"i found my experience on pristiq to be similar to when i was on effexor xr.  they are very similar medicines.  i switched to pristiq after i wasn&#039;t getting the relief from depression and anxiety anymore on lexapro and xanax.  unfortunately, i&#039;ve had to discontinue the pristiq after about 6 months.  it does help with depression but it was making me easily agitated/irritable and i&#039;ve had considerable weight gain.  i would take it in the morning and often have thoughts of suicide by the time i went to bed.  i have switched back to lexapro but just added wellbutrin xl and switched my anxiolytic to longer acting klonopin.  i&#039;ve read this is a great combo and hope it works! good luck everyone."