Desvenlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets

DESVENLAFAXINE (des VEN la FAX een) treats depression. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, substances that help regulate mood. It belongs to a group of medications called SNRIs.

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop. Stopping it too quickly can cause serious side effects. It can also make your condition worse.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
• Seizures
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Change in sex drive or performance
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mania or bipolar disorder
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
• An unusual reaction to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Linezolid
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Methylene blue (injected into a vein)

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Certain medications for migraines, such as sumatriptan
• Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin
• NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Opioids
• Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
• St. John's wort
• Tryptophan

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

This medication may cause thoughts of suicide or depression. This includes sudden changes in mood, behaviors, or thoughts. These changes can happen at any time but are more common in the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. Call your care team right away if you experience these thoughts or worsening depression.

The medication may cause increased blood pressure. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.