Question 1

pristiq (desvenlafaxine) vs effexor --are they different?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is the main metabolite of Effexor (venlafaxine).  Pristiq may reduce the risk of drug interactions, because it isn't processed by the cyp2d6 liver enzyme system.  Pristiq may have been created as a patent-extender when effexor's patent ran out. Some also feel that antidepressant effect can be achieved with lower dose of Pristiq than Effexor -- but clinical results vary.

Question 2

is it advantageous to take pristiq (desvenlafaxine) over effexor xr?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Pristiq is a cogener of effexor...Pristiq is the right rotatory molecule of the racemic mixture known as effexor...Basically, the same medication...Pristiq is more potent..Venlafaxine versus desvenlafaxine...Don't confuse potency with efficacy, however...

Question 3

why is effexor officially indicated for anxiety, but pristiq (desvenlafaxine) only used off label for it? seems strange given their relation.

Accepted Answer

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is newer: Effexor and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) do work in the same way, Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is simply the active metabolite of Effexor. The answer is that Effexor has been out much longer than Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Drug companies must demonstrate effectiveness for different indications through expensive clinical trials to get FDA approval for that condition. If Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is proven to be effective for anxiety, FDA will approve it for that indication.

Question 4

was allergic to effexor xr but helped the most! today tried pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and itching! next i'm trying cymbalta but don't want weight gain! :((((?

Accepted Answer

Acctualy…    : Cymbalta (duloxetine) has a side effects: loss of appetite, nausea, dry mouth, constipation,  tiredness, drowsiness. Constipation is the most common, but adding magnesium to the mix is helpful.
The  allergic reaction to this drug is also rare.
I hope it will be the right medication for you.

Question 5

if i'm allergic to effexor xr (itchy/can't breathe well) can i be put on pristiq (desvenlafaxine)? or are there same ingredients? i've had bad tolerance with ssri's

Accepted Answer

Allergy to Effexor (venlafaxine): It is possible but not entirely that you will be allergic to Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) if you are allergic to Effexor (venlafaxine) because the molecules are similar. Although you may be allergic to other compounds in the medication (excipients or extended release formula)  it is possible to try and see if you develop the same symptoms. I would recommend that you add some antihistamine (benadryl).

Question 6

why is there a warning that effexor can prolong qt intervals and cause arrhythmia but not for pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?  aren't they closely related medications?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect: Please check your facts or your source. Neither drug prolongs the QT interval.

Question 7

per doc, stopped pristiq (desvenlafaxine) (5 yrs)due to se's (nausea and high bp). depression is back and doc rx'd effexor xr. aren't they essentially the same drug?

Accepted Answer

Same class: Both drugs are nsris different chemical compasitons.Similar but different.

Question 8

have tried pristiq, (desvenlafaxine) wellbutrin, paxil, celexa, effexor, lexapro, etc. with lithium, haliperidol &abilify. a couple improve mood. still anxious!thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Many meds: You've tried many meds already, although there are some you haven't mentioned that often help anxiety: buspirone, beta-blockers, other mood stabilizers besides lithium, etc.  But after a person has tried so many medications and still has symptoms, i'd suggest non-medication approaches: psychotherapy, mindfulness, relaxation training, exercise/yoga, etc.

Question 9

i tried celexa, effexor, cymbalta, pristiq, (desvenlafaxine) lexapro, zoloft, wellbutrin, which barely helped. what else could i try?  how do u feel about paxil?

Accepted Answer

See a psychiatrist.: A specialist like a psychiatrist can help clarify your symptoms and hone in on an effective medication dose with at least 4-8 weeks trial.  Don't lose hope.  There's many effective treatment options.

Question 10

can i swtich pristiq (desvenlafaxine) to novo venlafaxine before i was  taking venlafaxine but i have sex problem few day ago i start pristiq (desvenlafaxine) it's not suitable can i?

Accepted Answer

Similar types of med: Both Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and venlafaxine are antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. This class of medication rarely have sexual side-effects . I don't understand why you are switching from Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) back to venlafaxine if you had sexual effects from venlafaxine.What do you mean by novo venlafaxine? There are two types, the immediate and the extended release.What is suitable?

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Doctor answers about:

Effexor vs pristiq

A member asked:

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) vs effexor --are they different?

A member asked:

Is it advantageous to take pristiq (desvenlafaxine) over effexor xr?

A member asked:

Why is effexor officially indicated for anxiety, but pristiq (desvenlafaxine) only used off label for it? seems strange given their relation.

A member asked:

Was allergic to effexor xr but helped the most! today tried pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and itching! next i'm trying cymbalta but don't want weight gain! :((((?

A member asked:

If i'm allergic to effexor xr (itchy/can't breathe well) can i be put on pristiq (desvenlafaxine)? or are there same ingredients? i've had bad tolerance with ssri's

A member asked:

Why is there a warning that effexor can prolong qt intervals and cause arrhythmia but not for pristiq (desvenlafaxine)? aren't they closely related medications?

A member asked:

Per doc, stopped pristiq (desvenlafaxine) (5 yrs)due to se's (nausea and high bp). depression is back and doc rx'd effexor xr. aren't they essentially the same drug?

A member asked:

Have tried pristiq, (desvenlafaxine) wellbutrin, paxil, celexa, effexor, lexapro, etc. with lithium, haliperidol &abilify. a couple improve mood. still anxious!thoughts?

A member asked:

I tried celexa, effexor, cymbalta, pristiq, (desvenlafaxine) lexapro, zoloft, wellbutrin, which barely helped. what else could i try? how do u feel about paxil?

A member asked:

Can i swtich pristiq (desvenlafaxine) to novo venlafaxine before i was taking venlafaxine but i have sex problem few day ago i start pristiq (desvenlafaxine) it's not suitable can i?

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