Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Pristiq is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depression disorder. Pristiq may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Pristiq is also known by its drug name, Desvenlafaxine.

Pristiq is an antidepressant of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. Pristiq is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Pristiq is taken once daily.

Pristiq comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Pristiq lists common side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, tight jaw, sweating, nausea, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Pristiq include worsening depression and suicidal thoughts.