Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Coming off Meds!

summerbabe88
summerbabe88

I've been on many anxiety medications for 10+ years and I have made the decision to come off of the one I am taking. I am taking 50mg of pristiq and I am working with my psychiatrist and therapist. Unfortunately, it's not easy to come off these medications. I'm on 25mg now for about a week and a half, maybe two weeks. I've noticed extreme fatigue, nausea, and a general feeling of it being difficult to be present in the moment.  I've had two panic attacks which left me feeling awful but I am managing to make it through my days. I would love to hear other people's journey of coming off  these medications or words of encouragement. Thank you 

jannytheresa
jannytheresa
This one is for anxiety and depression? I am on it. I knew that it was a cousin
of Effexor which is really hard to come off of. Can you supplement with something else or increase something else while you come off? I know that you
hate to substitute one thing for another but if you are really struggling you
may want to call the prescriber to see what you can do.
I have successfully come off many medications if that helps. I would just stay in touch with your therapist and prescriber.
mtd
mtd
Pristiq and Effexor are hard to come off of. The half life of these sister drugs is not as long as other anti d’s. I have taken both and right now I’m a month in reducing my Pristiq. I went from 50 to 25. I do notice I feel befuddled although my anxiety has not gotten worse. Last year I went off 50 cold turkey and it was a big mistake. I also started practicing acceptance and this time, with my Dr’s blessing, I tapered to 25 a month ago. I fully expected to have to adjust to this new dose so what I’m experiencing is no surprise. I’m determined to give it a valid attempt this time doing it the right way, tapering off. I have been on many different anti d’s and the Pristiq is the only one that caused me difficulty coming off.
summerbabe88
summerbabe88
Hi MTD! Thank you for your response and sharing your journey. I've been told this medicine in particular is hard to come off of as well. Proud of you for coming off of the pristiq!! I am listening to podcasts about anxiety and it helps...I just keep reminding myself this is a process and it's okay to feel this way.