Pristiq medication benefit and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

IN February 2008, Wyeth received approval by the FDA for a new antidepressant called Pristiq. Wyeth needs an antidepressant that will replace the revenue expected to be reduced  to generic competitors of Effexor XR, whose patent protection expires in 2010. Pristiq is chemically similar to Effexor. Wyeth is also seeking FDA. approval for Pristiq as a drug to reduce hot flashes in menopause.

Pristiq dosage
Pristiq is available at 50 milligrams.

Benefit of Pristiq
Does Pristiq offer any advantages over other antidepressants currently on the market?

Chemistry
Pristiq is a metabolite of Effexor. Pristiq is the chemical substance that results after Effexor is metabolized in the body.