Compare Trintellix vs. Pristiq

Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression in adults, but they belong to different drug classes and work in slightly different ways. Trintellix is an atypical antidepressant that boosts serotonin action in the brain, while Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that increases both serotonin and norepinephrine activity. Trintellix is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Pristiq has a lower-cost generic form. Trintellix is typically taken once a day and may start to show benefits within 2 weeks, but it can take up to a month for full effects. Pristiq also requires once-daily dosing but may take up to 8 weeks for full effects. Both medications can cause nausea and have a risk of withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but Pristiq is more likely to raise blood pressure and cause excessive sweating. Trintellix, on the other hand, might be less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants.