Pillwatch.com : Treating Depression with Pristiq

Treating Depression with Pristiq

The appearance of the new drugs on the market always gives the way to the new hopes of millions of people who are eager to discover one day their health conditions may finally be treated effectively and safely. In spite of the numerous medications, available on sale today, human kind still continues to lose the battle with diseases. That is the reason why we all look for the new drugs, as well as the reason why scientists go on searching for the options more effective than older medications. Manufacturers are also interested in the work of scholars and the brightest minds of today (usually interest manifests itself in the form of income rather than health of their customers).

Pristiq is a “brand new” medication indicated for the treatment of depression. It may also be used for the lessening of other mental illnesses symptoms as, for example, anxiety. Desvenlafaxine is the active ingredient of Pristiq, which is, actually similar to venlafaxine used in Effexor. It is a representative of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These drugs work in the human brain to balance the level of serotonin and norepinephrine – chemicals, which ensure the communication between brain nerve cells.

Any message is transmitted from one cell to another with the help of these chemicals, called “neurotransmitters”. They are released from one cell into the “gap” between it and the next cell. The latter absorbs some amount of the chemicals, thus receiving the message, but some quantity of neurotransmitters is absorbed by the initial cell as well (this process is called “reuptake”). SNRI drugs are used to prevent this reuptake so that the next cell would have larger amount of neurotransmitters to absorb.

Along with increasing the level of these neurotransmitters in the space between the cells, Pristiq has some other actions in the organism, which are considered undesirable. These side effects usually subside with time. They are headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting. Hypertension is also possible. One more adverse reaction refers to reproductive system of men: low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation abnormalities were reported.

One more note should be made about the possibility of depression aggravation at the beginning of the treatment with Pristiq; thus, doctor’s monitoring of the therapy is always a must. Any changes in the behavior (mood swifts, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, etc.) should be immediately reported to the doctor. People younger than 24 and older than 65 are at the greater risk of this type of side effect.

The benefit of Pristiq in comparison to the older medicines is that the form of this drug allows it to be released in the body in small doses for a long period of time. It results in the decrease of dizziness and drowsiness this medicine may otherwise cause.

Taking the drug exactly as prescribed by a doctor may significantly ease the therapy and prevent side effects occurrence. The common recommendations include not exceeding the dose, taking medicine before going to bed without chewing or crashing it, and not prolonging or reducing the treatment period. Discontinuation the drug slowly and gradually will help avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Pristiq may interact with many medications, for example, it should not be used with other antidepressants (MAOIs, tricyclics, lithium), anti-migraine medicines, weight-loss drugs, anticoagulants and blood-thinners, cold and anti-allergic medications, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and other pills.

Pregnant and breast-feeding women, sufferers of kidney, cardiovascular, and liver disorders, people with seizures and mental illnesses history may be contraindicated against the use of Pristiq, may need dose adjustment, or require constant doctor’s monitoring.

Ivanna

User Contributed Comments

keycontact

After taking pristiq I suffered a serious blood clot problem resulting with blood clots in groin, right leg and both lungs. Since that time I have learned that the palvix that I was taking (and had been taking for about 4 years) may well have resulted in a drug interaction that caused the blood clotting event. I had clots in my groin, right leg and both lungs. I am 51 years old and had never had a blood clot previously. I stayed in the hospital for 11 days and since I have gotten out, the blood clots caused what appears to be long term problems in my right leg and possibly the right side of my heart.

kdizzy

this medicine is great!

jools

I have been taking this drug for 3 weeks now after going off esipram 20mg. I have had no problems whatsoever, I like it better than Effexor XR. I think this is a winner for some, I feel quite well and motivated and happy. Downside for any kind of venlafaxine is the propensity for emotional numbness, u have to work on that.

AusK

I am a 41 year old woman and I have been taking Pristiq for 5 days. This is my first time taking any anti-depressants and the only side affects I've had is dizziness and blurred vision. I find it beneficial to take these tablets at night an hour before bed time and have noticed each day these side affects are subsiding. My family have a social stigma with depression that if your on medication you have mental problems that make you unsociable in the real world. Pristiq has given me happiness and hope to cope with everyday tasks and to smile again. I know my life will only get better and well as myself!

Ihave just been prescribed 50mg Pristiq along with a preexisting order for 80mg paxil. This seems like a bit much.

I have been taking the Pristiq for about a month and have to say it has helped me get my life back. In the begining I did feel a few hot flashes but that has passed. I felt like the wind up doll in the commercial. I hope it works as well for others who try it.

I am 47, I did have one blood clot prior to this but it was supposedly due to birth control pills. Now, after not having any clotting problems for 10 years I went on pristiq probably 6 months ago and wound up in hospital with clots in left leg and both lungs. The vascular surgeon took me off of Pristiq because he has seen other patients with clotting problems. I guess we will never know for sure if it was the pristiq but if you have had prior clotting problems I wouldn't recommend taking the chance

Hi - I have been taking pristiq for 50 mg for a few years because I want to stay on it. Emotionally it has helped me enormously. Side effects are minimal. If I miss a day I can feel the start of withdrawal which isn't pleasant. Going off of it must be gradual to avoid these symptoms. I don't want to go off and my Dr agrees.

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