How Much Is Pristiq Without Insurance?
Pristiq can cost over $500 for a 30-day supply. Read on to learn more about how much Pristiq is without insurance and ways to save with GoodRx.
desvenlafaxine succinate ER
Used for Depression
Used for Depression
Desvenlafaxine, also known as the brand name Pristiq, is a medication used to treat depression in adults. It belongs to a drug class called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness. It can also make you feel sleepy or cause trouble sleeping.
What is Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?
What is Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) used for?
How Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) works
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by raising the levels of two natural chemicals in your brain called serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate your mood.
When does Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Pristiq |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | SNRI |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) essentials
Side effects of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (22%)
- Dizziness (13%)
- Dry mouth (11%)
- Sweating a lot (10%)
- Constipation (9%)
- Trouble sleeping (9%)
- Feeling tired (7%)
- Low appetite (5%)
- Sleepiness (4%)
- Low sex drive (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling like your surroundings are spinning (vertigo)
- Tremors
- Unusual dreams
- Anxiety
- Trouble getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction, ED)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Serotonin syndrome: high fever, fast heart rate, heavy sweating, shivering, tremors, stiff muscles, restlessness, stomach upset, confusion
- Severe bleeding or bruising: bruising that doesn't get better, black stools, pink or red urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low sodium: headaches, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations
- Seizure
When do Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Nausea
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
More on Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) side effects
The following Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, pounding, or irregular pulse
headache
numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
weakness
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in the stool or urine
chest tightness, discomfort, or pain
dark urine
dilated or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
dizziness
feeling irritated
fainting
fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
hoarseness
indigestion
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
loss of appetite
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
nosebleeds
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red skin
seizures
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
sudden loss of consciousness
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
talking, feeling, or acting with excitement
trouble breathing or swallowing
unusual bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
vomiting blood
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation
dark urine
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
irregular heartbeat recurrent
light-colored stools
muscle cramp or stiffness
overactive reflexes
poor coordination
restlessness
seizures
sensation of spinning
shivering
stomach pain
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Decreased appetite
inability to have an orgasm
inability to have or keep an erection
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
loss of sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
trouble sleeping
Less common
Change in taste
continuous ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
decreased weight
difficult urination
fear or nervousness
hearing loss
jitteriness
lack or loss of strength
loss of taste
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Pros
- A first-choice medication for treating depression in adults
- Taken once a day
- Can take with or without food
Cons
- Can take several weeks to feel the full effects
- Has a risk of raising blood pressure
- Usually needs to be lowered slowly when stopping to reduce withdrawal symptoms
Pharmacist tips for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) once a day, with or without food. You can take it at any time of the day, but try to take it around the same time each day. If it makes you feel nauseous, taking it with food might help.
- Swallow desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) whole. Don't split, chew, crush, or dissolve the tablets. This can change how the medication gets released in your body.
- You might notice a tablet in your stool after taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). This is normal. Your body has already absorbed the medication. What you're seeing is just the empty tablet shell.
- It can take several weeks to feel the full effects of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). You might have side effects before your mood gets better. Keep taking the medication as prescribed. Check in with your care team about how treatment is going.
- Watch for changes in mood and behavior while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). This medication can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. Tell your prescriber right away if your mood gets worse or you notice changes in how you think or act. Get emergency help right away if you think you might hurt yourself.
- Check your blood pressure as your care team recommends. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can raise your blood pressure. Tell your prescriber if your blood pressure stays higher than usual.
- It's best to avoid alcohol while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Alcohol can make side effects, such as dizziness, worse. It might also worsen your depression symptoms. Talk to your prescriber if you have concerns about avoiding alcohol during treatment.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can sometimes cause sleepiness, tiredness, or blurry vision. This can make driving risky. Don't drive or use heavy machines until you know how the medication affects you.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can interact with some medications. For example, taking it with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) or blood thinners can raise your risk of bleeding. Taking certain other medications can raise your risk of a serious problem called serotonin syndrome. Your care team can check if your medications are safe to take together.
- Don't suddenly stop taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) without talking to your prescriber first. This can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. Your prescriber can help you lower your dose slowly to prevent or lessen these symptoms.
- If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant: Tell your prescriber. Taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) late in pregnancy might cause problems in newborn babies, such as trouble feeding or breathing. Your prescriber can talk with you about the risks and help you choose the best treatment option. If you take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) during pregnancy, you can join the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This program helps researchers learn more about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy.
- If you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed: Tell your prescriber. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can pass into breast milk. Your prescriber can help weigh the risks and benefits of breastfeeding during treatment. Ask your prescriber or a lactation expert about safe feeding options.
More on Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) tips
Risks and warnings for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Risk factors: Age 24 years or under | History of depression or other mental health conditions
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) might raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in people 24 years or younger. Watch for worsening depression or sudden changes in mood or behavior. This is very important during the first few months of treatment or when your dose changes.
Talk to a healthcare professional if you or someone close to you notices any unusual mood or behavior. Call 911 right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in the brain
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) raises the amount of serotonin in your brain. Too much serotonin can cause a serious problem called serotonin syndrome.
Your risk is higher if you take desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) with other medications that raise serotonin. These include other antidepressants, migraine medications called triptans, and certain opioids. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take. They can help check your risk.
Stop taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and get medical help right away if you have signs of serotonin syndrome. These include high fever, a fast heart rate, heavy sweating, stiff muscles, or confusion.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: High blood pressure | Other heart problems | Blood flow problems to the brain
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, talk to your prescriber before starting this medication. They can make sure it's safe for you to take.
Be sure to check your blood pressure at home often during treatment. Tell your care team if your blood pressure stays higher than usual while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). They might lower your dose or have you stop taking the medication.
Higher risk of bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking blood thinners or other medications that make bleeding or bruising easier
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can raise the risk of bleeding or bruising more easily. The risk is higher if you also take other medications that have a bleeding risk. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil). Other medications include blood thinners like warfarin. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all your medications so they can monitor this risk.
Bleeding can range from nosebleeds to stomach bleeds, which can be serious and life-threatening. Tell a healthcare professional right away about any bruising that doesn't go away or bleeding that's hard to stop. Also tell them right away if you have black stools or pink or red urine. These can be signs of bleeding that could be serious.
Low sodium levels
- Risk factors: Older adults | Medical condition called syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) | Taking diuretics (water pills) | Dehydrated or low fluid levels in the body
It's possible for desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) to cause low sodium levels. The risk might be higher if you're older than 65 years of age or if you take diuretics (water pills). Call your prescriber if you have symptoms of low sodium. This can include headaches, trouble concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, or balance problems.
Sexual side effects
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause sexual side effects. These include less interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or problems getting an erection or ejaculating.
Tell your prescriber if you notice any changes in your sex life while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). These problems can also be caused by other things, like depression. Your prescriber can help find the cause and talk with you about ways to manage them.
Risk of mania
- Risk factors: Personal or family history of mania or hypomania
It's very rare, but some people have had big changes in mood or energy while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). These changes are called mania or hypomania. Tell your prescriber if you or anyone in your family has had these mood changes before, since this might raise your risk.
Signs of mania include feeling very excited, having too much energy, fast thoughts, or needing less sleep than usual. Tell your prescriber right away if you notice these signs
Lung problems and pneumonia
In rare cases, people taking venlafaxine (Effexor), a medication similar to desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), have had serious lung problems. These include certain types of lung damage and pneumonia.
Tell your prescriber right away if you have a cough, trouble breathing that gets worse, or chest discomfort while taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). These could be signs of a serious lung problem. Your prescriber might need to stop your medication.
Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people
- Risk factors: Have narrow-angle eyes but haven't had laser eye surgery for it yet
Antidepressants like desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can sometimes cause a sudden eye problem called an angle-closure attack. This is more likely in people with narrow-angle eyes who haven't had laser eye surgery. Tell your prescriber if you have this eye condition before taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). They can help decide if the medication is safe for you.
Call your eye specialist right away if you suddenly have blurry vision, severe eye pain, or see rings around lights. These can be signs of an angle-closure attack. This needs immediate medical care.
Withdrawal symptoms
- Risk factors: Stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) suddenly
Don't stop taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Stopping the medication too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms. This can make you feel nauseous, anxious, irritable, or confused. It can also cause upset stomach, dizziness, headache, and trouble sleeping.
If you want to stop taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), tell your prescriber. They can help you do this safely by lowering your dose over time before you stop completely.
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 50mg of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is $21.77 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 82.62% off the average retail price of $125.23. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 30 tablets | $21.77 | $0.73 |
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $24.41 | $0.81 |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $25.61 | $0.85 |
Typical dosage for Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
The typical dose is 50 mg by mouth once a day with or without food.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
More on Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) dosage
Interactions between Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and other drugs
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bromopride
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Anileridine
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Betrixaban
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Brompheniramine
- Bufexamac
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Butorphanol
- Cangrelor
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorpheniramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dextromethorphan
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Difenoxin
- Diflunisal
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diphenoxylate
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dolasetron
- Donepezil
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Eletriptan
- Enoxaparin
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Ethylmorphine
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenfluramine
- Fenoprofen
- Fentanyl
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Frovatriptan
- Granisetron
- Heparin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indomethacin
- Iobenguane I 123
- Iobenguane I 131
- Ketobemidone
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lasmiditan
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lorcaserin
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morniflumate
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Nalbuphine
- Naproxen
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Nicomorphine
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Oxaprozin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Ozanimod
- Palonosetron
- Papaveretum
- Parecoxib
- Paregoric
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pentazocine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piritramide
- Piroxicam
- Pranoprofen
- Prasugrel
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Remifentanil
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Rizatriptan
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Selexipag
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Sulindac
- Sumatriptan
- Tapentadol
- Tenoxicam
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tilidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Trimipramine
- Tryptophan
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Vortioxetine
- Warfarin
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
How much does Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Currently take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including linezolid (Zyvox) or methylene blue
- Taking desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) within 14 days of stopping an MAOI
- Taking an MAOI within 7 days of stopping desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
What are alternatives to Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
The Links Between Menopause and Depression
Menopause can increase a woman’s risk of developing depression. Learn about causes, risk factors, and treatment options for menopause-related depression.
12 Facts About Depression and Antidepressants Everyone Should Know
Almost 10% of people in the U.S. will have depression at some point in their lives. Here are answers to your questions about antidepressants.
Can Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Drugs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Can common anxiety and depression treatments cause or worsen erectile dysfunction? Learn which medications might cause ED here.
7 Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) Interactions: Alcohol, Ibuprofen, and More
Learn about Pristiq common interactions, including medication and alcohol interactions, and ways to manage them.
11 Pristiq Side Effects to Know About: Nausea, Sexual Problems, and More
Read on to learn common, rare, and long-term side effects of Pristiq and how to manage them.
11 Medications That May Be Affecting Your Sex Life
Many factors can cause sexual problems, and your medication could be one of them. Find out which medications may be affecting your sex life.
Does Pristiq Cause Weight Gain? Pharmacists Answer 5 Pristiq FAQs
Pristiq doesn’t usually cause weight gain. Typically, this antidepressant doesn’t significantly affect body weight. Learn more about Pristiq with these FAQs.
How to Help Someone With Depression
Has a loved one’s struggle with depression left you unsure of how to support them? Learn about depression and the ways you can help.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Antidepressants Like Cymbalta or Amitriptyline?
Mixing antidepressants and alcohol can have negative effects. Learn about the risks of mixing alcohol with antidepressants like Cymbalta and amitriptyline.
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) images
