Warnings
What are the risks of taking Pristiq?
Pristiq can cause serious health problems in certain groups of people. You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about other treatment options. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors:
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What should I tell my doctor before starting Pristiq?
You should not take Pristiq if you are allergic to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine (Effexor).
Pristiq is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.
During the first 4 to 6 weeks of antidepressant therapy, young adults under 24 years old have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideation. You should let your doctor know if there is any change in your mood and behavior. Ask your family, friends, or caregiver to be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms of depression.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Taking Pristiq during the third trimester can cause bleeding problems after giving birth. However, do not stop taking Pristiq without your doctor’s instructions. Your depression may relapse if you stop taking your antidepressant.
Let your healthcare provider know if you plan to breastfeed, as Pristiq may not be safe for the baby.
Tell your doctor if you are taking opioid medication, stimulant medication, medicine for depression, herbal treatment (such as St. John’s wort), medicine for Parkinson’s disease, migraine headache, infections (such as linezolid), or anti-nausea and vomiting pills. Drug interactions between these medication classes and Pristiq can cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can also interact with Pristiq. Some examples of MAOIs are linezolid (Zyvox), intravenous methylene blue, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Do not use Pristiq within 7 days or 14 days after using an MAOI. This drug interaction can cause serious medical complications.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or stroke
- Major depressive disorder (depression), suicidal thoughts
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Liver or kidney problems
- Glaucoma
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Low blood sodium
- A bleeding or clotting disorder
- Sexual problems
- Lung or breathing problems
What proper medical care should I take while on Pristiq?
- Keep all your doctor and blood work appointments to ensure the safety and efficacy of Pristiq therapy.
- Avoid driving, operating hazardous machinery, or performing activities requiring mental alertness at the beginning of therapy because Pristiq can impair your thinking or reactions.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Pristiq; alcohol can make the adverse effects from Pristiq worse.
- Ask your healthcare professionals before using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
- If you have surgery, including dental surgery, you should tell your dentist that you are taking Pristiq.
What drugs can interact with Pristiq?
Taking Pristiq with other medications that make you drowsy can worsen this side effect.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a sleep aid, an opioid pain killer, a muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal medicines, can increase your risk of bleeding if you take them with Pristiq:
- Warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Flector), indomethacin, meloxicam (Mobic), and others.
This is not a complete list. Other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, and vitamins, may interact with Pristiq. Not all potential drug interactions are listed in this guide. It is highly recommended to keep a list of all the drug products you are using (prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, natural products, and vitamins) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
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