This article describes desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet’s dosage and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for desvenlafaxine. If you want to know more about desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Pristiq.
Note: “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Desvenlafaxine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strengths of desvenlafaxine
Desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: extended-release oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg
Dosage of desvenlafaxine
This article describes the recommended dosages for desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of desvenlafaxine in adults
Desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet is prescribed for major depressive disorder in adults.
Usually, doctors prescribe the recommended dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet. The starting dosage and maintenance dosage are the same. Your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The usual recommended dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet for major depressive disorder in adults is:
- Starting dosage: 50 mg once per day
- Maintenance dosage: 50 mg once per day
The drugmaker does not report a maximum recommended dosage for desvenlafaxine. The highest dosage of desvenlafaxine given in studies was 400 mg per day.
Dosage adjustments for desvenlafaxine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- how severe your condition is
- other health conditions you may have
If you have kidney or liver problems, your doctor may reduce your dosage of desvenlafaxine. The maximum dosage recommended for people with kidney or liver problems is also lower. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before starting desvenlafaxine.
Missed dose of desvenlafaxine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet and its dosage.
Can desvenlafaxine be used for anxiety? If so, what is the dosage?
Desvenlafaxine extended-release tablet isn’t approved for anxiety. For this reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage.
Your doctor may prescribe desvenlafaxine extended-release tablet off-label for certain types of anxiety. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about off-label use of desvenlafaxine.
Is desvenlafaxine taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How desvenlafaxine is taken
You’ll swallow desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet once per day. You can take it with or without food.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
Tablets should be swallowed whole. They should not be split, crushed, or chewed. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
You should not stop taking desvenlafaxine extended-release tablet suddenly. Doing so can cause side effects or worsening depression. If you and your doctor decide it’s best for you to stop taking the medication, they’ll reduce your dosage over time.
Desvenlafaxine coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for desvenlafaxine when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of desvenlafaxine
It’s important that you do not take more desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of desvenlafaxine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- fast heartbeat
- excessive sleepiness
- vomiting
- dilated pupils
- seizures
What to do if you take too much desvenlafaxine
If you think you’ve taken too much desvenlafaxine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosage for desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take desvenlafaxine extended-release oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will you adjust my dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release tablet if it’s not working well for me?
- How do the dosages of the brand-name versions compare with the dosage of desvenlafaxine?
- If I have side effects, will you lower my dosage of desvenlafaxine extended-release tablet?
Boxed warning for desvenlafaxine
Desvenlafaxine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Taking desvenlafaxine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dosage is changed. The risk is greatest for people ages 24 years and younger. Desvenlafaxine is not approved for use in children.
If you have thoughts of suicide during desvenlafaxine treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
Talk with your doctor right away if you have worsening depression or thoughts of harming yourself. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about this warning.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.