Compare Pristiq vs. Wellbutrin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is good for treating depression and has fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, but you need to be okay with avoiding alcohol.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 1164 reviewsforWellbutrin
Upsides
- You only need to take Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) once a day.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Less sedating than other anti-depressants.
- Effective at relieving depression symptoms.
- Causes fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Can actually boost sex drive for some people.
- Can be taken with other antidepressants to counteract their sexual side effects.
- Has some stimulant effects, so it can be energizing.
- Can help with ADHD symptoms.
- Also used to suppress appetite and help you quit smoking.
- 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.
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can be stimulating, so it can cause anxiety or insomnia the first few days you're taking it.
- Generally not as good as other antidepressants for people who have anxiety.
- It's less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.
- Has a higher risk of causing seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder, eating disorder, or if you drink alcohol. So, it's not a good medication if you drink a lot.
- It contains the same ingredient as a medication that helps you to stop smoking, (Zyban), so these two meds can't be used together.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.
- 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
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Bipolar disorder
- Sexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
Dosage forms
- Extended-release pill
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$21.25
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$13.04
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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 review1164 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
40%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
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%
29possible side effects
- Agitation32%
- Dry mouth28%
- Constipation26%
- Headache/migraine26%
- Nausea/vomiting23%
- Dizziness22%
- Excessive sweating22%
- Tremor21%
- Sleepiness20%
- Insomnia19%
- Blurred vision15%
- Tachycardia11%
- Confusion8%
- Rash8%
- Hostility6%
- Auditory disturbance5%
- Menstrual complaints5%
- Cardiac arrhythmias5%
- Impaired sleep quality4%
- Sensory disturbance4%
- Appetite increase4%
- Palpitations4%
- Hypertension4%
- Impotence3%
- Anxiety3%
- Decreased libido3%
- Gustatory disturbance3%
- Dyspepsia3%
- Hypotension3%
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
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Psychiatric effects for smoking cessation
- History of depression
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Withdrawing from nicotine
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorder
- Higher dose
- Drug interactions
- Mania
- History of bipolar disorder
- At risk for bipolar disorder
- Increased side effects
- Current kidney problems
- Current liver problems
- Weight loss