HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Depression While On Pristiq?

default
Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015
Question: I was on Effexor er for depression r/t ruminative/guilty thinking. My dose was 225. Because of the groggy and constipation side effects my doc suggested Pristiq 50 mg. Even though they are essentially the same drug I almost immediately found myself depressed once on Pristiq. Is this my imagination?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
dose equivalence not established.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Effexor and pristiq are almost same pharmacologically.

I think the reason for your depression on pristiq would have the difference in dose.

Although, the dose equivalence of effexor and pristiq has not been established but I think 50mg pristiq is not sufficient for the person taking 225 mg effexor (If these are doses you are taking).

Another, reason could be immediate switching of drugs. Abrupt discontinuation of effexor could have either led to relapse of depression or discontinuation syndrome which caused mood swings.

These could be the possible reason for your depression.

Kindly discuss this with your doctor.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Psychiatrist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Depression While On Pristiq?

Brief Answer: dose equivalence not established. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. Effexor and pristiq are almost same pharmacologically. I think the reason for your depression on pristiq would have the difference in dose. Although, the dose equivalence of effexor and pristiq has not been established but I think 50mg pristiq is not sufficient for the person taking 225 mg effexor (If these are doses you are taking). Another, reason could be immediate switching of drugs. Abrupt discontinuation of effexor could have either led to relapse of depression or discontinuation syndrome which caused mood swings. These could be the possible reason for your depression. Kindly discuss this with your doctor. Hope this helps. Take care. Thanks.