Desvenlafaxine

DESVENLAFAXINE

Manufacturer: Bryant Ranch Prepack

Score: 148.0

Quick Summary

Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The recommended dose is 50 mg once daily, with or without food. Desvenlafaxine should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any excipients in the formulation. The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with desvenlafaxine or within 7 days of stopping treatment with desvenlafaxine is contraindicated due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking desvenlafaxine, and the drug should be gradually reduced when discontinuing therapy to minimize discontinuation symptoms.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Desvenlafaxine is indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD)
The recommended dose is 50 mg once daily, with or without food
Desvenlafaxine has been shown to be effective in clinical studies, with a significant reduction in symptoms of depression

Important Safety Information

Warning

Desvenlafaxine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, or any excipients in the formulation
Use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with desvenlafaxine or within 7 days of stopping treatment with desvenlafaxine
Starting desvenlafaxine in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

Adverse Reactions

Nausea
Dizziness
Insomnia
Hyperhidrosis
Constipation
Somnolence
Decreased appetite
Anxiety
Specific male sexual function disorders

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with renal or hepatic impairment

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Adult Dose

50 mg once daily, with or without food

Pediatric Dose

Not established

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

There are no published studies on desvenlafaxine in pregnant women
Desvenlafaxine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus

Nursing Mothers

Desvenlafaxine is excreted in human milk
Caution should be exercised when desvenlafaxine is administered to a nursing woman

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of desvenlafaxine have not been established in pediatric patients
Antidepressants, such as desvenlafaxine, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients

Geriatric Use

Of the 4,158 patients in pre-marketing clinical studies with desvenlafaxine, 6% were 65 years of age or older
No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger patients