Desvenlafaxine is the active metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) of venlafaxine and is formed as a result of CYP450 2D6. It shares many of the same properties as venlafaxine.
- It’s FDA approved for Major depressive disorder
- Mechanism of action: This medication will boost the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. It does so by blocking the serotonin reuptake pump, the norepinephrine reuptake pump, and increases dopamine in the frontal cortex because dopamine is largely inactivated by the norepinephrine reuptake pump in the frontal cortex.
- The dosing is a little easier than venlafaxine. You can start with 50 mg/day with a maximum dose of 100 mg/day. In some cases, doses of 400 mg/day have been shown to be effective but there is increased risk for side effects at higher doses.
- Desvenlafaxine is more potent at the serotonin transporter but has greater norepinephrine transporter inhibition relative to venlafaxine. This is one advantage along with lower does required to achieve that inhibition.
- These tablets should not be broken, crushed, or chewed, it will alter the controlled release.
- It has some of the same issues as venlafaxine when it comes to withdrawal or discontinuation. It can be difficult to taper off and may require starting fluoxetine prior to tapering.
- Blood pressure must be monitored regularly during treatment.
- Most common side effects include: nausea (most common 12%), dizziness (8%), increased sweating (6%), constipation (5%).
- Other side effects: decreased appetite, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, abnormal dreams, tinnitus, vertigo
- I’ve had many questions about combining this with mirtazapine. It can be combined with mirtazapine. Trazodone and bupropion are other popular medications to combine with desvenlafaxine if monotherapy does not result in remission.
- Desvenlafaxine offers some benefits over venlafaxine including more consistent plasma levels due to lack of metabolism by CYP 2D6, it has more potent action at the norepinephrine transporter than venlafaxine. It may be a better option if you are targeting the norepinephrine system.