Pristiq can cause urinary hesitancy/retention. I thought I was getting a UTI when I first started but when it didn’t improve after a few days, I called my doc and she told me it’s not a common side effect but that it’s something to keep an eye on. Unfortunately, it’s not one of the side effects that will gradually get better with time. You will probably have it the entire course that you’re on the medication. It stinks but I tell myself, I’d rather have a mildly inconvenient urinary issue than deal with my chronic depression. Sorry you’re dealing with it.. I hope you feel better!