Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression.
Take Desvenlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (may be labelled “ER”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
Desvenlafaxine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Desvenlafaxine if you are taking or have taken medicines to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and when you are being treated with a certain antibiotic or an intravenous medicine for blood disorder. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- mood changes between feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression)
- seizures
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medicines for depression such as Desvenlafaxine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Desvenlafaxine may make you drowsy or dizzy. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: high blood pressure, headache, unusual sweating (including sweating at night), difficulty sleeping, nausea, anxiety, vomiting, tiredness, muscle stiffness, loss of appetite, dry mouth, constipation, tremor, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, disturbance in attention, urination problems and nervousness.
This medicine may also cause decreased sex drive and sexual dysfunction in men. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned regarding this side effects.
Some side effects are less common but may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms:
- confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- restlessness, lack of coordination, muscle stiffness, increased body temperature, fast heartbeat
- seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Desvenlafaxine if :
- you are taking or have taken medicine to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days
- you are being treated with a certain antibiotic e.g. linezolid
- you are given an injectable solution for blood disorders e.g. methylene blue
Do not take MAOIs within 7 days of stopping Desvenlafaxine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for moderate to severe pain e.g. tramadol, fentanyl
- medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan
- medicines for pain and inflammation or NSAIDs e.g. aspirin
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Desvenfalaxine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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