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 basically the same medication as Effexor, which is cheaper because it's available as a generic.
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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.
- Effective at relieving symptoms and lowering relapse rates for depression.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
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.
- Similar to Effexor, without any extra benefits in clinical studies.
- Can cause sexual side effects (usually low libido or the inability to have an orgasm or ejaculate).
- Not available in generic form, so it's more expensive.
- Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$9.77
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$39.08
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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%
- Hyperhidrosis10%
- Constipation9%
- Insomnia9%
- Fatigue7%
- Decreased appetite5%
- Somnolence4%
- Vomiting3%
- Anxiety3%
- Vision blurred3%
- Tremor2%
- Abnormal dreams2%
- Mydriasis2%
- Vertigo2%
- Tinnitus2%
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 years or younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) suddenly
- High blood pressure
- History of high blood pressure
- Increased bleeding
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs
- Sexual dysfunction
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder