Mental Health Comparison
Effexor vs Desvenlafaxine
Price comparison in Canada
Effexor starts at $13.00 per month, while Desvenlafaxine starts at $16.00 per month in Canada. Effexor contains venlafaxine XR, while Desvenlafaxine contains desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Last updated: 2026-02-26.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Effexor | Desvenlafaxine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $13–$33 per month | $16–$38 per month |
| Cheapest Pharmacy | Costco ($12.49 per month) | Costco ($15.49 per month) |
| Generic Name | venlafaxine XR | desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) |
| Route | Oral capsule | Oral tablet |
| Category | Mental Health | Mental Health |
| ODB Coverage | General Benefit | Limited Use |
Pharmacy Total Breakdown
| Pharmacy | Effexor | Desvenlafaxine |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | $12.49 per month | $15.49 per month |
| Walmart | $23.97 per month | $27.97 per month |
| Rexall | $29.99 per month | $34.99 per month |
| Shoppers Drug Mart | $32.49 per month | $37.99 per month |
Full Drug Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is cheaper, Effexor or Desvenlafaxine?
- Effexor is generally cheaper, starting at $13.00 per month compared to $16.00 per month for Desvenlafaxine. The lowest price is at Costco ($12.49 per month).
- 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 an oral capsule, while Desvenlafaxine is an 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