Diane P gave an excellent answer above. I don't have much to add. I agree that talking to your doctor is important because your depression is not well treated at the moment.
I have two suggestions. First of all, no matter what antidepressant you take, psychotherapy is very helpful. I believe (and research shows) that in most cases, psychotherapy plus medication is superior treatment for psychiatric disorders than either modality alone. One way to find a therapist in your area that matches your needs is the "Psychology Today" website.
My other suggestion is to take a higher dose of Pristiq for a period of about a month (or longer if your doctor prefers). This will give you time to see if this medication works for you (in terms of effectiveness and lack of side effects). If you do not have significant relief of depressive symptoms after that, most likely your doctor should have you taper and stop Pristiq while trying something else. Although Pristiq is advertised as working for most people at the 50 mg daily dose, some people need to take 100 mg per day to see positive effects.
Good luck. Take care of yourself!
Tanya Feinberg, M.D.
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Hello Razldzlrr,
Diane P gave an excellent answer above. I don't have much to add. I agree that talking to your doctor is important because your depression is not well treated at the moment.
I have two suggestions. First of all, no matter what antidepressant you take, psychotherapy is very helpful. I believe (and research shows) that in most cases, psychotherapy plus medication is superior treatment for psychiatric disorders than either modality alone. One way to find a therapist in your area that matches your needs is the "Psychology Today" website.
My other suggestion is to take a higher dose of Pristiq for a period of about a month (or longer if your doctor prefers). This will give you time to see if this medication works for you (in terms of effectiveness and lack of side effects). If you do not have significant relief of depressive symptoms after that, most likely your doctor should have you taper and stop Pristiq while trying something else. Although Pristiq is advertised as working for most people at the 50 mg daily dose, some people need to take 100 mg per day to see positive effects.
Good luck. Take care of yourself!
April 17, 2009 - 12:08pmTanya Feinberg, M.D.
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