Pristiq and Weight Gain: Understanding Desvenlafaxine’s Impact on Body Mass in Major Depressive Disorder

13.08.202328.06.2023 by alexxlab

How does Pristiq affect weight in people with major depressive disorder. What are the common side effects of Pristiq. How can patients manage potential weight changes while taking desvenlafaxine. What should patients know about Pristiq’s impact on appetite and metabolism.

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Understanding Pristiq: A Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

Pristiq, known by its generic name desvenlafaxine, is a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. As an antidepressant belonging to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Pristiq works by altering the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. This medication is typically administered as a long-term treatment option for individuals struggling with depression.

Pristiq comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily. The active ingredient, desvenlafaxine, is responsible for the drug’s therapeutic effects. While Pristiq can be an effective treatment for many patients, it’s essential to understand its potential side effects, including the possibility of weight changes.

How does Pristiq work to alleviate depression symptoms?

Pristiq works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in mood regulation, emotional processing, and overall mental well-being. By inhibiting the reuptake of these chemicals, Pristiq helps to maintain higher concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft, potentially improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms.

Common Side Effects of Pristiq: What Patients Should Expect

Like all medications, Pristiq can cause a range of side effects, from mild to more severe. It’s important for patients to be aware of these potential effects to make informed decisions about their treatment. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of Pristiq include:

Dizziness
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
Increased sweating
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Headache
Constipation
Dry mouth
Anxiety
Sexual side effects

While these side effects are generally considered mild, they can still impact a patient’s quality of life. It’s crucial for individuals taking Pristiq to communicate any persistent or bothersome side effects to their healthcare provider.

Are Pristiq’s side effects dose-dependent?

Studies have shown that the side effects of Pristiq are generally consistent across different dosages. However, some patients may experience more pronounced side effects at higher doses. The standard starting dose of Pristiq is typically 50 mg once daily, which can be increased to 100 mg if necessary. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to find the most effective and tolerable dose for their individual needs.

Pristiq and Weight Changes: Separating Fact from Fiction

One of the concerns many patients have when starting antidepressant therapy is the potential for weight gain. While weight gain was not reported as a common side effect in clinical trials of Pristiq, some patients have reported experiencing weight changes after beginning treatment.

It’s important to note that weight fluctuations can be a symptom of depression itself, making it challenging to determine whether weight changes are directly related to the medication or the underlying condition. Additionally, as individuals begin to recover from depression, changes in appetite and activity levels may naturally lead to weight changes.

How might Pristiq affect metabolism and appetite?

Pristiq’s impact on metabolism and appetite can vary from person to person. Some patients may experience a decrease in appetite as a side effect, potentially leading to weight loss. Conversely, as depression symptoms improve, some individuals may find their appetite returning to normal, which could result in weight gain if they had previously lost weight due to their depression.

The relationship between Pristiq and weight is complex and multifaceted. Factors such as individual physiology, lifestyle changes, and the severity of depression can all play a role in weight fluctuations during treatment.

Managing Weight Changes While Taking Pristiq

For patients concerned about potential weight changes while taking Pristiq, there are several strategies that can help maintain a healthy weight:

Monitor weight regularly and track any significant changes
Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet
Engage in regular physical activity, as approved by a healthcare provider
Stay hydrated and limit the consumption of high-calorie beverages
Practice mindful eating habits
Discuss any concerns about weight changes with a healthcare provider

It’s crucial for patients to remember that the benefits of treating depression often outweigh the potential risk of modest weight changes. However, if weight gain becomes significant or distressing, patients should consult their healthcare provider to explore alternative treatment options or additional weight management strategies.

Serious Side Effects of Pristiq: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most side effects of Pristiq are mild and manageable, there are some serious side effects that patients should be aware of. These rare but potentially severe side effects include:

Increased blood pressure
Mania or hypomania (elevated mood states)
Serotonin syndrome
Increased risk of bleeding
Angle-closure glaucoma
Seizures
Low sodium levels in the blood
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (particularly in young adults and adolescents)

Pristiq carries a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning from the FDA, regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. While Pristiq is not approved for use in individuals under 18, this risk is still important to note for young adult patients.

What should patients do if they experience serious side effects?

If a patient experiences any severe or concerning side effects while taking Pristiq, they should seek immediate medical attention. In case of life-threatening symptoms or a medical emergency, calling emergency services is crucial. For less urgent but still serious side effects, patients should contact their healthcare provider promptly for guidance.

Discontinuation Syndrome: Understanding Pristiq Withdrawal

Abruptly stopping Pristiq can lead to discontinuation syndrome, a set of withdrawal-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe. These symptoms may include:

Nausea
Sweating
Dizziness
Headache
Insomnia
“Brain zaps” (electric shock-like sensations)
Irritability or anxiety
In severe cases: seizures, suicidal thoughts, or aggressive behavior

To minimize the risk of discontinuation syndrome, patients should never stop taking Pristiq without first consulting their healthcare provider. A gradual tapering of the medication under medical supervision is typically recommended to safely discontinue treatment.

How long does it take to safely stop taking Pristiq?

The process of discontinuing Pristiq can vary depending on the individual and their current dosage. In many cases, it may take several months to safely stop taking Pristiq completely. Healthcare providers will typically create a personalized tapering schedule, gradually reducing the dose over time to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Use of Pristiq: What Patients Need to Know

Pristiq is often prescribed as a long-term treatment for major depressive disorder. While it can be an effective option for managing depression symptoms, patients should be aware of several factors related to long-term use:

Regular monitoring: Patients on long-term Pristiq therapy should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to assess the medication’s effectiveness and monitor for any side effects.
Potential for tolerance: Some patients may develop tolerance to Pristiq over time, requiring dosage adjustments to maintain effectiveness.
Interaction with other medications: As with any long-term medication, patients should inform their healthcare providers about all other drugs and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Lifestyle changes: Long-term management of depression often involves a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications, such as therapy, stress reduction techniques, and healthy habits.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations: Women who become pregnant or plan to breastfeed while taking Pristiq should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.

Long-term use of Pristiq requires ongoing communication between patients and their healthcare providers to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective over time.

Can patients take Pristiq indefinitely?

While some patients may need to take Pristiq for extended periods, the duration of treatment should be determined on an individual basis. Some patients may be able to discontinue the medication after a period of symptom remission, while others may require long-term therapy to manage their depression. The decision to continue or discontinue Pristiq should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the patient’s overall health, symptom management, and personal preferences.

Combining Pristiq with Other Treatments for Depression

While Pristiq can be an effective standalone treatment for major depressive disorder, many patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to managing their condition. Combining Pristiq with other therapies and lifestyle modifications can potentially enhance its effectiveness and improve overall outcomes. Some complementary approaches include:

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or other forms of talk therapy can help patients develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to their depression.
Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to have positive effects on mood and can complement the effects of antidepressant medications.
Dietary changes: A balanced, nutritious diet can support overall health and potentially improve mood.
Sleep hygiene: Establishing healthy sleep patterns can significantly impact mental health and may enhance the effectiveness of Pristiq.
Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide valuable emotional support and coping strategies.

Patients should discuss these complementary approaches with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

How can patients maximize the benefits of Pristiq while minimizing side effects?

To optimize the benefits of Pristiq while managing potential side effects, patients can consider the following strategies:

Take the medication as prescribed, at the same time each day
Communicate openly with healthcare providers about any side effects or concerns
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet
Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can interact with Pristiq
Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises
Keep a mood journal to track progress and identify any patterns in symptoms or side effects
Be patient, as it may take several weeks to experience the full benefits of Pristiq

By taking an active role in their treatment and working closely with their healthcare team, patients can maximize the potential benefits of Pristiq while effectively managing any side effects that may arise.

What They Are and How to Manage Them

If you have depression, your doctor might suggest Pristiq as a treatment option for you.

Pristiq is a prescription drug that’s used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

The active ingredient in Pristiq is desvenlafaxine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Pristiq comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken long term.

For more information about Pristiq, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Pristiq can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Pristiq treatment. Examples of Pristiq’s commonly reported side effects include:

dizziness
trouble sleeping
increased sweating
loss of appetite
nausea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Read on to learn about other potential mild and serious side effects of Pristiq.

Pristiq may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Pristiq include:

dizziness
vomiting
trouble sleeping
increased sweating
drowsiness
loss of appetite
anxiety
dry mouth
sexual side effects*
nausea*
headache*
constipation*
mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Pristiq unless your doctor recommends it.

Pristiq may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Pristiq prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Pristiq, visit MedWatch.

Pristiq can cause serious side effects, though these are usually rare. Serious side effects that have been reported with Pristiq are listed below. Some of these side effects were reported in studies of Pristiq. But others were reported after the drug became available on the market.

increased blood pressure
mania and hypomania, which cause elevated mood
serotonin syndrome, resulting from a buildup of the chemical serotonin
increased risk of bleeding, which may be life threatening
angle-closure glaucoma, a serious eye condition
discontinuation syndrome, which causes withdrawal symptoms
seizures
low level of sodium in the blood
risk of suicidal thoughts and actions*
severe allergic reaction†‡

* Pristiq has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after taking Pristiq. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Pristiq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Pristiq’s side effects.

Does Pristiq cause weight gain?

It’s possible. In studies of Pristiq, weight gain was not a reported side effect. But after Pristiq was made available on the market, some people who took it reported gaining weight.

It’s important to note that weight changes, including weight gain, can be a symptom of depression.

If you experience weight gain while taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor. They may have tips to help with this side effect.

If I suddenly stop taking Pristiq, will I have withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, it’s possible. Withdrawal symptoms may be a side effect of stopping Pristiq, and they can be mild or serious. Some of the mild symptoms of withdrawal include:

nausea
sweating
dizziness
headache
trouble sleeping
“brain zaps” (feeling an electrical jolt in the head that may travel to other parts of the body)
irritability, anxiety, or agitation

Some serious symptoms of withdrawal include:

seizure
suicidal thoughts
severe aggression
increased blood pressure
blurry vision

These side effects are more likely to happen if you stop taking Pristiq suddenly. If you want to stop taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor first. They’ll likely recommend that you take a smaller dose for a while rather than stopping Pristiq abruptly. It may take several months to stop taking Pristiq completely.

Will my risk of side effects be higher with the 100-mg dose of Pristiq than with lower doses of the drug?

It’s possible. During studies of Pristiq, people took different doses of the drug. The side effects that were reported were the same for each dosage. But more people who took the 100-milligram (mg) dose reported certain side effects than those who took the 50-mg dose. Some of these side effects were:

dry mouth
sleepiness
trouble sleeping
certain sexual side effects*
nausea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects Pristiq may cause.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and actions

Pristiq carries a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and adults ages 24 years and younger. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antidepressants such as Pristiq may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people under 25 years of age. The FDA has not approved the use of Pristiq in people ages 18 years or younger.

Symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions include:

sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings
trouble sleeping
new or worsened irritability or depression
extreme anger, violence, or aggression
extreme increase in talking, excitement, and activity, which can result from mania
panic attack
impulsive behavior
thoughts about dying or hurting yourself
suicide attempts

What might help

Keep track of how you feel while taking Pristiq. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above while taking Pristiq, tell your doctor right away.

Consider letting people close to you know about this Pristiq side effect and its symptoms. They can also help you watch out for these symptoms.

If you’re 18 to 24 years of age, your doctor may monitor you more closely for symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions during Pristiq treatment.

Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
Listen to the person without judgment.
Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day when you call 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 800-273-8255.
Click here for more links and local resources.

Sexual side effects

Antidepressants such as Pristiq may cause sexual side effects. In studies of the drug, males* reported:

decreased libido
problems getting an erection
delayed ejaculation

In studies of the drug, females* reported:

not being able to reach orgasm
decreased libido

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What might help

Over time, sexual side effects may lessen on their own. Sometimes, switching to a different antidepressant may help. If you experience any sexual side effects while taking Pristiq, tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to help ease sexual side effects.

Nausea

In studies, nausea was a common side effect of Pristiq. By itself, nausea may be considered a mild side effect. But it can be a symptom of withdrawal, which may occur if you stop taking Pristiq suddenly. (For more information, see the “FAQs about Pristiq’s side effects” section above.)

Nausea may also be a symptom of serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition that can happen when too much serotonin builds up in the body.

Other symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

confusion
agitation
dizziness
racing heartbeat or changes in blood pressure
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color) or sweating
seizure
muscle twitching or tremors
seeing or hearing things that aren’t real
increased body temperature
severe vomiting or diarrhea
coma

What might help

If you have nausea with Pristiq, the following tips may help ease this side effect:

Take your dose with some crackers or toast.
Try drinks or foods that contain ginger.
Ask your doctor about medications that can help decrease nausea.

If your nausea is severe or occurs with the symptoms of serotonin syndrome listed above, seek immediate medical care.

Headache

Headache was a common side effect in short-term studies of Pristiq. This side effect was usually mild.

This side effect may also occur if you suddenly stop Pristiq. (For more information, see the “FAQs about Pristiq’s side effects” section above.)

Headaches may be a symptom of a low blood level of sodium. This is a side effect of certain antidepressants such as Pristiq, and it can be a serious problem. Older adults (ages 65 years and older) and people who take diuretics may have a higher risk of this side effect. Symptoms to watch out for include:

confusion
problems with concentration or memory
feeling weak and unsteady
seeing or hearing things that aren’t real
seizure
fainting
coma

What might help

Mild headaches may lessen a few weeks after starting Pristiq. But if this side effect continues to bother you, talk with your doctor. They may recommend medications to treat your headaches.

If your headaches occur with the other symptoms of a low blood level of sodium listed above, seek immediate medical treatment.

Constipation

Constipation was a common, mild side effect in studies of Pristiq.

What might help

Constipation usually goes away after taking Pristiq for a few weeks. Drinking more water and mild exercise may help with this side effect.

If you experience constipation that becomes severe, talk with your doctor. They may recommend changes in your diet or medications to help relieve this side effect.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Pristiq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

skin rash
itchiness
flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest treatment options to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Pristiq, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Pristiq, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects
During your Pristiq treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
what your symptoms were
how it affected your daily activities
what other medications you were taking
any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Pristiq affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Pristiq comes with several warnings.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and actions

Pristiq has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and adults ages 24 years and younger. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Pristiq may cause drug-condition interactions. This means that Pristiq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Other factors may also affect whether Pristiq is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Pristiq. The list below includes factors to consider.

High blood pressure. Pristiq can cause your blood pressure to increase.If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat it before you start taking Pristiq. Then they’ll monitor your blood pressure to make sure it’s well-managed. If your blood pressure remains high, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Pristiq or recommend a different antidepressant.

Heart disease. If you have heart disease, Pristiq may make it worse. Pristiq can increase your blood pressure, which may worsen heart disease. If you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor before starting Pristiq treatment.

Stroke or ministroke. Pristiq can increase your blood pressure, so it may increase your risk of stroke if you’ve had one before. If you’ve had a stroke or if you’ve had any problems with high blood pressure, let your doctor know. This will help them determine whether it’s safe for you to take Pristiq.

Bleeding problems. Medications like Pristiq may increase your risk of bleeding. If you take medications that increase bleeding, your risk may be greater. Before you take Pristiq, make sure your doctor knows all of the medications you take.

Angle-closure glaucoma. Pristiq may cause dilation of the pupils in the eye. This can cause an episode of glaucoma in certain people. Because of this, doctors will likely not prescribe Pristiq to anyone with this kind of glaucoma. If you have a history of glaucoma or if you take any eye drops for glaucoma, tell your doctor. They’ll discuss with you treatment options that are safe for you to take.

Mania, hypomania, or bipolar disorder. Pristiq may not be the right medication for people who have had mania, hypomania, or bipolar disorder. It also may not be safe for people who have a family history of these mental health conditions. If you have bipolar disorder, Pristiq can increase your risk of a manic episode. Before you start Pristiq treatment, tell your doctor about any mental health conditions you or close family members have had.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Pristiq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Pristiq. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Seizures or epilepsy. Pristiq was not studied in people with a history of seizures or epilepsy. If you’ve ever had a seizure or have epilepsy, tell your doctor. They’ll let you know if Pristiq is safe for you to take.

Low sodium level. Pristiq can lower the blood level of sodium, which can become a serious problem. Older adults (ages 65 years and older) or people who take diuretics may have a higher risk of this side effect. If you are an older adult or take a diuretic, or have had problems with a low sodium level in the past, your doctor will let you know whether it’s safe to take Pristiq.

Liver problems. If you have liver problems, your body may have trouble getting rid of Pristiq. Before you start treatment, tell your doctor about any liver problems you have or have had. They may prescribe a lower dosage of Pristiq.

Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your body may have trouble getting rid of Pristiq. Before you start treatment, tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have or have had. They may recommend that you take a lower dosage of Pristiq.

High cholesterol or triglycerides. Pristiq may increase cholesterol or triglycerides in certain people. If you’ve had high cholesterol or triglycerides or take medication to treat these conditions, tell your doctor. They may recommend more frequent blood tests to check levels of these substances while you’re taking Pristiq.

Alcohol and Pristiq

You should not take Pristiq with alcohol. Alcohol may increase your risk of side effects and may make depression worse.

Before you start taking Pristiq, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. They may suggest ways to stop drinking or recommend a different medication for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Pristiq

Before taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. They can help you decide if Pristiq is the best choice for you during this time.

Certain antidepressants can increase the risk of preeclampsia or bleeding complications during pregnancy. Taking Pristiq in the third trimester of pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn.

If you become pregnant during treatment with Pristiq, ask your doctor about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry gathers data from people who’ve taken Pristiq while pregnant. This data can help determine the safety of taking antidepressants such as Pristiq during pregnancy.

Small amounts of Pristiq may pass into breast milk. But it’s not known if Pristiq is safe to take during breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about ways to safely feed your child during treatment with Pristiq.

Pristiq may help treat your depression symptoms. Some people have mild side effects from the drug, such as nausea and constipation. More serious side effects from Pristiq aren’t common.

If you have questions about Pristiq’s side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Here are a few questions to ask about treatment with Pristiq:

Is my risk of sexual side effects higher when I first start treatment?
Does my risk of nausea and vomiting depend on what dose I take?
Does Pristiq have more side effects than other drugs that treat my condition?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

What They Are and How to Manage Them

If you have depression, your doctor might suggest Pristiq as a treatment option for you.

Pristiq is a prescription drug that’s used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

The active ingredient in Pristiq is desvenlafaxine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Pristiq comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken long term.

For more information about Pristiq, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Like other drugs, Pristiq can cause mild to serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Pristiq treatment. Examples of Pristiq’s commonly reported side effects include:

dizziness
trouble sleeping
increased sweating
loss of appetite
nausea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Read on to learn about other potential mild and serious side effects of Pristiq.

Pristiq may cause mild side effects. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Pristiq include:

dizziness
vomiting
trouble sleeping
increased sweating
drowsiness
loss of appetite
anxiety
dry mouth
sexual side effects*
nausea*
headache*
constipation*
mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Pristiq may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Pristiq prescribing information for details.

increased blood pressure
mania and hypomania, which cause elevated mood
serotonin syndrome, resulting from a buildup of the chemical serotonin
increased risk of bleeding, which may be life threatening
angle-closure glaucoma, a serious eye condition
discontinuation syndrome, which causes withdrawal symptoms
seizures
low level of sodium in the blood
risk of suicidal thoughts and actions*
severe allergic reaction†‡

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Pristiq’s side effects.