What Is Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) Used For?
Desvenlafaxine is the generic name for Pristiq, which is FDA approved for the treatment of MDD (major depressive disorder) in adults, aged 25 and older.4
The drug is also prescribed off-label for hot flashes associated with menopause, and for women who experience particularly difficult symptoms relating to the menstrual cycle.
Pristiq is considered to be a “non-hormonal” treatment where an alternative hormone treatment is sought to address vasomotor conditions (relating to the muscles and nerves that regulate dilation and constriction of blood vessels) relating to a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) Alternative Names and Slang
Desvenlafaxine is the drug’s generic name. Pristiq is not known to be a popularized street drug but has been found in relatively uncommon pharmaceutical drug diversion cases as with other antidepressants. Sometimes called “poor man’s cocaine,” certain antidepressant prescription drugs are crushed and snorted or injected for a rush similar to other stimulant drugs like cocaine or crack. However, such practices often lead to a trip to the nearest hospital for emergency medical care.
Due to Pristiq’s extended-release structure, it is less subject to abuse than immediate-release antidepressant drugs. Perhaps viewed by some as a deterrent, fillers used in prescription pills may be toxic to the skin when injected, potentially creating very deep abscesses that are prone to infection, especially where neglect and poor hygiene can quickly escalate infection and lead to loss of life if left untreated.
Pristiq is one of its brand names. Other brand names include:
- Ellefore©
- Khedezia©
- Defaxin ER©
- Deslafax©
- Dvenjoy XR©
- Zyven OD©
Pristiq Adverse Effects
Severe Pristiq adverse effects can occur as with any SNRI drug. These may require immediate medical intervention for the safety of the patient. It is important to be aware of these while taking an SNRI.
Adverse effects can be mild to extremely harsh and will affect different people in different ways.
Some of the most severe adverse reactions from Pristiq to be aware of are:
Serotonin Syndrome: When too much serotonin has been activated in the body this can result in a set of life-threatening symptoms including sudden fever, chills, depressed respiration, coma, unconsciousness, and death.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: This is a rare but severe hive-like reaction of the skin caused by certain medications such as Pristiq, which also targets moist tissues of the mouth, eyes, throat, airways, anus, etc. First presents with fever and flu-like symptoms, followed by the skin erupting into blisters that darken and peel away leaving raw painful tissue. Dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia, and multiple organ failure associated with this condition can lead to death.
Increased Suicidality: Pristiq causes an increased risk of suicide in children, teens, and young adults, especially under the age of 25, and is therefore not approved to be prescribed to this age range. However, trials and statistics also show increased suicidality risk in older populations.1,4
Other Pristiq adverse effects may include:
- Mania, hypomania 1,4
- Seizures 4
- Cardiac arrest 1
- Severe muscle tightness 1
- Hyponatremia (abnormally low level of sodium in the blood) 4
- Weight gain 15
- Interstitial lung disease, eosinophilic pneumonia 4
- Increased depression or other worsening symptoms 1,4
- Thoughts of self-harm 1
- Unusual bleeding or bruising 1,4
- Abnormal menstrual cycle 1
- Cholesterol and triglyceride elevation 4
- Elevated blood pressure 18
- Glaucoma, mydriasis, eye pain, blurred vision, swelling, or redness around eyes 1,4,17
- Renal impairment, frequent urination, difficulty urinating 1,4
- Teeth grinding 1
- Headache 1,15,17
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate at rest), increased blood pressure 4,15
- Decreased appetite 17
- Trouble speaking clearly 1
- Chills, shivering, cold sweats 1
- Cognitive impairment, confusion 1
- Swelling 1
- Numbness 1
- Shaking, tremors 1
- Nausea, vomiting 1,15,17
- Headache 1,15,17
- Fatigue, drowsiness 1,17
- Insomnia, abnormal dreams 1,17
- Sexual dysfunction 1,15,17
- Anxiety, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, restlessness 1
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) 1,17
- Constipation 15,17
- Xerostomia (dry mouth due to dysfunctional saliva glands) 1
- Cough 15