Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

What the word means

Desvenlafaxine is the drug. Pristiq is the brand.

It’s an SNRI, and it’s the closest relative venlafaxine has, because it’s essentially what the body turns venlafaxine into. That relationship is the main thing worth understanding about it, since it explains both why the two behave similarly and why a prescriber might pick one over the other for reasons that have to do with metabolism rather than effect.

It’s used for depression, and it comes in a simpler dosing arrangement than venlafaxine does.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines the word. PsychiatryRx does the medicine.

Read the full desvenlafaxine guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, side effects, and how it compares to venlafaxine.

Related terms you’ll see next

• SNRI
• Venlafaxine
• Antidepressant

When to seek professional care

Don’t stop it abruptly, because like other SNRIs it can cause discontinuation symptoms when dropped quickly. Tell your prescriber about new agitation, worsening mood, or thoughts of self-harm after starting or changing the dose. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq):</strong> Desvenlafaxine is an SNRI antidepressant, sold as Pristiq. It's the active form your body converts venlafaxine into, which is why the two are so closely related.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/desvenlafaxine/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>