Compare Lexapro vs. Pristiq
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Lexapro (escitalopram) is good for treating depression and anxiety. It is less likely to cause side effects than and has fewer drug interactions. However, it might not be a good choice if you have liver or heart problems.
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3.6/ 5 average rating with 1063 reviewsforLexapro
Improves mood.
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is an effective medicine for treating depression, but it is more expensive than many other medicines that work just like it.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 196 reviewsforPristiq
Upsides
- Effective at relieving depression and anxiety symptoms.
- Lowers the likelihood that your depression will come back.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) has less drug interactions than other similar antidepressants and might cause fewer side effects.
- You only need to take Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) once a day.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Less sedating than other anti-depressants.
Downsides
- Can cause a small weight gain of 1-5 pounds.
- Lexapro (escitalopram) is not a good option if you have heart or liver problems.
- The first antidepressant you try might not always work, so you may need to try a few different medicines until you find one that works for you.
- Like most anti-depressants, full effect on mood takes up to 12 weeks.
- Can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in yound adults 24 years and younger.
- Can affect your sex drive and ability to get an erection.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$7.35
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$33.10
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Reviews
1063 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
48%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lexapro (escitalopram)?
Leave a review196 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
25possible side effects
- Headache24%
- Nausea18%
- Problems ejaculating14%
- Sleepiness13%
- Insomnia12%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea8%
- Fatigue8%
- Decreased libido7%
- Problems with orgasm6%
- Constipation5%
- Flu-like symptoms5%
- Increased sweating4%
- Indigestion3%
- Vomiting3%
- Neck/shoulder pain3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decrease appetite3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Tingling or burning in the hands/feet2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Flatulence2%
- Toothache2%
- Yawning2%
- Menstrual disorder2%
17possible side effects
- Nausea22%
- Dizziness13%
- Dry mouth11%
- Excessive sweating10%
- Constipation9%
- Inability to sleep9%
- Tiredness7%
- Decreased appetite5%
- Drowsiness4%
- Vomiting3%
- Anxiety3%
- Blurry vision3%
- Tremor2%
- Abnormal dreams2%
- Dilated pupils2%
- Vertigo2%
- Ringing in ears2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Lexapro (escitalopram) suddenly
- Increased bleeding
- Taking blood thinners
- Sexual problems
- Uncovering of bipolar disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that also increase serotonin activity: Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs)
- lithium
- tramadol
- Imitrex
- Remeron
- Lexapro
- Dilaudid
- Increased blood pressure
- People with a history of high blood pressure or other heart conditions
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking NSAIDS, blood thinners, or aspirin
- Low sodium levels in blood
- Older people
- Taking diuretics
- Stopping Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) too quickly
- Taking the medicine for a long time
- Stopping Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) too quickly