Khedezla

1 What is Khedezla?

Brand: Khedezla, Pristiq

Generic: Desvenlafaxine (Oral Route)

Khedezla is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used for the treatment of depression.

This drug works by increasing the activity of chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Khedezla, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the relationship of age to the effects of desvenlafaxine have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of desvenlafaxine.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have low blood pressure, hyponatremia, and age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving desvenlafaxine.

Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits before taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription and nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects.

Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

To use Khedezla properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed in the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. It may take several weeks before you begin to feel the effects of this drug.

The tablet can be taken with or without food and at the same time every day. The extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole with water.

Dissolving, crushing, breaking or chewing it is not recommended. Part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with depression are given 50 milligrams once a day.

Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Khedezla, there are some precautions you must take.

Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Report any unwanted or unusual effects to your healthcare professional. Avoid the necessary medications and activities that are advised against you to prevent unwanted effects.

Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Khedezla.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • chills
  • cold sweats
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast, pounding or irregular pulse
  • headache
  • numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands or feet
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
  • trouble thinking, speaking or walking
  • weakness
  • blistering, peeling or loose skin
  • blood in the stool or urine
  • chest tightness
  • convulsions
  • cough diarrhea
  • dilated or enlarged pupils
  • feeling irritated
  • fever
  • hives
  • itching
  • rash
  • hoarseness
  • joint pain
  • stiffness or swelling
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet or sex organs
  • loss of bladder control
  • muscle pain
  • muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
  • nosebleeds
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • red skin
  • a sore throat
  • sores
  • ulcers or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • sudden loss of consciousness
  • swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands or feet
  • talking, feeling or acting with excitement
  • trouble breathing or swallowing
  • unusual bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear.

Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.

Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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