Do not use Pristiq within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Do not stop using this medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Pristiq if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine (Effexor).
Do not use Pristiq within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.
Some medicines can interact with desvenlafaxine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a stroke;
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
depression, suicidal thoughts;
liver or kidney disease;
glaucoma;
seizures or epilepsy;
lung or breathing problems;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
low levels of sodium in your blood.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Ask your doctor about taking Pristiq if you are pregnant. Taking desvenlafaxine during late pregnancy could increase your risk of excessive bleeding just after you give birth, and may cause serious medical complications in the baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking Pristiq without your doctor's advice.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of desvenlafaxine on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Pristiq is not FDA-approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
