Directions
How should I take Pristiq?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Follow all directions on the prescription label and any medication guides if provided. The dose may be increased or decreased based on your response, and never take a larger or smaller amount than the prescribed dose.
Like other antidepressant drugs, it may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve. You should continue to take Pristiq as prescribed and let your healthcare provider know if you have any new or worsening symptoms after 4 to 6 weeks.
You should take this medication around the same time every day.
Pristiq can be taken with or without food, and tablets must be swallowed whole with plenty of fluid. You should not crush, chew, cut, or dissolve Pristiq because it is an extended-release medication.
You will need to check your blood pressure often while taking Pristiq, especially if you already have high blood pressure or a heart condition.
Some Pristiq tablets are made with shells that do not get dissolved in the body. These medication shells may appear in your stool. You should not be alarmed as this is normal, and it does not mean that the medication is not effective.
Tell your doctor if you experience any changes in sexual function, such as decreased sex drive, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or problems with erections or ejaculation for men.
You should not stop taking Pristiq suddenly. Sudden discontinuation of Pristiq can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, confusion, dizziness, vomiting, sweating, numbness, or tingling. Ask your doctor how to reduce the dose of Pristiq gradually.
If you are switching from other antidepressant therapy to Pristiq:
- Gradually reducing the dose of the other antidepressant medication is recommended to minimize discontinuation symptoms.
If you are switching to or from a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI):
MAOIs are a class of drugs used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.
- Going from an MAOI to Pristiq: at least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of Pristiq treatment.
- Going from Pristiq to an MAOI: at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping Pristiq and before initiation of an MAOI.
If you are already on Pristiq and need urgent treatment in the hospital with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous (IV) methylene blue treatment, you should stop taking it immediately.
- You will be monitored for serotonin syndrome for 7 days or 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or IV methylene blue, whichever comes first.
- Pristiq treatment may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or IV methylene blue.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Discuss this with your healthcare provider. Do not double the amount or take more than prescribed to make up for the missed dose.
Storage: Keep the medication in its original container; keep it tightly closed, out of reach of children, pets, and other people. Like any medications dispensed only with prescriptions, Pristiq should not be shared with anyone. Many people store their medications in the bathroom; this is not recommended due to moisture and heat.
Unused medicine: Like other prescription medications, do not consume Pristiq after the expiration date. This medication is a prescription drug that is intended for your use only. Unneeded medicines should be disposed of appropriately to prevent children, pets, and other people from getting to them. Your local pharmacy can provide information about medication drug take-back programs. You can also learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible information. If you have more questions or concerns about Pristiq, talk to your pharmacist or doctor to ensure that this information applies to you or your family member.
Discounted prices for Pristiq
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