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Desvenlafaxine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2024.

Applies to desvenlafaxine: oral tablet extended release.

Warning

Oral route (Tablet, Extended Release)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older. In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Desvenlafaxine is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Oral route (Tablet, Extended Release)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults during short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults older than 24 years, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 or older. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Serious side effects of Desvenlafaxine

Along with its needed effects, desvenlafaxine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking desvenlafaxine:

Less common

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking desvenlafaxine:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Desvenlafaxine

Some side effects of desvenlafaxine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to desvenlafaxine: oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported side effects were nausea, dry mouth, hyperhidrosis, and dizziness.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very Common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 36%), dry mouth (up to 25%), constipation (up to 14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting

Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute pancreatitis

Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal bleeding[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very Common (10% or more): Hyperhidrosis (up to 21%)

Common (1% to 10%): Rash

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Alopecia

Rare (less than 0.1%): Photosensitivity reaction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Frequency not reported: Erythema multiforme, severe cutaneous reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]

Nervous system

Very Common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 16%), somnolence (up to 12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, headache, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, syncope

Rare (less than 0.1%): Convulsion, dystonia, serotonin syndrome

Frequency not reported: Seizure[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal dreams, abnormal orgasm, anorgasmia, anxiety, decreased libido, irritability, nervousness, withdrawal syndrome

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depersonalization, hypomania

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hallucination, mania

Frequency not reported: Bruxism, discontinuation syndrome, suicidal thoughts[Ref]

Genitourinary

Very Common (10% or more): Erectile dysfunction (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Delayed ejaculation, ejaculation disorder, ejaculation failure, proteinuria, sexual dysfunction, urinary hesitation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary retention[Ref]

Other

Very Common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chills, feeling jittery, tinnitus[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite, decreased weight, elevated fasting triglycerides, elevated LDL cholesterol, elevated total cholesterol, increased blood cholesterol, increased weight

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased blood triglycerides

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hyponatremia[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Ischemic cardiac adverse reactions, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and/or coronary occlusion requiring revascularization usually occurred in patients who had multiple underlying cardiac risk factors.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Blood pressure increased, hot flush, increased sustained hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Peripheral coldness

Frequency not reported: Coronary occlusion requiring revascularization, ischemic cardiac adverse reactions, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision, mydriasis

Frequency not reported: Angle closure glaucoma[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Yawning

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis

Frequency not reported: Interstitial lung disease, eosinophilic pneumonia[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal liver function test[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Musculoskeletal stiffness[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity

Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema[Ref]

Endocrine

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased blood prolactin[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Abnormal bleeding[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

2. Product Information. Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Wyeth Laboratories. 2008.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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