Pristiq® (desvenlafaxine succinate) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is licensed for the treatment of major depression. Also known as just "depression," this condition is more than just feeling sad. People suffering from it also feel helpless, worthless, and possibly suicidal. Pristiq affects the levels of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help relieve these and other symptoms.
When prescribed in an off-label fashion, Pristiq can be used for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among other things. This is because it is similar to venlafaxine (Effexor®, Effexor® XR), which is approved for these conditions. "Off-label" means that Pristiq is being used to treat a condition it is not approved to treat, such as anxiety.
(Click Pristiq Uses for more information on using this drug for anxiety and other conditions. This page also explains how Pristiq works and discusses its use in children.)
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