Pristiq question XR

Hi all,

My doc wants to put me on the medication Pristiq for some depression issues.  I believe it only comes in an "extended release" version.  I know we don't usually do well with those type.

Have any of you with the Roux-en-Y taken this drug post op?   How well did it work?

Thanks in advance!

This may not help you but I was on it preop and I had to go off of it because it passed through into my stool. Literally. It was whole and you could see it. Just my experience. Good luck!

Hi! I have taken Pristiq for about 2 years to help with anxiety. I had RNY on 8/23/11, and havent had any problems with it so far. The first week and a half after surgery, however, I felt awful -- tired, depressed, no energy, etc. I was afraid it wasnt absorbing, but then it all worked itself out and I feel great again. So it was probably just my body recovering from the surgery, and nothing to do with the meds. They had me continue pristiq thruout my pre-op, surgery and post op.  I take Pristiq 30's 100mg tab one a day, and I agree I think it only comes in an Extend Release.

Good Luck to you!

Thank-you both for your replies.  I really don't know whether to give it a try or not.  My luck, it will not disolve at all. lol 

I've read a lot of good things about the Pristiq in general, but with our insides who knows!

The other medications my doc mentioned were Celexa and Lexapro.  This is my first time trying anything, I'm hoping to find that "magic" one the first time. 

I will keep you posted.  Thanks again!

Me again :)  I used to be on Lexapro and Celexa, and my Dr changed it to Pristiq becuase I mentioned concern about it causes weight gain  -- Not sure if there is any validation to Lexapro and weight gain - but were rumors I had heard.... He did concur that there was a possibility so he put me on Pristiq -- Now, I don't dont the medical technical terms but Lexapro/Celexa are SSRi's -- and if you have never been on one something to know is that they affect something in your brain and coming off of them can be crazy -- ususally you have to wean off, if you can due to your situation - but they make you feel very strange for several weeks while coming off of them. Pristiq is a different kind of med -- not sure what kind -- but isnt supposed to have that same kind of withdrawel reaction. If I would you, I would research both really well before you decide. Supposedly Pristiq is supposed to have less side affects and withdrawels, and affects your brain differently. --- Now, with all that being said, except for the coming off of it part -- I LOVED Lexapro -- I think it worked for my anxiety much better, and was very happy on it for many years before switching. I only switched because insurance wasnt paying for it anymore and I was concerned about the weight issues. Just my opinions :)

Hi, sorry for delay.  I'm very glad you wrote back with all of the great info!!    

Yikes!  Sure don't need any of that!

I sure have a lot to learn about these types of meds.  After hearing all of that, I am half tempted to try the Pristiq and hope that it works.  

How did you like the Celexa when you were on that?  Was it the generic version?  What differences did you notice between Lexapro and Celexa? 

Thanks again!!

Hi Again!

Celexa is pretty much the same as Lexapro - just missing a molecule or something like that.... I liked it as well, but personally I thought that Lexapro was a tiny bit better but that could have just been in my head - no pun intended LOL

Basically you need to google SSRI's and whatever Pristiq is and learn about the difference between the 2 types of drugs. Once you did if want SSRI or the other, then I think all 3 choices are good ones........

I never took Lexapro or Celexa after RNY - btw --- but I havent heard anything that would say I couldnt or shouldnt. But in my whole 4 weeks of RNY experience LOL, Pristiq has been great. :)

Good luck!!

Hi,

What a day!  Wow, I'm late getting on here. 

CONGRATS by the way on your recent surgery!!  How are you feeling? 

I will google those tomorrow.  Did you take brand name Celexa?  From what I've heard the Lexapro and Pristiq do not have generics yet. 

THANKS for writing back!! 

Feeling pretty good - thanks for asking! Getting used to the tricks of the trade -- like chew chew chewing and what I can and can't eat. When was/is your RNY?

I took Brand Name Celexa.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

Glad you're feeling good!

I'm about 6 1/2 months post-op. 

It takes a lot of practice to get used to everything.  I still forget to chew and chew sometimes.  Occasionally I notice I'm not chewing quite as well as I was in the beginning and I have to keep reminding myself, even being several months out.  Depending on what the food is, I will be reminded real quick!  Not a good feeling!  It's really bad when it's beef, chicken or something dense. 

Hope you're enjoying your day.  It's raining here!