Desvenlafaxine
Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant medication classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This medication is the active metabolite of venlafaxine and is available in extended-release form for once-daily dosing.
Desvenlafaxine is an SNRI antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AX23
- RxNorm
- 734064
- Generic
- Desvenlafaxine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Khedezla, Pristiq
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not FDA approved for patients under 18 years
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue gradually before delivery if possible
fetal monitoring and assessment of newborn for withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
monitor infant for signs of sedation, poor feeding, or irritability
observe infant for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients; increased risk of suicidal ideation
close monitoring for behavioral changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart with lower dose, consider renal function
use with caution due to increased sensitivity and comorbidities
monitor blood pressure, renal function, and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
use with caution, monitor renal function
periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
reduce dose to 50mg daily if starting treatment
regular monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to 50mg every other day
use with extreme caution, consider alternative therapy
close monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment recommended
use with caution, monitor for adverse effects
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohol useavoid concomitant use
do not consume alcohol while taking this medication
monitor for increased sedation and CNS depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Desvenlafaxine
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Primary therapeutic use
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Desvenlafaxine is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It may also be used off-label for conditions such as anxiety disorders, vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and chronic pain conditions.
Desvenlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, thereby increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters. While the exact antidepressant mechanism is not fully understood, this dual reuptake inhibition is believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Desvenlafaxine should not be stopped abruptly, as withdrawal symptoms may occur; dosing should be tapered gradually. It carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults under 25, particularly during initial treatment. Common side effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, and insomnia. Patients should avoid alcohol and inform their doctor of any bipolar history, as antidepressants may trigger manic episodes.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy