I think that I'm at my therapeutic dose of pristiq. There were a couple of problems: one my doctor helped me solve, and the other I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced.
1. I am feeling so much better, but was still exhausted and having so much trouble in the mornings with the depression. I was so tired, but not tired anymore during the rest of the day. I went to see him because I thought that perhaps I needed another antidepressant to boost this one. He's a holistic doctor, and has known me since I was a baby. Knows all of my patterns. He told me that because I have chronic stress from overwork, that my adrenals are shot (which he tested). He told me to pick up some Holy Basil (meant to regulate cortisol/adrenal and an herb), and IsoCort (meant to give my adreanal system a rest). All from the health food store. Anyway, I picked up these supplements, and I finally feel alive again. It could be that suddenly the pristiq kicked in, but it seems like the pristiq has been working slowly everyday. I'm not a doctor, but if your depression might have kicked in from stress, this might be something to look at. I feel like a different person in one day. No more morning exhaustion.
2. Another Pristiq question: I've read that one side effect of Pristiq is mixing up your words. It's not on the official website, but I notice today a few gaffs that weren't horrible, but weird. Today I said, 'This route is faster because I can avoid downtown traffic', when I meant to say, 'This route is better because I can avoid downtown traffic.'
And I called my friend Joan, Barbara. Both I've known for years. There seems to be a little pause when I'm trying to name things that used to be easy to name. I've read that this can be a problem for pristiq, and was wondering if anyone else is having this problem. I'm even worried that when I read this tomorrow, that I will see words misplaced! Like medication induced dyslexia. Words and spelling are harder.
Love feedback. Actually need it. You guys keep me going.
deborah