Pristiq 50mg: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety

Pristiq 50mg contains desvenlafaxine, an extended-release antidepressant in the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It is most often prescribed by doctors to adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). How Pristiq Works: Pristiq helps control symptoms of depression by acting on serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Pristiq is a prescription medicine. Patients should take Pristiq only as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Patients should also not suddenly change dose or stop treatment without talking to a doctor.

What is Pristiq 50 mg?

Pristiq 50mg is an extended-release tablet that contains 50mg of desvenlafaxine. The medicine is designed to be taken once a day and releases its active ingredient over time. Pfizer’s current prescribing information recommends a starting and therapeutic dose of 50 mg once daily for adults with major depressive disorder.

Pristiq is an SNRI medication. So it affects two important neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, which have to do with the regulation of mood.

Pristiq 50 mg uses

Doctors mainly prescribe Pristiq 50mg for:

• Major depressive disorder in adults (MDD)
• Chronic clinical depression symptoms
• Improved mood and emotional functioning as a component of a comprehensive treatment plan for depression

Pristiq is not, however, approved for use in paediatric patients.

How Pristiq 50mg Works?

Pristiq works by blocking the re-uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. As a consequence, these neurotransmitters are available for longer periods.

This might help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression. However, individual outcomes may differ. Therefore, patients should adhere to the treatment plan provided by their healthcare provider and attend follow-up appointments as recommended.

Pristiq 50mg Dosage & Administration

The recommended adult dose is 50mg once daily with or without food. The tablet should be taken by patients at approximately the same time each day. IMPORTANT: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with a liquid. Do not break, crush, chew or dissolve it.

Higher doses have been studied but prescribing information states no additional demonstrated benefit above 50mg per day and adverse reactions and treatment discontinuations were more common at higher doses.

In patients with severe renal impairment, a different dosing schedule may be necessary. Patients with kidney problems should discuss their condition with their doctor before using Pristiq.

Don’t suddenly stop taking Pristiq

Suddenly stopping Pristiq may cause symptoms of discontinuation. These may include dizziness, headache, nausea, sleep issues or other uncomfortable symptoms.

For this reason, health care providers usually advise that, when treatment is being stopped, the dose should be reduced gradually, wherever this is possible.

Side Effects of Pristiq 50mg

Like all other prescription medicines, Pristiq may cause side effects. Reactions reported include:

• Nausea.
• Dizzy
• Sleep disturbances
• Additional sweating
• Constipation 8
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Worry
• Problems with sexual function

The prescribing information that Pfizer provides also warns that Pristiq can raise your blood pressure. Blood pressure should be controlled before the treatment and monitored during therapy.

Important Safety Information

Pristiq has a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children, adolescents, and young adults who take antidepressants. Patients of all ages should be monitored for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially after starting treatment or changing the dose.

If taken with some medications, Pristiq can also raise the chances of serotonin syndrome. It may also increase the risk of bleeding, affect sodium levels, induce mania or hypomania in susceptible individuals, and should be used with caution in people with glaucoma, seizures, cardiovascular problems or kidney problems.

Pristiq 50mg – Drug Interactions

Pristiq is not to be combined with MAO inhibitors or within the specified interval of MAOI treatment. Do not take Pristiq with other medicines that contain desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine.

Before starting treatment tell your doctor about all medicines you take including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements.

Concluding Thoughts

Pristiq 50mg is an SNRI antidepressant used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The active ingredient is desvenlafaxine which acts on serotonin and norepinephrine pathways which influence mood. Adults should take a recommended dose of 50mg once a day, but treatment should always be under the direction of a doctor.