Two medicines, side by side
Desvenlafaxine vs sertraline
Desvenlafaxine and sertraline are both labeled for depression. Drugs@FDA records approvals of desvenlafaxine since 2008 and of sertraline since 1991. Pharmacies paid $0.396 per unit (Desvenlafaxine succnt ER 50 mg) and $0.0507 per sertraline HCl 100 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and sertraline a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Check it at the source: the desvenlafaxine FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 27, 2023); the sertraline FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 8, 2023).
Highlights of the desvenlafaxine record
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) · label of January 27, 2023
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Used for
From the label: indicationsDesvenlafaxine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) [see Clinical Studies (14) and Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. The efficacy of desvenlafaxine has been established in four short-term (8-week, placebo-controlled studies) of outpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- February 29, 2008
- Generic labelers
- 20 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.396 per unit
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 2
Highlights of the sertraline record
Sertraline (Zoloft) · label of August 8, 2023
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZOLOFT is indicated for the treatment of the following [See Clinical Studies (14) ]: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder (PD) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) ZOLOFT is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of ( 1 ): • Major depressive disorder […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 30, 1991
- Generic labelers
- 47 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0507 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 3
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Desvenlafaxine label of January 27, 2023, Sertraline label of August 8, 2023); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do desvenlafaxine and sertraline differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, desvenlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and sertraline a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
How each works, in its label's words: Desvenlafaxine, “The exact mechanism of the antidepressant action of desvenlafaxine is unknown, but is thought to be related to the potentiation of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, through …”; Sertraline, “Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).”
Half-life, in each label's words: Desvenlafaxine, “The mean terminal half-life (t 1/2 ) was prolonged from 11.1 hours in the control subjects to approximately 13.5, 15.5 …”; Sertraline, “The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours.”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: desvenlafaxine since 2015; sertraline since 2006 (Drugs@FDA).
| Desvenlafaxine | Sertraline | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Depression | Depression, Anxiety |
| Pharmacologic class | Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor |
| How it works (label) | The exact mechanism of the antidepressant action of desvenlafaxine is unknown, but is thought to be related to the potentiation of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, through inhibition of their reuptake. | Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). |
| Half-life (label) | The mean terminal half-life (t 1/2 ) was prolonged from 11.1 hours in the control subjects to approximately 13.5, 15.5, 17.6, and 22.8 hours in mild, moderate, severe renal impairment and ESRD subjects, respectively. | The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | February 29, 2008 | December 30, 1991 |
| First generic approved | June 29, 2015 | June 30, 2006 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 20 labelers | 47 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.396 per unit (Desvenlafaxine succnt ER 50 mg) | $0.0507 per tablet (Sertraline HCl 100 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -6% | -3% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 2 | 3 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 26,842 | 218,311 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Desvenlafaxine label, warnings and precautionsSerotonin syndrome has been reported with SSRIs and SNRIs, including with desvenlafaxine extended-release tablets, both when taken alone, but especially when co-administered with other serotonergic agents (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John's Wort).
Sertraline label, warnings and precautionsIncreased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to desvenlafaxine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions