Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine).
Abnormal bleeding: There have been some reports of abnormal bleeding associated with Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine). The risk of bleeding may be increased by other medications that affect bleeding (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, acetylsalicylic acid [Asa], Warfarin). If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor right away. If you have a bleeding disorder, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood pressure: Treatment with Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may increase blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should have their blood pressure controlled before taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine). Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine).
Bone fractures: Medications in the same class as Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) have been reported to increase the risk for bone fractures. If you have Osteoporosis or are at risk for developing osteoporosis, or have had a recent bone fracture, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Cholesterol: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your doctor may monitor these levels while you are taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine). If you have High Cholesterol or triglyceride levels, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: If you are taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), do not drive a car or perform hazardous tasks until you have determined that Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) does not impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.
Glaucoma: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine).
Heart and other blood vessel disease: If you have heart disease or blood vessel disease in the brain (e.g., history of a Stroke), discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease may cause Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low sodium levels: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may cause low sodium levels, especially for seniors, people who are dehydrated, and people taking diuretics (water pills). Contact your doctor if you notice symptoms of low sodium such as confusion, concentration or memory problems, weakness, or unsteadiness.
Lung problems: Rarely, some people taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may develop certain lung problems or infections. These can become serious very quickly. If you notice any coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest discomfort while taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), see your doctor as soon as possible.
Mania or bipolar disorder: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may activate mania. If you have a history of mania or bipolar disorder, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Narrowing or blockage of the gastrointestinal tract: This medication should not be taken by people who have narrowing or blockage of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines) due to medical conditions such as "short gut" syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Ulcerative Colitis).
Seizures: As with other antidepressants, Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may increase the risk of seizures. If you have had seizures in the past, discuss with your doctor how Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This medication may cause the rare but potentially life-threatening conditions called serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, especially when used with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Tramadol, St. John's wort). Get immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- agitation
- confusion
- diarrhea
- fast heart rate
- Fever
- hallucinations
- increased body temperature
- lack of coordination
- nausea
- overactive reflexes
- vomiting
Stopping the medication: Stopping Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) suddenly may lead to unwanted symptoms such as:
- agitation
- anxiety
- confusion
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- electric shock sensations
- fatigue
- headache
- irritability
- nausea
- sleep disturbances
- sweating
Although these symptoms usually go away without treatment, tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. When Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within the first few weeks of starting Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine). If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.
Pregnancy: Newborns whose mothers take medications such as Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience complications that require prolonged hospitalization. These complications normally resolve over time.
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) without talking to your doctor. If Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is stopped, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding: Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and efficacy of using this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years of age. The use of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) by children less than 18 years old may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects, especially increased blood pressure, with Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) than younger adults. Lower doses may be needed.
