Which is better pristiq or effexor

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Last Updated: April 15, Pristiq vs. Effexor Venlafaxine and Pristiq desvenlafaxine are grouped in a class of medications called SNRIs selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.

Similarities The half-life of Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine is about 12 hours. Differences Although these antidepressants share many similarities, there are also differences. These Differences Are: Comparing pharmacological uses of desvenlafaxine vs.

Venlafaxine, the latter is used for treating major depressive disorders, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder. Desvenlafaxine is used only for major depressive disorders. There is a difference between Pristiq vs. Effexor in how they are metabolized. When comparing the use of Pristiq vs.

Effexor in hepatic and renal patients, Pristiq can be safely used after monitoring its dose. In contrast, Effexor doses should be adjusted for those patients.

Venlafaxine is available in tablet and capsule form, while desvenlafaxine is only available in extended-release tablets. Cymbalta vs. Effexor Effexor and weight loss go hand in hand. Effexor for sedation, Venlafaxine is preferred for insomnia because it is more sedative than Cymbalta. Both have similar half-lives for around 12 hours. Both drugs have similar adverse reactions such as nausea, constipation, and dry mouth.

Both medications may cause hypertension. The two drugs may cause a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers. Both are pregnancy category C drugs. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking these medications during pregnancy.

When comparing duloxetine vs. Venlafaxine, patients with hepatic and renal problems must avoid Cymbalta, while Venlafaxine may be used after dose monitoring. Effexor vs. Zoloft Sertraline Both are used for treating social anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

When comparing the mechanism of action of Effexor vs. Zoloft, sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI that results in increasing serotonin in the brain. But Venlafaxine increases both serotonin and norepinephrine centrally. Zoloft half-life is twice longer — about 26 hours. Most side effects of Venlafaxine are similar to Zoloft.

However, sertraline may cause anorgasmia, agitation, shaking, and diarrhea. Venlafaxine causes more sleepiness than Zoloft. It is not advised to take Venlafaxine while driving or operating heavy machinery. Therefore, the healthcare provider may recommend taking Zoloft instead of Venlafaxine as it causes less sleepiness.

Both are pregnancy category C medicines. Lexapro Escitalopram If a patient presents with more anxiety symptoms than depression, a doctor might choose to switch from Venlafaxine to Lexapro. According to a study published in the Journal of the U. National Library of Medicine, when both medications are rapidly titrated to maximum recommended doses , Lexapro is at least as effective in treating major depressive disorders as Venlafaxine and significantly well tolerated.

Speaking about Lexapro vs. Lexapro half-life is sometimes three times longer — about hours. When comparing Effexor vs. Lexapro side effects, escitalopram is less likely to cause adverse effects. However, Lexapro may cause agitation, shaking, and diarrhea. It is recommended to avoid taking Lexapro in patients who have hepatic or renal problems.

Venlafaxine vs. Prozac Fluoxetine Although both are used in the treatment of anxiety and depression, they may differ in some properties. Prozac is more energizing than Venlafaxine. It is not recommended to use Prozac for patients who have trouble sleeping. There is a significant difference between these antidepressants in their half-lives.

Prozac half time is about three days. End of the day, pharmacutical companies wanna make money, it's up to our dr's and ourselves to get the right medication that works for each person. It effects everyone differently, even those with the same conditions. It's painful having to go thru the process of trial and error but in the end it can be worth it. And yes, in the end it is worth it. New meds — good for something :.

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It has absolutely brutal withdrawal symptoms that for me kick in within two hours of expected dosing time. Antidepressant Comparison: Pristiq Vs. Other Posts You Might Enjoy. About The Author. Natasha Tracy Natasha Tracy is an award-winning writer, speaker, advocate and consultant from the Pacific Northwest. Anon on March 29, at pm. Heather on May 22, at am.

Rachel on April 14, at am. Illy on April 2, at pm. MJ Bennett on February 4, at pm. Jill on January 28, at pm. I was SO freaked out about not having anything after reading all the horror stories of the Pristiq wthdrawals… Thanks!!

June on December 13, at pm. J on November 27, at pm. Alison on October 5, at am. Cindy on August 28, at am. Barb on April 25, at am. Kevin B on March 17, at pm. Donna Kay McFarland on February 2, at pm. I am loosing alot of my hair,is this a side effect? I am 64 yrs. Of age. Can I sub effexor for pristiq? Has anyone here done that? Sheryl Nelson on May 28, at pm. Natasha Tracy on May 29, at pm.

Good luck. Kim Marshall on February 3, at am. Hi Charity, happy to help. Tracey Mc on March 6, at am. Natasha Tracy on March 6, at am. Hi Tracey, Please see my previous comment. Kellie B on December 12, at am. Natasha Tracy on December 13, at pm. Kellie, Good for you for keeping at it, I know how hard it can be. Tracey Mc on December 10, at pm.

Natasha Tracy on December 10, at pm. Jazz on March 13, at pm. Natasha Tracy on March 14, at pm. New meds — good for something : — Natasha Tracy Reply. Leave a reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. However, patients who took Pristiq had less nausea than patients who took Effexor.

Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Only your healthcare provider can determine which medication is better for you, based on your medical condition s and history, as well as any medications you take that can interact with Pristiq or Effexor.

Get the pharmacy discount card. Insurance and Medicare Part D plans usually cover Pristiq. As insurance plans vary and are subject to change, contact your health insurance plan for current coverage information. The most common side effects of Pristiq are nausea, dizziness, insomnia, excess sweating, constipation, sleepiness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and male sexual problems. The most common side effects of Effexor XR are nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, sweating, sexual problems, decreased appetite, and constipation.

Other side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a full list of adverse effects. Pristiq or Effexor must be separated from an MAOI by seven to 14 days, depending on which medication is stopped first. Pristiq or Effexor should not be taken with other medications that increase serotonin levels, like other SNRI or SSRI antidepressants, triptans for migraines, and opioids, for the same reason.

Also, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan, which is found in Robitussin-DM as well as many other cough and cold products, should be avoided, as it can also cause serotonin syndrome when combined with Pristiq or Effexor.

Other drugs that may interact with Pristiq or Effexor include NSAIDs non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and anticoagulants blood thinners like warfarin. Avoid alcohol when taking Pristiq or Effexor. If Pristiq is taken with a medication that is metabolized by an enzyme called cytochrome P 2D6, the other medication may build up to levels that are too high and can become toxic.

Dosage adjustment may be required. Effexor does not have this interaction. This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions. All antidepressants, including Pristiq and Effexor, have a boxed warning of suicidality. A boxed warning is the most serious warning required by the FDA.

Children, adolescents, and young adults up to 24 years old who take antidepressant drugs have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. All patients on antidepressant medications should be carefully monitored. Pristiq is an SNRI antidepressant. Pristiq treats depression in adults. The generic name is desvenlafaxine.