Desvenlafaxine, aka O-desmethylvenlafaxine, is an antidepressant drug of the SNRI class, i.e. serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Desvenlafaxine is also targeted as the first non-hormonal based medication for menopause. Desvenlafaxine’s Doses of 50-400 mg/day were shown to be effective for major depressive disorders (MDD) in clinical studies. However, doses greater than 50 mg/day didn’t demonstrate any additional benefits, and adverse discontinuations and events were more common upon the intake of higher doses. Desvenlafaxine manufacturer sell this synthetic form of the major active metabolite of venlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorders.

The common and uncommon side effects of Desvenlafaxine

It is commonly suggested to call your doctor for an emergency medical help in case you show signs of an allergic reaction; skin rash or hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; and difficulty breathing after the consumption of Desvenlafaxine. Also, it is important to get medical attention if you have any new or worsening symptoms, such as mood or behavioral changes, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, anxiety, or if you feel impulsive, agitated, hostile, irritable, restless, aggressive, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Moreover, you need seek medical help right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as hallucinations, confusion, restlessness, fast heart rate, fever, loss of coordination, muscle stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Desvenlafaxine manufacturers also advise on calling your doctor in case you have a seizure (convulsions); blood in your urine or stools, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), coughing up blood; eye pain or swelling, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights; cough, trouble breathing, chest discomfort; or low levels of sodium in the body--headache, severe weakness, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, and unsteady feeling.

Common side effects of desvenlafaxine are: dizziness, anxiety drowsiness; increased sweating; decreased appetite, nausea, constipation; sleep problems (insomnia); or impotence, decreased sex drive, or difficulty having an orgasm.

How to avoid these side effects?

Remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergic reaction to desvenlafaxine, or to venlafaxine; or if you have any other allergies. The reason being, according to Desvenlafaxine manufacturers, this product may contain inactive ingredients which can lead to allergic reactions or other problems. The best option is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Furthermore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this medication, especially of any personal or family history of suicide attempts, personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (such as bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), high blood pressure, bleeding problems, heart problems (such as chest pain, heart failure, heart attack), history of stroke, kidney disease, seizure disorder, high cholesterol, liver disease, and low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia).

As this drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision or mental alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcohol or marijuana as it can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Consult with your doctor if you are going to use marijuana. Tell your doctor or dentist about all the medications and other products you use before having surgery (including nonprescription drugs, prescription drugs, and herbal products).

Remember, this is just observational side effects and not a complete list of side effects. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about any side effects that may occur from desvenlafaxine.



