Compare common side effects, interactions, warnings, and more.
Desvenlafaxine
*image for illustrative purpose only
Venlafaxine
Desvenlafaxine is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Pristiq®. The information below is about brand name Pristiq. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) by increasing the available levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood and emotional balance. Its FDA-approved indication is for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Off-label uses may include managing anxiety disorders, hot flashes related to menopause, and other mood disorders. Pristiq comes in extended-release tablet form, taken once daily. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, male sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. It carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.
Venlafaxine is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Effexor XR®. The information below is about brand name Effexor XR. According to the FDA, “Generic medicines use the same active ingredients as brand-name medicines and work the same way, so they have the same risks and benefits as the brand-name medicines.”
Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat mood disorders by increasing the available levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps regulate mood and anxiety. Its FDA-approved indications include major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Off-label uses may include treatment for migraine prevention as well as treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and neuropathic pain. Effexor XR comes in extended-release capsules, taken once daily. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and sweating. It has a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly during the early stages of treatment.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine succinate) is indicated:
For the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD)
Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of adults with:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Panic disorder (PD)
Typically taken orally once daily
Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg extended-release tablets
Typically taken orally once daily
Comes in 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg extended-release capsules
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and twice the rate of placebo in the 50 or 100 mg dose groups) were:
Nausea
Dizziness
Insomnia
Excessive sweating
Constipation
Sleepiness
Decreased appetite
Anxiety
Specific male sexual function disorders
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and at least twice the rate of placebo):
Nausea
Sleepiness
Dry mouth
Sweating
Abnormal ejaculation
Anorexia
Constipation
Impotence (men)
Libido decreased
Hypersensitivity to desvenlafaxine succinate, venlafaxine hydrochloride, or any excipients in the Pristiq formulation
Serotonin syndrome and MAOIs
Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate, or any excipients in the Effexor XR formulation
Concomitant use of monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI
Serotonin syndrome
Elevated blood pressure
Increased risk of bleeding
Angle closure glaucoma
Activation of mania/hypomania
Discontinuation syndrome
Seizure
Low blood sodium: Can occur in association with SIADH.
Interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia
Sexual dysfunction
Serotonin syndrome
Elevated blood pressure
Increased risk of bleeding
Angle‑closure glaucoma
Activation of mania or hypomania
Discontinuation syndrome
Seizures
Low blood sodium
Interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia
Sexual dysfunction
Pregnancy: Third trimester use may increase risk for symptoms of poor neonatal adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, hypotonia, tremor, irritability) in the neonate
WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS
Increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants.
Closely monitor for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Pristiq is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric patients and young adults taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Effexor XR is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
*This information is from the label for brand name Pristiq®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Desvenlafaxine, the active ingredient in Pristiq, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient desvenlafaxine.
*This information is from the label for brand name Effexor XR®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Venlafaxine, the active ingredient in Effexor XR, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient venlafaxine.
The information provided here is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE and is for informational and educational purposes only. The drug comparison tool does not determine eligibility for medications or treatments provided via the Hims/Hers platform. Consultation with a healthcare provider is required to assess suitability for any medical treatment based on individual health and medical history. All product names and associated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.