Desvenlafaxine: Uses, Side Effects And Precautions
Currently, a large number of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of psychological disorders However, not all of them are equally effective depending on the case. For this reason, it is necessary to have a wide variety of medications.
In the case of desvenlafaxine, it has been established as a very effective drug for certain depressive disorders and anxiety symptoms; being effective, safe and well tolerated by the people who consume it.
Desvenlafaxine, popularly marketed under the name Pristiq is an antidepressant drug that is categorized within the group of Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).
To be more exact, desvenlafaxine, It is a synthetic derivative of the main metabolite of venlafaxine another SNRI antidepressant.
The main function of desvenlafaxine is to inhibit the transporters of norepinephrine and serotonin, in this way it has an effect on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which have a great implication in the regulation of people’s mood.
In what disorders is it prescribed?
Like other medications with antidepressant effects in this category, desvenlafaxine It has numerous applications in disorders such as major depressive disorder anxiety disorders and the treatment of neuropathic pain.
In addition, it has been established as the first non-hormonal treatment for the emotional symptoms of the menopause stage.
Major depressive disorder is a mood condition characterized by the person experiences feelings of sadness in an invasive and persistent way As well as feelings of anger, frustration, low self-esteem and a loss of interest in everything that was previously pleasurable.
Furthermore, this symptomatology must occur over a long period of time and interfere with most aspects of life.
2. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of different emotional conditions that are characterized by causing feelings of fear and pathological anxiety in the person.
Depending on the severity of the disorder or the patient’s condition, the emotions that characterize anxiety disorders can vary from a mere feeling of nervousness to panic attacks
3. Neuropathic pain
Pain of neuropathic origin is caused by a pathological activity of the nervous system which can present itself in two different ways: either by sending painful signals without there being a real stimulus that causes them, or by interpreting common sensory stimuli as very painful.
4. Menopause
Hormonal changes typical of menopause can cause a series of psychological symptoms in women that affect, among many other things, your mood.
These symptoms of menopause include changes in mood or mood, anxious feelings or symptoms, and irritability. Accompanied by insomnia, alterations in sexual desire or lack of concentration.
How is it administered?
Desvenlafaxine is available as extended-release tablets to consume orally. Of course, it is essential to consume it only under medical prescription, and following the instructions given to the letter. What follows are the instructions that are usually followed, but there are exceptions.
The usual dose is one tablet per day, which must be taken every day and at approximately the same time. This can be ingested with both food and water, in most cases. However, the patient should not break it, return it, or chew it; but must swallow it whole.
It is absolutely necessary for the patient to follow their doctor’s administration instructions. This means that the dose cannot be modified taking more than recommended or not more frequently, since this can have serious consequences for his health.
It may take a variable amount of time before the patient begins to notice the effects of desvenlafaxine. Despite this, it is essential that the patient does not stop taking the medication. In the same way that he should not leave her even if he perceives that she already feels well.
The reason is that Abrupt withdrawal of this drug may cause withdrawal symptoms These symptoms include dizziness, nausea, feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and sleep problems among many others.
At the end of the treatment, the doctor will gradually reduce the doses with the aim of minimizing the effects mentioned above.
What side effects does it have?
Like many other antidepressant drugs, Desvenlafaxine has a series of side effects unwanted that can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects.
In the event that the patient persistently experiences any type of non-serious side effect, it is advisable to contact their doctor. While if he experiences any of the serious side effects, it is necessary to inform the doctor as soon as possible.
These are the serious side effects of desvenlafaxine.
Skin problems such as rash, hives or inflammation.
Respiratory problems
Alterations in heart rhythm.
Fever
Coughing attacks.
Loss of consciousness.
Seizures.
hallucinations
Concentration and memory problems.
Feeling of confusion.
Muscular weakness.
Diarrhea.
Vomiting
Lack of coordination
Fainting.
What precautions should be taken?
Before starting desvenlafaxine, patients should inform their healthcare provider about possible personal characteristics or habits that could interfere with the effects of the drug. For example, any allergies, illnesses or special health conditions you have In addition, it is also necessary for the doctor to be aware of any medication, vitamin supplement or natural compound that he is consuming.
The sedative effects of desvenlafaxine may be increased with alcohol consumption so the patient should take special caution in this regard.
These sedative effects can also affect driving and operating heavy machinery, so it is recommended not to perform these activities until the patient is sure of the effects that the medication causes.
Finally, desvenlafaxine has been shown to can cause some health problems in newborn children when it has been consumed during the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary for the doctor to know if the patient is pregnant or intends to remain pregnant, and only administer it in cases where it is absolutely necessary.
