Pristiq

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planco
planco Member Posts: 22
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Has anyone been on Effexor and switched to Pristiq. Effexor will be losing their patent.  If so, is Pristiq okay with Tamoxifen like Effexor?

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited March 2010

    My doc told me that Pristiq is timed release Effexor. 

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited March 2010

    Check with your oncologist.

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  • nancyluvspink
    nancyluvspink Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2010

    Hi - I had been on Effexor for about 4 years or so and I didn't feel it was working anymore.  My doctor switched me to Pristiq.  I have been taking it now for a few months.  At first, I stated out with 50mg, about a month ago, we upped it to 100mg a day.  So far, I haven't had any problems.  The transition went very smooth.  I don't have anything negative to say about Pristiq.  I like it.  Nancy

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  • tiff2008
    tiff2008 Member Posts: 278
    edited April 2010

    I've been taking Effexor now for 2 yrs and I have about 7-10 hot flashes a day. That's always been the case, never worse or better.  I have a script for Pristiq but have been scared to take it, I don't want my hot flashes to be worse!

     nancyluvspink- How has Pristiq been better than Effexor for you?

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  • nancyluvspink
    nancyluvspink Member Posts: 102
    edited April 2010

    tiff - I took Effexor for at least 4 years, and I really didn't feel like it was doing anything.  I knew that I needed a change.  I started seeing a psychiatrist, and she switched me to Pristiq.  The part I loved the most was that I could start taking it immediately.  I didn't have to go through withdrawal of the Effexor.  I was taking 50 mg of pristiq for a month or two and was just elated about the smooth transition.  Now, I am taking 100 mg a day and I am very happy with how I feel...most days.  I don't have any regrets about leaving effexor.  I needed a change.  I recently started seeing a rheumatologist due to the constant pain I feel all over my body.  It has been about a year and a half since my last surgery and my body still hurts everywhere.  He said I had "classic fibromyalgia".  I felt better when I left his office because I just didn't know why I hurt so much.  He has added Pamelor to my list of meds.  I take it before bed.  It is supposed to help me sleep better and alleviate some of the pain.  Hope this helps.    Nancy 

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  • Everlastpink
    Everlastpink Member Posts: 139
    edited April 2010

    I have the opposite situation.  I started with Pristiq in November and it worked really well for me at just 50 mg.  It cut my hot flashes down from every 2 hours to just 2 a day (still have night sweats though)

    Well, now my insurance no longer covers it and will only cover generic Effexor.  I started today (37.5 mg) and have a terrible headache, but don't know if it is due to the switch or something else.  I also seem really sensitive to light. I remember years ago (before breast cancer) I was on prozac and it gave me headaches, light sensitivity, and made me exhausted.  I just quit taking it because it didn't really help, and the Pristiq was so much better.  I know I need to give the Effexor time, but I am worried.

    Guess I can always always ask my onco to say I have to have Pristiq and pay extra.  Any thoughts?  How long should I try the Effexor before making a decision?

    Katherine

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