Pristiq vs. Effexor

• Are Pristiq and Effexor the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Pristiq?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Effexor?
• What is Pristiq?
• What is Effexor?
• What Drugs Interact with Pristiq?
• What Drugs Interact with Effexor?
• How Should Pristiq Be Taken?
• How Should Effexor Be Taken?

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) type antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder.

Common side effects of Pristiq include:

• increased or excessive sweating,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• loss of appetite,
• tightness in your jaw,
• nausea,
• weight loss,
• blurred vision,
• nervousness,
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.

Common side effects of Effexor include:

• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• nausea,
• constipation,
• headaches,
• anxiety,
• insomnia,
• strange dreams,
• drowsiness,
• increased sweating,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• changes in appetite or weight,
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence,
• difficulty having an orgasm,
• increased blood pressure, and
• seizures.

Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor may cause dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, and taste.

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat major depressive disorder.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant used for treatment of major depression.

Pristiq may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for seizures or anxiety, other antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, St. John's wort, tramadol, L-tryptophan, heart medications, or medicines to treat migraines.

Pristiq may also interact with diuretics (water pills), linezolid, lithium, metoclopramide, midazolam, antibiotics, antifungals, blood pressure medications, or HIV/AIDS medicines.

Effexor may interact with cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotics, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, medicines for seizures or anxiety, other antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, cimetidine, tramadol, L-tryptophan, or medicines to treat migraines.

Effexor may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), ketoconazole, linezolid, lithium, haloperidol, or risperidone.

The recommended dose for Pristiq is 50 mg once daily, with or without food.

The usual dose of Effexor is 37.5-375 mg daily.