Compare Effexor XR vs. Lyrica

Venlafaxine (Effexor) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Pregabalin, on the other hand, is an anticonvulsant used to treat nerve pain from diabetes, shingles, spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. It is thought to lower certain chemicals in the brain to relieve pain and prevent seizures. Venlafaxine is available as a lower-cost generic, while pregabalin is also available in a generic form. Venlafaxine can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, while pregabalin can lead to dizziness, drowsiness, and weight gain. Additionally, pregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance due to its potential for addiction and dependence, whereas venlafaxine is not a controlled medication.