How to Use Pristiq to Help Depression

Pristiq is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression. It works by fixing the imbalance of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It may also be used to treat general anxiety, panic disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. Pristiq should not be used by people suffering from bipolar disorder. As there can be serious side effects, as well as interactions with other medications, it is not the right medication for everyone. The decision to use Pristiq to help depression will need to ultimately be made by a doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Pristiq

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate whether or not it's clinical or situational depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression due to difficult circumstances in your life, it may be worth pursuing other alternatives. Once you begin taking anti-depressants, it can be difficult to wean yourself off of them.

• 2

  Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. He will be able to discuss this medication, possible side effects, and whether or not Pristiq is a good option for you. He may refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation; however, Pristiq can usually be prescribed by either type of doctor.

• 3

  Take Pristiq every single day at approximately the same time. This is important when taking this medication because Pristiq has a shorter lifespan in the body. If a dosage is missed or not taken at the correct time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

• 4

  Do not crush or break Pristiq tablets. It is a time-released medication and crushing it will reduce its effectiveness.

• 5

  Do not take more or less than the dose prescribed. If you find that Pristiq is no longer working well, see your doctor. Only a qualified health care professional can change the dosage.

• 6

  Visit your doctor regularly. It's important to be carefully monitored by a doctor while taking Pristiq. This includes regular blood pressure checks.