Age: 36–45 · Duration of use: 5+ years · Current status: No longer taking
Symptoms: Brain zaps, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, anhedonia
Symptoms: Brain zaps, emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, anhedonia
Coming off pristiq was very difficult. I experienced brain zaps (electric shock sensations in my head) these lasted roughly 4 months after discontinuing, easing in severity as time went on.
During that time I had a car crash as the brain zaps impacted my ability to be vigilant on the roads.
I think there needs to be much more education and warning about the effects these medications have. GPs especially should encourage psychology and lifestyle interventions for several months first before prescribing a medication.
I am ok now. But it was a very difficult period of my life.