Desvenlafaxine: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

Currently, a large number of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of psychological disorders. However, not all are equally effective depending on which cases. For this reason, it is necessary to have a wide variety of medications.

In the case of desvenlafaxine, it has become a very effective drug for certain depressive disorders and anxiety symptoms; being effective, safe and well tolerated by the people who consume it.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

What is desvenlafaxine?

Desvenlafaxine, popularly marketed under the name Pristiq, is an antidepressant drug that is categorized within the group of Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (IRSN).

To be more exact, desvenlafaxine, is a synthetic derivative of the major metabolite of venlafaxine, another SNRI antidepressant.

The main function of desvenlafaxine is to inhibit the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters, thereby exerting an effect on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which have a great implication in the regulation of people's mood.

• Related article: "SNRI: uses and side effects of these drugs"

In which disorders is it prescribed?

Like other medications with antidepressant effects in this category, desvenlafaxine has numerous applications in disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and treatment of neuropathic pain.

In addition, it has been established as the first non-hormonal treatment for the emotional symptoms of the menopausal stage.

1. Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder is a mood condition distinguished by the fact that the person experience feelings of sadness in an invasive and persevering way. As well as feelings of anger, frustration, low self-esteem and a loss of interest in everything that was previously pleasurable.

In addition, this symptomatology must occur over a long period of time and interfere with most aspects of life.

• Related article: "Major Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment"

2. Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of different emotional conditions that are characterized by causing feelings of fear and pathological anxiety in the person.

Depending on the severity of the disorder or the patient's condition, the emotions that characterize anxiety disorders can range from from a mere feeling of nervousness to panic attacks.

• Related article: "Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics"

3. Neuropathic pain

Pain of neuropathic origin is caused by a pathological activity of the nervous system, which can present itself in two different ways: either by sending painful signals without the existence of a real stimuli that causes them, or by interpreting common sensory stimuli as very painful.

4. Menopause

The hormonal changes of the menopause can cause a series of psychological symptoms in women that affect, among many other things, your mood.

These menopause symptoms they include changes in mood or mood, anxious feelings or symptoms, and irritability. Accompanied by insomnia, alterations in sexual desire or lack of concentration.

How is it administered?

Desvenlafaxine is available as prolonged-release tablets. to consume orally. Of course, it is essential to consume it only under medical prescription, and following the instructions given to the letter. What follows are the indications that are usually followed, but there are exceptions.

The usual dose is one tablet a day, which should be taken every day and at approximately the same time. This can be ingested with both food and water, in most cases. However, the patient should not break it, return it, or chew it; but he must swallow it whole.

It is absolutely necessary that the patient follow the administration instructions of his doctor. This means that the dose cannot be changed taking more than recommended or not more frequently, since this can have serious consequences for the health of this.

A variable period of time may elapse before the patient begins to feel the effects of desvenlafaxine. Despite this, it is essential that he does not stop taking the medication. In the same way that you should not leave it even if you perceive that it already feels good.

The reason is that abrupt withdrawal of this drug may cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include dizziness, nausea, feeling anxious, fatigue, and sleep problems among many others.

At the end of the treatment, the doctor will proceed to gradually reduce the doses with the aim of minimizing the effects mentioned above.

What side effects does it have?

Like many other antidepressant drugs, desvenlafaxine has a number of side effects unwanted effects that can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects.

In the event that the patient experiences some type of non-serious side effect persistently, it is advisable to contact your doctor. While if you experience any of the serious side effects it is necessary to inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Non-serious side effects

• vertigos
• Blurry vision and pupil dilation.
• Feeling of fatigue.
• dry mouth
• Nightmares.
• Tremors.
• Drowsiness.
• Urination problems.
• Alterations in desire and sexual performance.
• Numbness or burning sensation in some areas of the body.

serious side effects

These are the serious side effects of desvenlafaxine.

• Skin problems such as rash, hives or inflammation.
• Respiratory problems.
• Alterations in heart rhythm.
• Fever.
• coughing fits
• Loss of consciousness.
• seizures.
• hallucinations.
• Concentration and memory problems.
• Feeling of confusion
• Muscular weakness.
• Diarrhea.
• vomiting.
• Lack of coordination
• Fainting.

What precautions should be taken?

Before starting the consumption of desvenlafaxine, patients should inform the medical professional about possible personal characteristics or habits that could interfere with the effects of the drug. For example, any allergies, illnesses or special health conditions in which you are. In addition, it is also necessary for the doctor to be aware of any medication, vitamin supplement or natural compound that you are consuming.

The sedative effects of desvenlafaxine may be increased by alcohol consumption.Therefore, the patient should take special precaution in this regard.

These sedative effects can also affect driving and operating heavy machinery, so it is It is recommended not to perform these activities until the patient is sure of the effects that the medication will have on him. causes.

Finally, it has been shown that desvenlafaxine can cause some health problems in newborn children when she has been consumed during the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary for the doctor to know if the patient is pregnant or she intends to stay, and only manage it in cases where she is absolutely necessary.