pristiq
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine Succinate) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Desvenlafaxine Succinate · by Pf Prism Cv
Available as a generic: Desvenlafaxine Succinate
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Desvenlafaxine Succinate
- Form
- Tablet, extended release
- Strength
- Desvenlafaxine Succinate EQ 100MG Base · Desvenlafaxine Succinate EQ 25MG Base · Desvenlafaxine Succinate EQ 50MG Base
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- major depressive disorder
- Manufacturer
- Pf Prism Cv
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$115.24 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA021992
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Pristiq?
From the FDA label:PRISTIQ is an extended-release tablet for oral administration that contains desvenlafaxine succinate, a structurally novel SNRI for the treatment of MDD. Desvenlafaxine (O-desmethylvenlafaxine) is the major active metabolite of the antidepressant venlafaxine, a medication used to treat major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine is designated RS -4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]phenol and has the empirical formula of C 16 H 25 NO 2 (free base) and C 16 H 25 NO 2 ∙C 4 H 6 O 4 ∙H 2 O (succinate monohydrate). Desvenlafaxine succinate monohydrate has a molecular weight of 399.48. The structural formula is shown below. Desvenlafaxine succinate is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water. The solubility of desvenlafaxine succinate is pH dependent. Its octanol:aqueous system (at pH 7.0) partition coefficient is 0.21. PRISTIQ is formulated as an extended-release tablet for once-a-day oral administration. Each tablet contains 38 mg, 76 mg or 152 mg of desvenlafaxine succinate equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg of desvenlafaxine, respectively. Inactive ingredients for the 25 mg tablet consist of hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, magnesium stearate, a film coating which consists of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides. Inactive ingredients for the 50 mg tablet consist of hypromellose, microcrystalline…
How to use
Recommended dose: 50 mg once daily with or without food ( 2.1 ). • There was no evidence that doses greater than 50 mg per day confer any additional benefit ( 2.1 ). • The 25 mg per day dose is intended for a gradual reduction in dose when discontinuing treatment or dosing in severe renal and end-stage renal disease patients ( 2.1 ). • Discontinuation: Reduce dose gradually whenever possible ( 2.1 ). • Take tablets whole; do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve ( 2.1 ). • Moderate renal impairment: Maximum dose 50 mg per day ( 2.2 ). • Severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease: Maximum dose 25 mg per day or 50 mg every other day ( 2.2 ). • Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: Maximum dose 100 mg per day ( 2.3 ). 2.1 General Instructions for Use The recommended dose for PRISTIQ is 50 mg once daily, with or without food. The 50 mg dose is both a starting dose and the therapeutic dose. PRISTIQ should be taken at approximately the same time each day. Tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. In clinical studies, doses of 10 mg to 400 mg per day were studied. In clinical studies, doses of 50 mg to 400 mg per day were shown to be effective, although no additional benefit was demonstrated at doses greater than 50 mg per day and adverse reactions and discontinuations were more frequent at higher doses. The 25 mg per day dose…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label. • Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4) ] • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Elevated Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] • Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] • Interstitial Lung Disease and Eosinophilic Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] • Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and twice the rate of placebo in the 50 or 100 mg dose groups) were: nausea, dizziness, insomnia, hyperhidrosis, constipation, somnolence, decreased appetite, anxiety, and specific male sexual function disorders ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . PRISTIQ is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants ( 5.1 ). • Closely monitor for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors ( 5.1 ). • PRISTIQ is not approved for use in pediatric patients ( 8.4 ).
Warnings
Important safety information
Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If it occurs, discontinue PRISTIQ and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment ( 5.2 ). • Elevated Blood Pressure: Control hypertension before initiating treatment. Monitor blood pressure regularly during treatment ( 5.3 ). • Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, NSAIDs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may increase this risk ( 5.4 ). • Angle Closure Glaucoma: Avoid use of antidepressants, including PRISTIQ, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated ( 5.5 ). • Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Use cautiously in patients with Bipolar Disorder. Caution patients about risk of activation of mania/hypomania ( 5.6 ). • Discontinuation Syndrome: Taper dose when possible and monitor for discontinuation symptoms ( 5.7 ). • Seizure: Can occur. Use cautiously in patients with seizure disorder ( 5.8 ). • Hyponatremia: Can occur in association with SIADH ( 5.9 ). • Interstitial Lung Disease and Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Can occur ( 5.10 ). • Sexual Dysfunction: PRISTIQ may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction ( 5.11 ). 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients Patients with MDD, both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled studies of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled studies in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term studies of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled studies in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term studies (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1. Table 1 Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 14 additional cases 18 to 24 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 1 fewer case ≥65 6 fewer cases No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric studies. There were suicides in the adult studies, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide. It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance studies in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases. The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality. Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. If the decision has been made to discontinue treatment, medication should be tapered, as rapidly as is feasible, but with recognition that abrupt discontinuation can be associated with certain symptoms [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for PRISTIQ should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose. Screening Patients for Bipolar Disorder A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed (though not established in controlled studies) that treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in patients at risk for bipolar disorder. Whether any of the symptoms described above represent such a conversion is unknown. However, prior to initiating treatment with an antidepressant, patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that PRISTIQ is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including PRISTIQ, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Serotonin syndrome can also occur…
Who should not take Pristiq
Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine succinate, venlafaxine hydrochloride or to any excipients in the PRISTIQ formulation. Angioedema has been reported in patients treated with PRISTIQ [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . • The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with PRISTIQ or within 7 days of stopping treatment with PRISTIQ is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of PRISTIQ within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. • Starting PRISTIQ in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration (2.8) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. • Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine succinate, venlafaxine hydrochloride or any excipients in the PRISTIQ formulation ( 4 ). • Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs : Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with PRISTIQ or within 7 days of stopping treatment with PRISTIQ. Do not use PRISTIQ within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start PRISTIQ in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue ( 4 ).
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
10.1 Human Experience with Overdosage There is limited clinical trial experience with desvenlafaxine succinate overdosage in humans. However, desvenlafaxine (PRISTIQ) is the major active metabolite of venlafaxine. Overdose experience reported with venlafaxine (the parent drug of PRISTIQ) is presented below; the identical information can be found in the Overdosage section of the venlafaxine package insert. In postmarketing experience, overdose with venlafaxine (the parent drug of PRISTIQ) has occurred predominantly in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. The most commonly reported events in overdosage include tachycardia, changes in level of consciousness (ranging from somnolence to coma), mydriasis, seizures, and vomiting. Electrocardiogram changes (e.g., prolongation of QT interval, bundle branch block, QRS prolongation), sinus and ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, rhabdomyolysis, vertigo, liver necrosis, serotonin syndrome, and death have been reported. Published retrospective studies report that venlafaxine overdosage may be associated with an increased risk of fatal outcomes compared to that observed with SSRI antidepressant products, but lower than that for tricyclic antidepressants. Epidemiological studies have shown that venlafaxine-treated patients have a higher pre-existing burden of suicide risk factors than SSRI-treated patients. The extent…
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with PRISTIQ Table 8: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with PRISTIQ Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SSRIs and SNRIs including PRISTIQ with MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Concomitant use of PRISTIQ is contraindicated: • With an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders or within 7 days of stopping treatment with PRISTIQ. • Within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. • In a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) , Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Examples selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of PRISTIQ with other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome when PRISTIQ is used concomitantly with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of PRISTIQ and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Examples other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact Concomitant use of PRISTIQ with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug may potentiate the risk of bleeding. This may be due to the effect of PRISTIQ on the release of serotonin by platelets. Intervention Closely monitor for bleeding for patients receiving an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug when PRISTIQ is initiated or discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . Examples NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin Drugs that are Primarily Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact Concomitant use of PRISTIQ increases C max and AUC of a drug primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 which may increase the risk of toxicity of the CYP2D6 substrate drug [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention Original dose should be taken when co-administered with PRISTIQ 100 mg or lower. Reduce the dose of these drugs by up to one-half if co-administered with 400 mg of PRISTIQ. Examples desipramine, atomoxetine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine 7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with PRISTIQ Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment is required for drugs that are mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam), or for drugs that are metabolized by both CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 (e.g., tamoxifen, aripiprazole), when administered concomitantly with PRISTIQ [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.3 Alcohol A clinical study has shown that PRISTIQ does not increase the impairment of mental and motor skills caused by ethanol. However, as with all CNS-active drugs, patients should be advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking PRISTIQ. 7.4 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine have been reported in patients taking desvenlafaxine. This is due to lack of specificity of the screening tests. False positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of desvenlafaxine therapy. Confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, will distinguish desvenlafaxine from PCP and amphetamine.
Drug class
How this class works, per Duloxetine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Pristiq ranks — best-rated serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for:
Dosage forms
Tablet, extended release
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Pristiq treat?
- Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine Succinate) may be used to treat major depressive disorder, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Pristiq work?
- Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. SNRIs slow the reabsorption of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, back into nerve cells. This leaves more of both available in the gaps between neurons to keep signaling, which can improve mood, anxiety, and certain types of chronic pain.
- How much does Pristiq cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $115.24 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Cymbalta — about $3.41 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Pristiq?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Pristiq. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Pristiq?
- Pristiq is marketed by Pf Prism Cv. You can see Pf Prism Cv's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Pristiq a brand-name or generic drug?
- Pristiq is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Desvenlafaxine Succinate. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Desvenlafaxine Succinate are available — ask your pharmacist.
- Is Pristiq available over the counter?
- No. Pristiq is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Pristiq come in?
- Pristiq is currently marketed as tablet, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Pristiq?
- Pristiq is classified as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Pristiq FDA-registered?
- Pristiq is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021992. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Pristiq safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Pristiq. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Pristiq?
- Pristiq's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label. • Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4) ] • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precaut… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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