Currently, a large number of antidepressant drugs are marketed for the treatment of psychological disorders . However, not all of them are equally effective depending on the case. For this reason, a wide range of medicines is needed.

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

What is desvenlafaxine?

Desvenlafaxine, popularly marketed under the name Pristiq , is an antidepressant drug that falls into the group of Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

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

The main function of desvenlafaxine is to inhibit the transporters of noradrenaline and serotonin, thus exerting an effect on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which have a great involvement in the regulation of the mood of people.

What disorders are prescribed?

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

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

Major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder is a mood condition distinguished by the fact that the person experiences feelings of sadness in an intrusive and persistent manner . As well as feelings of anger, frustration, low self-esteem and a loss of interest in anything that previously was pleasurable.

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

2. Anxiety disorders

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

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

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 any real stimulus causing them, or by interpreting common sensory stimuli as very painful.

4. Menopause

The hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause a number of psychological symptoms in women that affect their moods, among many other things.

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

How is it administered?

Desvenlafaxine is marketed in the form of extended release tablets to be taken orally. However, it is essential to take it only on 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 per day, which should be taken every day at approximately the same time. It can be taken with both food and water, in most cases. However, the patient should not break it, return it, or chew it; rather, he or she should swallow it whole.

It is absolutely necessary for the patient to follow the administration instructions of his doctor. This means that you must not change the dose by taking it more often or more often than recommended as this may have serious consequences for your health.

It may take a varying period of time before the patient begins to feel the effects of devein. Despite this, it is imperative that the patient does not stop taking the medication. In the same way, he should not stop even if he feels well.

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

At the end of the treatment, the doctor will gradually reduce the doses in order to minimize the effects mentioned above.

What are the side effects?

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

In the event that the patient experiences any type of non-serious side effect in a persistent manner, it is advisable to contact your doctor. If you experience any of the serious side effects, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Non-serious side effects

  • Dizziness.
  • Blurred vision and dilated pupils.
  • Feeling of fatigue.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Nightmares .
  • Tremors.
  • Drowsiness .
  • Problems with urination.
  • Alterations in desire and sexual performance .
  • Numbness or burning sensation in some body areas.

Serious side effects

These are the serious side effects of desvenlafaxine.

  • Skin problems such as rashes, hives, or swelling
  • Breathing problems .
  • Alterations in heart rhythm.
  • Fever .
  • Coughing fits.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Seizures.
  • Hallucinations .
  • Concentration and memory problems.
  • Sense of confusion.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting .
  • Lack of coordination
  • Fainting spells.

What precautions should be taken?

Before starting to take 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 you may have . In addition, it is also necessary for the doctor to be aware of any medication, vitamin supplement or natural compound that you are taking.

The sedative effects of desvenlafaxine can be increased with the consumption of alcohol , so the patient should take special care in this regard.

These sedative effects can also affect driving and the operation of heavy machinery, so it is recommended that these activities are not performed until the patient is sure of the effects the medication is having on him/her.

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