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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Fatigue, Chest Pain. On Pristiq Medication. Suffering From Depression

Hi...I am a 41 yr old woman, have been on Pristiq medication 3 x 100gm tablets for approx 1 1/2 years which has been going fine. Have been working quite hard lately, my husband and I have a cleaning business with a few employees...we also have 3 boys aged 9, 11 and 14 years. Lately I have been feeling extremely tired, my chest has been aching and basically it takes all my effort just to get a meal on the table for my family. I have had depression for a number of years but have been keeping it under control. Dont know what to do?
Mon, 31 Dec 2012
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,
I can understand what you are going through. Pristiq is actually desvenlafaxine and is a new medication in the treatment of depression. It has good reports of efficacy but being a new molecule some psychiatrists are still skeptical about its efficacy in long term. What you are probably facing is actually a relapse of depressive symptoms. In such a case you should visit back your psychiatrist who would like to add some add on antidepressant or switch to a new one. You can also augment your treatment with CBT. Once a remission is achieved in depression, it is not common to have a relapse so early. Is there any ongoing stressor in your life. Its also advisable to get a thyroid profile done. Exercise regularly and eat healthy.
Hope I am able to solve your concerns.
Have a nice day.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Sundar Gnanavel's  Response
Hello........
Thanks for your query. I can understand your current concern. Pristiq is desvenlafaxine, an effective anti-depressant belonging to the SNRI group of anti-depressants. It is encouraging that you have been maintaining well all these years on the above medication. There seems to have been a flare of symptoms possibly due to life stressors. You require a re-consultation with your psychiatrist at this point of time to evaluate your life stressors and depressive symptoms. Increase in dosage of medication or addition of psychotherapy (eg cognitive behavioural or interpersonal therapy) are likely to be beneficial to you after evaluation. Wish you early recovery.
Regards
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
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Fatigue, Chest Pain. On Pristiq Medication. Suffering From Depression

Hello, I can understand what you are going through. Pristiq is actually desvenlafaxine and is a new medication in the treatment of depression. It has good reports of efficacy but being a new molecule some psychiatrists are still skeptical about its efficacy in long term. What you are probably facing is actually a relapse of depressive symptoms. In such a case you should visit back your psychiatrist who would like to add some add on antidepressant or switch to a new one. You can also augment your treatment with CBT. Once a remission is achieved in depression, it is not common to have a relapse so early. Is there any ongoing stressor in your life. Its also advisable to get a thyroid profile done. Exercise regularly and eat healthy. Hope I am able to solve your concerns. Have a nice day.