I can't get the Pristiq easily where I live, they only prescribe venlafaxine and say it is the same. I know it is not, but must try it, even temporarily.
Can I mix the 2? Alternate days of 50 Pristiq and 75 venlafaxine?
I will receive more Pristiq in a few months..
So worried about anxiety/withdrawal! I also take generic Wellbutrin daily.
Any advice?
Thank you!
Changing from Pristiq 50mg to generic venlafaxine (Effexor). Is 75mgs correspondant to the Pristiq?
Question posted by Raine56 on 7 Jan 2019
Last updated on 9 January 2019
Answers
Rathmullan
7 Jan 2019
Hello Raine:
I think the two medications are different enough that they shouldn't be mixed and I don't know how well they substitute for one another. Dose equivalent probably is not precise either but I would think that 50 mg of Pristiq is closer to 150 mg of venlafaxine than 75 mg. However, for the sake of a temporary solution to stem wthdrawal symptoms you might start with 75 mg of venlafaxine and then add 37.5 mg if that is not adequate.
Hope you get some better answers from a Doctor or Pharmacist who knows or from someone who has experience with this.
Take care for now and all the best.
Raine56
7 Jan 2019
Thank you very much for your response! So, if I may ask your opinion? Should I finish my remaining 10 days of Pristiq 50mg, then start the venlafaxine ( in 37.5 mg) at 150mg.? (That’s 4 capsules!) I will most likely receive a pristiq supply within a month.
I am in Europe, and have seen 3 MD’s who say ‘these meds are only a molecule apart, same thing..’. Pristiq is NOT available!
I am having it shipped from a previous US Doc.
I am really unsure of what to do!
Best to you.
Rathmullan
7 Jan 2019
Sounds like the Doctors are informing you that the medications are similar. Probably best to ask one of them about how much Venlafaxine to start with and how much to titrate up to in order to replicate 50 mg of Pristiq. If it were me, and absent an absent an informed answer from a medical professional, I would play it safe. I would finish the Pristiq and then start the Venlafaxine at 75 mg. If after one week I felt discomfort from withdrawal symptoms I would bump the dosage up to 112.5 mg and give it another week. Only if I still felt withdrawal symptoms after a week at 112.5 would I go to 150 mg.
I understand your concern. Withdrawal can be difficult, particularly associated with Venlafaxine or related anti-depressants. I've experienced it with Viibryd. But on the bright side, many people do not experience severe withdrawal side effects coming off of their medications. Which actually leads me to another possible solution. Could you try cutting your Pristiq in half and taking just a half dosage until you get a new supply? If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms you could always try substituting venlafaxine.
Take care for now and all the best.
Raine56
7 Jan 2019
Thank you again Rathmullan!
I was/am hoping that the meds are similar enough that there would be NO withdrawal.. and I don’t know who to ask. I’ve heard so much conflicting info.
I do still take 150 mg of generic bupropion (Wellbutrin) and this mix of meds has been great for me for many years.. I’m not interested in changing. Right now.
Thanks for listening!
jerbear458
8 Jan 2019
Organic chemicals exist in two forms "d" or :L" you could say left handed and right handed Pristiq is the stereo isomer of Effexor the active form without the inactive form
Raine56
8 Jan 2019
Jerbear,
Thank you, you seem to have an understanding of chemistry that I don’t!
I appreciate any and all advice on this issue of mine.
Best to you.
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Further information
- Pristiq uses and safety info
- Pristiq prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Pristiq (detailed)
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