothing replaces the medications for me. I take Klonopin as needed and they help me a lot with the symptoms & just to relax.
Are you going to try a different medication? Or are you trying to go off all of the medications completely?
Posted 9/16/2014 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jason and welcome,

I am so sorry that you are having a rough time with your discontinuation. Those effects sound miserable.:(

Taking your Xanax while weaning off of the Pristiq should not prolong the process at all. These meds are in completely different classifications, so the way they work, and their chemical make-up is not the same. The Prestiq is an SNRI, while the Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Taking a benzo while discontinuing an SNRI is simply going to help to reduce your withdrawl symptoms...it is not going to work against the weaning process.:)

As far as other helpers to get you through this transition? Check out the relaxation exercises and coping skills in our Resources. (main page, 1st thread)

These will help to lower your overall stress...both physically and mentally as you go through this adjustment.

Best wishes with your wean...I hope the worst is starting to taper, and it is smoother sailing from here on!

Keep posting so that we can support you.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/16/2014 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Many psychiatrists successfully get people off of AD's by also giving the patient Prozac at the same time. Prozac has a long half life and you can get off the AD you're wanting off of easier. Prozac can then be discontinued (not sure how long they keep you on Prozac), but it's easy to get off of. I was on it twice in my life and never even titrated it. Just stopped and no weird side effects. I'd ask doc about supplementing you with Prozac to help eliminated discontinuation symptoms.

Are you going on another AD or trying to get off of them for good?

Best wishes!
Lisa

Ps: take the Xanax. You won't get addicted and it'll help so much.
Posted 9/17/2014 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Jason- I have no wisdom here , I just wanted to say I know how this hell feels! The getting off side effects are so terrible for me, it has always been the one reason I hesitant to ever try meds again.
Every side effect you named- I had too. The brain zaps are terrible!

I hope you find some relief and that over time- the side effects will diminish. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy
Posted 9/17/2014 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! I'm so positively overwhelmed by your responses and support! Thank you all so much. To answer a few questions, yes I am trying to get off the AD's for good. I only was taking .5mg of Xanax as needed (which was rarely). I just feared replacing the Pristiq with Xanax. But now, hearing that they are different types of medications, it makes sense. I am on day 6 of weaning. I actually took today off from work. I slept in which felt great. I feel a tad better today. So, hopefully each day will get better. Thank you all for your suggestions and support! It means a lot even though I don't know you. :) I will post an update.
Posted 9/17/2014 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Jason

Glad to hear you're feeling better. I've never had withdrawal coming off medications luckily. But it sounds like you're past the worst part!
Good luck & keep posting :)
Posted 9/18/2014 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
i also agree with the prozac suggestion. its easy to get off. i had no symptoms at all.
Posted 9/18/2014 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
So, I am on day 6 of weaning. Yesterday, I felt pretty good. However, today I felt like crap with head pressure, headache, and esophageal spasms. I've had these in the past and they are terrible. It feels like someone is clenching my esophagus. This then causes my chest to somewhat hurt. Several years ago, I had an endoscopy and manometry tests done on for my spasms and the doctor said there wasn't much they could do. They prescribed me Reglan and I had a horrible reaction to it. He said the only alternative was Xanax. I ended up taking a Xanax today to get through. It's strange. On the days I don't take a Pristiq, I feel fine. The days I take a dose, I feel horrible. After this weekend, I will go to taking 1 pill every 2 days. I just hope and pray it gets better as the days/weeks go by. I also made myself go to 20 minutes of cardio exercise today and relaxed in the hot tub at my gym. That seemed to help a little. I hope as I wean off the Pristiq, the esophageal spasms will subside.
Posted 9/19/2014 5:08 AM (GMT 0)
Jason,

I hope your discontinuation s/e's subside soon too!

Great job on hanging in there though...I think that you are a good part of the way through the tough part.

Keep up the good work in using the coping skills...they really do make a difference.

Have you checked out the site called The Road Back? It is a informational/help site for those weaning of of meds such as A/D's. It sounds like your plan is solid, but if you would like to check it out...just to see if there's anything of interest, let me know and I'll pull up the link for you.

Keep posting.

S.C.
Posted 9/19/2014 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
S.C.,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, I would love the link please!
Posted 9/19/2014 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Here you go.:)
 

On-line drug weaning information: (to be used in conjunction with, not substitution for your doctor's instructions)

http://www.theroadback.org/

 
S.C.

Posted 9/19/2014 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Jason,
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it sounded as if you were afraid you'd trade the pristiq problem with a xanax problem. If that's the case, please do not fear. That is highly unlikely if you only took the xanax as needed! :)
I took xanax EVERYDAY for many years and never got addicted. Really, there are people that have addictive personalities. You do not sound like that type at all. So taking the xanax as needed should be okay for you!
I wish you the best!
janet
Posted 9/24/2014 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone! UPDATE: I am on Day 12 of weaning off Pristiq. I am currently taking one 50mg pill and skipping 2 days until the end of this week. The side effects have gotten better. I no longer am having stomach issues. My anxiety has decreased. I've only had to take 3 Xanax pills in the past 12 days...which I think is great! The only symptom I've had the past 3-4 days is the "brain zaps" (head swimming). Wish I could find a way to treat that. It's crazy! Any suggestions?
Posted 9/24/2014 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
J.,

So glad to hear that you are feeling better!! Keep up the good work.:)

Yes, I've heard the brain zaps are common with discontinuation.

In the above link, (the Road Back) they have recommendations for Fish Oil. They say that it is incredibly effective.

There are recommended doses I believe...check out the section on discontinuing SNRI/SSRI's and you should find the info.:)

Continued progress!

S.C.
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