Desvenlafaxine is used to treat depression. Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a type of mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness
  
• Loss of interest in or pleasure in most normal activities
  
• Outbursts of anger or frustration
  
• Troubles with sleep such as sleeping too much or insomnia
  
• Fatigue or lack of energy
  
• Anxiety or agitation
  
• Loss of appetite or increased craving for food
  
• Feelings of worthlessness
  
• Suicidal thoughts
  

Depression can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks and affect personal relationships.

Depression affects nearly one in fifteen adults, with one in six people experiencing depression at least once in their lifetime. While there are common risk factors for depression (like hormones, brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors), depression can affect anyone.

Desvenlafaxine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which help block the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine by our brain cells. Serotonin and norepinephrine are naturally occurring chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) that are responsible for regulating your mood and helping you feel happy. Neurotransmitters send signals between your brain and neurons in the body. Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin and norepinephrine to be recycled.

Reducing the brain’s reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine increases these mood-regulating neurotransmitters’ levels, which can help balance your mood and relieve a number of conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antidepressants used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Antidepressant medication, such as desvenlafaxine, may change mental health conditions (such as mood and behavior) in unexpected ways. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or other sudden changes in your mental health. Before starting treatment with desvenlafaxine, or any other antidepressant, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

Common side effects reported while taking desvenlafaxine include:
= Constipation

• Dry mouth
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Sleeping problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
  

Again, call a health care provider right away if you begin noticing severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In addition, seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, skin rash, swelling, or changes in your heartbeat while taking desvenlafaxine. As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking. Desvenlafaxine can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Desvenlafaxine is generally available as an oral tablet. If you have been prescribed desvenlafaxine to treat major depressive disorder, the preliminary dose of the medication starts at 50 mg to be taken once a day. Your doctor may adjust this dosage depending on your need.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of desvenlafaxine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Desvenlafaxine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not desvenlafaxine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for desvenlafaxine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.