"i was desperate for something that would get me out of the dark abyss that is anxiety and depression, and get rid of the constant thoughts of suicide. i turned to pristiq - it was new, and made out to be a miracle. and it was. i had no side effects when i started taking it. i was able to get back to work and perform better in school. everything seemed great. i had my life back. until, months later, i went my first day without it. the withdrawal symptoms were crippling. paranoia, a pounding headache, vertigo, and sweating are just a few of the symptoms i experienced in my withdrawal.  the headache was so severe i could do nothing but lie down. i still take. too difficult to quit. "