Desvenlafaxine 50 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Desvenlafaxine Uses

Desvenlafaxine 50 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of antidepressants and is used for the following indications:

1. Depression 
2. Depression-associated anxiety 

Desvenlafaxine side effects 

More Common  

1. Decreased appetite 
2. Increased sensitivity of the eyes to light 
3. Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness 
4. Trouble sleeping 

Less Common 

1. Chills 
2. Cold sweats 
3. Confusion 
4. Continuous ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears 
5. Decreased interest in sexual intercourse 
6. Delayed or inability to have an orgasm 
7. Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position 
8. Fast, pounding, or irregular pulse 
9. Fear or nervousness 
10. Headache 
11. Hearing loss 
12. Inability to have or keep an erection 
13. Loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance 
14. Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs 
15. Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet 
16. Trouble thinking, speaking, or walking 
17. Weakness 

How Desvenlafaxine works 

Desvenlafaxine works by boosting the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine. In depression or nerve pain, these chemicals decrease. Normally, the brain clears them away quickly like a vacuum. Desvenlafaxine slows the removal of certain brain chemicals, helping them work longer to lift mood and ease pain.

Safety Measures and Warning 

Pregnancy

Desvenlafaxine is not safe for use during pregnancy. It’s classified as a Category C drug, meaning animal studies suggest possible risks like heart defects or miscarriage, but human data is lacking. Always consult a doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding

Desvenlafaxine passes into breast milk. Inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. They will advise you whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue desvenlafaxine.

Heart Problems

Desvenlafaxine can affect the functioning of the heart and can reduce blood pressure. So, get a recommendation from the doctor before using it.

Past Mental Health Issues

Patients having past mental health problems can experience potential side effects and symptoms like confusion and hallucinations, so inform your doctor before using.

Desvenlafaxine Interaction with Food Product 

Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking, as they increase or decrease drug action and can also cause severe drowsiness and sedation, as they act on the brain directly. Take the patient to the doctor in case of any side effects.

Desvenlafaxine Interaction with Other Medicines  

Avoid taking desvenlafaxine 50 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Desvenlafaxine Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

(RS)-4-[2-dimethylamino-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl) ethyl]phenol

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Desvenlafaxine exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 800 mg of Desvenlafaxine per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like kidney and liver damage, dizziness, and severe low blood pressure. If you face any of the severe effects, meet the doctor.

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Directions for use 

1. Take Desvenlafaxine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking Desvenlafaxine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Desvenlafaxine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Desvenlafaxine Summary 

Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and anxiety by balancing brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine, which are known as “feel-good chemicals.” It may cause nausea, dizziness, sleep issues, sweating, or sexual problems. Avoid alcohol and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort. Take it with or without food, and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

FAQ’s

What are the side effects of desvenlafaxine?

Common side effects of desvenlafaxine use include nausea, dizziness, sleep issues, sweating, and sexual problems

What are the uses of desvenlafaxine 50 mg tablet?

Desvenlafaxine is indicated for conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety and depression -associated anxiety. It belongs to the class of Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

What is the maximum dose of desvenlafaxine?

It is not recommended to take more than 800 mg of desvenlafaxine per day, as it may cause severe adverse effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Which class of medicine does desvenlafaxine belong to?

Desvenlafaxine belongs to the category of antidepressants, and its class includes Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Reference 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 101846, O-desmethylvenlafaxine. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Aug 21]. Available from. 
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Desvenlafaxine (Oral Route) Description. Rochester (MN): Mayo Clinic; [cited 2025 Aug 21]. Available from. 
3. Drugs.com. Desvenlafaxine: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 21]. Available from. 
4. WebMD. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) – Uses, Side Effects, and More. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 21]. Available from. 
5. Shah RR, Chandrasekaran A. Desvenlafaxine. In: Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan– [cited 2025 Aug 21]. Available from. 

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy affiliated to Andhra University and from his 3rd year of graduation itself he was working as a freelance Medical and Publication writer and having expertise in Systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices he also reviewed more than 100 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, Sage Journals and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in Pub Med, Scopus and Web of Science databases and received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published few systematic, narrative reviews and few chapters of international expertise.