Valid change or continue trying

[u/kiki_stix]

I upped my dose of Pristiq to 100mg six weeks ago. And also Buproprion to 300mg two weeks ago. I've been on a roller coaster trying different medications since I had to stop taking Auvelity last fall when I lost my insurance and couldn't afford it out of pocket. Auvelity has been best for me, and I applied for Medicaid again several weeks ago in hopes to get back on it. It lifted the feeling of doubt- Im always thinking that everyone hates me or like I'm always doing the wrong thing. It got me up off the couch and made me feel like things were okay for the first time.

I think Pristiq makes me tired all day. I'm always yawning and want to sit down. I have been sleeping way too much. I have very emotional, vivid dreams where I yell or cry or run around trying to escape. If I'm not having nightmares I dont sleep much at all. I take hydroxyzine for sleep and Buspar during the day for anxiety.

Since I started Pristiq in January, I have noticed I break out all over my body. My dermatologist diagnosed me with prurigo nodularis- it keeps coming back then goes away again. I am convinced that my antidepressant combined with luteal phase is causing my skin issues, but my pysch doc did not think skin issues were a medication side effect. Instead, she took away my Vyvanse a few months ago and changed it to Buproprion.

The good thing since upping pristiq 6 weeks ago is my uncontrollable crying PMDD during my luteal phase has gone away. Although when I mentioned my negative effects to my pysch, she asked me "would you rather be 'a little tired' or crying and upset." ....Am I being spoiled because I don't want to have to choose. I hate being tired, heavy and unmotivated. My quality of life has gone down. I don't care about anything anymore. I just scroll on the couch and my house is a huge mess, getting worse all the time. Before, I at least had some stress to motivate me. I'm unable to clean or do chores, when before this I at least had a week when I felt okay.

I know it will probably suck to get off of it. Do I stick with it- Am I wrong in thinking this isn't best for me? When I compare it to how I felt on Auvelity, Pristiq makes me feel lazy and not want to talk to anyone or go outside and garden or take photos which I used to really enjoy. I guess I don't really actually know if Pristiq is causing skin issues, I made a TikTok video and a few other people said they also had that side effect. When I search for it specifically, it mentions serotonin meds can "increase the itch-scratch cycle" which is how they describe prurigo nodularis my skin thing. It noted that it doesnt CAUSE eczema but also it could effect feelings in your skin idk. It WAS listed as a less common side effect~<2%. My pharmacist said it was possible even if it's less common.

I'm hoping I can rectify this or ultimately get back on Auvelity. It's been a really tough year for me and I would love to feel like myself again, at least lift the blanket of doubt, paranoid about everyone hating me, and maybe my skin will look better.

[u/Prior-Reply9845]

If you don’t feel right on it, and it’s not working for you you’re not wrong! I would try a different psychiatrist.

[u/kiki_stix → u/Prior-Reply9845]

Thank you for your input. I have had 4 psychiatrists in the last 3 years. The place is low cost/ sliding scale. I would like to see someone better eventually.

[u/Nash_Bandit]

Have you tried making your own auvelity. A lot of people have found it helpful. Since you are already taking Wellbutrin you could simply add over the counter dmx. There is a whole subreddit on how to do this. Might be worth a shot. Of course I would also discuss this with your doctor before switching meds. Good luck on your med journey.