Compare nefazodone vs. Pristiq

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Serzone (nefazodone)

Prescription only

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

Prescription only
Treats depression.

Serzone (nefazodone) is usually used with other medicines to treat depression, but it is more likely to cause liver damage.

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
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is a good choice to take with other medicines for depression if they haven't worked by themselves.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is available in generic.
  • You only need to take Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) once a day.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Less sedating than other anti-depressants.
Downsides
  • While Serzone (nefazodone) is available as a generic, it's not considered a first or second choice medicine for depression because it is more likely to cause liver damage than other similar medicines.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is usually taken 2 times a day; the first choice medicines are only taken 1 time a day.
  • It can take up to 3 months before you notice the full effects of Serzone (nefazodone).
  • Compared to other similar medicines, Serzone (nefazodone) has a lot of interactions with other drugs, so your doctor might have to adjust the doses of your other medicines.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$73.90
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Lowest price
$20.68
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Reviews
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196 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?

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Side effects
42possible side effects
  • Headache
    36%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Sleepiness
    25%
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Dizziness
    17%
  • Constipation
    14%
  • Weakness
    11%
  • Trouble sleeping
    11%
  • Lightheadedness
    10%
  • Indigestion
    9%
  • Blurry vision
    9%
  • Infection
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Confusion
    7%
  • Blind spots in vision
    7%
  • Sore throat
    6%
  • Increased appetite
    5%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    4%
  • Memory problems
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    4%
  • Flushing
    4%
  • Flu
    3%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    3%
  • Abnormal dreams
    3%
  • Decreased concentration
    3%
  • Increased cough
    3%
  • Chills
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Low blood pressure
    2%
  • Itching
    2%
  • Skin rashes
    2%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    2%
  • Trouble controlling movements
    2%
  • Coordination problems
    2%
  • Slowing of movement or speech
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
  • Frequent urination
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Problems emptying bladder
    2%
  • Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
17possible side effects
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Dizziness
    13%
  • Dry mouth
    11%
  • Excessive sweating
    10%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Inability to sleep
    9%
  • Tiredness
    7%
  • Decreased appetite
    5%
  • Drowsiness
    4%
  • Vomiting
    3%
  • Anxiety
    3%
  • Blurry vision
    3%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Abnormal dreams
    2%
  • Dilated pupils
    2%
  • Vertigo
    2%
  • Ringing in ears
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Higher risk of suicide
    • People under age 24
  • Liver failure
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking medicine for high blood pressure
  • Possible bipolar disorder
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Lower heart rate
    • History of heart attack or heart disease
    • Medicines that slow the heartbeat
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Serzone (nefazodone)
Learn more about Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)