Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)

Description

Pristiq is a type of antidepressant that is used to control the symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as a number of other medical conditions. The drug is also known to improve one’s mood, energy levels and feelings of wellbeing.

How It Works

Pristiq belongs to group of drugs known as Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Depression is in part caused by low levels of serotonin in the brain. This drug works by enhancing the level of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. By instilling this balance among the brain chemicals, the drug is able to reduce the severity of the condition to a great extent.

Uses

Pristiq is mainly used to treat major depression. It is important to note that the medication is only useful in reducing the severity of the condition. Since it does not treat the root cause of the illness, it does not completely eliminate it.

Pristiq can also be used to treat anxiety as well as panic attacks. The drug is also used to treat hot flashes that occur during the period of menopause.

Dosage

Pristiq must only be taken once a day by mouth. You can consume the drug with food or with a glass of water. Your required dose will be prescribed by your doctor according to your personal health and response to the treatment. Do not crush, chew or bite the tablet. You must avoid dissolving it in water too. Doing so can release the entire drug at once. This can increase the occurrence of harmful side effects.

It is best to start the treatment with a low dosage and increase it after a while. Do not attempt to make any alterations to the dosage on your own without consulting your physician. Increasing the dose will not enhance the effectiveness of the medication. Rather, it will only increase the risk of side effects to a greater extent.

Side Effects

During the course of the treatment, you might experience some side effects of the drug. The following are some of them:

 Easy bleeding
 Blurred vision
 Convulsions
 Troubled breathing
 Dizziness
 Anxiety
 Insomnia

If you experience these side effects, make sure to talk to your doctor immediately.

Precautions

In order to reduce the occurrence of side effects, you must follow the advice given below.

 Avoid alcohol consumption since it reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

 Do not drive or after taking your dose.

 Avoid direct exposure to the sun since the drug can increase your vulnerability to sunburns.

 If you are taking any non-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, consult your physician first.

Self-Care

Do not stop using the drug abruptly. This can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, mood changes and headaches. If you want to stop using the medication, inform your healthcare provider. You need to stop the consumption of the drug gradually in order to prevent the reoccurrence of these symptoms.

It will take a few weeks for this medication to work. During this period, make sure to take your dose on time. In order for the drug to work you need to consume it on a regular basis.