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General Medication Fact Sheet for Desvenlafaxine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Desvenlafaxine |
| Brand Name Versions | Pristiq |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. |
| Purpose | Antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). |
| Mechanism of Action | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, decreased appetite, anxiety, dizziness, sleepiness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction. |
| Serious Side Effects | Increased blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, angle-closure glaucoma, seizures, abnormal bleeding. |
| Drug Interactions | MAOIs, other SNRIs/SSRIs, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, aspirin. |
| Important Notes | Do not stop taking abruptly; can cause withdrawal symptoms. Monitor blood pressure regularly. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Venlafaxine, Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Bupropion. |
Desvenlafaxine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venlafaxine (Effexor) | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) | Similar mechanism to desvenlafaxine; requires tapering to discontinue. |
| Sertraline (Zoloft) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Primarily affects serotonin levels; may have a different side effect profile. |
| Fluoxetine (Prozac) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Longer half-life compared to other SSRIs. |
| Citalopram (Celexa) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Generally well-tolerated SSRI. |
| Escitalopram (Lexapro) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Enantiomer of Citalopram; may have fewer side effects for some individuals. |
| Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) | Different mechanism than SNRIs and SSRIs; may be less likely to cause sexual side effects. |
Desvenlafaxine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Increased blood pressure |
| Dry mouth | Serotonin syndrome |
| Sweating | Angle-closure glaucoma |
| Constipation | Seizures |
| Decreased appetite | Abnormal bleeding |
| Anxiety | Suicidal thoughts/behavior (especially in young adults) |
| Dizziness | Withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation |
Desvenlafaxine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | 50 mg once daily | 50 mg once daily; may increase to 100 mg if needed | Take with or without food; swallow whole; do not crush or chew. |
Desvenlafaxine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $30 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $100 – $200 |
| From CPS | $73.75 |
