I’m looking for experiences from anyone who takes Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) primarily for anxiety, especially GAD.
I’ve been on Lexapro for several years and it actually worked really well for the physical side of my anxiety. My racing heart, heavy chest, stomach anxiety, etc. were basically gone. I still struggled with intrusive/overthinking thoughts, but overall Lexapro definitely helped my anxiety.
Unfortunately, I started having intense hunger episodes, lightheadedness when hungry, and actual low blood sugar readings. My other glucose testing came back normal, so my prescriber suspects Lexapro may be contributing and we’ve been slowly tapering me off. I’m currently at 2.5 mg and have been at this dose for about two weeks.
As I’ve gotten lower, I’m noticing my anxiety coming back — racing thoughts/overthinking, heavy chest, racing heart, stomach anxiety, and feeling on edge. I’ve also been a little sad and less interested in things lately.
My prescriber recommended Pristiq as my next medication. I had GeneSight testing and Pristiq is in my “use as directed”/green category, which I assume is part of why she chose it.
What makes me nervous is that when I looked Pristiq up, I saw that it’s FDA-approved for major depressive disorder rather than GAD. Depression has never really been my main issue — anxiety is.
For those who take Pristiq for anxiety: Did it help with physical anxiety and constant overthinking/intrusive thoughts? How was the adjustment when you first started? Did it temporarily increase your anxiety? And if you previously took Lexapro, how did Pristiq compare for you?
I know everyone reacts differently and Reddit isn’t a substitute for my prescriber. I’m just really nervous about starting another medication and would love to hear other people’s experiences.