Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

What is Pristiq?

Pristiq is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).  The generic name of Pristiq is desvenlafaxine succinate.

What is Pristiq used for?

Pristiq is prescribed for people suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental conditions that are at an acute stage.

How does Pristiq work?

Pristiq works by interfering with the chemical functioning in the brain cells, which after getting imbalanced, leads to depression.

How to use Pristiq

Comply with the instructions of your doctor and do not experiment with the dose. Try to take Pristiq at almost the same time, everyday. Do not crush, chew or cut the tablet. Just swallow it whole. Take it with a full glass of water. Pristiq can be taken with or without food.

As, just like every other anti-depressant, Pristiq starts showing its effect after some weeks, so it is advised not to stop taking the drug. Continue with the prescription until your physician asks you to stop.

Pristiq warnings and precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Pristiq. Also, avoid driving or operating any kind of machinery after taking Pristiq. Get your blood pressure checked periodically while you are on Pristiq.

It is very important that your doctor has all the records of your medical conditions. Talk to your doctor if you are allergic to the medicine itself or to other drugs. In the initial weeks of Pristiq usage, suicidal thoughts are experienced by adults, especially, who are less than 24 years of age. For ensuring that the treatment with Pristiq is up to the expectation, visit your doctor regularly.

Make sure the medicine is far from the reach of the children and do not share it with someone, who has not been medically prescribed.

What do I do if I have missed a Pristiq dose?

If you have missed your Pristiq dose, you should take it whenever you recall that you have missed one. Leave the missed dose if it is time for your next dose and then follow the directed routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Pristiq overdose?

If you have taken a Pristiq overdose, you should at once call an emergency medical service or contact the doctor, who prescribed you the medicine.

Pristiq interactions

Pristiq should not be taken by patients, who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), simultaneously.

This is because of the possible problems that can occur by the drug interactions with SNRI or SSRI treatment or other serotonergic drugs.

Patients suffering from blood pressure troubles should also take the medicine after consulting a medical expert. The condition of high blood pressure can alter the effects of the medicine.

Pristiq can interact with other medicines that cause sleepiness. Therefore, it is suggested that if you take any such medicine regularly, let your doctor know about it. Also, inform your physician if you take antifungal medications, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or HIV/AIDS medicines.

Pristiq side effects

If not taken as per the directions of your physician, Pristiq can cause side effects that can range from minor to some serious impairment.

The side effects of Pristiq that need immediate medical attention include seizures, muscle contractions, blurred vision, irritability, mental or physical hyperactivity, and in some extreme cases, the patients have also been found hurting themselves or attempting suicide.

Other side effects, that are common and fade away gradually, are dryness of mouth, drowsiness, mild headache and problems in sleeping.