Depression Symptoms

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Depression symptoms Diagnosing depression

lthough there is no blood test to diagnose depression, there are well-developed clinical guidelines used by health care professionals to diagnose major depressive disorder. One of these guidelines, developed by the American Psychiatric Association, is called the DSM-IV^®. Your health care professional may ask you questions based on this established diagnostic tool.

According to the DSM-IV, major depressive disorder (or "depression") is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms of depression are present for most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be either persistent sad or “empty” feelings or loss of interest in activities.

Symptoms of depression

Here are some depression symptoms included in the DSM-IV:

Constant sadness
Irritability
Hopelessness
Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason

Trouble sleeping
Low energy or fatigue
Significant weight change

Call a health care professional right away if you or a family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you.

Thoughts about suicide or dying
Attempts to commit suicide
Depressed mood
Feeling very agitated or restless
Panic attacks
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
New or worse irritability
Acting aggressive, being angry or violent
Acting on dangerous impulses

Depression symptoms

Loss of interest in favorite activities

Difficulty concentrating

Be sure to tell your health care professional if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Share whether your symptoms are affecting your ability to function at home, at work, or in social settings.

Successfully treating depression is a realistic goal. Seeking treatment can be difficult, but it means that you have the courage to look for a way to feel better.

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Important Safety Information About PRISTIQ

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy or when the dose is changed should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior such as becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Should these occur, report them to a doctor right away. PRISTIQ is not approved for use in children under 18.

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Important Safety Information About PRISTIQ

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy or when the dose is changed should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior such as becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Should these occur, report them to a doctor right away. PRISTIQ is not approved for use in children under 18.

Do not take PRISTIQ if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any of the ingredients in PRISTIQ. Do not take PRISTIQ if you currently take, or have taken within the last 14 days, any medicine known as an MAOI (including intravenous methylene blue or the antibiotic linezolid). Allow 7 days after stopping PRISTIQ before starting an MAOI. Taking an MAOI with PRISTIQ can cause serious or even life-threatening side effects.

Before taking PRISTIQ, tell your healthcare professional about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take or plan to take including: those to treat migraines or psychiatric disorders (including other antidepressants) to avoid serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition; aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, or blood thinners because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

PRISTIQ may cause or worsen some conditions, so tell your healthcare professional about all the medical conditions you have or had including:

High blood pressure, which should be controlled before starting PRISTIQ and monitored regularly
Heart problems, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, a history of stroke, glaucoma or increased eye pressure, kidney or liver problems, or low sodium levels in your blood
Bleeding problems
Depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior
Mania, bipolar disorder, or seizures or convulsions
Nursing, pregnancy, or plans to become pregnant

Discontinuation symptoms may occur when stopping or reducing PRISTIQ, so talk to your healthcare professional before stopping or changing your dose.

Until you see how PRISTIQ affects you, be careful driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking PRISTIQ.

In clinical studies, most common side effects with PRISTIQ 50 mg were nausea, dizziness, sweating, constipation, and decreased appetite.

INDICATION

PRISTIQ^® (desvenlafaxine) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including boxed warning, and Medication Guide.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

Important Safety Information | Medication Guide for Patients | Prescribing Information |

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