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Compare Lyrica vs. Pristiq

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (pregabalin) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an antiepileptic used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures, while Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression. Lyrica is taken 2 or 3 times a day and is available as a capsule and oral solution, whereas Pristiq is taken once daily as a tablet. Lyrica can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and it is a controlled substance due to its potential for addiction. On the other hand, Pristiq can raise blood pressure and may cause nausea and dizziness, but it is not a controlled substance. Both medications require careful monitoring for side effects, but they address different health issues and have distinct usage guidelines.

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) helps treat nerve pain and fibromyalgia in adults. It can also be taken with other medications to help treat certain seizures in people 1 month and older. Pregabalin (Lyrica) comes as a capsule and oral solution in both brand-name and generic versions. The dosage depends on what condition you're treating, but it's usually taken by mouth 2 or 3 times a day. Common side effects include feeling dizzy and drowsy. This medication is a controlled substance and has interactions, like with alcohol and benzodiazepines.

    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 Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)
    •Nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
    •Nerve pain from spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •An option for relieving nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Can take with other anti-seizure medications for partial-onset seizures in people as young as 1 month of age
    •Available in a capsule and liquid
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Can cause weight gain
    •Is a controlled substance, so there are some rules to follow to get it filled
    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 Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Weight gain
    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 Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Higher risk of side effects if you stop taking the medication too suddenly or too fast
    •Slowed breathing
    •Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble concentrating
    •Swelling of the arms or legs
    •Weight gain
    •Lower platelet levels
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    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 Lyrica vs. Pristiq

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Desvenlafaxine

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