"i started taking pristiq a year ago.  i am 57 year old female that went through a devastating divorce after 20 years of marriage.  the worst part was that he left me for my best friend.  they both work at the same employer that i do.  so it was very hard for me to return to work and see them both there.  i was severely depressed and really didn&#039;t want to be on this earth.  i have never taken antidepressants before.  my doctor put me on 50mg of pristiq to help me through this time.  the first 3 days were great....someone could have died and i was smiling for the first time in a long time, and i wanted to be here!  i am just now weaning myself off pristiq slowly with my doctor&#039;s blessing.  so far no side effects."