This medication works by increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain and thereby relieving the symptoms of depression.

When Will My Medication Start to Work?

Usually, you should start feeling the effects of Desyrel within two to four weeks. It may take longer to experience the full effects of Desyrel, which depends on dosage and varies from person to person.

Any Other Important Information?

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.

Alcohol should be avoided completely; serious, even fatal interactions, have occurred when Desyrel and alcohol have been taken.

Desyrel can cause irregular heart rhythms in individuals with heart disease. Consult your doctor if you possess any cardiovascular problems.

Remember that only some people will experience side effects and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way.
If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication.

Most common side effects:

Drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, nervousness, and headache

Infrequent side effects:

Nausea, hypotension, and blurred vision

Rare side effects:

Risks priapism, tremors, tinnitus, hypomania, irregular heartbeat, reduction in white blood cell count

Are there any Drug Interactions?

Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.

There is a risk when taking Desyrel with SSRIs or other antidepressants; drug toxicity can occur. Alcohol should be avoided completely due to the increase in intoxicating effects. The effects of MAO Inhibitors taken with Desyrel is not known; caution should be taken when taking these medications together.

Antihypertensive drugs and some phenothiazines may result in an excessively lower blood pressure. Dilantin (phenytoin), Ultram (tramadol), and Norvir (ritonavir) may lead to drug toxicity.
Benzodiazepines, opioids, and tranquilizers may have additive effects when taken with Desyrel. Coumadin (warfarin) and Catapres (clonidine) may decrease in effectiveness when taken with Desyrel.