Pristiq medication benefit and side effects
July 1 2017

In 2008 Wyeth received approval by the FDA for a new antidepressant called Pristiq. Wyeth needs an antidepressant that will replace the revenue expected to be reduced  to generic competitors of Effexor XR, whose patent protection expires in 2010. Pristiq is chemically similar to Effexor. Wyeth is also seeking FDA. approval for Pristiq as a drug to reduce hot flashes in menopause.

Pristiq dosage, how much to take
Pristiq is available at 50 milligrams.

Benefit of Pristiq
Does Pristiq offer any advantages over other antidepressants currently on the market?

Expert Opin Pharmacotherapy. 2011. Desvenlafaxine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine (DESV) is a newer antidepressant, which inhibits serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake neurotransmission, similarly to venlafaxine, milnacipran and duloxetine. It was approved in February 2008 by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), based on well-controlled and adequately powered, large clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety for patients with MDD. Currently available data show that DESV has proven efficacy, acceptable safety and tolerability profiles, convenient once-daily dosing and minimal impact on the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in patients with MDD. This mini-review summarizes the clinical data and practical use of DESV under this approved indication.

Pharmacopsychiatry. 2015. Desvenlafaxine for the acute treatment of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Desvenlafaxine, the active metabolite of venlafaxine, was approved in 2008 by the FDA for the treatment of depression. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the existing trials with desvenlafaxine and assess its overall efficacy and tolerability. We further provide some evidence that desvenlafaxine might not be as efficacious as other antidepressants.

Chemistry
Pristiq is a metabolite of Effexor. Pristiq is the chemical substance that results after Effexor is metabolized in the body.