General Info:
Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor type-SNRI) used in the treatment of depression. It works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Desvenlafaxine may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and energy level.
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Take Desvenlafaxine exactly as your healthcare provider has told you.
Take Desvenlafaxine at about the same time each day.
Desvenlafaxine may be taken either with or without food.
Swallow Desvenlafaxine tablets whole, with fluid. Do not crush, cut, chew, or dissolve PRISTIQ tablets because the tablets are time-released.
When you take Desvenlafaxine, 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 by your body.
It is common for antidepressant medicines such as Desvenlafaxine to take several weeks before you start to feel better. Do not stop taking Desvenlafaxine if you do not feel results right away.
Do not stop taking or change the dose of Desvenlafaxine without talking with your healthcare provider, even if you feel better.
Talk with your healthcare provider about how long you should use Desvenlafaxine. Take Desvenlafaxine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to.
If you miss a dose of Desvenlafaxine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not try to "make up" for the missed dose by taking two doses at the same time.
Do not take more Desvenlafaxine than prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you take more Desvenlafaxine than the amount prescribed, contact your healthcare provider right away.
In case of an overdose of Desvenlafaxine, call your healthcare provider or poison control center, or go to the emergency room right away.
Desvenlafaxine is sold as brand name Pristiq.
