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Common Questions

Q: What is PRISTIQ and how does it work?

A: PRISTIQ is in a class of medications known as SNRIs or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. PRISTIQ is believed to work by affecting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. In 8-week clinical studies, PRISTIQ has been proven to be an effective treatment for depression in adults. Find out more about How Does PRISTIQ Work?.

Q: How long has PRISTIQ been available?

A: PRISTIQ was approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD, also known as depression) in February 2008.

Q: What should I expect from PRISTIQ?

A: Everybody responds differently to treatment, so as with all antidepressants it’s important to give PRISTIQ time to work. In general, it may take several weeks to feel the full benefits of a prescription antidepressant, although some people may start to feel better sooner. Learn more about What to Expect.

Q: Are there any side effects I should expect?

A: You may experience side effects while taking PRISTIQ. In clinical studies, the most common side effect with PRISTIQ 50 mg was nausea. It was generally mild to moderate and occurred most frequently during the first week of treatment. After one week, the rate of nausea decreased to a level similar to that of patients taking a placebo (sugar pill). Other side effects included dizziness, sweating, constipation, and decreased appetite. In general, side effects occurred most frequently during the first week of treatment in clinical studies. These are not all the possible side effects of PRISTIQ 50 mg (see Medication Guide for patients). In clinical studies of the recommended 50 mg dose, the percentage of people who stopped taking PRISTIQ due to side effects was similar to placebo (sugar pill). For more details, please see the Side Effects & Safety page.

Q: Will I gain weight while taking PRISTIQ?

A: While people react differently to PRISTIQ, clinical studies showed no significant difference in weight gain between people who took PRISTIQ and people who took a placebo (sugar pill).

Q: What about sexual side effects?

A: In clinical studies of the recommended 50 mg dose, patients reported a low occurrence of sexual side effects.

Q: How long should I continue to take PRISTIQ?

A: Do not stop taking or change the dose of PRISTIQ without talking with your health care provider, even if you feel better. Stopping an antidepressant medicine suddenly can cause other symptoms.

Side effects may occur when stopping PRISTIQ (discontinuation symptoms), especially when therapy is stopped suddenly. Your health care provider may want to decrease your dose slowly to help avoid side effects. Some of these side effects may include:

  • dizziness
  • anxiety
  • nausea
  • abnormal dreams
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • irritability
  • sweating
  • sleeping problems (insomnia)
  • diarrhea

Learn more about What to Expect.

Q: How do I take PRISTIQ?

A: You should always take PRISTIQ exactly as instructed by your health care professional. The recommended dose of PRISTIQ is 50 mg once a day or as prescribed. Take one PRISTIQ tablet each day with water as directed. The recommended dose in patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is 50 mg every other day. PRISTIQ may be taken with or without food. It should be taken at the same time each day and always swallowed whole, since the tablets are time released. For more information, visit the How to Take PRISTIQ page.

Q: Is there a generic form of PRISTIQ?

A: No, there is not a generic form of PRISTIQ.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while taking PRISTIQ?

A: Until you see how PRISTIQ affects you, you should avoid driving a car or operating machinery. You should avoid drinking alcohol when taking PRISTIQ.

Q: Are there people who should not take PRISTIQ?

A: Do not take PRISTIQ:

  • If you are allergic to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any of the ingredients in PRISTIQ.
  • If you currently take or have recently taken an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor).

If you have pre-existing high blood pressure, it should be controlled before you start on PRISTIQ.

Tell your doctor if you are nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. PRISTIQ should only be taken by pregnant or nursing women if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Q: What if I have to stop taking PRISTIQ?

A: Do not stop taking or change the dose of PRISTIQ without talking with your health care provider, even if you feel better.

Stopping an antidepressant medicine suddenly can cause other symptoms. Side effects may occur if PRISTIQ therapy is stopped suddenly. Your health care provider may want to decrease your dose slowly to help avoid these side effects. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, problems sleeping, anxiety, abnormal dreams, tiredness, sweating, and diarrhea. For more information, visit the Side Effects & Safety page.

Next: How to Take PRISTIQ »

Indication

PRISTIQ® is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Important Safety Information for PRISTIQ

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) 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 should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. PRISTIQ is not approved for use in children under 18.

  • People taking MAOIs should not take PRISTIQ.
  • All patients taking antidepressants should be observed closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal. This is very important when an antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. Patients should be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. These symptoms should be reported to the patient's health care professional right away.
  • Tell your health care professional about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking or plan to take, including:
    • Medicines to treat migraines or mood disorders, to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition
    • Aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, or blood thinners, because they may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • PRISTIQ may cause or make some conditions worse, so tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions, including if you:
    • Have high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be controlled before you start taking PRISTIQ and monitored regularly
    • Have heart problems, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, or a history of stroke
    • Have glaucoma or increased eye pressure
    • Have kidney or liver problems
    • Have or had bleeding problems
    • Have or had depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Have or had mania, bipolar disorder, or seizures or convulsions
    • Have low sodium levels in your blood
    • Are nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
  • Discontinuation symptoms may occur when stopping PRISTIQ, especially when therapy is stopped suddenly. Talk to your health care professional before you stop taking or reduce the dose of PRISTIQ.
  • Until you see how PRISTIQ affects you, be careful driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking PRISTIQ.
  • Side effects when taking PRISTIQ 50 mg may include nausea, dizziness, sweating, constipation, and decreased appetite.

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



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