Pristiq withdrawal side effects? Palpitations?
I am taking this medication for GAD, OCD, and depression because of the anxiety and panic attacks and agoraphobia that I now have because of it all.
For context- I’ve been on Pristiq a little over a year now. Started at 25mg, didn’t feel much of a change, went to 50mg, still not much, was on 75mg, less panic attacks, then tried 100mg- that was too much. was very flat and depressed. Went back down to 75mg- big change. So much happier. A lot more stable and willing to do things out of my comfort zone. I decided to try to go down to 50mg, to see if I could handle anxiety cold turkey as the idea of being on meds my whole life is scary. Since then, it’s been 2 months on 50mg, and I’ve really gone back to being avoidant and more anxious than usual.
I’m looking to see if anyone else has experienced the heart palpitations from lowering the dose.. I get these flutters when I’m anxious now and they get more intense because I have health anxiety. But any time I feel a strong emotion like anger or anxiety they appear now. I’ve just had my yearly physical and my blood work is great, I’ve had my heart looked at within the last few years and it’s fine. I’ve read that this medication can cause physical sensations like this to be intense.
I’m going to go back up to 75mg seeing as that seems to be my sweet spot. I don’t care about being on medication anymore, if it lets me live a normal life, I’m good.
Has anyone else experienced the palpitations though? I’d really appreciate any feedback or reassurance.