desvenlafaxine succinate er
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a medication used to treat depression in adults. It's only available as a tablet that's typically taken once a day. This medication can raise your blood pressure, so it might not be the best choice if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems.
What is Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?
What is Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) used for?
- Depression
How Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) works
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It raises serotonin and norepinephrine activity in the brain. These two natural chemicals help regulate your mood.
Drug facts
Side effects of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (22%)
- Dizziness (13%)
- Dry mouth (11%)
- Excessive sweating (10%)
- Constipation (9%)
- Trouble sleeping (9%)
- Feeling tired (7%)
- Loss of appetite (5%)
- Sleepiness (4%)
- Low sex drive (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Tremors
- Unusual dreams
- Anxiety
- Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, fever, confusion
- High blood pressure: severe headache, confusion, chest pain, blurred vision
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Seizures
- Low sodium levels in the blood: headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory problems, weakness
The following Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, pounding, or irregular pulse
headache
numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
weakness
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the stool or urine
chest tightness, discomfort, or pain
dark urine
dilated or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
dizziness
feeling irritated
fainting
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
hoarseness
indigestion
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
loss of appetite
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
nosebleeds
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red skin
seizures
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sudden loss of consciousness
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
talking, feeling, or acting with excitement
trouble breathing or swallowing
unusual bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
vomiting blood
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation
dark urine
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
irregular heartbeat recurrent
light-colored stools
muscle cramp or stiffness
overactive reflexes
poor coordination
restlessness
seizures
sensation of spinning
shivering
stomach pain
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Decreased appetite
inability to have an orgasm
inability to have or keep an erection
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
loss of sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
trouble sleeping
Less common
Change in taste
continuous ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
decreased weight
difficult urination
fear or nervousness
hearing loss
jitteriness
lack or loss of strength
loss of taste
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Pros
- A first-choice medication for treating depression in adults
- Can take with or without food
- Once-daily dosing makes it easier to remember to take
- Lower-cost generic available
- Less serious side effects compared to some other antidepressants
Cons
- Can take up to 8 weeks for effects to fully kick in
- Can raise your blood pressure
- Must lower dose slowly to stop the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Not approved for use in children
Pharmacist tips for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Like most antidepressants, it could take a couple months to see the full effects of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) on your mood. It's possible to experience side effects from the medication before you see an improvement in mood. Make sure to follow your provider's directions and check in with them regularly to discuss how treatment with desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is going.
- Swallow desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) whole. Don't break, chew, or crush the tablets. Damaging the tablets can change the way the medication works for you.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause nausea for some people. If this happens to you, try taking it with food. This can help lessen stomach-related side effects.
- After you take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), you might notice a tablet in your stool. This is normal. It's okay if this happens because while you might see the tablet in your stool, the medication has already been absorbed into your body.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can worsen your depression or raise your risk of having suicidal thoughts or behavior. Tell your provider if you notice sudden mood changes or unusual thoughts while taking this medication.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) might interfere with your abilities to concentrate and focus, especially when you first start taking it. Avoid alcohol during treatment since it can make these effects more intense. Don't drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't suddenly stop taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). If you want take a lower dose or stop taking the medication altogether, talk to your healthcare provider about how to do so safely to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Common questions about Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
In studies of people with depression, those who took desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for 8 weeks had less severe symptoms of depression compared to people who took a placebo. But keep in mind that your response to the medication can vary depending on many things, and it can take several weeks before you feel its full effects. Follow up with your provider regularly to discuss how well desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is working for you.
While weight gain is possible from desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), it's very unlikely. In studies, people taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for depression generally didn't have notable changes in their weight (possible weight loss of about 1 lb). If you notice significant changes in your weight during treatment with desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), speak with your provider.
You can take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) at any time during the day, but try to take it at the same time every day. This will help keep the amount of medication consistent in your body. If the medication makes you feel dizzy, try taking it at bedtime.
No. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a type of antidepressant. While both antidepressants and antipsychotics can be used for mental health problems like depression, they work on different chemicals in your brain to change your mood or behavior. In addition, desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a first-choice medication for depression, while certain antipsychotics like aripiprazole (Abilify) are typically added onto treatment when antidepressant medications aren't enough to improve your mood.
If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Discuss with them about the best treatment options for your depression during pregnancy. Taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) in the third trimester of pregnancy can be harmful to your baby because it can cause your newborn baby to have withdrawal symptoms from the medication. Some problems include difficulty eating and breathing, seizures, unstable body temperatures, and constant crying. There's a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants that collects health information about the safety of certain medications during pregnancy. If you're currently pregnant and taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), it's encouraged that you enroll in the registry.
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Risks and warnings for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Risk factors: Age under 24 years old
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The risk is highest if you're 24 years or younger. Watch for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when your dose changes. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you or a loved one notices any unusual changes in mood or behavior while you're taking this medication.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that can raise the serotonin levels in your brain
In some rare cases, desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain that's responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) with other medications that raise serotonin levels (e.g., certain antidepressants, certain migraine medications, St. John's wort). Tell your pharmacist about all your prescriptions and over-the-counter products you take before starting desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) so they can check for any interactions. Symptoms of too much serotonin include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your healthcare provider or seek medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: High blood pressure | Other heart problems | Blood flow problems to the brain
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause a rise in blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, talk to your provider to make sure that it's safe for you to take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) before starting this medication. It's recommended that you regularly check your blood pressure at home during treatment. If you notice that your blood pressure is consistently high for a long period of time while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), let your provider know. You might have to take a lower dose or stop taking this medication altogether.
Higher bleeding risk
- Risk factors: Taking blood thinners or other medications that raise your risk of bleeding
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can raise your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your healthcare provider about any bruising that doesn't improve, black-colored stools, pink or red urine, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums. If you're taking blood thinners or other clot-preventing medications, your provider will likely want to follow up with you more often when starting, changing the dose of, or stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Worsening of glaucoma
- Risk factors: Narrow-angle glaucoma
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can worsen certain eye conditions in some people, especially in those with narrow-angle glaucoma. If you notice any changes to your vision while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), let your provider and eye care professional know right away.
Emergence of mania
- Risk factors: Personal or family history of bipolar disorder
Sometimes, depression is the first symptom of bipolar disorder. Treating someone with bipolar disorder with an antidepressant alone can cause a manic episode (great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity). Your provider will make sure that you don't have bipolar disorder before prescribing desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Withdrawal symptoms
- Risk factors: Stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) suddenly
Stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, anxiety, distress, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. Your provider will help you to lower your dose of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) so you can stop the medication safely and slowly. Never try to stop desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) on your own and without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures
Some people have reported getting seizures while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Let your healthcare provider know if you have or have had seizure problems before you start desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). They might want to follow up with you more closely during treatment.
Low sodium levels in the blood
- Risk factors: Older adults | Taking diuretic medications ("water pills") | Low fluids in the body
Very rarely, desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can reduce the sodium levels in the blood. You might be at higher risk if you're older than 65 years of age or if you're taking diuretics ("water pills"). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any symptoms of low sodium levels during treatment, including weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headache, or memory problems while taking this medication.
Lung problems and pneumonia
In some rare cases, people taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) developed lung problems and pneumonia. These problems could lead to long-term lung problems or lung damage. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience an unexplained cough, difficulty breathing that seems to get worse over time, or an uncomfortable feeling in your chest at any point while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Your provider will want to check your lungs to see what's going on.
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 30 tablets | $22.34 | $0.74 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $22.95 | $0.77 |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $23.29 | $0.78 |
Typical dosage for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth once a day with or without food.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
Interactions between Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bromopride
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Anileridine
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Brompheniramine
- Bufexamac
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Butorphanol
- Cangrelor
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorpheniramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dextromethorphan
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Difenoxin
- Diflunisal
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diphenoxylate
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dolasetron
- Donepezil
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Eletriptan
- Enoxaparin
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethylmorphine
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenfluramine
- Fenoprofen
- Fentanyl
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Frovatriptan
- Granisetron
- Heparin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indomethacin
- Iobenguane I 123
- Iobenguane I 131
- Ketobemidone
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lasmiditan
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lorcaserin
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morniflumate
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Nalbuphine
- Naproxen
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Nicomorphine
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Oxaprozin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Ozanimod
- Palonosetron
- Papaveretum
- Parecoxib
- Paregoric
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pentazocine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piritramide
- Piroxicam
- Pranoprofen
- Prasugrel
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Remifentanil
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rizatriptan
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Selexipag
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Sulindac
- Sumatriptan
- Tapentadol
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tilidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Trimipramine
- Tryptophan
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
How much does Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) cost?
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- Taking an MAOI within 7 days of stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) within 14 days of stopping an MAOI
What are alternatives to Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?
News about Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
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