Pristiq - what is it?
Pristiq, active ingredient desvenlafaxine succinate is a medication that is available by prescription only. It is used for the treatment of depression. It is available as a long acting tablet, which means that the medication slowly releases into the body. Since Pristiq is a long acting medication, it is meant to be taken once daily.
Who Manufactures It?
Wyeth Parmaceuticals, Inc. is the maker of Pristiq medication.
How it works
Pristiq belongs to the class of medications known as "serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors." SNRIs work on the brain chemicals called norepinephrine and serotonin. These are just two of the many chemicals that the brain uses to send messages between nerve cells.
As messages travel a nerve, the end of that nerve releases norepinephrine or serotonin. This chemical fills the gap between the cells and when there is enough of it, the chemical activates receptors in the second cell to keep the messages moving. Once the message has passed, the cells quickly reabsorb the remaining norepinephrine and serotonin. This process is known as "reuptake."
Pristiq effects
Studies have found that Pristiq is an effective treatment for depression in adults. These studies show that those who take the medication noticed more depression symptoms improvement, when compared with those who didn't take it. It has also been found that lower doses, or about 50 mg daily is equally effective as the higher dosage of 100 mg daily and has less potential for side effects.
Pristiq side effects
As is the case with all medications, there is the potential for side effects while taking Pristiq. Not everyone that takes this medication will notice side effects as it is generally well tolerated. If you do notice side effects, they are usually mild and require little or no treatment. Other, less commonly side effects that are serious may occur.
Generic Forms of Pristiq
At this time, there is no generic form of Pristiq available.
