Pristiq
Generic Name: Desvenlafaxine
What is Pristiq?
Pristiq belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Pristiq is used to treat major depressive disorder.What is the most important information I should know about Pristiq?
Pristiq is not approved for use in children and adolescents.Antidepressant medicines, including Pristiq, may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People with bipolar disorder or who have a family history of this condition (also called manic-depressive illness) are at a greater risk. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any changes, especially sudden ones, in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is first started or when the dose is changed.
Pristiq may cause a severe, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: agitation, hallucinations, fast heart beat, changes in blood pressure, increased body temperature, lack of coordination, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Pristiq may increase your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you already have high blood pressure.
Pristiq may increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take Pristiq with aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, or blood-thinners such as warfarin.
Pristiq may cause increased pressure in your eyes (glaucoma).
Do not stop taking Pristiq without first talking with your doctor as this can cause serious side effects.
Pristiq may cause a condition called hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: headache, difficulty concentrating, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, hallucinations, falls, or seizures.
Pristiq may cause drowsiness and affect your mental and motor skills so do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Pristiq will affect you. Avoid alcohol while taking Pristiq as it can worsen these side effects.
Who should not take Pristiq?
Do not take Pristiq if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, if you are allergic to venlafaxine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Effexor and Effexor XR, or if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI, a class of drugs used to treat depression, psychiatric or emotional disorders, or Parkinson's disease.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Pristiq?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Pristiq. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol or high triglycerides, history of stroke, glaucoma, kidney or liver problems, bleeding problems, seizures, mania or bipolar disorder, or low sodium levels in your blood. Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The recommended dose is 50 milligrams (mg) once a day. If you have poor kidney or liver function, your doctor may prescribe a different dose.
How should I take Pristiq?
Take Pristiq at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. Pristiq tablets should be taken whole; do not crush, chew, dissolve, or divide them. When you take Pristiq, you may see something in your stool that looks like a tablet. This is the empty shell from the tablet after the medicine has been absorbed in your body.What should I avoid while taking Pristiq?
Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any dangerous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Pristiq affects you. Pristiq may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Avoid alcohol while taking Pristiq as it can worsen these side effects.It may take several weeks before you start to feel better. Do not suddenly stop taking Pristiq without talking to your doctor first as this can cause serious side effects.
Pristiq may increase your risk of bleeding. Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood-thinners (such as warfarin) while taking Pristiq.
Do not take products that contain venlafaxine while taking Pristiq since the two drugs are related.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Pristiq?
If Pristiq is taken with certain drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is important to check with your doctor before combining Pristiq with the following: alcohol, aspirin, desipramine, drugs that affect the central nervous system, ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, MAOIs, midazolam, NSAIDs, other SNRIs, silbutramine, SSRIs, St. John's wort, tramadol, triptans, tryptophan, warfarin.What are the possible side effects of Pristiq?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: decreased sex drive, delayed orgasm and ejaculation, blurred vision, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, tremor, increased sweating, decreased appetite
Can I receive Pristiq if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Babies exposed to Pristiq late in the third trimester of pregnancy may develop serious complications. The effects of Pristiq during breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Pristiq?
If you miss a dose of Pristiq, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Pristiq?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
