jerry replied: "Xanax is a benzodiazapene, which is used to treat the symptoms of anxiety. A previous answer follows: See:… I suggest that you view… about depression, then page b. Check out & and wean off, in accordance with and begin the core treatments immediately, and the herbal remedies, or OTHER supplements, like SAM-e, 5HTP, or L-phenylalanine, when below 50% weaning dosage. St. John's wort has anxiolytic, as well as antidepressant properties, so consider taking a recommended brand, along with a low dosage of 5HTP, and employing the core treatments shown for depression, and a relaxation method, and/or the EFT. Check out:… At least, give the above a trial period of 3 - 6 months, after weaning off, to see if they are sufficient. If not, (which is unlikely) medications will still be available, but maintain the core treatments as complementary ones, because they treat the cause, rather than mask symptoms. There are various kinds, and levels of depression, with at least 7 different causes. Different treatments may apply. Doctors and psychiatrists rely too much these days on medications, and are overly influenced by the sales reps of the drug companies, who profile them psychologically, and study their prescribing record, then offer rewards, freebies, courses, payments to lecture, etc. View:… and… The situation in the USA (where psychiatrists, and doctors are targeted by sales reps from the large pharmaceutical companies, and given freebies, and/or offered incentives/rewards to prescribe - see SEARCH BAR , about how drug company money has corrupted psychiatry, & ) differs considerably from that in Australia, where it has not yet progressed so far. The feedback that I have received here is that antidepressants work, if they do, by blunting the emotions. Many users describe it as "zombification", or emotional deadness. They produce side effects in around 25% - 30% of cases, and they can sometimes (rarely) include the possibility of permanent inorgasmia, (inability to achieve orgasm) or even the permanent loss of the ability for a male to achieve an erection, which is something they don't advertise. Although they may limit the lows, they also limit the excitement, and joys of life. That effect is far less pronounced with St. John's wort, and may be unnoticeable. Antidepressants have demonstrated increased rates of suicide, homicide, and aberrant behaviour, especially in people under the age of around 24 - 25. Note the warnings on the label/insert, or at The wort carries no such risks, and side effects are rarer, generally much milder, and never permanent., so why take an unnecessary risk? I suggest that such people immediately adopt the core treatments shown, and consider using the herbal remedies, or OTHER supplements. If antidepressants are offered, say "thank you very much" and pocket the prescription, but don't fill it until giving the natural & alternative treatments a trial period of at least 3, and preferably 6 months. Antidepressants will still be available, if required, (unlikely) but it's best to avoid the risks, and side effects. ~~~ I checked out drugs.com re Pristiq, and I suggest that you do, and as well."

warm hearted guy replied: "I'm a pharmacist and I too have not heard of this drug. Have you tried Cymbalta? Many customers I've spoken to about their issues have been taking this medication. First of all, it does not have the sexual side-effects; secondly, for depression one of the 2 main ingredients is norepinephine the other a serotonin as a balancer. Is this doctor a psychiatrist or your General Practitioner? If he is a GP, it's time to find a psychiatrist who knows more popular medications out there. I can tell you this whatever that drug is, it's new and your insurance won't cover it. Maintain altitude!"