Compare Pristiq vs. Oleptro

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

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Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

Prescription only

Oleptro (Trazodone)

Prescription only
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
Improves mood and helps you sleep.

Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.

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3.6/ 5 average rating with 59 reviewsforOleptro
Upsides
  • You only need to take Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) once a day.
  • May be taken with or without food.
  • Less sedating than other anti-depressants.
  • Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
  • Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
  • Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
  • Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
  • Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
  • Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
Downsides
  • 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.
  • Not as effective as other medications for depression.
  • More sedating than other antidepressants.
  • Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Extended-release pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$21.49
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Lowest price
$4.00
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Reviews
196 reviews so far
53%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)?

Leave a review
59 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Oleptro (Trazodone)?

Leave a review
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
29possible side effects
  • Somnolence/Sedation
    46%
  • Drowsiness
    41%
  • Dry Mouth
    34%
  • Headache
    33%
  • Dizziness/Lightheadedness
    28%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Dizziness
    25%
  • Nausea
    21%
  • Blurred Vision
    15%
  • Fatigue
    15%
  • Nausea/Vomiting
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Constipation
    8%
  • Skin Condition/Edema
    7%
  • Weight Loss
    6%
  • Nasal/Sinus Congestion
    6%
  • Abdominal/Gastric Disorder
    6%
  • Syncope
    5%
  • Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains
    5%
  • Tremors
    5%
  • Nightmares/Vivid Dreams
    5%
  • Weight Gain
    5%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Vision blurred
    5%
  • Sexual dysfunction
    5%
  • Hypotension
    4%
  • Incoordination
    2%
  • Ejaculation disorders
    2%
  • Decreased libido
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • 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
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
    • Alcoholism
    • Eating disorder
    • Higher dose
    • Drug interactions
  • Painful erection
  • Low blood pressure
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
Learn more about Oleptro (Trazodone)