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Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed to manage depression and various mental or mood disorders. They offer significant benefits, including the reduction of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. However, research indicates that a minority of individuals, particularly those under 25, may experience an increase in depression, other mood-related symptoms, or suicidal thoughts when using these medications. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider, especially for people younger than 25, even if the medication is prescribed for reasons other than mental health concerns.

Key points to consider:

• Promptly inform your doctor if you observe any signs of worsening depression or other psychiatric conditions.
• Monitor for unusual behavioral changes, which may include suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• Be vigilant for mental/mood changes such as new or worsening anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, irritability, hostility, impulsive behavior, severe restlessness, or excessively rapid speech.
• These symptoms are particularly important to watch for when starting a new antidepressant or when adjusting the dosage.

Maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is essential for safely managing your treatment.

While taking this medication, you might experience mild side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, or excessive sweating. These effects are generally not serious, but if they persist or worsen, it's important to inform a healthcare professional.

The medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure, so it's advisable to monitor your blood pressure regularly and report any high readings. You may observe an empty tablet shell in your stool, which is harmless as the medication has already been absorbed by your body.

More serious side effects, though less common, require prompt medical attention. These include severe headaches, shakiness, decreased interest or changes in sexual ability, and easy bleeding or bruising. Seek immediate help if you experience persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, eye pain or swelling, widened pupils, vision changes, or seizures.

Rarely, this medication can lead to serotonin syndrome, particularly if taken with other drugs that increase serotonin. Symptoms include a fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation. Immediate medical care is crucial if these occur.

Allergic reactions to this drug are very rare but can be severe. If you notice symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing, seek emergency medical attention. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Certain medications may interact with this drug, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or altering its efficacy. These include:

• Bleeding Risk: Medications that can cause bleeding or bruising, such as antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), and anticoagulants (e.g., dabigatran, warfarin), may increase bleeding risk. Aspirin can also heighten bleeding risk when combined with this medication. However, if your healthcare provider has recommended low-dose aspirin (81-162 mg daily) for heart attack or stroke prevention, continue usage unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more guidance.

• Severe Interaction with MAO Inhibitors: Using MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) with this drug can lead to a serious, potentially fatal interaction. Avoid MAO inhibitors during and for at least two weeks before and seven days after treatment. Seek your doctor's advice on when to begin or discontinue these medications.

• Serotonin Syndrome Risk: The possibility of serotonin syndrome increases if you take other medications that elevate serotonin levels, such as certain street drugs (e.g., MDMA), St. John's Wort, specific antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like fluoxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine), and supplements like tryptophan. This risk is greater when initiating or increasing doses of these drugs.

• Drowsiness: Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you use other products that cause drowsiness, including opioid medications (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleep or anxiety treatments (e.g., alprazolam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol), or antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check all medication labels for ingredients that may induce drowsiness and consult your pharmacist for safe usage.

• Venlafaxine Similarity: Desvenlafaxine is very similar to venlafaxine. Avoid taking medications containing venlafaxine while on desvenlafaxine.

• Interference with Lab Tests: This medication can affect some laboratory tests, including urine tests for amphetamines, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure that lab personnel and all healthcare providers are aware you are using this drug.