When considering pristiq for anxiety your aim is to minimize risks. The present paper is supposed to explain what pristiq is, share tips on how to start taking this medication and highlight possible risks.
Mindvita hopes to help our clients to make knowledgeable decisions concerning their mental health. Therefore we suggest that you consult your clinician before changing your treatment regimen in any way.
Starting Pristiq for anxiety can feel overwhelming, but understanding dosage, side effects, and safety tips helps. Learn how online psychiatry supports guidance, monitoring, and staying safe throughout the treatment journey ahead.
Introduction to Pristiq Medication for Anxiety Disorders
Pristiq: Definition and Features of Its Work
Pristiq medication is an SNRI. SNRIs are pharmacological agents that affect the action of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Although this medication is FDA approved for depression treatment its use for anxiety disorders is widespread in the US due to insufficient effects of SSRIs in many patients.
Since the medication affects both neurotransmitters it is likely to be more activating than SSRIs alone. As a consequence it may be helpful in case of anxiety combined with lethargy.
Working Mechanism of Pristiq and Its Effects on Patients
By taking Pristiq you will increase serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations in your brain due to blocking their reuptake by neurons.
Pristiq for anxiety does not belong to quick acting drugs so it may take several weeks for you to observe the effect. The drug does not have an acute onset like benzodiazepines.
Main Differences Between Pristiq and Other Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Comparison Between Pristiq vs. SSRIs for Anxiety
The group of SSRIs including escitalopram or sertraline is one of the most common prescription drugs for various forms of anxiety disorders.
Since SNRIs influence the concentration of both types of neurotransmitters this drug may be beneficial in treating anxiety in case of concurrent problems with fatigue.
However Pristiq may cause alertness in patients and as a result it could deteriorate sleep disturbance and produce jitteriness.
Comparison Between Pristiq vs. Other Fast Acting Treatments
Differently from benzodiazepides which produce quick therapeutic outcomes the effects of Pristiq will appear several weeks after your first dose.
Due to this factor it is usually prescribed for treating chronic forms of anxiety disorders. At times it can be utilized during a crisis as additional treatment.
Recommended Dose and General Guidelines on How to Take Pristiq Safely
Dosage of Pristiq for Anxiety
Depending on the type of problem the usual daily dosage of Pristiq is 50 mg. However the dose of 100 mg is not uncommon but usually it is prescribed only if the patient uses another SNRI.
Important Information about Taking Pristiq
It is recommended to take Pristiq medication in the morning as an extended-release tablet. To get the full picture please note the following facts:
consume it daily at the same time;
avoid breaking or crushing tablets if not prescribed;
if you forgot about taking your dose you should take it immediately after remembering provided that it was not close to time for your next dose;
do not exceed the daily dose and take two tablets instead.
Frequency of Follow-up Appointments
Many physicians suggest conducting a follow-up appointment 1 to 2 weeks after taking Pristiq for anxiety despite improvements in the patient’s condition.
According to our opinion progress monitoring in the first 2 to 4 weeks is essential for understanding its effect on you.
Most Frequent Side Effects of Pristiq 50mg and Tips on Their Treatment
Possible Adverse Reactions of Side Effects of Pristiq 50mg During the Initial Period
The majority of patients do not report any serious side effects after taking pristiq for anxiety in its first days of usage. Some typical side effects are the following:
- nausea, headache, dry mouth
- insomnia or drowsiness
- sweating, jitteriness
These Side Effects of Pristiq 50mg should resolve themselves in 2 to 3 weeks after the start of the course.
Treatment Approaches for Coping with the Side Effects of Pristiq 50mg
You may try the following solutions in order to mitigate negative reactions caused by the medication:
consuming Pristiq along with food if suffering from nausea;
drinking much water and chewing sugar free gum if feeling thirsty;
not eating heavy meals and avoiding caffeine before going to bed if you are experiencing excitation and insomnia;
having a talk with your doctor about adjustments of schedules or dosage.
Emergency Situations Associated with the Intake of Pristiq
Sometimes side effects may become dangerous. You need to see your physician as soon as possible if you experience such negative effects of pristiq medication as:
confusion, stiffness of muscles, fever, increased heartbeat (possible indications of serotonin syndrome);
suicidal thoughts, agitation, irritability.
Do not hesitate to schedule your visit with your doctor if your anxiety suddenly gets worse.
Risks Possible Side Effects and Additional Considerations
Suicidal Ideation: A Black Box Warning on Pristiq
There is a black box warning about the possibility of developing suicidal ideation among young patients younger than 25 years old.
Since it happens quite rarely you should pay attention to your state in the first weeks since the beginning of the pristiq for anxiety treatment.
Please seek immediate medical assistance or visit ER if you think about self harm.
Major Risk Factors Related to the Intake of Pristiq
The main risk factors for developing serotonin syndrome hyponatremia or high blood pressure among people consuming pristiq are:
confusion or agitation; muscle stiffness or spasms;
severe fever, rapid heartbeat, tremor.
Fatigue, headache, dizziness or even seizure may indicate either of the last two complications. Inform your physician if you suffered from these conditions in the past.
People Whose Condition Requires Extra Attention While Consuming Pristiq
The following patients need to pay special attention to their state while on pristiq medication:
older adults as they are susceptible to the risk of hypertension;
women in pregnancy or nursing period because of lack of information;
individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder as they may go into mania.
Discuss your condition with your physician in order to find out whether there are any contraindications to taking Pristiq.
Possible Drug Interactions of Pristiq
Dangerous Combination of Drugs
Certain pharmaceutical agents may have adverse effects on patients taking Pristiq. High risk drugs are the following:
any type of SSRI and SNRI drugs;
medications to treat migraine, especially triptans;
St. John’s wort or tramadol.
Introducing any combination above, the risk of serotonin syndrome, internal bleeding and high blood pressure increases significantly. Consult your physician about these drugs before taking Pristiq.
Less Obvious Sources of Potential Interactions with Pristiq
Prescription medications are not the only sources of negative interactions. Patients often fail to realize that some OTC drugs also may react negatively with their prescription medications. For example:
nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
some weight loss products;
medications to treat nasal congestion.
Influence of Alcohol and Stimulants on the Process of Pristiq Medication
Alcohol and stimulants such as caffeine are able to enhance negative reactions to pristiq for anxiety. Namely alcohol can cause dizziness and sedation in addition to other side effects of Pristiq.
On the other hand stimulants may produce additional jitteriness and insomnia. Many physicians suggest avoiding alcohol at least during the first month.
Scientific Researches on Pristiq’s Effect on Body Mass
Does pristiq cause weight gain?
Patients taking this and other antidepressants frequently ask this question.
Unlike the majority of older generation medications pristiq is unlikely to cause weight gain although it may happen sometimes. However it may have an effect on your body mass in either way: loss, gain or stabilization.
Monitoring Body Mass While Consuming Pristiq
In case of concerns regarding changes in your body mass while on pristiq for anxiety:
weigh yourself weekly under similar conditions;
pay attention to your diet, lifestyle, physical activities;
report any noticeable changes in body mass to your clinician.
Please let your physician know if you have diabetes or heart diseases in addition to anxiety.
Duration of Positive Effect from Pristiq for Anxiety Disorders
Reality of the First Week While Taking Pristiq
People starting treatment with pristiq for anxiety may have exaggerated expectations regarding this treatment.
In the first week you cannot expect considerable effects. Rather you should pay attention to the following aspects of your condition:
your mood or irritability;
side effects instead of positive outcomes.
Nevertheless you have to understand that this does not mean that pristiq 50 mg cannot be effective.
Weeks 2 to 8: Time to See Results
At around the second and fourth week, you may begin to notice some differences, namely, your anxiety:
staying stressed out each day;
mood changes and spikes of anxiety.
Research demonstrates that during six or eight weeks of treatment, the majority of patients develop tolerance to pristiq.
If you observed no substantial effect, it may be wise to consult your physician about changing drugs.
Long Term Use of Pristiq Medication for Anxiety
Professional Assistance You Should Expect While on Pristiq for a Long Time
Continued use of this medication requires frequent monitoring of general wellbeing and blood parameters of patients. Thus your physician will have to monitor such parameters as:
sodium level and blood pressure;
renal function and sodium concentration if needed.
Healthy Habits Which Will Help You Remain Healthy
In addition to consuming pristiq medication following healthy routines improves your chances to obtain better outcomes. Our recommendations include the following practices:
exercise daily (walk for at least 20 to 30 min);
establish healthy sleep hygiene by avoiding exposure to screens before sleep;
attend psychotherapy sessions in order to find coping mechanisms.
You will not only speed up the process but decrease necessary dosage of drugs.
Important Things About Long Term Use of Pristiq for Anxiety Disorders
It is not safe to stop taking pristiq medication abruptly as it may lead to withdrawal syndrome accompanied by irritability, nausea, dizziness and brain zaps.
Discontinuing therapy requires your clinician’s monitoring and careful approach to stopping medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I be able to estimate the efficiency of this drug?
It will take 4 to 6 weeks of regular intake of pristiq medication in order to draw conclusions about its effectiveness. If it has not shown itself contact your clinician.
Can I stop taking this drug if the side effects become unbearable?
Termination of the medication abruptly may lead to withdrawal syndrome. You should discuss the process of tapering with your doctor.
Will Pristiq make me gain weight?
Reactions vary so you should be ready either to gain or lose weight or keep it unchanged during treatment. Please weigh yourself weekly.
What are the worst possible side effects that I should know about?
Such reactions as confusion, increased body temperature, heart rate, rigidity of muscles, suicide attempts or agitations may indicate emergency situations.
Am I allowed to drink alcohol?
You should restrict or exclude alcohol consumption from your daily routine during the first month of taking Pristiq for anxiety.
Does Pristiq cause weight gain in everyone who takes it?
Not everyone. Some people gain a little, others stay the same and some may lose weight. It is usually mild and varies from person to person.
This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a doctor.
