Key takeaways
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Prozac is also used to treat other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder, whereas Pristiq is only approved for depression. Prozac can be taken in various forms, including immediate-release and delayed-release capsules, and it can be taken once daily or weekly, depending on the form. Pristiq is only available as a once-daily tablet. Prozac is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other SSRIs, while Pristiq generally does not cause significant weight changes. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and trouble sleeping, but Pristiq is more likely to raise blood pressure. Additionally, both medications carry a risk of serotonin syndrome and should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
