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Pristiq vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are both medications used to treat depression, but they have some differences. Desvenlafaxine is only approved for treating depression, while venlafaxine is also approved for anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Desvenlafaxine is typically taken once a day, whereas venlafaxine comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release form sometimes needing to be taken multiple times a day. Both medications can raise your blood pressure and have a risk of causing serotonin syndrome, but venlafaxine is more likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

Desvenlafaxine

(Pristiq)

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Venlafaxine

 

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Summary for Pristiq

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 for Pristiq

  • Depression

Pros and Cons for Pristiq

Pros

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 for Pristiq

  • 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 for Pristiq

  • 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

Summary for Effexor XR

Prescription only

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

Indications for Effexor XR

Pros and Cons for Effexor XR

Pros

  • Can treat multiple mental health conditions
  • Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
  • Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
  • Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions

Cons

  • Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
  • Interacts with many medications
  • Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
  • High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped

Common Side Effects for Effexor XR

Extended-release:

  • Nausea (29-31%)
  • Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
  • Dizziness (16-20%)
  • Loss of appetite (10-20%)
  • Drowsiness (15-17%)
  • Dry mouth (12-17%)
  • Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
  • Sweating (11-14%)
  • Weakness (8-13%)

Immediate-release:

  • Nausea (37%)
  • Headache (25%)
  • Drowsiness (23%)
  • Dry mouth (22%)
  • Dizziness (19%)
  • Trouble sleeping (18%)
  • Constipation (15%)
  • Nervousness (13%)
  • Weakness (12%)
  • Sweating (12%)
  • Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
  • Loss of appetite (11%)

Warnings for Effexor XR

  • Suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • High blood pressure
  • Higher bleeding risk
  • Mania
  • Glaucoma
  • Withdrawal
  • Seizures
  • Low sodium levels
  • Lung problems and pneumonia
  • Sexual problems

Prices with our coupons for Pristiq vs. Effexor XR

Price Card Drug Icon
Desvenlafaxine Succinate ER30 tablets / 50mg
$21.77$245.62
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Price Card Drug Icon
Venlafaxine30 tablets / 75mg
$10.25$59.55
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