What is Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER

• Take desvenlafaxine tablets exactly as the prescriber tells you. 

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

• Take only one dose daily at about the same time every day.

• Tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not divide, crush, break, or chew it.

• Do not stop taking desvenlafaxine tablets until talking to the prescriber.

• Store desvenlafaxine tablets at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER

• Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.

• If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.

• Don’t make up for a missed dose by taking two doses.

Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine.

Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER warnings

• Any doctor or other healthcare professional treating you should know that you are using this medicine.

• The prescriber may perform regular checkups and blood tests to see how well the treatment is working and check for possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Before starting desvenlafaxine, tell the prescriber about:

  • Any history of depression, mania, or suicidal thoughts

  • Any history or family history of bipolar disorder

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Heart problems

  • High blood pressure

  • A history of stroke or similar problems

  • A history of bleeding problems

  • A history of seizures or convulsions

  • High cholesterol

  • High triglycerides

  • Low sodium levels

• Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.

• Immediately tell the prescriber if you become pregnant while taking desvenlafaxine.

• Desvenlafaxine can cause serious problems including:

  • Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening side effect of taking drugs like antidepressants

  • High blood pressure

  • Increased risk of bleeding or bruising

  • Angle-closure glaucoma

  • Seizures

  • Manic episodes

  • Low sodium

  • Lung problems

  • Sexual dysfunction

• Desvenlafaxine increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Call a doctor immediately if you notice signs of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts including:

  • Suicide attempts

  • Thoughts, talk, or plans about suicide

  • New or worse depression

  • New or worse anxiety

  • Agitation

  • Panic attacks

  • Extreme increase in activity

  • Aggressiveness or violence

  • Acting recklessly or dangerously

  • Sleeplessness

  • Other unusual changes in mood or behavior

• Desvenlafaxine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive or do anything else that’s risky until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to the doctor. Stopping desvenlafaxine suddenly can bring withdrawal symptoms.

• Some people may notice a part of the desvenlafaxine tablet appearing in their stools. This is the inert part of the tablet and should not be a concern.

Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER interactions

• Do not use desvenlafaxine and an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) together or within 14 days of each other. The combination could cause severe side effects.

• To avoid other possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are using before starting extended-release desvenlafaxine, particularly:

  • Drugs that treat mental health problems such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, amphetamines, buspirone, or lithium

  • Other drugs containing venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

  • Drugs that make you sleepy such as narcotic pain relievers, benzodiazepines, sleeping aids, or allergy medications

  • Drugs that treat high blood pressure

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

  • Blood thinners such as warfarin

  • Migraine medications called triptans

  • The supplement St. John‘s wort 

  • Desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine

• Avoid alcohol when taking desvenlafaxine.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are taking desvenlafaxine before they prescribe new medications.