Pristiq and blood pressure

[Strongest123]

Hello everyone. I’ve been taking pristiq for quite sometime, the generic one. I was on 50mgs for a bit then my Dr raised it to 100mgs. I went to see my GP yesterday and my pressure was 138/86. He prescribed a diuretic. I don’t like diuretics at all they’re dangerous meds. Any ways he told me that the pristiq can be raising my blood pressure. I just took my pressure and it was 155/96. Don’t know if it’s my anxiety.........Samson

[Agora1]

Hi Samson, yes it's been known that Pristiq can raise blood pressure in some people.

If you just noticed the higher readings since the dose was increased, I'd say that it probably had more to do with the med rather than anxiety. Like you, I prefer not to take another drug to control the first one. If you really feel against taking a diuretic, I would talk with your doctor about other options. Either lowering the dose to what it originally was or maybe switching meds. If you are afraid of the diuretic than that fear can raise the b/p.

Your doctor knows your health history and is best in making the right decision.

[Strongest123]

Thank you. I know I’ve got lots on my plate. I’ve got the SSD hearing in 2 months and that in itself is nerve wracking. I’m trying to be positive, and push on. I might just go get the diuretic and take them just to be safe. Oh and someone earlier today smashed into the back of my car while I was stopped at a light. Samson

[Agora1 in reply to Strongest123]

Oh Samson I'm sorry to hear about the car incident. Are you okay? Was your daughter with you? Hope you didn't get a whiplash.

I agree with you in at least trying to take the diuretic. I thought you were already on it.

I hope your evening goes well and you can relax a little. Tomorrow's a new day.

Think positive that everything will fall into place and it will be okay.

[Strongest123 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you. I’m ok. I’ve never had any back pain. I’ve been an avid weightlifter- power lifter and I’ve never had back issues. Today after the accident I started feeling pain in my lower back and in my neck. It was a pretty hard hit, my bumper is totally destroyed, I’m just grateful my little girl wasn’t with me. What i don’t understand is the girl that hit me told me the front brakes on her car are shot. She’s having a hard time stopping. I’ve never been one to sue anyone but if my back hurts and I need therapy then will take it from their.

How are you feeling? Hope you are doing well. Samson

[Agora1 in reply to Strongest123]

I'm fine Samson. I am sorry you are feeling the effects of the hit. That happens.

The girl blatantly told you her brakes are shot?? We all carry insurance for just that

kind of issue. It sounds like you have it reported with the police. Physical therapy is expensive and since it wasn't your fault, her insurance should pay for your medical care.

[Innerstrength1]

I am also on Pristiq. I know it can cause issues for some with blood pressure. I also agree with the part about not wanting to take any additional medication. If this medication is working for you, because you are going through A LOT right now, has your doctor mentioned anything about the stress and anxiety aspect of this also? I only ask because I NEVER realized what the physical effects of stress and anxiety can do to your body until this past year when my doctor brought it up because my already exsisting health issues started getting worse. So I began to research it myself and sure enough, so many things started making sense so little by little, I started trying different things to I guess balance it out? It’s not easy and I haven’t found the exact balance yet but I can say, I am better than I was 6 months ago both MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY. My blood pressure still can go up under extreme stress, which is personal proof, in my case, that it was stress, because I have Addison’s Disease which is a disease that causes my pressure to run LOW! I just relocated to another state and my doctor wrote a personal letter and even stated the improvement she saw since my situation had change and I was able to be given a chance to make changes that in turn was beneficial to my medical conditions. I AM NOT saying this is the case for everyone. That’s why this forum is so great. Everybody can just give you there experience and an idea and you can see if it works for you. Also, if you ever need want to reach out more, let me know because I am also on SSD and have been since I was 25. I have helped people who have had to go through hoops that shouldn’t have and then others who haven’t so, again, I am a good listener if you need it. I hope something in here helped...

[Strongest123 in reply to Innerstrength1]

Thank you very much. I’ve been disabled since Oct 2016 and it’s been a rollercoaster ride. My blood pressure recently shot up, and I noticed it happened at the same time my Dr upped the dose from 50mgs to 100mgs. The pressure shot up only a few days ago. I tend to avoid confrontations cause they cause me undue stress and anxiety. I did have a disagreement with my daughters grandmother and that caused me a great deal of anxiety. I really don’t need that. I just got back from my GP, he did prescribe a diuretic and a blood pressure pill. I’ve got a lot on my plate I have my SSD hearing with a judge in November and that definitely can cause anxiety. What is it you do for stress and anxiety? Thanks for reaching out. Samson