Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Trintellix vs. Pristiq

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression in adults. Both medications may help improve mood by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. However, they belong to different medication classes. Trintellix is an atypical antidepressant, while Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Trintellix is typically started at a dose of 10 mg once daily, whereas Pristiq is usually taken at a dose of 50 mg once daily. Trintellix is only available as a brand-name medication, while Pristiq has a lower-cost generic option. Common side effects of Trintellix include nausea and diarrhea, while Pristiq may cause nausea and dizziness. Both medications can lead to serotonin syndrome if taken with other drugs that increase serotonin levels, but Pristiq can also raise blood pressure, which may be a concern if you have heart problems.

  • Trintellix (vortioxetine)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Trintellix (vortioxetine)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Summary of Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Trintellix, the brand name for vortioxetine, belongs to a drug class called atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Sexual side effects can also happen, but it's usually less likely than with some other antidepressants. As of 2025, there's no generic version of Trintellix (vortioxetine) available yet.

    Summary for SNRI
    Prescription only

    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a medication used to treat depression in adults. It's only available as a tablet that's typically taken once a day. This medication can raise your blood pressure, so it might not be the best choice if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems.

  • Indications of Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Indications for
    •Depression in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can start to improve depression in as early as 2 weeks
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants
    Cons
    •Can take up to a month or more before you feel the full effects
    •Not approved for use in children
    •Not approved to treat anxiety
    Pros and Const for SNRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for treating depression in adults
    •Can take with or without food
    •Once-daily dosing makes it easier to remember to take
    •Lower-cost generic available
    •Less serious side effects compared to some other antidepressants
    Cons
    •Can take up to 8 weeks for effects to fully kick in
    •Can raise your blood pressure
    •Must lower dose slowly to stop the medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not approved for use in children

  • Common Side Effects of Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21-32%)
    •Diarrhea (7-10%)
    •Dizziness (6-9%)
    •Dry mouth (6-8%)
    •Vomiting (3-6%)
    •Constipation (3-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (22%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Dry mouth (11%)
    •Excessive sweating (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9%)
    •Feeling tired (7%)
    •Loss of appetite (5%)
    •Sleepiness (4%)
    •Low sex drive (4%)

  • Warnings of Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual side effects
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Emergence of mania
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Lung problems and pneumonia

  • Prices with our coupons for Trintellix vs. Pristiq

    Learn more about Trintellix
    Learn more about Desvenlafaxine

Compare other Depression drugs

Brintellix vs PristiqCymbalta vs CelexaCymbalta vs LuvoxCymbalta vs LyricaCymbalta vs PristiqCymbalta vs ViibrydCymbalta vs XanaxElavil vs CymbaltaLexapro vs CymbaltaLexapro vs PristiqLyrica vs PristiqNefazodone vs PristiqNeurontin vs CymbaltaPamelor vs CymbaltaPaxil vs CymbaltaPaxil vs PristiqPristiq vs CelexaPristiq vs EffexorPristiq vs OleptroPristiq vs WellbutrinPristiq vs ZoloftProzac vs CymbaltaProzac vs PristiqRemeron vs CymbaltaRemeron vs PristiqTofranil vs CymbaltaTrintellix vs CymbaltaTrintellix vs PristiqViibryd vs PristiqZoloft vs Cymbalta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.