{"id":6745,"date":"2022-12-09T06:17:33","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T14:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=6745"},"modified":"2024-01-29T09:19:36","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T17:19:36","slug":"effexor-vs-pristiq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/effexor-vs-pristiq\/","title":{"rendered":"Effexor vs. Pristiq: Which One Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Anxiety and depression are the two most commonly diagnosed and treated psychological conditions. These two disorders often coexist with one another, and there are a number of medications that are useful in treating both anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically, two classes of medications are considered first-line treatment for anxiety and depression, called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) & Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Within each class of medications, there are several different drugs that all have their own unique properties and effects on the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will compare two of the most commonly prescribed SNRI medications, Effexor<\/a> and Pristiq, so that you can be better informed before discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression and find that your mental health impacts your everyday life, don’t let your symptoms go untreated. At Klarity, we connect you with an online licensed healthcare provider in your state who can help you identify the right medication for you, if applicable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule an appointment<\/a> and be seen within 48 hours from the comfort of your own home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Effexor<\/th>Pristiq<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI)<\/td>Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name for venlafaxine<\/td>Brand name for desvenlafaxine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>Immediate-release tablets<\/td>Extended-release tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Immediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 25 mg
\n\u2022 37.5 mg
\n\u2022 50 mg
\n\u2022 75 mg
\n\u2022 100 mg
\n<\/td>		Extended-release tablets:
\n\u2022 25 mg
\n\u2022 50 mg
\n\u2022 100 mg
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Social anxiety
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Neuropathic pain related to:
\n \u2022 Diabetes
\n \u2022 Hot flashes
\n \u2022 Migraines
\n \u2022 PTSD
\n \u2022 OCD
\n \u2022 ADHD
\n \u2022 Complex pain syndromes
\n<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\n\u2022 Panic attacks
\n\u2022 Social anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (venlafaxine):
\n\u2022 $1.10 to $22.36 for 30 tablets
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $35.35 to $88.39 for
\n
\nPrices vary depending on insurance coverage and available coupons30 tablets<\/td>		Generic form (desvenlafaxine):
\n\u2022 $13 to $110 for 30 tablets
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $516 for 30 tablets
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Sweating
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Nervousness
\n\u2022 Fatigue
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Difficulty orgasming
\n\u2022 High blood pressure
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Increased heart rate
\n\u2022 Low blood pressure
\n\u2022 Increased salivation
\n\u2022 Irregular menstrual cycle
\n\u2022 Weakness
\n\u2022 Teeth grinding
\n\u2022 Difficulty urinating
\n\u2022 Eye pain or vision problems
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>		Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Nausea and vomiting
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation
\n\u2022 Fatigue or increased tiredness
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Reduced appetite
\n\u2022 Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and increased need for sleep
\n\u2022 Increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Worsening depression or anxiety
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
\n\u2022 Severe insomnia
\n\u2022 Severe irritability or aggression
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n\u2022 Chest pain
\n\u2022 Easy bruising or bleeding
\n\u2022 Changes in vision
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Adderall
\n\u2022 Tramadol
\n\u2022 Trazodone
\n\u2022 Wellbutrin
\n\u2022 Abilify
\n\u2022 Ambien
\n\u2022 Aspirin
\n\u2022 Clonazepam
\n\u2022 Gabapentin
\n\u2022 Klonopin
\n\u2022 Lamictal
\n\u2022 Lyrica
\n\u2022 Seroquel
\n\u2022 Xanax
\n<\/td>		Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Hypertension or high blood pressure
\n\u2022 Significant cardiovascular disease
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 Seizure disorder
\n\u2022 Certain lung diseases, such as interstitial lung disease
\n\u2022 Hyponatremia or low blood sodium levels, including SIADH
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n\u2022 Chronic kidney disease
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 SSRIs and SSNRIs
\n\u2022 TCA antidepressants
\n\u2022 Lithium
\n\u2022 Opioid pain medications
\n\u2022 NSAIDs
\n\u2022 Blood thinner medications
\n\u2022 Certain diuretics
\n\u2022 Stimulant medications, such as Adderall
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What are SNRIs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain by blocking their reuptake after neural transmission. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression tend to have lower serotonin and norepinephrine levels, leading to physical and psychological symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNRI medications increase the levels of these key neurotransmitters in the brain, which play an important role in numerous bodily functions, such as mood, sleep, and appetite, to name a few. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that everyone reacts to each medication differently, so although one SNRI medication did not work for you, another drug within the SNRI class may work and be beneficial for managing your symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SNRIs Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety and depression can present themselves in many different forms, and these two conditions are commonly seen together. Your symptoms may range from mild to severe in nature and can sometimes disrupt your daily life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When talking with your healthcare provider, be sure to explain all of your current symptoms to ensure that they arrive at an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some common symptoms of anxiety include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Constant thoughts of worry or fear unproportional to the situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Feelings of panic <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Catastrophizing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Feelings of impending doom <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Irritability <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Difficulty concentrating <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Insomnia <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Physical symptoms, including increased muscle tension, racing heartbeat, sweating, hot flashes, abdominal pain, headache, or tremor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Some common symptoms of depression include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Constant low or depressed mood <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fatigue or decreased energy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities or hobbies <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Excessive crying <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Changes in appetite, causing weight loss or gain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, or helplessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Difficulty concentrating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sleep disturbances, including sleeping too much or too little <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      What Is Effexor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Effexor is the name brand of the generic drug venlafaxine and belongs to a larger class of medications called Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Common Doses and Forms of Effexor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Effexor or venlafaxine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations in tablets and capsules. Your healthcare provider will typically start you at the lowest dose and then titrate up on a weekly basis, depending on your symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Effexor immediate-release tablets are available in the following dosage: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • 25 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 37.5 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 50 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 75 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 100 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Effexor extended-release 24-hour capsules are available in the following dosage: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • 37.5 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 75 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • 150 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Effexor extended-release 24-hour tablets are available in the following dosage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • 37 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 75 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 150 mg <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 112.5 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • 225 mg <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Conditions Effexor Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Effexor is FDA-approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Off-Label Uses For Effexor<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

            The term \u201coff-label\u201d is used to describe any use for a medication that has not been approved by the FDA. This does not mean that the medication is not effective in the treatment for a given condition but that it has simply not gone through the FDA-approval process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            For a medication to receive FDA approval for a specific condition, there is a lengthy process that often requires a great deal of time, funding, and resources. The time and resources commitment can present barriers for drug companies to get FDA approval for each use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Some off-label uses for Effexor include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Narcolepsy <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Diabetic neuropathic pain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Migraine prevention <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Fibromyalgia <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Complex pain syndrome  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Effexor Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The cost of Effexor or generic venlafaxine varies greatly depending on your insurance coverage, dosage, and which pharmacy you use. The average cash price for a 30-day supply of Effexor is around $677, but this cost can be significantly reduced to around $4-25 with the use of generic forms and coupon codes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Effexor is typically covered by most health insurance plans, and coupon codes can be found at the majority of large pharmacies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Effexor Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              When starting a new medication, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits of the given drug. Some of these risks include the possibility of developing side effects after starting Effexor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Side effects typically appear within the first few weeks of initiating the medication but are also known to decrease or resolve completely after continuous use of the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              If you are experiencing bothersome side effects that are persistent and interfere with your everyday life, talk to your healthcare provider about discontinuing the drug or finding an alternative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Common side effects of Effexor include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Headache <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Dizziness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Drowsiness or increased tiredness <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or strange dreams <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Changes in appetite, resulting in weight loss or gain <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Dry mouth <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Tremors <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Racing heart rate <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Tremors <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or libido, and inability to achieve orgasm <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                If you begin to experience the following serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Changes in vision, including blurred vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Abnormal bleeding <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Seizures <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Difficulty breathing or chest tightness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Hyponatremia or low blood sodium<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Effexor Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  There are a number of medications to avoid while taking Effexor due to potential interactions. It is important to disclose all medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Some common drugs that interact with Effexor include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • NSAIDs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Blood thinner medications, such as Warfarin or even aspirin <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • MAOI medications – should be discontinued two weeks prior to starting an SNRI<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Opioid pain medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Supplements such as St. John’s Wort <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Recreational drugs that increase serotonin, such as MDMA or ecstasy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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