Desvenlafaxine is a prescription drug used in the treatment of depression. It is an SSNRI or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that, according to the Mayo Clinic, functions by raising the level of activity in the brain of norepinephrine and serotonin. It is available as an extended-release pill.
Changes in Libido
The use of desvenlafaxine as an antidepressant may cause some sexual side effects. These generally are short-term temporary problems that should go away with continued use of the medication as your body gets used to it. If they don't go away on their own, your doctor might change your antidepressant medication away from desvenlafaxine or she may have advice to change the effects. Sexual side effects of desvenlafaxine may include less interest in having sexual intercourse, inability to reach orgasm, impotence, taking longer to reach orgasm or a loss or decrease in ability or performance during sex. While many of these affect men, women also can fail to achieve orgasm when using desvenlafaxine. This is called anorgasmia.
Psychiatric and Nervous System
In clinical trials of desvenlafaxine, according to RxList.com, some patients complained of both psychiatric and nervous disorders. These types of side effects may disappear on their own after acclimation to the medicine, but may need a doctor's intervention. These included unusual or strange dreams, dizziness, drowsiness, irritability, headaches, nervousness, tremors, anxiety, attention deficits and insomnia.
Other Side Effects
These, too, generally are side effects of desvenlafaxine that may occur upon initial use. You should notify your doctor about them only if they persist or are too annoying to deal with. These types of problems include yawning, taste changes including the inability to taste food, chills, decreased bodily strength, weight loss, fear, jitteriness, urination difficulties, loss of hearing, uncommon feeling of bodily warmth and light sensitivity in the eyes. Other problems reported in clinical trials include heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, hypertension (high blood pressure), nausea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and lowered appetite.
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