Deslin 50 ER Tablet

Indications

Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (long-lasting low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep and energy) in adults.

How It Works

Serotonin and noradrenaline are chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood. Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI): it slows the removal of these messengers from the spaces between nerve cells, so more remains available. Improvement in mood usually builds up over 2 to 4 weeks or longer.

Dosage and Administration

Usual adult dose: 50 mg once a day, at about the same time each day, with or without food. Some people may be prescribed a different dose; follow your doctor's instructions. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew or split it. People with moderate to severe kidney disease need a lower dose or less frequent dosing. Do not stop suddenly: the doctor will reduce the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. An empty tablet shell may sometimes be seen in the stool; this is normal.

Interactions

• MAO inhibitors (such as Selegiline, Linezolid, Methylene Blue): do not use together; allow 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor and 7 days after stopping Desvenlafaxine.
• Other serotonergic medicines (SSRIs, Venlafaxine, Tramadol, Triptans, Lithium, St John's Wort): risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Aspirin, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Warfarin and Clopidogrel increase bleeding risk.
• Alcohol can worsen drowsiness and mood.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Desvenlafaxine or Venlafaxine.
• Use with, or within 14 days of, an MAO inhibitor.

Side Effects

Common: nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, sleep problems or sleepiness, reduced appetite, anxiety, tiredness and sexual problems. Blood pressure and cholesterol can rise.

Get urgent medical help for thoughts of suicide or self-harm, agitation with fever, sweating, shaking and fast heartbeat (possible serotonin syndrome), unusual bleeding or bruising, seizures, severe headache with eye pain or blurred vision, confusion (possible low sodium), or swelling of the face or throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk; use in late pregnancy may cause breathing and feeding problems in the newborn. Do not stop suddenly if you become pregnant; talk to your doctor. It passes into breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in young adults, especially at the start or when the dose changes; family members should watch closely.
• Blood pressure should be checked regularly.
• Use with care in bipolar disorder, seizures, glaucoma, bleeding problems, heart disease and kidney disease.
• It may cause drowsiness or dizziness; take care when driving.
• Not approved for children.

Overdose

Overdose can cause fast heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, sleepiness, vomiting, seizures, serotonin syndrome and heart rhythm problems. Seek emergency medical help at once.

Therapeutic Class

Antidepressant, serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.