"no effects, no side effects, no nothing  pristiq was touted as a powerful anti-depressant with an anti-anxiety drug built in. besides clinical depression, i struggle with ptsd, agoraphobia, and anxiety disorders. all the years on pristiq, my mood ranged from nervous to suicidal. i had several anxiety attacks, always in public places, and certainly was not capable of a normal life. about two weeks ago, i decided to stop my 150mg @ day dose. i experienced no withdrawls. my head was clear. i began to set &amp; meet small goals. i cry a lot, for example, over music. but it&#039;s good crying. my thoughts can sometimes be labeled &quot;irrational&quot;, e.g., i often believe my scripts are placebos. no more pristiq."