What is Pristiq?

Pristiq is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Pristiq is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Pristiq may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Pristiq

Do not take Pristiq if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine (Effexor), or if you are also using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Pristiq. After you stop taking Pristiq, you must wait at least 7 days before you start taking an MAOI.

You should not take Pristiq together with venlafaxine (Effexor).

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Pristiq. It may take several weeks or more for your symptoms to improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Pristiq without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
Before taking Pristiq

Do not take Pristiq if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine (Effexor), or if you are also using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Pristiq. After you stop taking Pristiq, you must wait at least 7 days before you start taking an MAOI.

You should not take Pristiq together with venlafaxine (Effexor).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking Pristiq, tell your doctor if you have:

bipolar disorder (manic depression);
liver disease;
kidney disease;

heart disease or high blood pressure;

a history of stroke;

glaucoma;

seizures or epilepsy;

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

high cholesterol.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant such as Pristiq, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. Pristiq may be harmful to an unborn baby, and may cause problems in a newborn baby if the mother takes the medication late in pregnancy (during the third trimester). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Pristiq can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.