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Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for Teens: Benefits and Side Effects

Author:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
Editor:
Aja Chavez
Aja Chavez
AMFT, APCC
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Watching your child struggle with depression and anxiety is an incredibly difficult experience. Yet, knowing where to turn for the best treatment for teen depression and anxiety can be just as overwhelming. While talk therapy alone works for some teens, medication is often part of the treatment plan for others. That’s where parents may encounter the mention of desvenlafaxine.

Desvenlafaxine, sold under the brand name “Pristiq,” is not usually the first antidepressant doctors recommend for adolescents. But it’s sometimes considered when other treatments have not helped enough. The decision to take desvenlafaxine depends on the teen’s symptoms, medical history, and how they respond to earlier care.

Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that long-term use of desvenlafaxine is generally safe and well-tolerated in children and teens.¹ Even so, studies alone don’t always settle a parent’s nerves. What matters most is whether the treatment supports a teen’s ability to function and feel better in daily life.

At Mission Prep, we work directly with teens and their families. If desvenlafaxine becomes part of a teen’s care plan, it’s because the choice was made thoughtfully and collaboratively. We guide each decision based on the needs of the teen.

To help you fully understand what treatment with desvenlafaxine involves, this guide covers:

  • What desvenlafaxine is and how it works
  • The benefits of Pristiq for adolescents and what to expect in treatment
  • Potential desvenlafaxine side effects for teenagers
  • Desvenlafaxine dosage for teenagers
  • The long-term effects of Pristiq on teens
  • When stopping Pristiq in teens is the right choice
  • Pristiq vs other antidepressants in teens – why a provider might choose desvenlafaxine
  • Where to find professional support for treatment with antidepressants
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for Teens

What Is Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?: How Desvenlafaxine Works for Teenage Depression

Desvenlafaxine is a type of antidepressant called a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means that it’s used to treat conditions such as depression by preventing the reuptake of chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.² Because of this, these two chemicals remain in the system for longer, which may improve mood, emotion, and focus.

Desvenlafaxine has been approved for use by adults since 2008.³ While the FDA hasn’t yet approved it for children and teens, some doctors might suggest it when other options haven’t helped. 

When depression comes with low energy or trouble concentrating, a mental health provider may want to try something beyond the usual first-line options. At Mission Prep, nothing is automatic. If desvenlafaxine becomes part of care, it’s because it fits the full picture.

Let’s look at how Pristiq can be an important part of treatment for some teens, before we address potential side effects. 

Benefits of Pristiq for Adolescents

Pristiq is commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and improve overall mental health and physical well-being. It’s a second-generation antidepressant, which means that it poses fewer risks than older medications. 

However, as mentioned, Pristiq is only FDA-approved for adult treatment, but it’s sometimes prescribed to teens under 18. In such instances, a thorough assessment is required by a mental health professional, and careful monitoring is needed throughout the time of treatment.

When teens take Pristiq, many experience the following benefits:

  • Improved mood
  • Enhanced energy levels
  • Reduced anxiety

However, it’s good to know that these benefits take time. Therefore, it can help to know exactly what to expect when a teen starts Pristiq. 

What to Expect When a Teen Starts Pristiq

Seeing the benefits of any new antidepressant takes time. Desvenlafaxine is no different. Early on, some shifts may show up. Sleep may settle, appetite might improve, and small changes in mood can begin to appear. That said, the full effect often takes longer.

During this early stretch, it helps to keep an eye on how your teen is doing overall. Watch for any physical changes or emotional shifts that seem unexpected. If something feels off, for instance, if thoughts of self-harm come up, it’s important to check in with your child’s care team right away.

The antidepressant adjustment process is different for everyone. Some teens notice progress within weeks. For others, it’s more gradual. At Mission Prep, we stay in close contact throughout this phase, so families feel supported as the medication begins to do its work.

Pristiq can affect teens differently depending on their condition. Let’s take a look at how it can affect some of the most common teen mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Desvenlafaxine for Anxiety in Teens

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in U.S. teens – and many of these teens have severe symptoms that impact their ability to function in daily life. 

Psychiatrists sometimes prescribe Pristiq off-label for anxiety if other treatment approaches haven’t worked. One clinical study suggests that some experience relief from anxiety symptoms in as little as one week of taking Pristiq. ⁴ However, in general, most teens start feeling the full effects of anxiety relief within eight weeks. 

Teen Depression Treatment with Pristiq: How Pristiq May Support Emotional Regulation in Teens 

Some teens feel everything all at once. Depression can cause irritability, sadness, and frustration – sometimes all at once. These intense emotions can be overwhelming and exhausting for a teen, and it can be difficult for those around them to understand what’s happening and how to help.

Desvenlafaxine may help soften these swings. It doesn’t take feelings away, and it isn’t meant to shut emotions down. Instead, what it can do is make these internal shifts feel less extreme. This gives teens more space to pause, reflect, and respond – rather than feeling like they’re being pulled along by the emotion itself.

Desvenlafaxine for ADHD in Teens

Desvenlafaxine may be used for teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when symptoms like poor focus, low energy, or restlessness are tied to underlying depression or anxiety. While it’s not designed to treat ADHD directly, improving mood and emotional regulation can sometimes help with attention and task follow-through. This benefit is especially helpful for teens whose symptoms don’t respond well to stimulants or who have multiple overlapping challenges.

What to Know About Desvenlafaxine Side Effects for Teenagers

All medications come with some risk of side effects. Desvenlafaxine is no different. This doesn’t necessarily mean your teen will experience any, but it’s helpful to know what might show up early in treatment.

In the first few weeks, mental health professionals tend to watch physical and emotional reactions to medications closely. If side effects do happen, they’re often mild and fade with time. Sometimes, though, they’re a sign that a different approach is needed. This is why regular check-ins matter, so the care team can adjust if needed and make sure the medication is doing what it’s meant to do.

Having said as much, let’s take a look at the potential desvenlafaxine side effects in teens.

Desvenlafaxine Side Effects in Teens:

  • Feeling more tired than usual, even without much physical activity
  • Getting lightheaded, sometimes just from standing up
  • Nausea, which can come and go, often without an obvious trigger
  • A dry feeling in the mouth that doesn’t go away with water
  • Sweating more than normal, even during rest
  • Trouble falling asleep or waking in the night (more than usual)
  • Appetite shifts – either eating more or not wanting to eat much at all

Pristiq and mood regulation in teenagers doesn’t always look the same from person to person. For instance, some teens may get almost immediate benefits from the medication. However, others may experience irritability, restlessness, or a sense of unease as the brain adjusts. Most of these negative effects on mood regulation fade with time. However, if they stick around or start to interfere with your teen’s daily life, it’s worth checking in with their mental health team.

The following sections look at some possible side effects of desvenlafaxine in teens in more detail. 

Effects of Pristiq on Teenage Behavior

Of course, the main aim of Pristiq is to improve teenagers’ emotions and behaviors. Yet this might not happen straight away. Some teens may seem more withdrawn or agitated in the first days of starting desvenlafaxine – this is normal while the brain is adjusting to increased amounts of neurotransmitters. 

However, in rare cases, SNRIs have been linked to suicidal thoughts, particularly in children and adolescents under the age of 25. This is one reason why close monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential.

Effects of Pristiq on teenage behavior also include: 

  • Sudden mood swings
  • Increased irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in social behavior

These changes don’t always mean something is wrong, but they do warrant attention and open communication between the teen, their family, and the care team at Mission Prep.

Desvenlafaxine and Appetite Changes in Teens

Some teens experience a decrease in appetite as a response to desvenlafaxine, especially in the first few weeks of taking the antidepressant. Infrequently, appetite may increase. Either way, significant changes in eating habits or weight should be addressed. At Mission Prep, we work with families to monitor nutritional health alongside mental health, ensuring that medication doesn’t disrupt healthy development.

Pristiq and Sleep Problems in Adolescents

Sleep issues can be a problem for many teenagers with mental health conditions, and, in time, Pristiq can help. However, when starting desvenlafaxine, some teens feel more awake at night. Others may get more tired during the day, even when they’ve had enough rest. 

If sleep becomes an issue, there are a few things a provider might try. For instance, lowering the dose or adjusting when the medication is taken can sometimes help. If this doesn’t work, it may be a sign that a different medication would be a better fit.

Desvenlafaxine Dosage for Adolescents

When a teen starts desvenlafaxine, the prescribed dosage is usually low. Mental health professionals often begin dosages around 25 milligrams a day, then make adjustments depending on how the teen responds – physically, emotionally, and over time. Since desvenlafaxine comes in an extended-release form, it’s designed to work steadily throughout the day instead of all at once.

Finding the right dose takes more than just monitoring mental health symptoms. Providers also look at how the teen is sleeping, eating, and performing in their daily life. The goal is to find a balance that eases symptoms without adding unwanted side effects.

At Mission Prep, check-ins are part of the process. We stay in regular contact with teens and their families so changes don’t go unnoticed. Some teens notice small improvements early on. Others need more time. That’s why we encourage families to track what they see. Even brief notes or mood logs can give the care team a clearer sense of how things are unfolding.

What Continued Treatment Looks Like: Pristiq Long-Term Use Effects on Teens

For teens who respond well to Pristiq, long-term use may be recommended. This doesn’t mean the goal is to medicate forever, but rather to continue support during a crucial window of emotional development. Adolescence is full of social, neurological, and hormonal changes. For some, medication helps make this process more manageable.

Having said as much, long-term use of desvenlafaxine in teens should always involve regular re-evaluation. Over time, dosage might need to be adjusted, paused, or phased out depending on how the teen is doing overall.

Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for Teens: Benefits and Side Effects

When It’s Time to Stop Desvenlafaxine

Stopping Pristiq in teens safely takes planning. It’s not something to do on your own or all at once. Even if a teen has only been taking it for a little while, it’s still important to come off it slowly.

Desvenlafaxine tends to leave the body quickly. This means it can cause some uncomfortable reactions when use is stopped abruptly. Things like return of symptoms, dizziness, strange dreams, or a general “off” feeling might show up. These symptoms aren’t usually dangerous, but they can catch people off guard.

This is why providers take stopping antidepressants step by step. Small changes, spaced out over time, make it easier on the system. And if anything feels off during the process, it’s always better to check in.

If your teen experiences any of the following Pristiq withdrawal symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact your provider. 

Pristiq Withdrawal Symptoms in Adolescents:

  • Feeling dizzy or off balance for a day or two
  • Waves of nausea that come and go
  • Moodiness or being quicker to react emotionally
  • Headaches that feel sharper or unfamiliar
  • Brief zap-like feelings in the head
  • Restless nights or dreams that feel too vivid

Most of these symptoms ease up within a few days. Still, if they feel strong or stick around, it’s worth letting your provider know. Tapering the process can make all the difference. The following information can help you understand how to stop antidepressants safely.

How to Stop Pristiq in Teens Safely

The safest way to discontinue desvenlafaxine is through a gradual taper, sometimes with the dose being lowered by small increments over several weeks or months. The exact plan will likely depend on the teen’s history, dose, and response to medication overall.

At Mission Prep, we don’t just hand over a tapering schedule and send teens on their way. We stay in close contact throughout the process, checking in often and adjusting based on how things feel, not just how they look on paper.

What’s more, if mental health symptoms return or new ones pop up, this information can be useful in directing treatment. Sometimes the nervous system needs a little more time, or a new plan altogether. This is okay. The goal is never to rush. It’s to move in a way that supports healing long after the medication is gone.

Pristiq vs Other Antidepressants for Teens

When a teen starts medication for depression or anxiety, mental health providers usually begin with a drug that’s already been extensively studied for use in younger people. For instance, antidepressants like fluoxetine or sertraline are often the first step.⁵ They’ve been used longer and are approved for teens because of their limited side effects.

Pristiq is different. It works on two brain chemicals instead of one. This shift in how it acts may help when other medications haven’t made enough of a difference.

The right choice of antidepressant depends on the teen – what they’re dealing with, what they’ve tried, and how they respond. No one option works for everyone.

When to Consider Desvenlafaxine for a Teen: When Might a Provider Choose Desvenlafaxine?

Pristiq might be considered when:

  • A teen hasn’t responded well to one or more SSRIs
  • Physical symptoms like fatigue and pain are significant
  • Concentration and focus are impaired
  • There’s a family history of better responses to SNRIs
  • There’s co-occurring anxiety that hasn’t improved with standard treatment

At Mission Prep, we consider every angle before making a medication decision. This includes looking at diagnosis and symptoms, but also how the teen’s body, mind, and support system are working together.

Does Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Work for Teens?

Learn More About Teen Mental Health Treatment With Desvenlafaxine

At Mission Prep, we understand how personal the decision to take antidepressants is. If your teen has been prescribed desvenlafaxine – or you’re considering it as a next step – we’re here to help you navigate what comes next. Our team takes time to answer questions, monitor progress, and adjust care based on what your teen needs, not just what the medication promises. 

If you’re looking for guidance, we’re ready to walk through it with you. Contact us at (866) 823-5443.

References

  1. Findling, R. L., Groark, J., Chiles, D., Ramaker, S., Yang, L., & Tourian, K. A. (2014). Safety and tolerability of desvenlafaxine in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 24(4), 201–209. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4026302
  2. Sheffler, Z. M., Patel, P., & Abdijadid, S. (2022). Antidepressants. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/
  3. Naseeruddin, R., Rosani, A., & Marwaha, R. (2023). Desvenlafaxine. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
  4. Katzman, M. A. (2017). Speed of improvement in symptoms of anxiety with desvenlafaxine. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 78(5), 555–561. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5596832/
  5. National Institute for Health and Care Research. (2022, November 3). Antidepressants for children and teenagers: What works for anxiety and depression? NIHR Evidence. https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/collection/antidepressants-for-children-and-teenagers-what-works-anxiety-depression/

 

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