Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The drug comes as an extended-release oral tablet. Pristiq may be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before taking Pristiq, talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They can help you determine whether Pristiq is the best choice for you during this time.

Certain antidepressants, including Pristiq, can increase the risk of preeclampsia or bleeding complications during or after pregnancy. Taking Pristiq in the third trimester of pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. (Withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is used to.)

Studies have also shown that babies born to people taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), including Pristiq, may be at risk for certain complications when they’re born. These complications may include problems with:

  • feeding
  • breathing
  • maintaining body temperature
  • regulating blood sugar

Pregnancy registry

If you become pregnant while taking Pristiq, consider enrolling in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry gathers data from people who’ve taken Pristiq while pregnant. This data can help determine the safety of taking antidepressants such as Pristiq during pregnancy. To learn more or sign up, visit the registry website or call 844-405-6185.

Depression and pregnancy

Pristiq is used to treat major depressive disorder (depression). It’s important to note that untreated depression has many risks during pregnancy. Stopping your Pristiq treatment because you’re pregnant may make it more likely that your depression will return or worsen.

To learn more, talk with your doctor.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Pristiq could have on you or your child.

It’s not known whether Pristiq is safe to take while breastfeeding. Small amounts of Pristiq may pass into breast milk, but it’s not known what effect (if any) this may have on a child who is breastfed. A few small studies have not found Pristiq to cause any effects on a child who is exposed to the drug through breastmilk, but more research is needed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.