Timing of Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Administration
Take Pristiq once daily at approximately the same time each day, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. 1
Dosing Schedule
- The recommended dose is 50 mg once daily, which serves as both the starting and therapeutic dose 1
- Consistency in timing is more important than the specific time of day chosen - select a time that fits your routine and stick with it 1
- The medication can be taken with or without food, providing flexibility in scheduling 1
Pharmacokinetic Considerations Supporting Flexible Timing
- Desvenlafaxine reaches peak plasma concentration (Tmax) in 7-8 hours after oral administration 2
- The elimination half-life ranges from 9-15 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing 2
- Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved within 4-5 days with once-daily dosing 2, 3
- These pharmacokinetic properties mean the medication maintains relatively stable blood levels throughout the day, making the specific timing less critical than consistency 2
Practical Timing Recommendations
- Morning dosing may be preferable if you experience insomnia as a side effect, as insomnia is one of the most common adverse effects reported in clinical trials 4, 2
- Evening dosing may be preferable if you experience somnolence or dizziness, which are also common side effects 4
- The key is to establish a routine time that you can maintain consistently to optimize therapeutic benefit 1
Important Administration Instructions
- Swallow tablets whole with fluid - do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve them 1
- You may notice something in your stool that looks like a tablet; this is the empty shell after the medicine has been absorbed and is normal 1
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next scheduled dose 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
- Do not abruptly stop taking desvenlafaxine or change your dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider, as discontinuation syndrome can occur with symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, irritability, and anxiety 1