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Having trouble with taking Pristiq

By March 25, 2009 - 10:56am
 
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I am currently taking Pristiq 50mg in the afternoon around 6:00 because I have to take my Adderell XR 25mg (think i spelled that wrong) in the morning. The first two weeks of taking Pristiq I felt awesome was back to my old self again. But after that I just went downhill now all I want to do is sleep, can't stay awake at all. I am not sure what could be wrong nothing has changed in my medication.

I just want to know what is going on will the tiredness ever go away? I have not had the energy to do anything but lie around and sleep. Also I am on pain medication for my back and knees and they are not working like they use to after I had taken the Pristiq for two weeks also.

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Anonymous

Pristiq can cause insomnia. The fact that you are taking it at 6pm is most likely the reason you cannot sleep. It shouls be taken in the morning regularly along with your Adderall. I am taking both meds and if I take either one past 11am then I know I will not sleep well. Good Luck. I can relate to what youmare experiencing. Alexandra

October 1, 2009 - 3:13am

Mary, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's very frustrating to try to manage conditions with medicines that have inconsistent effects on us, isn't it?

And then when we find something that we think is working -- Hallelujah! -- but then if things change and it doesn't work after all, we almost feel lower than we did before we started.

Have you asked your doctor about your side effects?

Was it your doctor who recommended not taking the anti-depressant and the Adderall at the same time?

Can you tell us what pain medication you are on?

I am wondering if somehow the Pristiq has affected the way your Adderall is working. I take Adderall as well, and when it's not working, I too feel completely sluggish.

I went and looked up the side effect information on Pristiq. Here is a page that talks about them, as well as cautions and interactions:

http://www.drugs.com/pristiq.html

One of the cautions includes a note about special conditions that might require dosage adjustments or special tests to safely take the medicine, and one of the conditions they list is bipolar disorder. Is there a reason your doctor preferred this medicine for you even with this caution?

Do you have another appointment with your doctor soon? The web says that this medicine is monitored fairly closely for the first 12 weeks.

Did you ever take Effexor? If so, what was your experience with it? I ask because Pristiq is that drug company's newest anti-depressant, and the formula is apparently quite similar.

Have you had any other symptoms, like dizziness, nausea, sweating, constipation or decreased appetite?

I hope that you will call your doctor's office and at least talk to the nurse about your side effects. You shouldn't have to be feeling the way you are, and clearly, something needs to be adjusted or checked. While fatigue is listed as a possible side effect, you can't function with the way you're feeling. Please let us know how it goes.

March 27, 2009 - 9:41am

Maryph2002, who is monitoring your drug protocol? Are you trying other options to managing depression? Have you been diagnosed with a chemical inbalance that triggers the bipolar disorder and depression? Or is it due to emotional, environmental/life factors?

March 25, 2009 - 9:13pm

What condition are you taking Pristiq for, may I ask?

March 25, 2009 - 8:08pm
(reply to alysiak)

major depression and signs of bipolar

March 25, 2009 - 8:57pm
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