Have you been prescribed Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)? Let's talk about this simply!

When your doctor prescribes a new medication for your depression, it's normal to have a lot of questions in your mind. You may be wondering things like, "What will happen with this?", "Will there be any side effects?", "Will this work for me?" Don't worry. Today, we're going to talk about the medication you've been prescribed, Desvenlafaxine. After reading this, you'll have a better understanding of this medication.

Simply put, what is Desvenlafaxine?

Desvenlafaxine is a medication used to treat depression . It is sometimes sold under the brand name Pristiq or Khedezla.

Think of it like there are two chemicals in your brain that are like little messengers that carry messages. They are serotonin and norepinephrine . These two are the ones that help keep our mood happy, relaxed, and stable. In someone with depression, the activity of these messengers in the brain may be slightly reduced.

So, what this drug called Desvenlafaxine does is it keeps those two messengers in the brain longer and helps them do their job properly. We call these types of drugs SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) . Simply put, this is a drug that helps improve your mood.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before prescribing Desvenlafaxine to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:

• High blood pressure: This medication can sometimes cause a slight increase in blood pressure. Therefore, if you already have high blood pressure, it is very important to inform your doctor.
• Glaucoma: A disease related to eye pressure.
• Kidney or Liver disease: Since medications are eliminated from the body through these organs, the doctor should be aware of their function.
• Bipolar or Mania: These are other mood-related conditions.
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts: This is very important. Be sure to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of this.
• Allergies to other medications: Especially if you are allergic to this medication (Desvenlafaxine) or a medication called Venlafaxine.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding: Only your doctor can decide whether or not to give you this medicine, and if so, how to give it.

How to use the medicine correctly?

This usually comes in the form of a pill.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Do not break, crush, or chew the pill. These are made to be extended-release. Breaking them can cause too much medicine to enter the body at once.
• Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
• Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness. If you need to stop taking the medication, do so as your doctor tells you to, gradually reducing the dose.

What if you drink too much by mistake? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken more than you think, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Desvenlafaxine can interact with some other medications, herbal products, and alcohol. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and vitamins.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Results take time: It may take several weeks (maybe 4-6) for this medication to make you feel better and improve your mood. So don't stop taking it because you haven't seen much difference in the first week. Be patient and continue using it as directed by your doctor.
• Watch for changes in your mood: This is very important. If you have suicidal thoughts , increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness, especially when you first start taking the medication or when your dosage is changed, talk to your doctor right away. It is also important to keep your family informed about these changes.
• Blood pressure: Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking the medication.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: Dizziness and drowsiness may occur. Therefore, avoid doing hazardous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position.
• Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water can help.

What side effects might I experience?

Like all medicines, Desvenlafaxine can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them. The table below provides a clearer picture of these.

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