PRISTIQ, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) [see Clinical Studies and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The efficacy of PRISTIQ has been established in four short-term (8week, placebo-controlled studies) and two maintenance studies in adult outpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder.

General Instruction for Use

The recommended dose for PRISTIQ is 50 mg once daily, with or without food.

In clinical studies, doses of 50 mg to 400 mg per day were shown to be effective, although no additional benefit was demonstrated at doses greater than 50 mg per day and adverse reactions and discontinuations were more frequent at higher doses.

When discontinuing therapy, gradual dose reduction is recommended whenever possible to minimize discontinuation symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

PRISTIQ should be taken at approximately the same time each day. Tablets must be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or dissolved.

Special Populations

Patients with renal impairment

The maximum recommended dose in patients with moderate renal impairment (24-hr creatinine clearance [CrCl] = 30 to 50 mL/min, Cockcroft-Gault [C-G]) is 50 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose in patients with severe renal impairment (24-hr CrCl less than 30 mL/min, C-G) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is 50 mg every other day. Supplemental doses should not be given to patients after dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Patients with hepatic impairment

The recommended dose in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment is 50 mg per day. Dose escalation above 100 mg per day is not recommended [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Maintenance/Continuation/Extended Treatment

It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depressive disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacologic therapy. Longer-term efficacy of PRISTIQ (50-400 mg) was established in two maintenance trials [see Clinical Studies]. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.

Discontinuing PRISTIQ

Symptoms associated with discontinuation of PRISTIQ, other SNRIs and SSRIs have been reported [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Patients should be monitored for these symptoms when discontinuing treatment. A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered. Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose, but at a more gradual rate.

Switching Patients From Other Antidepressants to PRISTIQ

Discontinuation symptoms have been reported when switching patients from other antidepressants, including venlafaxine, to PRISTIQ. Tapering of the initial antidepressant may be necessary to minimize discontinuation symptoms.

Switching Patients To or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders

At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders and initiation of therapy with PRISTIQ. Conversely, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping PRISTIQ before starting an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Use of PRISTIQ with other MAOIs such as Linezolid or Methylene Blue

Do not start PRISTIQ in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue because there is increased risk of serotonin syndrome. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, other interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

In some cases, a patient already receiving PRISTIQ therapy may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, PRISTIQ should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. The patient should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 7 days or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with PRISTIQ may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg/kg with PRISTIQ is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of emergent symptoms of serotonin syndrome with such use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Dosage Forms And Strengths

PRISTIQ® (desvenlafaxine) Extended-Release Tablets are available as 50 and 100 mg tablets.

50 mg, light pink, square pyramid tablet debossed with “W” over “50” on the flat side

100 mg, reddish-orange, square pyramid tablet debossed with “W” over “100” on the flat side

Storage And Handling

PRISTIQ® (desvenlafaxine) Extended-Release Tablets are available as follows:

50 mg, light pink, square pyramid tablet debossed with “W” (over) “50” on the flat side

NDC 0008-1211-14, bottle of 14 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1211-30, bottle of 30 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1211-01, bottle of 90 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1211-50, 10 blisters of 10 (HUD)

100 mg, reddish-orange, square pyramid tablet debossed with “W” (over) “100” on the flat side

NDC 0008-1222-14, bottle of 14 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1222-30, bottle of 30 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1222-01, bottle of 90 tablets in unit-of-use package
NDC 0008-1222-50, 10 blisters of 10 (HUD)

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Each tablet contains 76 or 152 mg of desvenlafaxine succinate equivalent to 50 or 100 mg of desvenlafaxine, respectively.

The unit-of-use package is intended to be dispensed as a unit.

Distributed by : Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., A subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., Philadelphia, PA 19101. Revised February 2013

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/6/2013
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.