Compare nefazodone vs. Pristiq
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$64.53
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$24.69
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
196 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
42possible side effects
- Headache36%
- Dry mouth25%
- Sleepiness25%
- Nausea22%
- Dizziness17%
- Constipation14%
- Weakness11%
- Trouble sleeping11%
- Lightheadedness10%
- Indigestion9%
- Blurry vision9%
- Infection8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Confusion7%
- Blind spots in vision7%
- Sore throat6%
- Increased appetite5%
- Changes in blood pressure4%
- Memory problems4%
- Tingling or prickling sensation4%
- Flushing4%
- Flu3%
- Swelling in the arms and legs3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decreased concentration3%
- Increased cough3%
- Chills2%
- Fever2%
- Low blood pressure2%
- Itching2%
- Skin rashes2%
- Nausea and vomiting2%
- Trouble controlling movements2%
- Coordination problems2%
- Slowing of movement or speech2%
- Tremor2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Frequent urination2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
- Problems emptying bladder2%
- Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain2%
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
- 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
- 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