Product Details: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Wyeth

Description

This medicine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you receive this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE with liquid. Do not break, crush, chew, or dissolve before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Take this medicine at about the same time each day. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Side effects, including loss of coordination or balance, mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness may occur. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, to venlafaxine, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LAB APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. CHILDREN, TEENAGERS, AND ADULTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS. Watch all patients who take this medicine closely, especially at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change in dose is made. CONTACT THE DOCTOR AT ONCE if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AT ONCE if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. SEROTONIN SYNDROME and NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS) are possibly fatal syndromes that can be caused by this medicine. Your risk may be greater if you take this medicine with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans", MAOIs, antipsychotics). Symptoms may include blood pressure changes; agitation; confusion; hallucinations; other mental or mood changes; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; rigid muscles; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms. IF YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (including MAOI's, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially low blood sodium levels. FOR WOMEN: This medicine may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include blurred vision, constipation, decreased sexual desire or ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, vomiting, or yawning. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience decreased urination; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; or significant weight loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; blood in the stools; chest pain or discomfort; fainting; hallucinations; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; seizures; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, or stomach pain; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; or worsening of depression. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Active Ingredients

Desvenlafaxine