Mental Health Comparison
Effexor vs Desvenlafaxine
Price comparison in Canada
Effexor starts at $12/mo, while Desvenlafaxine starts at $15/mo in Canada. Effexor contains venlafaxine XR, while Desvenlafaxine contains desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Last updated: 2026-02-26.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Effexor | Desvenlafaxine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $12–$25/mo | $15–$30/mo |
| Cheapest Pharmacy | Costco ($8.00/mo) | Costco ($11.00/mo) |
| Generic Name | venlafaxine XR | desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) |
| Route | Oral capsule | Oral tablet |
| Category | Mental Health | Mental Health |
| ODB Coverage | General Benefit | Limited Use |
Pharmacy Price Breakdown
| Pharmacy | Effexor | Desvenlafaxine |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | $8.00/mo | $11.00/mo |
| Walmart | $14.00/mo | $18.00/mo |
| Rexall | $17.00/mo | $22.00/mo |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | $19.50/mo | $25.00/mo |
Full Drug Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Effexor or Desvenlafaxine?
- Effexor is generally cheaper, starting at $12.00/mo compared to $15.00/mo for Desvenlafaxine. The lowest price is at Costco ($8.00/mo).
- What is the difference between Effexor and Desvenlafaxine?
- Effexor (venlafaxine XR) and Desvenlafaxine (desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)) are different medications in the mental health category. Effexor is a oral capsule, while Desvenlafaxine is a oral tablet.
- Is Effexor or Desvenlafaxine covered by provincial drug plans?
- Effexor: General Benefit on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary. Desvenlafaxine: Limited Use on the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary.
Last updated: 2026-02-26