Pristiq---also known by its generic name desvenlafaxine succinate---is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of medication known as SNRIs, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. According to the National Alliance on Mental illness, or NAMI, it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder, and it is sometimes used to treat general anxiety disorder or panic disorder. While beneficial, it can also cause side effects.
Common Side Effects
The FDA reported that the most common adverse reactions during clinical studies included nausea, insomnia, sweating, dizziness, constipation, drowsiness, decreased appetite, anxiety and sexual side effects in men.These side effects occurred in 5 percent or more of study subjects and twice as often than those taking a placebo. A physician should be notified if these common side effects become persistent or distressing.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are less common but possible. Included are allergic reaction, drop in blood pressure when going from lying or sitting to standing, abnormal bleeding, hypomania or mania in individuals with bipolar disorder, excessive dilation of the pupils or blurred vision, teeth grinding, elevated cholesterol, and seizures. A doctor should be notified promptly of any of these serious side effects.
FDA Alert
According to NAMI, the FDA issued an alert in 2007 that warned antidepressants increase the risk of suicide in children, adolescents and young adults. It advises being alert to the development of anxiety, irritability, restlessness, aggressiveness and insomnia and to report them to a doctor immediately. A doctor must be notified for worsening symptoms, thoughts of suicide and unexpected changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of taking the medication.
Discontinuation Syndrome
Discontinuation syndrome refers to side effects that can occur when Pristiq is discontinued suddenly or when the dose is tapered or reduced. The April 2008 issue of the journal Pharmacy and Therapeutics explained that discontinuation syndrome can cause insomnia, diarrhea, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, fatigue, abnormal dreams and increased sweating. Abruptly stopping the medication is more frequently associated with irritability, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hypomania, ringing in the ears and seizure. These side effects normally resolve on their own, but serious symptoms have been reported.
Other Warnings
Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening adverse reaction that can occur when Pristiq or other antidepressants are taken together with medications used to treat migraine headaches called triptans, such as Imitrex. Seratonin syndrome is an emergency. Signs and symptoms include restlessness, loss of coordination, fast pulse, hallucinations, fever, changes in blood pressure, vomiting and diarrhea, overactive reflexes, and coma. Immediate hospitalization is needed If seratonin syndrome is suspected.
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