{"id":450,"date":"2014-05-07T23:32:26","date_gmt":"2014-05-07T23:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/discoveryrehab.com\/?page_id=450"},"modified":"2018-03-30T17:42:30","modified_gmt":"2018-03-30T17:42:30","slug":"20-things-to-know-about-pristiq-desvenlafaxine","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/discoveryrehab.com\/20-things-to-know-about-pristiq-desvenlafaxine\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Important Pristiq Facts You Need to Know About (Desvenlafaxine)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pristiq\"<\/p>\n

[adsense_inserter id=”484″]<\/p>\n

1.) What is Pristiq? Why is it used?<\/h2>\n

Pristiq’s strength lies in it’s ability mainly to alter mood.<\/p>\n

Specifically it is used as a?serotonin?norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).<\/p>\n

It is considered an antidepressant medication is most often used in the treatment of major depression and other mood disorders.<\/p>\n

It is also sometimes used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and for the relief of menopausal symptoms.<\/p>\n

14.) Your surgeon or anesthesiologist needs to know that you are taking Pristiq.?<\/b>if you are having any type of surgery, including oral or dental surgery.<\/p>\n

15.) Pristiq may cause false changes in laboratory tests<\/b>, False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine have been reported in patients taking desvenlafaxine. This is due to lack of specificity of the screening tests. False positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of desvenlafaxine therapy.<\/p>\n

16.)<\/b>?People taking Pristiq may have elevated Blood Pressure.<\/b>?Patients receiving this medication should have regular monitoring of blood pressure since increases in blood pressure were observed in clinical studies.<\/p>\n

17.) Avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking this medication?<\/b>as it?can lead to deleterious interactions.<\/p>\n

18.) This drug will not cure mood disorders, anxiety or depression<\/b>. But it will help control the behavior that accompanies these conditions.It usually takes several weeks of antidepressant therapy before they will start to feel better. Do not to stop taking the drug if you do not feel the results right away.<\/p>\n

19.) If you have or have ever had<\/b>?heart disease, diabetes, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or seizures you should talk to your doctor about these conditions before you take Pristiq. Desvenlafaxine?may interact with other medications or supplements, including antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-fungal, sleeping pills, HIV medications, high blood pressure medications, and more.<\/p>\n

20.) What is the?half-life of Pristiq?<\/b>?Approximately 45% of a single oral dose is eliminated unchanged in urine at 72 hours; approximately 19% of the dose is excreted as the glucuronide metabolite and less than 5% is excreted as the oxidative metabolite (N, O-didesmethylvenlafaxine) in urine. Mean elimination half-life is approximately 11 hours.<\/p>\n

2.) Pristiq?<\/b>works by leveling out certain neurotransmitters<\/b><\/h2>\n

The imbalance among neurotransmitters (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) is the cause of depression.<\/p>\n

Pristiq prevents the reuptake of serotonin and epinephrine after they have been released (delaying the breaking down and recycling of these neurotransmitters).<\/p>\n

So, reduced uptake causes a prolonged effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.<\/p>\n

It is 10x More Potent<\/b> than it’s predecessors?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Pristiq is approximately ten times more potent at inhibiting serotonin uptake than norepinephrine uptake.<\/p>\n

This makes it a markedly more effective alternative with lesser drug interactions than standard antidepressants.<\/p>\n

3.) It is Massively Popular to Prescribe and a Big Money Maker for Pharma Companies<\/h2>\n

Pristiq could generate more than $2 billion of annual sales?<\/b>analysts predicted.<\/p>\n

A federal judge granted class-action status to former Wyeth Inc. shareholders who accused the company of misleading them about risks associated with the antidepressant Pristiq.<\/p>\n

Wyeth shares lost more than $7.6 billion of market value after U.S. Food and Drug Administration received information about potential serious heart and liver problems associated with use of the drug. <\/b>Pfizer bought Wyeth in 2009. <\/b><\/p>\n

Pfizer reported $577 million in revenue from Pristiq in 2011.<\/b><\/p>\n

If you?re new to Pristiq you likely have some questions about the drug. So let?s dive into the most important information about this drug.<\/h1>\n

There are a lot of people that use this drug that deserve to understand it better.<\/p>\n

Everyone deserves to understand it better.<\/p>\n

Let’s help you understand.<\/p>\n

4.) General Instruction for Use<\/h2>\n

Primary use of Pristiq in medicine is in the treatment of major depressive disorder<\/b><\/p>\n

Normal dose is <\/b>50 mg PO once daily<\/p>\n

Higher dosages, up to 400 mg\/day, have been used but have not been proved to be better. And increased side effects have been reported.<\/p>\n

Assess periodically to determine need for continued treatment.<\/p>\n

Modifying Dosages<\/h2>\n

For Renal impaired patients<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Mild impairment: Dosage adjustment not necessary<\/li>\n
  • Moderate impairment: Not to exceed 50 mg once daily<\/li>\n
  • Severe impairment: 50 mg every other day<\/li>\n
  • Moderate-to-severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (ESRD): Do not increase dosing interval<\/li>\n
  • Do not administer supplemental dose after hemodialysis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    For Hepatic impaired patient<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Recommended dosage: 50 mg PO once daily; dosages >100 mg\/day not recommended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Best Practices for Administration<\/h2>\n

      Take whole with fluid; do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve<\/p>\n

      Take at approximately the same time every day<\/p>\n

      NOTE: Safety and efficacy not established in Pediatric<\/p>\n

      5.) Can you Overdose on Pristiq?<\/b><\/h2>\n

      The amount of this medication needed to result in an overdose?<\/b>greatly depends on the individual characteristics of the user.<\/p>\n

      Body weight, length of use and individual brain chemical balances all factors in.<\/p>\n

      Among the patients included in the major depressive disorder trials of Pristiq, there were four adults who ingested doses greater than 800 mg of desvenlafaxine (4000 mg [desvenlafaxine alone], 900, 1800 mg and 5200 mg [in combination with other drugs]); all patients recovered.<\/p>\n

      In addition, a patient?s 11-month-old child accidentally ingested 600 mg of desvenlafaxine, was treated and recovered.<\/p>\n

      Symptoms that might indicate an overdose has?occurred?include:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      • Changes in level of consciousness (ranging from somnolence to coma)<\/li>\n
      • Mydriasis<\/li>\n
      • Seizures<\/li>\n
      • Vomiting<\/li>\n
      • Electrocardiogram changes (e.g., prolongation of QT interval, bundle branch block, QRS prolongation)<\/li>\n
      • Sinus and ventricular tachycardia<\/li>\n
      • Bradycardia<\/li>\n
      • Hypotension<\/li>\n
      • Rhabdomyolysis<\/li>\n
      • Vertigo<\/li>\n
      • Liver necrosis<\/li>\n
      • Serotonin syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Can an overdose of Pristiq result in death??<\/b><\/h2>\n

        Yes, death has been reported with high dosage Pristiq is known to cause death when consumed in excess.<\/p>\n

        Overdoing a desvenlafaxine medication often results in?serotonin syndrome for the user.<\/p>\n

        The effects of this syndrome range from mild irritability and accelerated heart rate all the way to fatality. It depends on how much of an overdose it is.<\/p>\n

        In the event of an expected overdose, you or your loved ones should take immediate action and seek medical help.<\/b><\/p>\n

        Any?noticeable negative side effect is cause for a medical consultation. These and other symptoms might be signs of an allergy, incompatible venlafaxine drug interactions, or other complications and should be addressed as soon as possible.?<\/span><\/p>\n

        Management of Overdose?will vary.<\/h3>\n

        If the overdose was recent, a healthcare provider may give certain medicines or place a tube into the stomach to ?pump the stomach?.<\/p>\n

        However, once desvenlafaxine has been absorbed into the body, there is no treatment that can remove it quickly as no specific antidotes are known. In managing overdosage, the possibility of multiple drugs is considered.?In these cases, treatment must revolve around supportive care in addressing the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)<\/li>\n
        • Seizure medications?or medications for other complications<\/li>\n
        • Other treatments based on complications that occur.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          6.) Associated Side effects and Risks<\/h2>\n

          a.) Adverse drug reactions (ADRs)<\/b> shown occur with 50 mg\/day dosage at rate higher than seen with placebo:<\/p>\n

          Very common Side effects (>10% incidence)?<\/b><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Nausea (22-41%)<\/li>\n
          • Headache (20-29%)<\/li>\n
          • Dry mouth (11-25%)<\/li>\n
          • Hyperhidrosis (10-21%)<\/li>\n
          • Dizziness (13-16%)<\/li>\n
          • Insomnia (9-15%)<\/li>\n
          • Constipation (9-14%)<\/li>\n
          • Fatigue (7-11%)<\/li>\n
          • Diarrhea (5-11%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Less Common Side effects (1-10% incidence)?<\/b><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Decreased appetite (5-10%)<\/li>\n
            • Anxiety (0-10%)<\/li>\n
            • Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (0-10%)<\/li>\n
            • Insomnia (0-10%)<\/li>\n
            • Tremor (2-9%)<\/li>\n
            • Proteinuria (5-8%)<\/li>\n
            • Mydriasis (2-6%)<\/li>\n
            • Male sexual dysfunction (0-6%)<\/li>\n
            • Anxiety (3-5%)<\/li>\n
            • Vertigo (1-5%)<\/li>\n
            • Blurred vision (3-4%)<\/li>\n
            • Abnormal dreams (2-4%)<\/li>\n
            • Urinary hesitation (2-4%)<\/li>\n
            • Yawning (1-4%)<\/li>\n
            • Feeling jittery (1-3%)<\/li>\n
            • Female sexual dysfunction (0-3%)<\/li>\n
            • Irritability (2%)<\/li>\n
            • Asthenia (1-2%)<\/li>\n
            • Nervousness (1-2%)<\/li>\n
            • Hot flush (1-2%)<\/li>\n
            • Rash (1-2%)<\/li>\n
            • Others including abnormal liver function tests, increased blood prolactin, convulsion, syncope, extrapyramidal disorders, musculoskeletal stiffness, depersonalization, hypomania, bruxism, epistaxis, orthostatic hypotension (<2%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Frequency of following side effects is not defined<\/b><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Ischemic cardiac events in patients with multiple underlying cardiac risk factors<\/li>\n
              • Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, hallucinations, photosensitivity reactions and severe cutaneous reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme) have occurred with other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)<\/li>\n
              • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults<\/li>\n
              • Hyponatremia<\/li>\n
              • Interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia<\/li>\n
              • Serotonin syndrome<\/li>\n
              • Elevated blood pressure<\/li>\n
              • Abnormal bleeding<\/li>\n
              • Narrow-angle glaucoma<\/li>\n
              • Activation of mania or hypomania<\/li>\n
              • Discontinuance syndrome<\/li>\n
              • Seizure<\/li>\n
              • Post-marketing Report also shows a greater incidence of Angioedema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                b.) Contraindications<\/b><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Do not use if you have hypersensitivity to drug.<\/li>\n
                • Coadministration with serotonergic drugs like MAOIs increases risk of serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n
                • Do not use MAOIs concomitantly within 14 days before initiating desvenlafaxine or within 7 days after discontinuing desvenlafaxine.<\/li>\n
                • Starting desvenlafaxine in patient being treated with linezolid or IV methylene blue is contraindicated because of increased risk of serotonin syndrome.<\/li>\n
                • If linezolid or IV methylene blue must be administered, discontinue desvenlafaxine immediately and monitor for central nervous system (CNS) toxicity; therapy may be resumed 24 hours after last linezolid or methylene blue dose or after 2 weeks of monitoring, whichever comes first.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  7.) Can Pristiq Cause People to Feel Sleepy or Drowsy?<\/h2>\n

                  Yep, it can. And it often does.<\/p>\n

                  Many people complain about Pristiq making them feel too sleepy to function well.<\/p>\n

                  Pristiq and drowsiness are often known to come together.?<\/b><\/p>\n

                  It?s just the nature of this medication to affect parts of the brain which dictate feelings of energy and awareness.?Pristiq can make you extremely drowsy. So know the risks.<\/p>\n

                  Using Pristiq together with alcohol can increase nervous system side effects<\/h3>\n

                  These side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.<\/p>\n

                  Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.<\/p>\n

                  You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with desvenlafaxine.<\/p>\n

                  Do not use more than the recommended dose of desvenlafaxine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you.<\/p>\n

                  8.) Pristiq and Anxiety<\/h2>\n

                  a.)<\/b>?For some people it is great at reducing anxiety symptoms associated with depression.?<\/b>Researchers at Wyeth, a company of the Pfizer Group, found in short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that desvenlafaxine was associated with significantly greater improvement in anxiety symptoms compared with placebo in patients with MDD.<\/p>\n

                  But?<\/p>\n

                  b.) Many others experience new or increased depression from prescribed doses of<\/b>?Pristiq<\/b>. This is not uncommon. While some people respond well to the changes in their life caused by Pristiq, the downsides to the drug just don?t mesh well with others.<\/p>\n

                  Pristiq can be great for depression, but if it?s tiring you out and making you feel weak enough that you need an amphetamine just to feel like anything other than apathy, you might want to shop around.<\/p>\n

                  Some young people have thoughts about suicide when taking medicine for a major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders.<\/p>\n

                  Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Pristiq. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.<\/p>\n

                  9.) Pristiq Drug Interactions<\/b><\/p>\n

                  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.<\/p>\n

                  Some products that may interact with this drug include:<\/p>\n