When receiving treatment for depression, your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant like Pristiq if other options like therapy and lifestyle changes aren’t helping on their own.
While Pristiq can be effective, there have also been reports from organizations like the National Institutes of Health that it can cause serious side effects or withdrawals for certain individuals. Therefore, it’s important to be educated about this medication’s effects before taking it or stopping its use.
Introduction to Pristiq
Desvenlafaxine, known by the brand name Pristiq, is an antidepressant medication.
It falls under a category of antidepressants called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Essentially, this medication works by boosting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are both key neurotransmitters that affect your mood, emotions, and stress response. Those struggling with depression may have low or imbalanced levels of these hormones, so boosting them can help reduce symptoms.
Mechanism of Action
SNRIs like Pristiq boost serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain through a process called reuptake inhibition.
Typically, when your brain releases these neurotransmitters, they’ll eventually get absorbed by nerve cells in the body. However, an SNRI will block their reuptake into the body and, instead, keep them in the brain for a longer duration. Therefore, it’ll boost your overall levels of these key hormones.
Common Side Effects of Pristiq
Like any medication, Pristiq may have some side effects. Common ones include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Increased sweating
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
If you notice these side effects happening and they don’t go away after a short time, you should consult your doctor. They may be able to provide tips to manage them, adjustments to your dosage so they stop, or recommend an alternative medication you can try.
Serious Side Effects and Risks
As mentioned, there have also been reports of serious side effects from Pristiq. You should seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): In rare cases, some taking Pristiq may see elevated blood pressure levels. If left untreated, high blood pressure could cause heart attack, stroke, and several other serious health problems. Common signs of high blood pressure are headaches, chest pain, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
- Serotonin syndrome: This occurs when the serotonin levels in the brain become too high. It can lead to serious side effects like muscle rigidity, high fever, and seizures. Serotonin syndrome usually happens when you take too high of a dose of an antidepressant, so carefully following your doctor’s instructions and checking in if anything doesn’t feel right is important.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Studies have indicated that having a bad reaction to antidepressants like Pristiq can cause suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or a loved one starts noticing this after taking Pristiq, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Pristiq Withdrawal Symptoms
You can become dependent on Pristiq and may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. This is especially common at higher doses or when the medication is suddenly stopped after taking it for a long time. Common symptoms of Pristiq withdrawal are:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Sensory disturbances (also called brain zaps) – can feel like a brief shock sensation or buzzing in the brain
Guidelines for Discontinuing Pristiq
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before suddenly stopping Pristiq. A doctor can help you safely taper off antidepressants to reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms.
If a doctor’s assessment determines you may experience more serious side effects when stopping it, a medical detox might be recommended. That would provide around-the-clock medical support to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible.
Pristiq Dependence and Addiction
Generally, antidepressants like Pristiq aren’t considered addictive in the traditional sense. Most people won’t take them to get high since they don’t produce those effects. However, someone could still become psychologically or physically dependent on them.
Psychological dependence occurs when someone feels like they can’t function normally when they aren’t taking a drug. So, after stopping Pristiq, someone could experience things like increased anxiety or mood swings due to that effect.
Physical dependence occurs when the body’s system becomes accustomed to having a substance in it. For example, the brain can get used to Pristiq boosting serotonin and norepinephrine levels. That’s why, without it, you could experience symptoms like brain zaps since the brain is trying to adjust without the medication.
Addiction Treatment Options
Since Pristiq can have these effects, seeking proper treatment when coming off it can be very beneficial. Some common addiction treatment options that can help are:
- Medical detox: This is the first step of addiction treatment. Medical professionals would generally help you taper off of Pristiq and manage any withdrawal symptoms that occur as it leaves your system. You’ll have 24/7 medical support to make it as safe and comfortable as possible.
- Behavioral therapy: Therapeutic options like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) are helpful throughout the process of treating depression. Continuing therapy after coming off antidepressants is crucial to manage any doubts and symptoms that occur for continued success.
- Support groups: Attending support group meetings when coming off antidepressants can also help. It’ll provide a community feel so you can connect with others and don’t feel like you’re doing it all on your own.
- Aftercare: Many treatment centers will provide aftercare support. That can include scheduled check-ins or connecting you with local resources in the area so you can continue therapy and manage any latent symptoms of addiction.
Opting for treatment options that offer individualized programs tailored to your needs is highly beneficial. Studies show that individualized care can lead to higher success rates.
United Recovery Project’s Services
The United Recovery Project is here to help if you or someone you care about is worried about withdrawal symptoms when coming off of Pristiq. We offer both residential care and medical detox for drug and alcohol addiction.
All our plans are tailored to your needs, and you’ll have the support of our friendly and knowledgeable treatment staff each step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.
References
- “These Highlights Do Not Include All the Information Needed to Use PRISTIQ Safely and Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information for PRISTIQ. PRISTIQ® (Desvenlafaxine) Extended-Release Tablets, for Oral UseInitial U.S. Approval: 2008.” https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=0f43610c-f290-46ea-d186-4f998ed99fce
- American Heart Association. “Health Threats from High Blood Pressure.” American Heart Association, 4 Mar. 2022, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure
- Reeves, Roy R., and Mark E. Ladner. “Antidepressant-Induced Suicidality: An Update.” CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, vol. 16, no. 4, 11 June 2010, p. no-no, doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00160.x. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6493906/
- van. “Precision in Addiction Care: Does It Make a Difference?” The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, vol. 88, no. 4, 24 Nov. 2015, p. 415, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4654192/
