Desvenlafaxine is a medication that is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). This medication is also used off-label to treat vasomotor symptoms (eg hot flashes) for postmenopausal patients. Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and are associated with mood regulation. Desvenlafaxine is a synthetic form of the active metabolite of venlafaxine, another antidepressant. Because desvenlafaxine is already in its active form, it doesn’t need to be metabolized by the liver. This means its effects are more consistent and less likely to vary from person to person when compared to venlafaxine.
- When discontinuing therapy, gradually taper the dose (the 25 mg tablet is intended for a gradual dose reduction when discontinuing treatment)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not crush, chew, divide, or dissolve
- Administer at approximately the same time each day with or without food
- The medication usually takes a few weeks to notice the full effects
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Desvenlafaxine Side Effects
Desvenlafaxine side effects may include: nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, increased sweating, constipation, insomnia, increased blood pressure, fatigue, decreased appetite, or sleep disturbances.
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only a healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. TelyRx does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine’s uses from the patient education materials and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you may receive from your healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please review the entire patient education information you receive with the medication.