Switching From Pristiq To Generic Desvenlafaxine (Page 6) (Top voted first)

I was switched from Pristiq to generic Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) which if I understand right, is really Effexor. Is there a possibility this could be causing my severe fatigue? Has this happened to anyone else out there?

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Re: Pat (# 74)

How does the card work? I can't understand the explanation on their website.

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Re: K2SO (# 83)

I tried at my compound pharmacy and was told I would be getting generic. I don’t understand. I need to be off this generic. I am getting worse. All fibromyalgia symptoms are back, this pill is not helping. I think it’s time to withdraw, HOW???

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Re: Kate (# 29)

How have you been doing on the green stone. I had to switch to it as well and its not working. In wondering if its really the same as the brand.

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Re: K2SO (# 93)

Thanks. Maybe pristiq has just pooped out for me after being on it a couple years. I hear that is common with all anti depressants.

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I have used the name brand Pristiq for 4 years & it has been a life changer from the first few days. I was finally myself again. My insurance company sent me the generic as soon as it came out. I didn't think it would be a problem but after 3 months I did nothing but sit on the couch and I gained 25 pounds! No severe depression but no energy & I just didn't care about anything at all. My husband had to do everything & I would sit & watch. Fighting for a month & paying $325 out of pocket I got the insurance to cover the name brand for 4 more months but now they said for 2018 they refuse to pay for anything but generic. I may have to switch to a new pill but hate the thought. I will try going to Costco and asking for the Green stone brand. Not a good time in my life to wean off & try another. So mad that insurance can do this!

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Re: K2SO (# 13)

I got switched this summer to generic Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) and also had major surgery in September, so I was blaming a lot on the anaesthesia effect. Then my doctor suggested it might be the difference between the Pristiq and the generic version. I started with a kind of buzzing in my brain and a strange feeling about my eyes. Also ongoing headache. That has abated a lot. But the last several days I've been sleeping all day. Very discouraging. I have had that problem with other antidepressants, but Pristiq was great because it didn't cause that side effect. Of course, (my depressing thought) maybe it is just hidden heart disease. Mental confusion and some trouble retrieving words, also. I also noticed clumsiness. Very discouraged right now. My husband tells me my insurance doesn't cover Pristiq at all. That others are having trouble is encouraging. Not sure what to do.

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Re: Presk (# 10)

The generic Pristiq is not the same as the brand name. My depression and lethargy has returned big time. Couldn't understand why I was feeling so bad. I am going back on the brand name

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Re: Becca (# 97)

Sorry to hear you're also having problems.
I also used different CVS inside Target pharmacies and only one refused to order the Greenstone Brand, all the others did so quickly and easily.
They know it's the only Approved Generic available and that it's actually Brand Name Pristiq in the exact same bottles made at the same factory in Singapore with a Greenstone label stuck on the outside.
Good Luck

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Re: Helen (# 98)

I have all those symptoms. I started on Pristiq for Fibromyalgia. With the generic, it numbs me but not my nerve ending pain. Dr is suggesting Effexor. I will try CVS for Pristiq with coupon. Pristiq was the only med. that made me feel like myself. Not sure about the suggested effexor or zoloft.

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Someone posted that Greenstone is owned by Pfizer and their generic is basically the brand - it's true! You have to special order from CVS and it's more expensive, but what a difference from Lupin Pharmaceuticals based in India. Depending on your insurance - the most you'll pay is around $100 per month, but that's a bargain considering the brand is $275. It has the same square container & the same square pink pill - and it feels just like the brand. Same company - Greenstone/Pfizer.

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Re: K2SO (# 18)


Five days ago I started on Greenstone generic Pristiq 50 after being on the brand for 7 years. Tonight I started feeling like I hadn't taken the medication today. So, I counted the pills to make absolutely sure I took the pill today - and then remembered taking it at noon. Tonight, something is definitely wrong. I'm feeling disassociated, low energy and depressed. I had a similar experience with the Wellbutrin generic - didn't work at all. I disagree with the comment above that Greenstone is the same as the brand. I know that Greenstone is owned by Pfizer (who makes the brand), but the Greenstone generic is definitely not the brand (even thought the pill looks similar). I'm going back to the brand even though it's expensive. I have to add that Pfizer was granted the patent for Pristiq 50 until 2022, but they were negligent and stupid with the writing of the patent and lost their exclusive rights with 7 years to go. If they had decent patent lawyers there wouldn't be any generics right now! It took a lot of talent to lose their patent rights.

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Re: Sheila (# 101)

I did it. I am free of Pristiq and the generic.
I am not free of drugs. I started Cymbalta at dinner yesterday for my Fibromyalgia. I slept well and no head zapping, dizziness or nausea.

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Re: FloridaNeil (# 103)

That is absolutely not true about Greenstone Brand, compared the Greenstone tablet and Brand side by side, Even the bottles are the same with same manufacturing codes and made in same factory. Effexor & Pristiq are both affected by other medication even caffeine and especially Milk Thistle which would explain anything different you felt.

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Re: Kate (# 15)

There are some Canadian drug stores that dispense the name brand for less. I think one is called Canadian Drug Store. I switched to generic, desvenlafaxi 15 days ago. Same dose as name brand. But I am crying for hours in the morning and very suicidal. Plan to go back to name brand if I can afford it.

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Re: Maria (# 4)

I feel very tired and muscle pain on the generic. Not good

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K2SO (# 92) --

I have been on the greenstone generic for over a month and it is NOT working, after being on brand for over 7 years.

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Re: Jen (# 109)

I’m not really sure the greenstone is working very well for me either. It really sucks.

I guess it is to an extent. But not as much as name brand. I might have to just budget the name brand cost in somehow.

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Re: Suz (# 7)

I’m just adding to the conversation because I’ve become very depressed in the 3 months since the switch. In addition to initial side effects similar to missed dosages - I’ve felt ashamed and afraid that my doctor or the pharmacy would think I was imagining things.

i hope everyone feels better and thank you all for sharing!

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Re: cara (# 112)


I'm sorry to hear that others are having the same experience as I did when switching from the brand to the generic. Pfizer has a discount card that you can retrieve off the internet that saves up to $75. That will bring the cost down to $270 per month. If you have insurance, your doctor can call your insurance company and tell them that you've tried the generic, but it doesn't work. In many cases, when the doctor actually calls and fills out the required forms - your insurance WILL pay for it. As a last resort - or if you don't have insurance - you can try filling your prescription through Canada Drugs who dispenses 84 pills for $313 and claim it's the brand Pristiq 50 (made in Australia). Last year, I tried another extended release med from Canada and it was better than generics sold in the US. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical companies are thrilled because they've found a way to keep their brands selling continuously - after generics hit the market. Unfortunately, this GOP gov't will NEVER pressure the FDA to improve generic standards or the rate of release for the med. The gov't couldn't care less about this issue because drug companies and their lobbyists give millions to political campaigns. Legal bribery.

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Has anyone had success by upping the Greenstone generic pristiq dosage from 50mg to 75mg?

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