desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) may be right for you.
Treatment for:depression
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
Great news! We’re in network with
*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
Individual & relationship counseling
Get individual therapy for depression, stress, and more (for yourself or your child/teen). Or, work through your unique relationship challenges in couples/marriage or family therapy.
first session
subsequent sessions
Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
first session
subsequent sessions
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is an SNRI?
A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
How does an SNRI work?
SNRIs increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory; norepinephrine is also a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports focus, attention, and energy.
How prescribing works
-
1
Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
-
2
Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
-
3
Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
What is desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) used for?
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is an antidepressant medication commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. As a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), it works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
How long does desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) take to work?
You may experience some symptom improvement within the first 2 weeks of taking desvenlafaxine. For the medication take take full effect, it may take up to 8 weeks of regular use.
Does desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) cause weight gain or loss?
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) has not been shown to cause significant weight gain or loss with long-term use. You may experience changes in weight as a result of changes in your appetite, either as a side effect of the medication or an alleviation of your symptoms.
What are the most common side effects of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)?
Side effects of desvenlafaxine, like other medications in its class, can include insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, sedation, and sexual dysfunction. If they occur, they often resolve within the first week of taking this medication, though can persist. Since this is not a complete list, and individual effects can vary, talk with your provider if you have questions about your medication.
Is desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) a controlled substance?
No, desvenlafaxine is not a controlled substance—it is not habit-forming, and taking it long-term is not known to cause addiction. If you have other questions about desvenlafaxine, talk with your provider to learn more.
Does desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) help with anxiety?
Desvenlafaxine can definitely help reduce the severity and frequency of anxiety-related symptoms. For some people, desvenlafaxine can be activating, which can lead to side effects of anxiety, but this usually resolves early in treatment. Talk to your provider if you're experiencing anxiety to determine the cause and best treatment for you.
Does desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) make you tired?
Desvenlafaxine can make you tired, though this side effect usually resolves early in treatment. For some people, desvenlafaxine can cause insomnia, which can lead to fatigue as a result. If you experience any side effects from desvenlafaxine, talk to your provider.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
