What is Pristiq: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Pristiq

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. It is best to take this medicine at the same time each day.

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

• You may have to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your normal dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• You may have to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel better. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your normal dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

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

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. It is best to take this medicine at the same time each day.

• If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pristiq

Pristiq contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine.

Pristiq warnings

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual behavior

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of mania, seizures, or stroke.

• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serotonin syndrome, which may be life-threateningHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of bleeding problemsGlaucomaSeizuresLung problems, including interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Pristiq interactions

• Do not use this medicine together with an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have used an MAOI within the past 14 days. Do not take an MAOI for at least 7 days after you stop this medicine.

• Some medicines can affect how desvenlafaxine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Atomoxetine, buspirone, dextromethorphan, fentanyl, ketoconazole, lithium, metoprolol, midazolam, nebivolol, perphenazine, St John€™s wort, tolterodine, tramadolAmphetaminesBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Triptan medicine to treat migraine headachesTryptophan supplement

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Do not take any medicine that contains venlafaxine while you are using this medicine.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.