Desvenlafaxine

It is used to treat depression and belongs to a class of agents known as Serotonin-Nor epinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). It increases the concentration of Serotonin and Nor epinephrine and helps to maintain mental balance.

Indications

Desvenlafaxine is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose of desvenlafaxine is usually 50 milligrams once daily, with or without food. The dose may be increased to 100 milligrams daily based on individual patient response and tolerability.

Contra-Indications

Desvenlafaxine is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the drug or any of its components. It should not be used concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI.

Special Precautions

Safety profile in pregnancy has not been established. Secreted in breast milk, mothers taking this medicine should consider not breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, extreme tiredness, unusual dreams yawning, sweating, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in part of the body, enlarged pupils (black circles in the centers of the eyes), blurred vision, changes in sexual desire or ability, difficulty urinating, hallucinations problems with co-ordination, seizures and suicidal tendency.

Drug Interactions

-Desvenlafaxine may interact with other medications such as MAOIs, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, linezolid, lithium, St. John's Wort, and drugs that impair metabolism via CYP3A4. -Not to be taken with MAO inhibitors and other drugs inhibiting mono amine oxidase, other SNRIs, anticoagulants, NSAIDS and ketoconazole.