- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Pristiq GENERIC NAME(S): DESVENLAFAXINE SUCCINATE
Uses: Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression. It may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and energy level. Desvenlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
GENERIC NAME(S): DESVENLAFAXINE SUCCINATE
Uses
Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression. It may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and energy level. Desvenlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.
OTHER USES:
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Desvenlafaxine may also be used to relieve nerve pain, anxiety, and panic attacks. It may also be used to treat hot flashes that occur with menopause.
How to use Pristiq
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking desvenlafaxine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Do not crush, chew, or dissolve this medication in water. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.
If you are switching from another antidepressant to desvenlafaxine, your doctor should slowly reduce the dose of your old antidepressant to prevent withdrawal reactions from the other antidepressant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects See also Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, or excessive sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Desvenlafaxine may increase blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly while you are taking this medication.
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe/pounding headache, shakiness (tremor), decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, easy bruising/bleeding.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, persistent cough, shortness of breath, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures, change in the amount of urine, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRISTIQ Side Effects List
Pristiq side effects by likelihood and severity. The following side effects are associated with Pristiq:
Common side effects of Pristiq:
· Blurred Vision Severe
· Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus Severe
· Head Pain Severe
· Problems with Eyesight Severe
· Anxious Less Severe
· Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
· Dizzy Less Severe
· Drowsiness Less Severe
· Dry Mouth Less Severe
· Excessive Sweating Less Severe
· Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
· Feeling Weak Less Severe
· Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
· Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
· Loss of Appetite Less Severe
· Nervous Less Severe
· Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
· Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
· Stomach Cramps Less Severe
· Taste Problems Less Severe
· Throwing Up Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Pristiq:
· A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
· Cannot Empty Bladder Severe
· Chest Pain Severe
· Confused Severe
· Depression Severe
· Fast Heartbeat Severe
· Feeling Restless Severe
· Frequent Urination Severe
· High Blood Pressure Severe
· High Cholesterol Severe
· Itching Severe
· Rash Severe
· Ringing in the Ears Severe
· Sexual Problems Severe
· Abnormal Dreams Less Severe
· Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
· Bronchitis Less Severe
· Chills Less Severe
· Diarrhea Less Severe
· Easily Angered or Annoyed Less Severe
· Feeling Anger Toward Something Less Severe
· Gas Less Severe
· Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
· Indigestion Less Severe
· Inflammation or Infection of Vagina Less Severe
· Migraine Headache Less Severe
· Neck Pain Less Severe
· Orgasm Problems Less Severe
· Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
· Twitching Less Severe
· Visible Water Retention Less Severe
· Weight Gain Less Severe
· Weight Loss Less Severe
· Yawning Less Severe
Rare side effects of Pristiq:
· Abnormal Heart Electrical Signals Severe
· Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
· Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
· Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
· Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Severe
· Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
· Difficult or Painful Urination Severe
· Enlarged Prostate Severe
· Erythema Multiforme Severe
· Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
· Giant Hives Severe
· Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
· Hemorrhage of Blood Under the Skin Severe
· Increased Pressure in the Eye Severe
· Increased Risk of Bleeding Severe
· Interstitial Pneumonitis Severe
· Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
· Lockjaw Severe
· Loss of One's Own Sense of Reality or Identity Severe
· Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
· Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
· Low Blood Sugar Severe
· Mental Impairment Severe
· Mild Degree of Mania Severe
· Mood Changes Severe
· Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
· Pneumonia with High Amount of Eosinophil White Blood Cells Severe
· Prolonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe
· Seizures Severe
· Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
· Sinus Irritation and Congestion Severe
· Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
· Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
· Trouble Breathing Severe
· Very Rapid Heartbeat - Torsades de Pointes Severe
· Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe
· Abnormal Liver Function Tests Less Severe
· Abnormally Acute Hearing or Painful Sensitivity to Sound Less Severe
· Bleeding Not Related to Menstrual Period Less Severe
· Burping Less Severe
· Dilated Pupil Less Severe
· Elevation of Proteins in the Urine Less Severe
· Flu-Like Symptoms Less Severe
· Grinding of the Teeth Less Severe
· Hair Loss Less Severe
· Heart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe
· Hemorrhage Less Severe
· Increased Levels of Prolactin in the Blood Less Severe
· Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
· Nosebleed Less Severe
· Painful Periods Less Severe
· Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
· Temporary Redness of Face and Neck Less Severe
· Uncoordinated Less Severe
· Widening of Blood Vessels Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking desvenlafaxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to venlafaxine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), high blood pressure, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart failure, heart attack), history of stroke, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness when standing and bleeding. Older adults are also more likely to develop a type of mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication. Dizziness and mineral imbalance can increase the risk of falling.
Based on information for a similar drug (venlafaxine), children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor height and weight in children who are taking this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.
Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin).
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and at least 7 days after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including other SNRIs such as duloxetine, SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Desvenlafaxine is very similar to venlafaxine. Do not use medications containing venlafaxine while using desvenlafaxine.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine tests for amphetamines), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, cholesterol, growth monitoring in children) should be done periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised December 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.