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 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
- 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.
- You only need to take Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) once a day.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Less sedating than other anti-depressants.
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.
- 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
- Dissolving tablet
- Extended-release pill
Price
Lowest price
$10.45
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$33.10
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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%
- 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
- 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 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