What side effects should I be expecting from taking Pristiq?

Signs of Pristiq allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, hives (rash on your body), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—If you experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 or seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room (ER). 

Like other antidepressant medications, Pristiq has a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In patients of all ages who have started Pristiq, suicidal thoughts and behaviors should be monitored closely.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression or if you have any changes in mood or behavior. Let your doctor know if you have trouble sleeping, panic attacks, anxiety, feeling aggressive or restless, being more active or talkative, or if you have thought about suicide or self-harm. 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs:

• Seizures
• Unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood
• Trouble breathing
• Chest discomfort
• Eye pain or swelling, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights
• Low blood sodium—confusion, unusual problems with thinking or memory, headache, weakness, feeling unsteady

Seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as fever, sweating, agitation, hallucinations, shivering, muscle stiffness, twitching, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination.

Common side effects of Pristiq:

• Drowsiness, anxiety
• Nausea, decreased appetite, constipation
• Insomnia (sleep problems)
• Increased sweating
• Sexual problems include decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty achieving an erection for males, or orgasm for both males and females.

Pristiq Overdose: Go to the nearest emergency room or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You can find more information at www.poisonhelp.org/help . The risk of Pristiq overdose increases when combined with alcohol and other drugs. 

Symptoms of Pristiq overdose:

• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• Excess drowsiness, coma
• Changes in heart rhythm causing severe heart problems
• Low blood pressure
• Serotonin syndrome

The above list on this site may not include all the possible side effects of Pristiq. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your local pharmacy if you have persistent side effects or any side effects that are not listed above. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Source: FDA