Medications
 
 

Pristiq Antidepressant

Pristiq® (
 desvenlafaxine succinate) is a drug that can help improve symptoms of depression by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Because Pristiq is long-acting, it is taken just once a day. Clinical studies of the antidepressant have shown that a lower dose (50 mg per day) is just as effective and causes fewer side effects, compared to a higher dose (100 mg per day).
 
Because this antidepressant may not be the best choice for everyone, talk to your healthcare provider about Pristiq's safety information before starting treatment. It's important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have certain medical conditions, make sure to discuss them as well. For example, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
 
(For more information on this antidepressant, click Pristiq. This article takes an in-depth look at the benefits of this drug, with information on what to do if you miss a dose and why your dose must be taken as prescribed.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD