desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) (cont.)

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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PREGNANCY: There are no adequate studies of desvenlafaxine in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Desvenlafaxine is secreted in breast milk. Mothers who are taking desvenlafaxine should consider not breastfeeding.

SIDE EFFECTS: Desvenlafaxine can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, constipation, weakness, dry mouth, sweating, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Increased blood pressure can occur and should be monitored. Seizures have been reported. Sexual dysfunction (decreased sex drive and delayed orgasm and ejaculation) has been associated with desvenlafaxine. Some patients may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping desvenlafaxine. Symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. The dose of desvenlafaxine should be gradually reduced when therapy is discontinued to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of desvenlafaxine or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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