Pristiq is a brand-name extended-release oral tablet that’s prescribed for depression. It contains the active ingredient desvenlafaxine. It’s not known for sure whether Pristiq is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

With extended-release oral tablets, the drug releases slowly into the body over time.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Pristiq. For a comprehensive look at Pristiq, see this article.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Pristiq is a safe choice for you.

Pristiq hasn’t been studied in pregnant people. However, there have been clinical trials looking at a very similar antidepressant called venlafaxine (Effexor XR) when taken during pregnancy.

Venlafaxine is metabolized (broken down) by your liver. One of the chemicals made in this process is called desvenlafaxine. This chemical is the active ingredient in Pristiq. Taking Pristiq during pregnancy could have similar effects in your body as taking venlafaxine does.

Risks of Pristiq use during pregnancy

Clinical trials have shown that females taking venlafaxine during pregnancy may have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. With this condition, you develop high blood pressure during or shortly after your pregnancy. Females taking venlafaxine near delivery may also have an increased risk of bleeding during delivery or after they have given birth.

Studies have also shown that babies born to people who are taking venlafaxine or Pristiq may have a raised risk of developing certain complications when they’re born. These complications may include problems with:

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of taking Pristiq during pregnancy.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Depression and pregnancy

It’s important to know that untreated depression during pregnancy can also lead to serious consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby.

What you can do

If you get pregnant while you’re taking Pristiq, let your doctor know as soon as possible. It’s important that you do not suddenly stop taking Pristiq. Doing this can cause withdrawal symptoms (for more information, see this article).

If you do take Pristiq during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about participating in the pregnancy exposure registry. This registry follows pregnant people taking antidepressants and their babies.

The registry can help identify effects that may occur when antidepressants are taken during pregnancy. This knowledge can help other pregnant people make informed decisions when they’re deciding whether or not to take an antidepressant.

To learn more about this registry, talk with your doctor or call 866-961-2388. You can also visit the registry website.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Pristiq may affect you and your child.

Pristiq may pass into breast milk in small amounts. One small study did not find any negative effects in children breastfed by people taking Pristiq. However, larger studies are needed to know for sure whether it’s safe to use Pristiq while breastfeeding.

Not much is known about how Pristiq could affect a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while you’re taking Pristiq.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to know how the use of Pristiq may affect your birth control decisions.

It’s not known if Pristiq is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active, and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Pristiq.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.