DEFEXOR XR-50/100 (Desvenlafaxine Tablets )
DESCRIPTION
DEFEXOR is an antidepressant of the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It is used to treat major depression when the patient has symptoms like feeling of sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, decreased energy level or trouble sleeping. It works by helping to restore the balance of natural substances in the brain. It improves your mood, feelings of well being and energy level.
DOSAGE
The initial dose of Desvenlafaxine extended release oral tablet is 50mg once a day ranging to 200mg daily in single doses in adult patients for moderate depression and can go further up to 400mg daily for patients with severe and chronic depression. Desvenlafaxine can be taken with or without meals but always take the dose at the same time every day. Do not crush, chew, divide or dissolve this medication in water. Doing so can release the entire drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing or chewing. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped.
STORAGE
Keep this medication in the packaging it came in, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat, light and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Desvenlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The clinical effect of desvenlafaxine is thought to occur via potentiation of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Unlike venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine is thought to have a differential serotonergic and noradrenergic activity profile. Desvenlafaxine is currently the third SNRI approved by the FDA for this indication. Preliminary evidence also suggests the clinical usefulness of Desvenlafaxine in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause, anxiety symptoms, and painful physical symptoms. The modified pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of Desvenlafaxine differentiate this drug from the original product, venlafaxine. Significant points of difference, compared with venlafaxine, are once-daily dosing and the achievement of steady-state plasma concentrations within 4 to 5 days. To summarize, current evidence indicates that Desvenlafaxine has proven efficacy, acceptable safety and tolerability profiles, convenient dosing, and minimal impact on the enzyme system. A reduced risk for pharmacokinetic drug interactions is a potential advantage over other selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Serotonin and norepinephrine are natural chemicals in the brain that help maintain mental balance. Desvenlafaxine may work by stopping the process that breaks down these chemicals. This process is called reuptake. Blocking reuptake increases the amount of these chemicals in your brain, and may help to improve symptoms of depression.
INDICATIONS
Desvenlafaxine is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. This medicine affects the level of certain chemicals in the brain that is unbalanced in people with depression.
CONTRA INDICATIONS
Desvenlafaxine is very similar to Venlafaxine. Do not use medications containing Venlafaxine while using Desvenlafaxine.
SIDE EFFECTS
The safety and tolerability of desvenlafaxine is somewhat similar or in some cases better to other SNRIs. Some side effects of Desvenlafaxine include nausea, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache, decreased appetite,etc. It has also shown weight loss in some patients.
AVAILABILITY
DEFEXOR is available in strips of ten extended release tablets containing Desvenlafaxine 50mg & Desvenlafaxine 100mg.
