Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is an antidepressant used to improve mood, feelings, and energy. The prescription medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is used to bring balance to the serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The medication is typically taken orally once-a-day, or as prescribed by a doctor considering dosage depends on the specific medical condition or response to specialized treatments. Patients are recommended to start low doses and will gradually increase based on effectiveness.

Treatment Options for Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Addiction Symptoms

As with most prescription medications, Pristiq may cause side-effects. People who take the prescribed doses may experience one or more of the following:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Nervousness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Excessive sweating

Consult a doctor immediately if any of the previously mentioned side-effects worsen. Taken normally, patients rarely experience serious side-effects. In rare cases of substance misuse, report to a doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:

  • A severe or pounding headache
  • Shakiness or tremors
  • Decreased interest in sex or sexual activities
  • Changes in sexual ability
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Persistent coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Black stool
  • Vomit resembling coffee grounds
  • Eye pain, swelling, or redness
  • Widened pupils
  • Vision changes (for example, seeing rainbows around lights)
  • Seizures or tremors

SNRIs are known for being non-addictive, however, a dependency on the effects of the medication can occur. Some patients may also develop a tolerance for Pristiq leading to increased dosage or substance misuse. A few physical signs of excessive antidepressant use include:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Diminished appearance
  • Change in appetite
  • Financial difficulties
  • Strange sleeping habits
  • Slurred speech
  • A sore throat
  • Excessive shaking or seizures

There can also be mental or internal warning signs of substance abuse disorder involving:

  • A lack of emotion
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Medical Detox

Medical Detoxification is one of the first steps on the path to recovery. Medical professionals will constantly oversee and assist with withdrawal symptoms as the body flushes the desvenlafaxine from the system. The body will slowly adjust to life without the medication in a safe manner.

Immediately ceasing administration of desvenlafaxine can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. A patient may feel intense flu symptoms while having difficulty with clear thinking. This is perfectly natural. When serotonin intake is abruptly stopped, a physiological withdrawal can occur. These effects are not related to addiction. These symptoms are possible whether a patient immediately or slowly stops taking desvenlafaxine.

Most medical detoxification programs will adjust a program depending on specific conditions. It is important to maintain the following:

  • A safe environment
  • Regulated medication
  • Constant supervision of a healthcare professional

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Rehabilitation Programs

A rehabilitation program will be tailored to specific cases. They typically begin with a patient assessment. Depending on the level of substance misuse, an individualized detoxification system is implemented to fit specific needs. The program will ensure:

  • Proper management of withdrawal symptoms
  • Complete care from professional staff
  • A full analysis of any current mental health conditions
  • Coping strategies are put in place in a risk-free environment
  • Optional therapy sessions

Inpatient Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Rehab

For those with a serious case of substance misuse disorder, an inpatient program is recommended. These programs force a patient to be removed from adverse environments that have been encouraging misuse. There are individual or group therapy sessions available that provide information and best practices for overcoming the physical and physiological dependency on Pristiq.

Like many recovery programs, they are strictly confidential maintaining compliance with federal and local health regulations. Many centers are open in convenient locations to allow for maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the care program.

Outpatient Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Rehab

Should a program not necessitate an inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient treatment is recommended. Outpatient care is also available to those who have successfully overcome the trials of the inpatient program. Outpatient care for rehabilitation from dependency on desvenlafaxine may include:

  • Group or individual therapy sessions specialized for conditions
  • Professional treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Nutritional counseling

Choosing A Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Rehab Center

An important step in the recovery process is choosing the right rehabilitation center. First and foremost, try to stick with a trusted doctor or medical professional’s recommendation. Your primary care provider will know more details about your medical history and should be able to pinpoint a perfect place to overcome substance misuse or overuse.

Choosing a rehabilitation center will set the pace towards a substance-free life with specialized support and individualized care.

Read Previous
Pristiq Addiction
Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.