--- title: "Patient Education: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)" description: Learn about Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), its uses, dosage, side effects, and essential guidelines for safe and effective treatment in children and adolescents. image: https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/8-1.png --- [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now [![mw-logo-svg-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-svg-1.svg "mw-logo-svg-1")](http://mindweal.com) - Our Care - Who we are - Our team - Our partners - Locations - Resources - Contact us - Login Sign up now [![mw-logo-mobile-svg](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-mobile-svg.svg "mw-logo-mobile-svg")](http://mindweal.com) Sign up now - Our Care - [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/how-it-works/) - [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) - Who we are - [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) - Our team - [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) - Our partners - [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - [Counselors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - [Health plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) - [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) - Locations - [Maryville](https://www.mindweal.com/maryville/) - [Hinsdale](https://www.mindweal.com/hinsdale/) - [Naperville](https://www.mindweal.com/naperville/) - [Marion](https://www.mindweal.com/marion/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Contact us](https://www.mindweal.com/contact-us/) Login #### Our care ![our-care-megamenu-2](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/our-care-megamenu-2.png?width=179&height=153&name=our-care-megamenu-2.png)   - ###### [Clinical Services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Discover our scientifically-supported clinical services that our members rely on and trust  [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - ###### [Advanced Testing](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) Explore our suite of tests enhancing our clinical services for better diagnosis and more targeted treatment plans [![megamenu-arrow](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/megamenu-arrow.png?width=10&height=8&name=megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/)   - ###### [How it Works?](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Navigate the journey: Our dedicated mental health care for members  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - ###### [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) Explore our cost-effective plans tailored to your needs. [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - ###### [FAQs](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) Questions in mind? Dive into answers with MindWeal support [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) ###### Conditions we support - [ADHD](https://www.mindweal.com/adhd-conditions/) - [Autism](https://www.mindweal.com/autism-conditions/) - [Depression](https://www.mindweal.com/depression-conditions/) - [Anxiety](https://www.mindweal.com/anxiety-conditions/) - [Learning disorders](https://www.mindweal.com/learning-disorder-conditions/) - [PTSD](https://www.mindweal.com/ptsd-conditions/) - [OCD](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Mood disorders](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Eating Disorders](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Psychosis](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Tics](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Attachment disorders](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) - [Gender dysphoria](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) #### Who we are ![Group-9415-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9415-1.png?width=160&height=157&name=Group-9415-1.png)   - ###### [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) Discover our mission and our values by which we are driven [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - ###### [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) Discover our effective and innovative approaches to today’s mental health issues [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - ###### [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) It all started with a dream: A dream to eliminate every barrier to mental healthcare. [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) #### Our team ![Group-9415-1-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9415-1-1.png?width=160&height=159&name=Group-9415-1-1.png)   - ###### [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) Meet our exceptional clinical team, led by our outstanding CEO, all deeply committed to pediatric mental health care  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - ###### [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) Ready to join our team and empower children’s mental well-being?  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - ###### [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) Confidently refer your patients; our skilled team is proficient in handling a vast range of conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) #### Our partners ![Group-9415-2](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9415-2.png?width=160&height=143&name=Group-9415-2.png)   - ###### [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) Partner with us to elevate your patient’s well-being through swift and exceptional mental health care  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - ###### [Counselors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) Join forces with us to provide comprehensive mental health care for the next generation  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - ###### [Health plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) Boost member well-being through prompt, superior mental health care that also curtails overall expenses [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) - ###### [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) Together, we possess the strength to reduce risks, improve outcomes, and save lives [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) #### Locations ![Group-9415-3](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9415-3.png?width=160&height=147&name=Group-9415-3.png)   ###### Illinois - [Maryville](https://www.mindweal.com/maryville/) - [Hinsdale](https://www.mindweal.com/hinsdale/) - [Naperville](https://www.mindweal.com/naperville/) - [Marion](https://www.mindweal.com/marion/) ###### Missouri - [St. Louis](https://www.mindweal.com/st-louis/) #### Resources ![Group-9415-3](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9415-3.png?width=160&height=147&name=Group-9415-3.png)   - ###### [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) Explore our Blog: Insights into child and adolescent psychiatry – from behavioral hurdles to healing solutions  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - ###### [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) Keep an eye out: Upcoming events and programs in pediatric mental healthcare await!  [![megamenu-arrow](https://www.mindweal.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/megamenu-arrow.png)](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) ![featured_image](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/8-1.png) # Patient Education: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) --- [Desvenlafaxine](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/tag/desvenlafaxine) [Pristiq](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/tag/pristiq) [MD10001335332](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/tag/md10001335332) Share on :   Desvenlafaxine is a medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, selected based on current evidence-based guidelines to best address specific mental health conditions. While effective, it's important to understand that all medications come with potential side effects. As a patient or caregiver, being informed about these risks and benefits is crucial. Equally essential is knowing how to monitor for side effects, and understanding the strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your or your child's treatment ![Group-9747](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-9747.png?width=56&height=50&name=Group-9747.png) ## What is Desvenlafaxine? ![divider](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/divider.png?width=120&height=5&name=divider.png) Desvenlafaxine belongs to a group of medicines known as Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).  Desvenlafaxine works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.   ### **![IMAGE-36-553x1024-1](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png?width=309&height=572&name=IMAGE-36-553x1024-1.png)** ### **When is Desvenlafaxine prescribed to Children & Adolescents?** Your doctor may prescribe Desvenlafaxine for - Depression - Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder & Social Anxiety Disorder) - Panic Disorder - Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Post Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) ### **What is the Dose of  Desvenlafaxine?** - The dose typically ranges from 25 to 100 mg. - Started at a low dose, gradually increasing to effectiveness. - Capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed. ### **Medication Guidelines: What you need to know** - Take your medication consistently every day as directed by your healthcare provider, rather than using it only when you feel you need it. - While some patients may notice improvement within the first two weeks of starting treatment, it may take up to eight weeks to experience the medication's full benefits. - Abruptly stopping SSRIs can lead to a discontinuation syndrome, which may cause symptoms like dizziness, chills, lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, shock-like sensations, and tingling. - After the first episode of depression is resolved, staying on the effective dosage for at least one year is needed to minimize the risk of symptom recurrence. Following this period, your healthcare provider will guide you through a gradual tapering-off process and stop the medication entirely. This approach ensures a smoother transition and reduces the likelihood of relapse. For second and subsequent episodes of depression and for other mental health disorders, treatment may need to be indefinite. - Combining Desvenlafaxine with certain medications can lead to a dangerous condition called Serotonin Syndrome, caused by excessive serotonin levels in the body. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, stomach problems, tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, and heightened reflexes. Over-the-counter agents and supplements such as Dextromethorphan (DXM), St. John's Wort, certain cough and cold medications, over-the-counter migraine medications, 5-HTP, and L-tryptophan can also interact with Desvenlafaxine to induce serotonin syndrome. It's vital to consult your primary care provider or psychiatrist before starting any new prescription or over-the-counter medication. ## ![afterHourCRisis (1)](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/afterHourCRisis%20(1).png?width=70&height=71&name=afterHourCRisis%20(1).png) ## **What can be the possible** ## **side-effects from the medication?** Common Side-Effects Less Common Side-Effects Your child may experience some side effects from the medication initially. Most of these side effects are mild and improve over time. The medication is started at a low dose to minimize these side effects. If side effects persist, consult your healthcare provider. - **Nausea:** These can be mitigated by taking your medication with meals. - **Dizziness:** Taking medication at bedtime and regular hydration can alleviate this symptom. - **Excessive sweating:** Consult with your provider if persistent as adjustment in medication may be necessary. - **Dry Mouth, Constipation:** Regular hydration can alleviate this symptom. Try to drink water frequently throughout the day. - **Decreased Appetite:** May happen initially but usually improves over time. Adding high healthy high calorie snacks to diet can be helpful. - **Tiredness, Fatigue, Drowsiness:** To reduce daytime drowsiness, it's best to take your medication at bedtime. - **Sleep Disturbances:** If you find it difficult to sleep, try taking your medication in the morning. - **Headache:** May happen initially but usually improves over time. Consult with your provider if persistent. Reducing the dosage or splitting it into two daily doses might help.  - **Activation (feeling unusually energized, restless or agitated):** Lowering the dose temporarily can be helpful. Contact your provider for guidance on how much to reduce and how to slowly increase it again as your body adapts to the medication. - **Emotional flattening or “not feeling any emotion”:** Consult with your provider if persistent as adjustment in medication may be necessary. - **Stomach upset, Diarrhea:** Reducing the dosage or splitting it into two daily doses might help. As your body adjusts, your provider may gradually increase the dose back to the original level if needed. - **Sexual side effects:** - In males: Decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation - In females; decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm. - Consult with your provider if persistent as adjustment in medication may be necessary. **Increased blood pressure:** Less likely to happen as compared to Venlafaxine. More likely to happen with higher doses (doses greater than 225 mg/day). Regular blood pressure monitoring is required. ### ![Group-10151](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group-10151.png?width=84&height=79&name=Group-10151.png) ## Serious but Rare Side-Effects # Risk of Increased Suicidal Thoughts with Antidepressants   Antidepressant medications can sometimes lead to increased suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults during the early stages of treatment. Research indicates a small but notable elevation in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among these groups, although these do not typically extend to actual suicide deaths. The current evidence is not definitive in establishing a clear link between antidepressants and these increased risks. **Risk-Benefit Analysis:** Despite these concerns, the advantages of treating depression significantly outweigh the potential risks. It's crucial, however, to vigilantly monitor for this side effect. **Monitoring Guidelines:** Pay careful attention to any shifts in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. This is particularly critical when starting a new antidepressant or adjusting the dosage. Watch for any sudden changes, as these can be indicative of increased risks and may require immediate action. By closely observing and reporting these changes, the effectiveness and safety of the treatment can be maximized, ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.     **![IMAGE-37-553x1024](https://blog.mindweal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMAGE-37-553x1024.png?width=312&height=578&name=IMAGE-37-553x1024.png)**   - **Switching into Mania (An extreme increase in activity and talking):** Antidepressants, when used independently, can induce manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, some instances of bipolar disorder manifest initially as major depressive episodes. It's crucial to communicate your child's psychiatric history and any family history of bipolar disorder to your provider. This information ensures that the provider is vigilant about the potential risk of this side effect. - **Low Sodium:** Desvenlafaxine can occasionally lead to low sodium levels, though the likelihood is minimal in children, adolescents, and young adults. However, this risk may rise if your child is taking medications like diuretics or has a history of low sodium levels. Updating all medical providers about your child’s medical history and medication list is crucial to prevent potential negative interactions. Fortunately, hyponatremia resulting from Desvenlafaxine use is reversible upon discontinuation of therapy. - **Increased Bruising & Bleeding Risk:** Fluoxetine may slightly elevate the risk of bleeding, though severe clinical incidents are uncommon. However, this risk increases when fluoxetine is taken alongside medications such as antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and NSAIDs, all of which also carry bleeding risks. To mitigate potential interactions between medications, ensure that all healthcare providers are aware of your medication list. This promotes your safety and well-being.   To learn more about this medication please visit MedlinePlus, an official US government website, part of the National Library of Medicine and managed by the National Institute of Health by clicking [HERE](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html)         ## Similar posts Effexor XR ##### [Patient Education: Venlafaxine (Effexor)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-venlafaxine) Desvenlafaxine is a medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, selected based on current evidence-based ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Oct 14, 2024 Duloxetine ##### [Patient Education: Duloxetine (Cymbalta)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-duloxetine) Desvenlafaxine is a medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, selected based on current evidence-based ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Oct 14, 2024 Atomoxetine ##### [Patient Education: Atomoxetine (Strattera)](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-atomoxetine) Desvenlafaxine is a medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, selected based on current evidence-based ... Dr. Rahul Bansal Oct 14, 2024 [![mw-logo-black-footer](https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/mw-logo-black-footer.svg "mw-logo-black-footer")](http://mindweal.com) ###### Our care - [Clinical services](https://www.mindweal.com/clinical-services/) - [Advanced testing](https://www.mindweal.com/advanced-testing/) - [Conditions we support](https://www.mindweal.com/adhd-conditions/) - [How it works](https://www.mindweal.com/how-it-works/) - [Pricing](https://www.mindweal.com/pricing/) - [FAQ](https://www.mindweal.com/faq/) ###### Who we are - [About us](https://www.mindweal.com/about-us/) - [Our approach](https://www.mindweal.com/our-approach/) - [Our story](https://www.mindweal.com/our-story/) ###### Our team - [Meet our experts](https://www.mindweal.com/meet-our-experts/) - [Work with us](https://www.mindweal.com/work-with-us/) - [Refer to us](https://www.mindweal.com/refer-to-us/) ###### Our partners - [Physicians](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-physicians/) - [Counsellors](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-counselors/) - [Hospitals](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-hospitals/) - [Health Plans](https://www.mindweal.com/partners-health-plans/) ###### Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mindweal.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.mindweal.com/coming-soon/) ###### Stay in touch Subscribe for news and tips about psychiatry, mental health and more. © 2023 Mindweal Services, PLLC. All Rights Reserved. - [Disclaimer](https://www.mindweal.com/disclaimer/) - [Terms of Use](https://www.mindweal.com/terms-of-use/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.mindweal.com/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Dr. Rahul Bansal", "url" : "https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/author/dr-rahul-bansal" }, "dateModified" : "2025-01-06T01:20:57.328Z", "datePublished" : "2024-10-14T18:20:14.000Z", "headline" : "Patient Education: Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)", "image" : [ "https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/8-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.mindweal.com/blog/patient-education-desvenlafaxine", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.mindweal.com/hubfs/MindWeal%20Logo%20with%20Name%20&%20Slogan-1.png" } } } ```