What Is Desvenlafaxine Used For?

Desvenlafaxine is used for the treatment of depression. It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve the symptoms of depression. Occasionally, the medication can be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label desvenlafaxine uses may include the treatment of migraines, anxiety disorders, obesity, and ADHD.

Desvenlafaxine Succinate Drug Info

What Is Desvenlafaxine Used For? -- An Overview

Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq™) has been licensed to treat major depression. It belongs to a group of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Common symptoms of depression include:

Feeling hopeless or worthless
Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Suicidal thoughts.

Desvenlafaxine has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. However, many antidepressants often take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (such as pain or changes in sleep) improve first, sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment. It usually takes at least four to six weeks before significant changes in mood occur. Give desvenlafaxine a chance to work before becoming discouraged.

Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medications to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).

(What Is Desvenlafaxine Used For? Continued: Page 2)