Uses of Desvenlafaxine

Desvenlafaxine is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder.

Therapeutic Category

Desvenlafaxine: Antidepressants (Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)).

How Desvenlafaxine works

Desvenlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI). It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (serotonin and norepinephrine) within the brain that elevates your mood and stabilizes mental health. As a result, it makes you feel active and energetic.

Common side effects of Desvenlafaxine

• nausea, constipation, decreased appetite, dry mouth, diarrhoea
• dizziness, tiredness
• feeling sleepy or difficulty in sleeping
• increased sweating
• anxiety
• decreased sex drive, delayed ejaculation, problems in erection
• feeling shaky
• difficulty in passing urine
• weight gain or weight loss

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, loss of consciousness, fast heartbeat, feeling dizzy, increased sweating, flushing, tremors, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or seizures
• If you experience abnormally raised blood pressure (hypertension)
• If you experience increased signs of bleeding or bruising
• If you experience problems in vision (such as blurred vision, eye swelling or pain, seeing halos around lights and glaucoma)
• If you experience fits (seizures)
• If you experience signs of low blood sodium levels (such as headache, nausea, difficulty in concentration, memory impairment, confusion, feeling weak or unsteady, hallucinations, fainting, or seizures)
• If you experience troubled breathing, chest pain or coughing
• If you encounter worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavior
• If you experience behavioural changes (such as anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty in sleeping, irritability, and restlessness)
• If you experience severe upper abdominal pain, swollen and tender abdomen and fever

Health Tips for Desvenlafaxine

• Take desvenlafaxine exactly as advised by your doctor. Follow the dosage and time recommendations. Do not change the dose without first consulting your healthcare provider
• Do not stop taking the drug suddenly. To reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, work with your healthcare professional to carefully taper the dosage
• Every night, aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Create a pleasant sleeping environment and, if necessary, participate in relaxation exercises before bed
• It's generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking desvenlafaxine. These substances can interact with the medication and may interfere with its effectiveness