Desvenlafaxine

N/A

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

N/A

Concurrent use or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOIs (e.g. linezolid, IV methylene blue). Initiation of MAOI at least 7 days after discontinuing desvenlafaxine.

Desvenlafaxine is the principal active metabolite of venlafaxine. The exact mechanism is unknown, but is thought to be related to the potentiation of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS, through inhibition of their reuptake.

Increased risk of bleeding with aspirin or other NSAIDs, warfarin and other anticoagulants.

Suicidal thinking/ behaviour, HTN, mydriasis, seizure, hyponatraemia, interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia; nausea, dizziness, insomnia, hyperhidrosis, constipation, somnolence, decreased appetite, anxiety, sexual function disorders in males (e.g. anorgasmia, decreased libido, abnormal orgasm, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, ejaculation failure, sexual dysfunction).

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Patient with pre-existing HTN or other conditions that may be compromised by increased BP, raised intraocular pressure, personal or family history of mania or hypomania; CV, cerebrovascular or lipid metabolism disorders; seizure disorder. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Renal and moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation.

Hepatic impairment (Moderate to severe): 50 mg daily. Max: 100 mg once daily.Renal Impairment: CrCl <30 or ESRD: 25 mg daily or 50 mg every other day. Supplemental doses should not be given after dialysis. CrCl (30-50): Max 50 mg once daily.