What is Desvenlafaxine ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the prescriber’s instructions.

Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

Take the desvenlafaxine ER tablet one time a day at about the same time each day.

Tablets can be taken with or without food.

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

Do not stop taking desvenlafaxine tablets until consulting the prescriber.

Store desvenlafaxine tablets at room temperature.

Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

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

Tell other doctors or healthcare professionals treating you that you are taking desvenlafaxine.

Desvenlafaxine therapy requires regular doctor visits and blood pressure checks. Keep all appointments.

Before starting desvenlafaxine, tell the doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Any history of suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

• Any history or family history of bipolar disorder or mania

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Heart problems

• A history of stroke 

• A history of blood vessel problems

• A history of bleeding problems

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• High triglycerides

• Low sodium

• A history of seizures or convulsions

While taking desvenlafaxine, immediately tell the prescriber if you become pregnant or think you’re pregnant.

Desvenlafaxine can cause serious problems, including:

• Serotonin syndrome, a potentially severe side effect of taking drugs like antidepressants

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts

• Manic episodes

• Increased risk of bleeding or bruising

• High blood pressure

• Seizures

• Lung problems

• Low sodium

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• 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 worrisome mood or behavior changes, such as:

• Suicide attempts

• Thoughts, talk, or plans about suicide

• New or worse depression

• New or worse anxiety

• Agitation

• Panic attacks

• Insomnia

• Aggressiveness or hostility

• Marked increase in activity

• Reckless or dangerous behaviors

• Other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Desvenlafaxine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to the prescriber. The sudden discontinuation of desvenlafaxine can cause withdrawal symptoms.

• If you stop taking desvenlafaxine and start having symptoms like dizziness, headache, or mood changes, immediately contact the prescriber.

Talk to the prescriber if you start having changes in sexual function or other new sexual problems that concern you.

Part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Keep desvenlafaxine tablets out of the reach of children.

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

Tell the prescriber about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take, particularly:

• Other drugs that contain venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine

• Drugs that treat mental health problems, including antidepressants, anxiety medications, antipsychotics, amphetamines, buspirone, or lithium

• Drugs that cause drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or allergy medications

• Drugs that treat high blood pressure

• Drugs that make you urinate (diuretics)

• Migraine medications called triptans

• Blood thinners 

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

• Desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, St. John‘s wort, tolterodine, tryptophan

Avoid alcohol when you’re taking extended-release desvenlafaxine.

Tell other doctors you are taking desvenlafaxine before they prescribe new drugs.