I feel like I haven't been taking my medication, but I am taking it...

[HotthenCold]

Hello,

I take 100mg/d of Pristiq and haven't missed a dose in a very long time. However in the last three days I've been getting the sensations that come with missing doses. Strange surges in my head, feeling disoriented and wobbly, and feeling like my brain is sloshing around in my head when I turn it or stand up.

Has anyone else experience this? Any idea how it could be happening?

Thanks :bi_polo:

 

[Retired]

I would first check the tablets in your vial to make sure all the tablets are what they are supposed to be that somehow some other tablets that are not Pristiq have been mixed into the vial.

If the tablets seem OK, then check the tablets to make sure you actually have Pristiq by comparing them to these images

At present there is currently no therapeutically equivalent version of Pristiq available in the United States.

Note: Fraudulent online pharmacies may attempt to sell an illegal generic version of Pristiq. These medications may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe. If you purchase medications online, be sure you are buying from a reputable and valid online pharmacy. Ask your health care provider for advice if you are unsure about the online purchase of any medication.Source: Drugs.com

NB. There is no generic substitute for Pristiq in Canada as well.

You may want to verify your tablets by going to an independent local pharmacist other than the one from whom you purchased this particular supply to ensure you have the real thing, or if you continue to feel unwell, call your doctor or go to the Emergency of the Hospital.

When calling the doctor, have ready a list of all medications you have been taking the last few days / weeks including any over the counter preparations and/or herbal or other alternative preparations so your doctor can assess any form of drug - drug interaction that might be responsible for the way you suddenly feel.

Have you started any new medication or treatment or therapy recently where something has been added to your prescriptions, or have you been injected with medication? Do you take any form of migraine medication?

 

[HotthenCold]

Hello and thanks, Steve,

My pills look exactly like the ones in the link.

I'm only taking Pristiq, no other medications of any kind, alternative or otherwise. I've been on the same bottle for almost three months, and have only experienced issues recently. I got the medication from a local pharmacy that I have been to multiple times before without issue.

Taking them to another pharmacist to get them checked seems like the best idea.

:thankyou:

 

[Retired]

feeling like my brain is sloshing around in my head when I turn it or stand up.

This should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible and ask to have your blood pressure checked. If you have a BP monitor at home or if your pharmacy has one, you should see if your BP is abnormal.

In any case sudden unusual sensations should be checked by a doctor...it may not be related to your medication at all, though this medication sometimes does affect blood pressure in a few people.

You are wise to have noticed the changes in your body, and the next logical step would be to have the doctor see what's going on.

 

[HotthenCold]

Hmm interesting. Although the sensations are the same as when I have missed medication, it could be blood pressure related as I had a congenital defect when I was younger which caused very high blood pressure. It was repaired long ago and my blood pressure is near ideal, but I'm going to get it checked...