Pronunciation: des-VEN-la-FAX-een
Generic Name: Desvenlafaxine
Brand Name: Pristiq
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets outweigh the risks.
Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.
Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets are used for:
Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets are a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.
Do NOT use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets or to venlafaxine
- you are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
- you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, sibutramine, or tryptophan
- you are taking another medicine that contains venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.
Before using Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
- if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), a heart attack, an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), a recent heart attack, a stroke or bleeding in the brain, blood or bleeding problems, or high blood pressure
- if you have a history of high cholesterol or triglycerides, liver problems, lung problems, kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or increased eye pressure (eg, glaucoma)
- if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, low blood volume, or drink alcohol
- if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Certain diet medicines (eg, fenfluramine, phentermine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, duloxetine), St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) because they may increase the risk of Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets's side effects
- Cyproheptadine because it may decrease Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets's effectiveness
- Desipramine or midazolam because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets:
Use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets refilled.
- Take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets whole with fluid. Do not break, crush, chew, or dissolve before swallowing.
- Take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets at about the same time each day.
- Continue to take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, abnormal dreams, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets and whenever a change in dose is made.
- If you miss a dose of Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these side effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are using Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets.
- Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Several weeks may pass before your symptoms get better. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- You may notice the tablet shell in your stool. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
- Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. Your risk may be greater if you take Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs, SSRIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
- If your doctor tells you to stop taking Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets.
- Lab tests, including blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
- Caution is advised when using Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets while you are pregnant. Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; flushing; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; yawning.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); behavior changes; blood in the stools; blurred vision; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; decreased urination; enlarged pupils; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; new or worsening mental or mood changes; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, or stomach pain; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness; worsening of depression.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Desvenlafaxine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; coma; dilated pupils; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or weakness; numbness or tingling; seizures; severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or trouble breathing; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Proper storage of Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets:
Store Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Desvenlafaxine resources
- Desvenlafaxine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Desvenlafaxine Dosage
- Desvenlafaxine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Desvenlafaxine Drug Interactions
- Desvenlafaxine Support Group
- 451 Reviews for Desvenlafaxine - Add your own review/rating
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