Desvenlafaxina: uses, side effects and precautions
Currently, a large amount of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of psychological disorders . However, not all are equally effective depending on what cases. For this reason, it is necessary to have a wide variety of medicines.
In the case of desvenlafaxine, it has been established as a very effective drug for certain depressive disorders and anxious symptoms; being effective, safe and well tolerated by the people who consume it.
- Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"
What is desvenlafaxine?
Desvenlafaxine, commercially popularized under the name of Pristiq , is an antidepressant drug that is categorized within the group of Selective Inhibitors of Reuptake of Serotonin and Noradrenaline (SNRI).
To be more exact, desvenlafaxine, is a synthetic derivative of the main metabolite of venlafaxine , another antidepressant IRSN.
The main function of desvenlafaxine is to inhibit the noradrenaline and serotonin transporters, in this way an effect is exerted on the levels of these two neurotransmitters, which have a great implication in the regulation of people's mood.
- Related article: "IRSN: uses and side effects of these drugs"
In what disorders is prescribed?
Like other medications with antidepressant effects typical of this category, desvenlafaxine It has numerous applications in disorders such as major depressive disorder , anxiety disorders and the treatment of neuropathic pain.
In addition, it has established itself as the first non-hormonal treatment for emotional symptoms typical of the stage of menopause.
1. Major depressive disorder
Major depressive disorder is a condition of mood that is differentiated because the person experience feelings of sadness in an invasive and persevering way . As well as feelings of anger, frustration, low self-esteem and a loss of interest in everything that once was pleasurable.
In addition, this symptomatology must occur over a long period of time and interfering with most aspects of life.
- Related article: "Major depression: symptoms, causes and treatment"
2. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of different emotional conditions that are characterized by causing feelings of fear and pathological anxiety in the person.
Depending on the severity of the disorder or the condition of the patient, the emotions that characterize the anxiety disorders may go from a mere sensation of nervousness to panic crisis .
- Related article: "Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics"
3. Neuropathic pain
Pain of neuropathic origin is caused by a pathological activity of the nervous system , which can be presented in two different ways: either by sending painful signals without there being a real stimulus that causes them, or by interpreting common sensory stimuli as very painful.
4. Menopause
The hormonal changes of menopause can cause a series of psychological symptoms in women that affect, among many other things, your mood.
These symptoms of menopause include changes in mood or mood, sensations or anxious symptoms and irritability. Accompanied by insomnia, alterations in sexual desire or lack of concentration.
How is it administered?
Desvenlafaxine is marketed in the form of prolonged-release tablets to consume orally. Of course, it is essential to consume only under medical prescription, and following the letter of the instructions given. What comes next are the indications that are usually followed, but there are exceptions.
The usual dose is one tablet per day, which should be taken every day and at approximately the same time. This can be ingested with both food and water, in most cases. However, the patient should not break it, return it, or chew it; but it must swallow it whole.
It is totally necessary for the patient to follow the instructions of their doctor. This means that the dose can not be modified taking more than recommended or more frequently, since this can have serious consequences for the health of this.
It is possible that a variable period of time elapses before the patient begins to perceive the effects of desvenlafaxine. Despite this, it is imperative that this does not stop taking the medication. In the same way you should not leave it even if you feel that it already feels good.
The reason is that Abrupt withdrawal of this drug can cause symptoms of withdrawal syndrome . These symptoms include dizziness, nausea, feeling anxious, fatigue and sleep problems among many others.
At the end of the treatment, the doctor will gradually reduce the doses in order to minimize the effects mentioned above.
What side effects does it have?
Like many other antidepressant drugs, Desvenlafaxine has a series of side effects unwanted ones that can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects.
In the event that the patient experiences some type of non-severe side effect persistently, it is advisable to contact their doctor. While if you experience any of the serious side effects you need to inform the doctor as soon as possible.
Not serious side effects
- Vertigos
- Blurry vision and dilation of pupils.
- Fatigue sensation
- Dry mouth.
- Nightmares .
- Tremors
- Drowsiness .
- Problems in urination.
- Alterations in desire and sexual performance .
- Numbness or burning sensation in some body areas.
Serious side effects
These are the serious side effects of desvenlafaxine.
- Skin problems such as rash, hives or inflammation.
- Respiratory problems .
- Alterations in heart rhythm.
- Fever .
- Cough attacks
- Loss of knowledge
- Convulsions
- Hallucinations .
- Problems of concentration and memory.
- Sensation of confusion.
- Muscular weakness.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting .
- Lack of coordination
- Fainting.
What precautions should be taken?
Before starting the use of desvenlafaxine, patients should inform the medical professional about possible personal characteristics or habits that could interfere with the effects of the drug. For example, any allergy, illness or special health condition in which you are . In addition, it is also necessary that the doctor is aware of any medication, vitamin supplement or natural compound that is consuming.
The sedative effects of desvenlafaxine can be increased with alcohol consumption , so the patient should take special precaution in this regard.
These sedative effects can also affect the driving and handling of heavy machinery, so it is recommended not to perform these activities until the patient is sure of the effects that the medication causes.
Finally, it has been shown that desvenlafaxine can cause some health problems in newborn children when it has been consumed during the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary for the doctor to know if the patient is pregnant or intends to stay, and only administer it in cases where it is absolutely necessary.
