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Is It Safe To Switch From Pristiq To Effexor?

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2015

Question: Can I switch from 50mg of pristiq direct to effexor?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can be switched but slight anxiety can be seen

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

Pristiq is Desvenlafaxine and Effexor is Venlafaxine. Desvenlafaxine is an isomer of Venlafaxine only. Both drugs belong to same group of drugs. 50 mg of dose is not a high dose and in my opinion you can switch from 50 mg Pristiq directly to Effexor. Equivalent dose of 50 mg of Pristiq is 37.5 mg of Effexor, though exact conversion is not possible.

Please discuss with your doctor before making any change in prescription.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

I am still having anxiety on pristiq. Would it be reasonable to talk with the doctor about an increase in the pristiq vs going back on effexor. I was on 112.5 of effexor with good anxiety control just some side effects I was trying to see if the switch would help.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pristiq doses are insufficient but the drug is well tolerated

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

If anxiety is persisting with Pristiq in my opinion shifting to Effexor would be a good idea. The drug is relatively more efficacious than Pristiq in controlling some anxiety symptoms. You were taking 112.5 mg of Effexor and now are on 50 mg of Prestiq. The insufficiency of doses is also an another reason for the persistent anxiety symptoms. So in my opinion both options would help you either increasing the dose of drug or shifting back to Effexor. Discuss with your doctor for proper prescription.

Thanks, Still have more doubts please ask again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 days later)

I tried to up the dose of prisitq the past few days to 100. I had very bad headaches. They are switching me back to effexor and said I could start at 37.5 or 75. I would prefer 75. Do you think this would increase my anxiety too much?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can go with 75 mg of the dose

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for a follow up question

In my opinion starting again with 75 mg should not cause much anxiety because you have been taking Desvenlafaxine and previously you were on 112.5 mg of doses of the same drug. So this should not cause much restlessness and you would tolerate the drug easily.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar