Compare Remeron vs. Pristiq
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood.
Remeron (mirtazapine) improves your mood and helps you sleep better, but can cause more weight gain than any other antidepressant.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 152 reviewsforRemeron
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 some depression symptoms.
- Starts to work more quickly than most antidepressants.
- Can help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping.
- Can also help relieve anxiety.
- Good option if you are underweight or frail, because it can help you gain weight.
- Available as a generic.
- 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
- Makes you more tired than other antidepressants.
- More likely to cause minor weight gain (1-5 pounds) and raise cholesterol than any other antidepressant.
- 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
- Dissolving tablet
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$8.09
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$140.41
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Reviews
152 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
26%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Remeron (mirtazapine)?
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
17possible side effects
- Sleepiness54%
- Dry mouth25%
- Increased appetite17%
- Increased appetite17%
- Constipation13%
- Weight gain12%
- Lack of energy8%
- Dizziness7%
- Flu syndrome5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Abnormal thinking3%
- Back pain2%
- Swelling in limbs2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Tremor2%
- Confusion2%
- Urinary frequency2%
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
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- History of liver problems
- Higher dose
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Weight gain
- Blood disorders
- 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