Pristiq is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI. It’s used to treat depression and works by balancing chemicals in the brain. You take it as a pill, whole, not broken into pieces.
We’ll look at what happens if you break the pill and how Pristiq is meant to be used.
Breaking Pristiq in half can lead to several risks and considerations due to its design as an extended-release medication. The tablet is formulated to gradually release the active ingredient, desvenlafaxine, over time to maintain consistent levels in the bloodstream. Altering the tablet by cutting it can disrupt this mechanism, causing the medication to be released too quickly.
This can increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure, and in severe cases, it can lead to seizures.
Manufacturer recommendations clearly state that Pristiq tablets should not be cut, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Instead, they should be swallowed whole with fluid. This ensures the medication works as intended and reduces the risk of adverse effects.
It’s crucial to follow these guidelines and consult a healthcare provider if there are concerns about the dosage or if an alternative medication is needed.
Breaking Pristiq in half is not recommended due to its design as an extended-release medication.
The tablet is formulated to gradually release the active ingredient, desvenlafaxine, over time to maintain consistent levels in the bloodstream. Cutting the pill can disrupt this mechanism, causing the medication to be released too quickly and increasing the risk of side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure.
In severe cases, it can lead to seizures.
The manufacturer’s guidelines clearly state that Pristiq tablets should not be cut, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Instead, they should be swallowed whole with fluid to ensure the medication works as intended and reduces the risk of adverse effects.
It is crucial to follow these guidelines and consult a healthcare provider if there are concerns about the dosage or if an alternative medication is needed.