From the Guidelines
Desvenlafaxine is a recommended treatment option for adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who do not remit after an initial adequate trial with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) 1. Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is typically prescribed at a starting dose of 50 mg once daily, taken with or without food. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg daily, with limited additional benefit observed at higher doses. Some key points to consider when prescribing desvenlafaxine include:
- It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being 1.
- Patients should take this medication at approximately the same time each day and continue treatment even after feeling better, as abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headache, and irritability.
- If discontinuation is necessary, the dose should be gradually tapered under medical supervision.
- Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, sweating, constipation, decreased appetite, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Desvenlafaxine may interact with other medications, particularly MAO inhibitors, which should not be taken within 14 days of starting or stopping desvenlafaxine 1.
- Patients with kidney problems may require dose adjustments, and those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or seizure disorders should be monitored closely while taking this medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
Desvenlafaxine is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder (MDD). Desvenlafaxine belongs to a class of medicines known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) The main use of desvenlafaxine is to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
- It is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Desvenlafaxine is not for use in children 2.
From the Research
Overview of Desvenlafaxine
- Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- It is the active metabolite of venlafaxine and is available in the United States for the treatment of MDD 3, 4, 5.
Efficacy and Safety
- Desvenlafaxine has been shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adults with MDD, with significant improvements compared to placebo 4, 6, 7.
- The recommended dose of desvenlafaxine is 50 mg per day, with higher doses not associated with greater efficacy but with more side effects 3, 4, 5.
- Common side effects of desvenlafaxine include nausea, insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure and weight 3, 4, 5, 7.
- Desvenlafaxine has a relatively low potential for drug-drug interactions due to its metabolic profile, making it a suitable option for patients with comorbid physical illnesses 6.
Clinical Practice Considerations
- Desvenlafaxine may be a valuable treatment option for patients with MDD, particularly those who have not responded to other treatments 3, 6.
- The 50-mg/d dose of desvenlafaxine has demonstrated efficacy, safety, and tolerability for the treatment of MDD in placebo-controlled trials 7.
- Further studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine, as well as its efficacy compared to other antidepressants 4, 5, 7.