Brand Name

Pristiq {Pfizer}

Generic Name

duloxetine, pronounced du LOX e teen

What is Pristiq? Pristiq is an antidepressant that is prescribed to treat major depressive disorder. Pristiq is in a group of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SSNRIs, and effects the chemicals in the brain that are thought to be unbalanced and cause depression. Pristiq may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

 

Key Facts About Pristiq

You should not take Pristiq if you are currently taking venlafaxine (Effexor) or an MAO inhibitor like furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You could suffer from a dangerous drug interaction if you take any of the above medications along with Pristiq.

When you first start taking Pristiq you may have thoughts about suicide, especially if you are younger than 24 years of age. You must tell your doctor if you have these thoughts, and be sure to keep regular appointments with your physician, particularly for the first 3 months of treatment.

If you have any new or worsening symptoms, like mood changes, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, impulsiveness, irritability, aggression, hyperactivity, or thoughts of suicide or harming yourself tell your doctor immediately.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Pristiq as it may increase certain side effects of this medication.

Be aware that Pristiq may impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything which requires you to be alert, especially when you first start Pristiq.

Pristiq may make you more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to wear protective clothing outdoors and an SPF 15 or higher. Do not use tanning salons while taking Pristiq.

Pristiq is in FDA pregnancy category C. Pristiq may cause problems in your baby if you take this medication late in pregnancy, during the third trimester. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Pristiq. Pristiq can pass into breast milk and can harm your nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are taking Pristiq.

You should not give Pristiq to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

 

Before You Take Pristiq

If you are allergic to desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine you should not take Pristiq.

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor like furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You will need to wait at least 14 days after stopping your MAO inhibitor before you can take Pristiq.

Tell your doctor if you want to stop taking Pristiq, especially if you want to go back to taking an MAO inhibitor. You will need to wait at least 7 days after stopping Pristiq before you can take an MOA inhibitor.

If you have untreated or uncontrolled glaucoma you may not be able to take Pristiq.

Tell your doctor before starting Pristiq if you have liver or kidney disease.

You should inform your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed as manic depressive, bipolar, or if you have had a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse.

If you have seizures or epilepsy you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Pristiq.

Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of stroke or low levels of sodium in your blood before you take Pristiq.

Let your doctor know if you are switching from another antidepressant to take Pristiq.

Before you take any medication for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling you should talk with your doctor. These medications may cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. Examples of these medications are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin (Indocin) and meloxicam (Mobic).

 

Pristiq Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• almotriptan (Axert)
• antibiotics like clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin) and telithromycin (Ketek)
• antidepressants
• antifungal medications like clotrimazole (Mycelex Troche), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal) and voriconazole (Vfend)
• cold or allergy medicines
• diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem)
• diuretics
• fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
• frovatriptan (Frova)
• indinavir (Crixivan)
• linezolid (Zyvox)
• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
• metoclopramide (Reglan)
• midazolam (Versed)
• muscle relaxers
• naratriptan (Amerge)
• nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• seizure medications
• sleeping pills
• St. John’s wort
• sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
• tramadol (Ultram, Ultracet, Rybix, Ryzolt, Synapryn)
• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan)
• verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Pristiq. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Pristiq

You should take Pristiq exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Pristiq in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You should take Pristiq at the same time every day.

Do not break, chew, crush, chew or open the delayed-release capsule of Pristiq.

It may take several weeks or longer before your symptoms improve while you are taking Pristiq. Continue using Pristiq as your doctor has directed you to do so. Do not stop using Pristiq without consulting your doctor, as you may experience adverse side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.

Pristiq needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Pristiq you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Pristiq may cause a false positive result on a drug screening. If you are having a drug test be sure to let the laboratory know that you are taking Pristiq.

 

Pristiq Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Pristiq and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• aggressive, agitated or hostile behavior
• anxiety or panic attacks
• bleeding more easily, nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• blood in your urine or stools
• bruising easily or more often
• coughing up blood
• depression that has increased
• difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• eye pain and blurriness, seeing halos around lights
• faint feeling
• fever
• hallucinations
• headaches
• increased heart rate
• insomnia or trouble sleeping
• restlessness or hyperactivity
• skin reaction that is severe and accompanied by a fever, sore throat, swelling of your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, and culminating with a red or purple skin rash that spreads in your face or upper body and causes blistering and peeling.
• stiff or rigid muscles
• tremors
• trouble breathing or shallow breath
• suicidal thoughts or thought about hurting yourself

 

Less serious side effects of Pristiq may include

• constipation
• decreased libido
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• impotence
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• mild nausea
• sweating that is increased
• tightness in your jaw

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Pristiq. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Pristiq Description and Dosing

Pristiq is available in Extended-Release Tablets which are in dosages of 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams.

The 50 milligram tablet is light pink, square- pyramid shaped and debossed with “W” over “50” on the flat side of the tablet.

The 100 milligram tablet is reddish-orange, square- pyramid shaped and debossed with “W” over “100” on the flat side of the tablet.

The recommended dose of Pristiq for major depressive disorder is 50 milligrams, one time daily, with or without food.

The dose of Pristiq is based on each individual. Your doctor will tell you what dose of Pristiq is right for you and will treat your condition effectively. You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Pristiq you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Pristiq

The primary active ingredient in Pristiq is desvenlafaxine. Inactive ingredients for the 50 milligram tablets are hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, magnesium stearate and film coating, which consists of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides.

Inactive ingredients for the 100 milligram tablets are hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, magnesium stearate and film coating, which consists of polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, iron oxide and FD&C yellow #6.

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