Pristiq Side Effects

Generic name: desvenlafaxine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Pristiq Side Effects associated with desvenlafaxine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Pristiq.

Applies to desvenlafaxine: oral tablet extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

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.

Common side effects of Pristiq

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 side effects

• decreased appetite
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

• change in taste
• decreased weight
• difficult urination
• jitteriness
• lack or loss of strength
• loss of taste

Incidence not known

• decrease in smell
• loss of sense of smell

Serious side effects of Pristiq

Along with its needed effects, desvenlafaxine (the active ingredient contained in Pristiq) 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 side effects

• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• continuous ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• delayed or inability to have an orgasm
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, pounding, or irregular pulse
• fear or nervousness
• headache
• hearing loss
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• weakness

Incidence not known

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloating
• blood in the stool or urine
• chest tightness, discomfort, or pain
• cough
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• dilated or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
• dizziness
• feeling irritated
• fainting
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• fever
• hives, itching, or rash
• hoarseness
• indigestion
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• loss of appetite
• loss of bladder control
• muscle pain
• muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
• nausea
• nosebleeds
• pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• red skin
• seizures
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• sudden loss of consciousness
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• talking, feeling, or acting with excitement
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• vomiting blood
• yellow eyes or skin

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

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• bloating
• dark urine
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• irregular heartbeat recurrent
• light-colored stools
• muscle cramp or stiffness
• nausea
• overactive reflexes
• poor coordination
• restlessness
• seizures
• sensation of spinning
• shivering
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

For healthcare professionals

Applies to desvenlafaxine: oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

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

• 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]

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]

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

• SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?

Further information

Pristiq side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer