Product Description
Find answers to common questions about our product, including dosage, storage, and side effects.
- Desvenlafaxine is a medication employed for the treatment of depression.
- It falls under the category of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- The mechanism of action involves restoring the balance of natural substances, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.
- Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before initiating desvenlafaxine and with each refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor, typically once daily. Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the medication in water, as it may release the entire drug at once, heightening the risk of side effects. Swallow the tablets whole.
- To minimize side effects, your doctor may instruct you to start with a low dose and gradually increase. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions closely. Avoid self-adjusting the dose or using the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed.
- Use the medication regularly at the same time each day to maximize its benefits. Set a routine to help you remember.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Consult your doctor before discontinuing; abrupt cessation may worsen certain conditions, leading to symptoms like mood swings, blurred vision, headache, fatigue, sleep changes, and sensations resembling electric shocks. If stopping the treatment, your doctor may taper the dose gradually to mitigate these symptoms.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly to your doctor.
- If transitioning from another antidepressant to desvenlafaxine, your doctor may slowly reduce the old antidepressant’s dose to prevent withdrawal reactions. Seek guidance from your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- It may take several weeks before experiencing the full benefits of the medication. Inform your doctor if there’s no improvement or if your condition worsens.
- Common side effects of this medication may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, or excessive sweating. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly, as this medication may elevate it. Notify your doctor if you observe high blood pressure readings.
- Seeing an empty tablet shell in your stool is harmless, as your body has already absorbed the medication.
- Understand that your doctor has prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Serious side effects are rare, and many users do not experience them.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you encounter severe side effects, such as severe or pounding headaches, tremors, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, or easy bleeding or bruising.
- Seek medical attention urgently for very serious side effects, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, dilated pupils, vision changes like seeing rainbows around lights at night, or seizures.
- Be aware that this medication may increase serotonin levels and, in rare cases, lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk is higher when taking other drugs that also increase serotonin. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like a fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
- Prior to taking desvenlafaxine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to it, venlafaxine, or other substances in the product. Inactive ingredients can potentially cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history, especially any personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart issues, stroke, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, or low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia).
- Be cautious as this medication may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you can do them safely. Refrain from consuming alcohol or marijuana, as they may intensify these effects. Consult your doctor if you use marijuana.
- Before undergoing surgery, inform 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 side effects, especially dizziness when standing and a potential salt imbalance (hyponatremia), particularly if using diuretics. The risk of falling and bleeding may also be higher in older adults.
- Children may be more sensitive to side effects, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor height and weight in children taking this drug, consulting your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby. Babies born to mothers using this drug in the last trimester may rarely experience withdrawal symptoms. If your newborn exhibits symptoms like feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying, inform the doctor promptly.
- Since untreated mental/mood problems can be serious, avoid stopping this medication without your doctor’s guidance. If planning pregnancy, becoming pregnant, or suspecting pregnancy, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
- This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
| Generic name: | Desvenlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Extended Release Tablet |
| Strength(s): | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Quantities Available: | 28, 30, 50, 84, 90, 100 |
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