27 March 2009

There is no evidence that desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is more effective, safer or better tolerated than its parent drug, venlafaxine, or other antidepressants, NPS advises in the latest edition of NPS RADAR.

Desvenlafaxine was recently listed on the PBS for major depressive disorder. It is the active metabolite of venlafaxine but there is no evidence that it has any particular advantage over venlafaxine.

The review notes that the lowest effective dose of desvenlafaxine is not known, and that doses above 50 mg/day are unlikely to provide further clinical benefit and are associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects. Common adverse effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and diarrhoea.

NPS RADAR recommends dose decreases should occur slowly to avoid discontinuation symptoms.

Desvenlafaxine should not be used in children and adolescents.

NPS RADAR has previously reviewed a number of drugs for depressive disorders and depression. To view the full review or register for free email alerts go to www.npsradar.com.au.

ENDS

For further advice health professionals can call the NPS Therapeutic Advice and Information Service (TAIS) – a medicines information service staffed by specialist drug information pharmacists – on 1300 138 677 Monday to Friday 9am-7pm Eastern Standard Time for the cost of a local call (mobiles may cost more).

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.