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Generic Name: desvenlafaxine

An SSNRI antidepressant - It is used to treat depression

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What is this medicine?

DESVENLAFAXINE (des VEN la FAX een) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

high blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
mania or bipolar disorder
suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
an unusual reaction to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a drink of water. Do not crush, cut or chew. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking it except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

alcohol
amphetamine
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
certain migraine headache medicines (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
dexfenfluramine or fenfluramine
dextroamphetamine
furazolidone
isoniazid
linezolid
lithium
medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
medicines called MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
methylphenidate
metoclopramide
NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
pentazocine
phentermine
procarbazine
protriptyline
selegiline
sibutramine
St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
tramadol
tryptophan
zolpidem

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better.

If you have been taking this medicine for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

This medicine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Check with your doctor or health care professional; you may be able to measure your own blood pressure and pulse. Find out what your blood pressure and heart rate should be and what steps you should take if they increase.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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