PRISTIQ 50MG BLSPK (30 TABLETS)

Generic Name: desvenlafaxine
Brand Name: Pristiq
Drug class: Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

WHAT IS THE DOSAGE OF THIS MEDICATION?

Cymbalta and its generic duloxetine is available in the strength of 30 mg and 60 mg capsules.

WHAT IS THIS MEDICATION USED FOR?

Desvenlafaxine belongs to the class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This medication is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life and lasts for 6 months or longer). 

Desvenlafaxine works on the central nervous system (CNS) to elevate mood by increasing the amount of two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called serotonin and norepinephrine that are available in certain parts of the brain. It binds to sites on the serotonin or norepinephrine transporter preventing the reuptake of neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT) or norepinephrine, respectively, into the presynaptic terminals from the from the synaptic cleft of serotonergic neurons. This may improve your energy levels, mood, appetite, sensation of anxiety/nervousness, and eventually overall general quality of life.

It may take several weeks before the full benefits of this medication are seen.

The recommended starting dose of desvenlafaxine for adults is 50 mg once daily at approximately the same time each day. If necessary, your doctor may increase your dose to a maximum of 100 mg daily.

Desvenlafaxine may be taken with or without food. This medication must be swallowed whole with fluid. Do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve this medication before swallowing it.

When taking this medication, you may see something in your stool that looks like a tablet. This is the empty shell after the medication has been absorbed by your body.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION

Do not take desvenlafaxine if you:

• are allergic to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any ingredients of the medication

• are currently taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, methylene blue, linezolid) or have taken one in the last 14 days (MAO inhibitors should not be taken until at least 1 week after stopping treatment with desvenlafaxine)

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POTENTIAL INTERACTION WITH OTHER MEDICATION

The following medications could potentially interact with desvenlafaxine:

• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)

• alcohol

• alpha-agonists (e.g., clonidine, methyldopa)

• amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)

• antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone)

• apixaban

• buspirone

• clopidogrel

• cyclobenzaprine

• dabigatran

• dasatinib

• dexmethylphenidate

• dextromethorphan

• dipyridamole

• edoxaban

• epinephrine

• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)

• glucosamine

• heparin

• linezolid

• lithium

• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin)

• methadone

• methylene blue

• methylphenidate

• mirtazapine

• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

• multiple vitamin/mineral supplements

• narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine)

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, naproxen)

• obinutuzumab

• omega-3 fatty acids

• pentoxifylline

• pseudoephedrine

• rivaroxaban

• St. John's wort

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)

• serotonin antagonists (e.g., granisetron, ondansetron)

• other serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine)

• tapentadol

• ticagrelor

• ticlopidine

• tipranavir

• tramadol

• trazodone

• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine)

• triptan medications (e.g., naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan)

• tryptophan supplements

• vitamin E

• warfarin

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS MEDICATION?

Possible side effects include:

• abnormal dreams

• anxiety

• chills

• constipation

• decreased appetite

• diarrhea

• difficulty concentrating

• difficulty urinating

• dilated pupils

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• feeling jittery

• hair loss

• headache

• hot flushes

• increased sweating

• irritability

• muscle stiffness

• nausea

• nervousness

• rash

• ringing in the ears

• sexual problems (such as decreased sex drive, difficulty getting an erection, or difficulty having an orgasm)

• spinning sensation

• taste changes

• tingling, burning, or prickly sensations

• trembling or shaking

• trouble sleeping

• tiredness

• vision changes

• vomiting

• weakness

• weight changes

• yawning

• cold hands and feet

• dizziness when rising from standing or lying position

• fainting

• increased blood pressure

• increased cholesterol or triglyceride levels

• new or worsened emotional or behavioural problems

• pounding or fast heartbeat

• signs of bleeding (e.g., bloody nose, blood in urine, unusual bruising, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)

• symptoms of increased pressure in the eyes (e.g., decreased or blurred vision, eye pain, red eye, swelling of the eye)

• symptoms of low sodium levels in the blood (e.g., achy, stiff, or uncoordinated muscles; confusion, tiredness, weakness)

• symptoms of mania (e.g., decreased need for sleep, elevated or irritable mood, racing thoughts)

• uncontrollable movements of the body or face

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