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Compare Viibryd vs. Pristiq

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

Key takeaways

Vilazodone (Viibryd) and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) are both medications used to treat depression in adults, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct mechanisms of action. Vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This means that vilazodone primarily affects serotonin levels, whereas desvenlafaxine influences both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Vilazodone is taken once daily with food and is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. On the other hand, desvenlafaxine can be taken with or without food and may raise blood pressure, making it less suitable for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart problems. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Both medications are available in brand and generic versions.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Summary for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) helps treat depression in adults. It works in a similar way to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You take vilazodone (Viibryd) by mouth once a day. Some common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests that it might be less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects than some other antidepressants. But it can have many drug interactions. It's important not to stop taking this medication all of a sudden because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Vilazodone (Viibryd) comes as both a brand-name and generic version.

    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 Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Pros and Const for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Might have a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects than other antidepressants
    •Okay for older adults (65 years of age or older) to take
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel a noticeable difference in your mood
    •Must take with food
    •Not approved for children
    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 Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    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 Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual side effects
    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 Viibryd vs. Pristiq

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Desvenlafaxine

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