Pristiq, also known as Desvenlafaxine, is an antidepressant that decreases symptoms of clinical depression by regulating the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is classed as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the chemical processes that get rid of serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are naturally occurring chemicals that cause contented and positive emotions. By stopping the reuptake of serotonin, the medicine ensures that the brain has enough chemicals to produce happy emotions. By stopping the reuptake of norepinephrine, the physically draining effect that makes depressed people lack energy is counteracted. The names Pristiq and Desvenlafaxine will be used interchangeably.
What Is Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)?
Pristiq, also known as Desvenlafaxine, is an antidepressant that decreases symptoms of clinical depression by regulating the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is classed as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the chemical processes that get rid of serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are naturally occurring chemicals that cause contented and positive emotions.
By stopping the reuptake of serotonin, the medicine ensures that the brain has enough chemicals to produce happy emotions. By stopping the reuptake of norepinephrine, the physically draining effect that makes depressed people lack energy is counteracted. The names Pristiq and Desvenlafaxine will be used interchangeably.
What Are the Side Effects Of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)?
Many of the common side effects of Desvenlafaxine impact the digestive tract. Nausea, constipation, and a decrease in appetite is common. Some patients experience dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Pristiq causes a rise in blood pressure, so patients who already have hypertension should be especially careful when taking this medication.
Since Desvenlafaxine has an effect on the body’s serotonin levels, there is a risk for serotonin toxicity, which means that the body accumulates a dangerously high amount of the chemical. The risk of this side effect is heightened if a patient takes more than the prescribed dosage or is taken Pristiq in conjunction with another medicine that targets serotonin levels. Serotonin toxicity presents itself in the form of severe diarrhea, fever, muscle spasms, and sudden restlessness.
Some of the most serious side effects are chest pain, severe headaches, shortness of breath, black bowel movements, swollen eyes, and vomit that resembles coffee grounds. These symptoms should be treated as an emergency.
As with any foreign substance, there is a risk of an anaphylactic shock for people who are allergic to the ingredients of Desvenlafaxine. If a patient has a pre-existing disease, it should be discussed with a doctor before beginning to take Pristiq. There are many, less common, side effects that are not a threat to the average person but can cause serious problems for someone who already has another disease. Any strange symptoms, especially those that begin suddenly after beginning to take the medication, should be discussed with a doctor.
How Does Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Interact With Alcohol?
In respects to alcohol, the most concerning side effect of Prirstiq is the fact that it causes drowsiness. Alcohol also leads to drowsiness. When these two substances are taken at the same time, their respective side effects can be combined. While alcohol may cause a little drowsiness and Desvenlafaxine may cause a little drowsiness, the combination of the two can cause a loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
It should be noted that the potentially lethal interactions between alcohol and Desvenlafaxine can occur when the two chemicals are ingested at the same time, but complications can also arise when alcohol is consumed while Pristiq is still left over, so to speak, in the body. Since each person’s body is different, it is possible for the medication to linger in the system of one person longer than it would in that of another’s. Hence, it is essential that patients taking Desvenlafaxine should not drink alcohol at all while on the medication.
How to Avoid Mixing Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) And Alcohol?
Communication with your doctor is the most important step. It is important to let your doctor know have a substance use disorder even if you are currently sober. It is especially important to let your doctor know if you are currently struggling with substance use.
While there are no ingredients in Pristiq that can predispose one to recurrence of use, its important to realize that any recurrence can is potentially lethal and should be immediately reported to the doctor.
Your doctor can be a gateway to amazing resources that can help you on your journey to sobriety. There are a wide variety of substance use treatment styles to fit different people. Each person is at a different step in their lifelong journey to recovery, and people’s lifestyles and support systems differ. That’s why both medical and community-based organizations offer treatment options that are just as unique as the individuals who use them.
Desvenlafaxine offers treatment for clinical depression, which can certainly be a contributing factor, or at least a complicating factor, to substance use disorders. Successful treatment for substance use disorders, coupled with treatment for depression, can lead to a much happier and healthier life both mentally and physically.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.