Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression.
Take Desvenlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Desvenlafaxine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Desvenlafaxine with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), medicines for mood disorders, medicine for blood disorders, and certain antibiotic. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- heart or blood vessel disorder
- increased pressure in the eye
- personal or family history of mental health problems
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- moderate to severe liver disease
- moderate to severe kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Desvenlafaxine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine test), inform your doctor that you are taking Desvenlafaxine.
Medicines for depression such as Desvenlafaxine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, cholesterol levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Desvenlafaxine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, blurred vision, tiredness, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fever, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe diarrhoea, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- having thoughts of self-harm
- shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, chest pain or discomfort, extreme tiredness and weakness
- reduced sex drive, inability to have orgasm, erection problems
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Desvenlafaxine if you are currently taking or have taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Do not take Desvenlafaxine if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- linezolid (an antibiotic)
- injectable methylthioninium chloride (medicine for certain blood disorder)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat depression
- strong painkillers e.g. tramadol, fentanyl, methadone
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation)
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. nebivolol, metoprolol
- water pills or medicines for water retention
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Desvenlafaxine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
