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desvenlafaxine vs tamoxifen

Side-by-side comparison of desvenlafaxine and tamoxifen. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

minor Known Drug Interaction

Examples desipramine, atomoxetine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine 7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with PRISTIQ Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment is required for drugs that are mainly metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., midazolam), or for drugs that are metabolized by both CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 (e.g., tamoxifen, aripiprazole), when administered concomitantly with PRISTIQ [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Recommendation: These medications can be used together without changing your dosage.

Drug Class
desvenlafaxine Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
tamoxifen Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
Type
desvenlafaxine Prescription
tamoxifen Prescription
Summary
desvenlafaxine

Pristiq is a medicine used to treat depression in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

tamoxifen

Tamoxifen (Soltamox) is a medicine that can treat breast cancer. It can also lower the chance of getting breast cancer in some people.

What It Treats
desvenlafaxine

Pristiq is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. MDD can cause you to feel sad, lose interest in activities, and have trouble with daily life. This medicine can help improve your mood and energy levels.

tamoxifen

This medicine is used to treat breast cancer that has spread in adults. It can also be used after surgery to help prevent breast cancer from returning in adults. Tamoxifen can also lower the risk of invasive breast cancer after breast surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Finally, it can lower the chance of getting breast cancer in women who are at high risk.

How It Works
desvenlafaxine

Pristiq works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain. It increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals help regulate mood and can improve symptoms of depression.

tamoxifen

Tamoxifen belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs). It works by blocking the effects of estrogen in breast tissue. This can help to stop the growth of breast cancer cells.

Common Side Effects
desvenlafaxine
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increased sweating
  • Constipation
tamoxifen
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood changes
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Nausea
FAERS Reports
desvenlafaxine
  • Harmful effect from different substances 233
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 206
  • Death by suicide 186
  • Feeling worried or nervous 180
  • Taking too much medicine 174
tamoxifen
  • Tiredness 391
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 337
  • Loose stools 274
  • Joint pain 271
  • Cancer getting worse 249
Serious Warnings
desvenlafaxine

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. If you are started on Pristiq, your doctor will monitor you closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Families and caregivers should also watch for these changes.

tamoxifen

Tamoxifen can cause serious and life-threatening problems, including cancer of the uterus, stroke, and blood clots in the lungs. Some cases have been fatal. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen, especially if you are at high risk for breast cancer or have DCIS. For most people already diagnosed with breast cancer, the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks.

Pregnancy
desvenlafaxine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking Pristiq late in pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. You can register by calling 1-844-405-6185.

tamoxifen

Tamoxifen can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before you start taking tamoxifen. Use effective birth control while taking tamoxifen and for several months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This desvenlafaxine vs tamoxifen Comparison

desvenlafaxine is classified in the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) drug class, while tamoxifen sits within the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, desvenlafaxine has 979 submissions while tamoxifen has 1,522. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to desvenlafaxine does not change the way the body breaks down tamoxifen.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between desvenlafaxine and tamoxifen - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.