Desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, is a medication used to treat depression. It’s an antidepressant that affects certain brain chemicals. However, you might not know how long does Pristiq stay in your system after stopping its consumption. To find out more, continue reading this post for important details!
What Is Pristiq?
Pristiq is part of a drug class called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which is a medicine used for treating major depressive disorders in adults. The condition, also known as clinical or simple depression, is a serious mental health issue.
Belonging to a group of drugs that function similarly, SNRIs like Pristiq elevate the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. In addition, Pristiq is administered once daily in extended-release tablets, with options in three strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Effectiveness of Pristiq
Pristiq has proven effective in treating depression in various clinical trials. These studies used a tool called the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) to gauge how severe people’s depression symptoms were before and after treatment. The scale ranges from 0 to 52 points, where higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.
In four separate clinical studies, Pristiq demonstrated its effectiveness by significantly improving people’s depression scores in comparison to a placebo, which is a treatment without an active drug.
Before starting treatment, participants in all four studies had average depression scores ranging from 23.0 to 25.3. After undergoing 8 weeks of Pristiq treatment (ranging from 50 mg to 400 mg per day), their depression scores decreased by up to 3.3 points.
Additionally, two longer-term studies, lasting up to 26 weeks, indicated that individuals taking Pristiq were less likely to experience a relapse of depression (symptoms returning after improvement) compared to those receiving a placebo.
How to Use Pristiq Properly?
Before unveiling how long does Prstiq stay in your system once you stop consuming it, read the Medication Guide and, if available. This step is a crucial thing to do before starting to take them for treatment.
Once you understand the information, take this medicine by mouth according to your doctor’s instructions, either with or without food. While it is usually prescribed by the expert once daily, the dosage depends on your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment.
Additionally, avoid crushing, chewing, or dissolving these tablets in water, as it can release the entire dose at once, raising the risk of side effects. Rather, swallow the whole tablet.
Basically, your doctor might advise starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it to minimize the chances of side effects. Bear in mind to follow your doctor’s guidance carefully.
Do not raise the dose or use it more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so won’t speed up your recovery but may increase the risk of side effects. Consistently use this medication to derive the maximum benefit and try to take it at the same time daily to help you remember.
Side Effects of Pristiq
Generally, there are two potential side effects of Pristiq. Read the explanation below!
The first one is common side effects as follows:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- dry mouth;
- sweating;
- constipation;
- insomnia; and
- decreased appetite.
Meanwhile, the serious side effects can be:
- suicidal thoughts;
- unusual changes in mood or behavior;
- high blood pressure;
- seizures; and
- eye pain or swelling.
Pristiq Addiction
It’s necessary to learn about the risk of addiction to this drug. When used correctly under medical guidance, this medicine is beneficial.
However, those who use Pristiq without a valid prescription, take more than the recommended dose or use it for recreational purposes might develop an addiction.
Extended use of Pristiq may cause the body to become accustomed to it and require higher doses to achieve the same effect. This can lead to both physical and mental dependency so it’s challenging to quit without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Beyond that, Pristiq addiction can impact mental health as individuals may become overly focused on obtaining and using the drug, neglecting other aspects of life. As addiction progresses, it can significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being.
How Long Does Pristiq Stay in Your System?
According to research, Pristiq works by affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. While it’s effective at treating depression, some users encounter unwanted side effects that prompt them to quit the medication. But once you’ve stopped Pristiq, you might wonder how long it will remain in your body.
After discontinuation, Pristiq’s average half-life of 11.1 hours indicates that, on average, it might persist in your system for approximately 2.54 days following your last dose. This suggests that for most people, the drug is unlikely to linger in their bodies for more than 72 hours after the final intake.
However, even after the drug is eliminated, the changes it induces in your brain and nervous system might persist. This implies that while the drug clears out swiftly, its impact might have longer-lasting effects on your body’s functioning.
Which Factors Affecting Pristiq to Stay in Your System?
Since you already get the answer to how long does Pristiq stay in your system, you still need to understand that the duration of 2.54 days after the final dose is just an average.
Some may process it more quickly, while others might take longer, perhaps over 3 days. What influences this condition are five aspects, as follows:
- liver/kidney health;
- personal factors;
- the amount or dose you take;
- duration of usage; and
- concurrent medication usage.
How to Clear Pristiq from Your System?
There is a way to cleanse your system from Pristiq influence. But firstly, it’s crucial to note that these steps should only be taken after consulting a medical professional.
1. Stop Consuming Pristiq
You may discontinue Pristiq consumption under medical supervision, as it could be risky to stop on your own. After stopping, most of the drug leaves your body within 72 hours.
2. Hydrate
Keeping yourself well-hydrated increases urine flow, which helps in the faster removal of substances via the kidneys. Dehydration might slow down this process, extending the time the drug stays in your body.
3. Supplement
Enhancing kidney function can be beneficial since kidneys remove most of the Pristiq. Consider using supplements that boost renal function. Some minor options include taking a CYP3A4 inducer to speed up N-demethylation or using activated charcoal a few days after your last dose to clear any remaining desvenlafaxine remnants/toxins.
Mind the Factors Influencing How Long Does Pristiq Stay in Your System!
There are various factors involved in determining how long does Pristiq stay in your system after stopping its consumption. The factors are related to the individual conditions, including dosage and co-ingestion of other medications.
By being aware of these variables, you can better comprehend the timeline for Pristiq leaving your body to ensure your health.
Remember, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication routine. Otherwise, it may provoke adverse effects, or addiction which are harmful to someone’s well-being.
