What Does Pristiq Do For You? (+3 benefits)

In this article, we will answer the question “What does Pristiq do for you?” We will also share its mechanism of action, some benefits, side effects, and other related information. 

What Does Pristiq Do For You?

Pristiq, the brand name for desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant that restores the healthy levels of neurotransmitters in your brain. This action positively influences your mood and cognitive functioning along with reducing your depression and anxiety. 

Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and an FDA-approved antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It can also be used to manage hot flashes in menopausal women (1).

How Does Pristiq Work?

The mechanism of Pristiq involves blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) in the brain, thereby increasing their concentration (1). Pristiq is ten times more selective for serotonin and thus exhibits a stronger affinity for serotonin (1). 

A deficiency of serotonin and NE plays a role in the development of depression and other disorders. Serotonin deficiency is associated with low mood, anxiety, and obsessions, and NE deficiency can decrease your alertness, energy, attention, and concentration (2). 

Thus, Pristiq helps you restore the healthy levels of these neurotransmitters and reverse the effects caused by their deficiency. Pristiq promotes emotional stability, improves your mental health, and contributes to overall well-being. 

What Are Some Benefits of Pristiq? 

Pristiq, as an antidepressant, primarily serves to reduce the symptoms of depression. Additionally, it also improves anxiety and cognitive functioning and is used to treat hot flashes during menopause. All of these benefits of Pristiq are well documented. 

Improves Depression:

Pristiq treats depression by increasing the levels of serotonin and NE which are observed to be reduced in depressed individuals (1,2). It has a higher affinity for serotonin, a “feel-good” chemical that makes a person happier and calmer. 

Pristiq is formulated as desvenlafaxine succinate (DVS) and its efficacy in treating MDD is well-established. Different clinical trials have shown that DVS is effective and well-tolerated and its effective doses range from 50-400 mg per day (3). 

Pristiq has several benefits over other SNRIs. It has a simple metabolism and a reduced likelihood of drug-drug interactions. Moreover, achieving therapeutic levels does not require extensive titration (3). 

Improves Anxiety: 

Pristiq improves anxiety by restoring healthy levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Different studies have shown that Pristiq improves the symptoms of anxiety in depressed patients. Thus, Pristiq also helps you to relax and reduces your anxiety. 

It is common for people with depression to also experience the symptoms of anxiety. Around 60-96% of cases of depression are associated with anxiety symptoms. Pristiq is also effective in improving the symptoms of anxiety (4). 

In a comparative study, the efficacy and safety of Pristiq and other antidepressants like escitalopram and vortioxetine in the treatment of anxious depression, were studied. These drugs are known to reduce anxiety symptoms. Results showed that Pristiq was effective in reducing anxiety scores (4).

In the above-mentioned study, Pristiq demonstrated efficacy and tolerability similar to other drugs and improved the symptoms of anxiety. It also improved the quality of life and cognitive functioning of the patients (4). 

Improves Cognitive Functioning: 

Studies suggest that abnormalities in serotonin and NE concentration result in impaired cognitive functioning. Drugs like Pristiq restore the normal levels of these neurotransmitters and are known to improve cognitive functioning (5). 

Research indicates that treatment of MDD with Pristiq is also associated with improvement in cognitive functioning. In one study, Pristiq was found effective in improving aspects of cognitive functioning including working memory (5)

Another study assessed the effects of Pristiq on the neurocognitive and work functioning of patients with MDD. Results demonstrated that Pristiq was effective in improving neurocognitive functioning and occupational outcomes (6). 

Treats Hot flashes: 

Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense warmth followed by sweating which is common in menopausal women. They are usually treated with estrogen therapy or hormone therapy (HT) (7). Pristiq is used to treat hot flashes where estrogen is contraindicated (1). 

Pristiq is also considered an alternative treatment for hot flashes due to the risks associated with HT. Pristiq is effective in reducing the frequency of hot flashes by 55-69% as shown in different clinical trials. The optimum dose of Pristiq for hot flashes is 100 mg/day (8). 

What are the dosage recommendations for Pristiq? 

Pristiq is available as an extended-release (ER) formulation in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The starting therapeutic dose of Pristiq is 50 mg/ day. The maximum therapeutic dose is 400 mg/day (1). 

Although doses up to 400mg/day are effective for Pristiq, doses higher than 50 mg/day have no additional benefits. It means that the efficacy of 50 mg/day dose is not less than higher doses. Higher doses may be needed to reach therapeutic drug levels based on individual response (9). 

Dose Adjustments: 

For individuals with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease, the recommended dose of Pristiq is 50mg every other day. For individuals with liver dysfunction, the starting dose is 50 mg/day, and doses higher than 100 mg are not recommended (9). 

What are some side effects of Pristiq? 

The side effects of Pristiq are dose-dependent and are more intense with higher doses. For a 50 mg/day dose, the side effects occur in the first week of treatment and then resolve gradually (9). Common side effects include (1,9). 

• abdominal pain
• nausea
• headache
• constipation
• dry mouth
• sweating
• dizziness 

Some serious side effects of Pristiq include suicidal ideation. In rare cases, it can also cause serotonin syndrome which is characterized by the following symptoms (1). 

• rapid heart rate
• excessive saliva production
• dilated pupil
• increased body temperature
• heavy sweating 

If you experience any of the serious side effects or are unable to manage the common side effects of Pristiq, you must communicate with your healthcare provider. 

How to take Pristiq Effectively?

Here are some useful tips for taking Pristiq effectively (1,10):

• Take Pristiq exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• You can take Pristiq with or without food.
• Take the Pristiq tablet whole with water. Do not divide, crush, or chew the tablet. 
• If you are on higher doses of Pristiq, do not discontinue it abruptly. Your doctor will reduce its dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

Conclusion:

From my perspective, the research I have done indicates that Pristiq balances the level of neurotransmitters in your brain which improves your mood, reduces anxiety, and also improves cognitive functioning. It is an FDA-approved drug to treat major depressive disorder and is also used off-label to treat hot flashes in menopausal women. 

References