Pristiq antidepressant, also known as desvenlafaxine, belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Pristiq antidepressant is known to increase the serotonin and norepinephrine activity in the brain, thus regulating mood and helping people dealing with constant mood swings and depression.

Prescribed to treat serious depressive conditions, Pristiq antidepressant should not be had if an individual is being already treated with either linezolid or methylene blue injection. It is best not to have Pristiq antidepressants 7 days before or 14 days after having had an MAO inhibitor, like methylene blue injection, isocarboxazid, linezolid, rasagiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or selegiline. People starting a course of antidepressants may experience suicidal thoughts about suicide. What is important here is to be consciously aware of the mood shifts and report it to the doctor in order to get better medical help.

Pristiq antidepressants should not be had if you are sensitive to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine (Effexor).
There are certain medications that have been observed to negatively interact with Pristiq antidepressants and can lead to a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome. It is best to be clear of the medications that you are taking and give a full note to your doctor if in case you are taking herbal products, opioid medicine, or other medication for depression or any other mental illnesses.

Following are the points that should be clearly conveyed to your doctor or physician before starting Pristiq antidepressant.
To be sure that Pristiq is safe for you, tell your specialist if you have ever had:
– Heart disease, heart stroke, and/or high cholesterol levels
– High blood pressure
– Bipolar disorder (also termed as manic depression)
– Depression
– Suicidal thoughts
– Liver or kidney disease
– Glaucoma
– Seizures or epilepsy
– A bleeding or blood clotting disorder
– Low sodium levels in the blood
Women who are expecting and are in their third trimester should avoid taking Pristiq antidepressants as these cause problems in a newborn baby. Tell your doctor if in case you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before starting the Pristiq antidepressant treatment. Also, women who have just delivered newborns should not take Pristiq antidepressants as these would get mixed into the breast milk and can harm the baby in the long run.

How to take the Pristiq antidepressant
Consult your doctor before starting any medication. Follow the directions given by your doctor when starting the Pristiq antidepressant treatment. Remember not to take medications as per your wish. Never ever take such medications in smaller or larger amounts or for more than the time period it is been recommended for.

Here are few points to remember:
– Pristiq antidepressants can be had on an empty or full stomach. Just remember to take it the same time.
– Swallow the medicine as a whole; do not crush or chew it.
– Keep a tab on your blood pressure and report it to your doctor in case of abnormalities.

No medicine works immediately. In order to be able to see the positive effects of Pristiq antidepressants, give the medication a couple of weeks. Use the medication as prescribed, and do not stop its usage without consulting your doctor or else you will experience unpleasant side effects if you suddenly stop taking your medication.

Alcohol is the worst enemy if you are being treated with Pristiq antidepressants. Not only does it harm the liver but can also release some unpleasant effects when it is mixed with Pristiq. Speak to your doctor and ask for medications that can be coupled with Pristiq in order to get relief from pain, fever, or swelling in the body. These medications normally includeibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), diclofenac, celecoxib (Celebrex), etc.

Side effects of Pristiq antidepressants
If, in case, you notice any signs of allergic reactions after having a dosage of Pristiq antidepressants, such as rashes or hives, seek medical help immediately. Other symptoms include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or gullet. Immediately call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
– Convulsions or seizure
– Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
– Blood in the urine and/or stools
– Throwing blood whilst coughing
– Swelling in the eye along with a hazy vision
– Difficulty in coordination
– Tightness in the chest and slight trouble in breathing
– Low sodium level—weakness coupled with hallucinations and constant headaches

Some of the common side-effects of Pristiq antidepressants are:
– Drowsiness, dizziness, and anxiety
– Sweating profusely
– Decreased appetite and constipation
– Insomnia—difficulty in sleeping
– Reduced sex drive, difficulty having an orgasm and/or impotency.

Things to avoid when on Pristiq antidepressants
Combining Pristiq antidepressants with other drugs will not only make you drowsy but will also have severe side-effects. It is best to consult a qualified doctor before starting any narcotic medication, sleeping pills, and/or prescription for depression, anxiety, or seizures.

The cost of Pristiq antidepressants
The Pristiq price guide mentioned below is based on the Drugs.com discount card which is acknowledged in most of US pharmacies. The prices mentioned below are for customers who pay by cash and do not stand correct or valid with cash insurance plans.
25 mg Pristiq oral tablet – approximately $372.70 onwards for 30 tablets
50 mg Pristiq oral tablet – approximately $178.48 onwards for 14 tablets.