u/lillymbn

before i started pristiq, i was very anxious to try meds again, and i scrolled this sub religiously for like 2 days before starting. it’s only fitting i make my own post about how it’s gone for me. spoiler: it’s going really well!

i am diagnosed with pmdd, and am generally anxious and reactive (quick to anger)

dose: 25mg (generic), taken in am upon waking

week 1 side effects: -feeling “caffeinated”, jittery -trouble staying asleep some nights -food tasting bad, no appetite -mood swings (super happy, super sad)

week 2 side effects: -jitters when i took the pill, but improved -appetite back to normal, slightly lower -mood evened out, some anxiety present

week 3 side effects: -no more jitters! -tired quicker throughout day, “crash” around 4pm -mood much more stable -normal appetite (not high or low)

week 4 side effects: -“baseline anxiety” significantly lowered -normal appetite (not high or low) -stable mood, even feeling happy in moments, inspired -still quick to tire throughout day, monitoring my energy levels

i was an anxious and depressed wreck before i started this medication. i was in luteal phase and ready for a change. i’m in luteal phase right now and i feel HAPPY! if you have pmdd, you know how wild that is. all of those initial side effects no longer bother me, i think my body has figured out how to handle the meds now. my only complaint right now is my physical energy levels, im definitely keeping an eye on this. i was previously on ssris (lexapro, then prozac) and neither of those worked for me at all and gave me awful side effects. i am really happy i tried pristiq. i may need to go up in the future, but right now 25mg is doing the trick for me. if you are anxious about starting like i was, just start! you will not know how your own body will do with these meds until you try. i understand the feeling of scrolling reddit for hours, but you really just have to jump in. i’m really glad i did. if you have any questions, i’d be happy to answer them.

edit: i would like to add- i have not experienced any sexual side effects! as well as, i do smoke weed a few times a week, and that has not been an issue (though i am leaning on weed less now). alcohol is okay in moderation, i feel a lot more tipsy after 1 drink. i am juggling water and food when i drink but i think its generally okay for me.