Key takeaways
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and Zoloft (sertraline) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), while Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Desvenlafaxine is only approved for treating depression in adults, whereas Zoloft is approved for a wider range of conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Desvenlafaxine is typically taken as a tablet once a day, while Zoloft is available in both tablet and liquid forms and is also taken once daily. Desvenlafaxine can raise blood pressure and isn't recommended for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems, whereas Zoloft is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other SSRIs but can cause more diarrhea. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts, especially in people under 25 years old.
