Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

Raw research findings for this medication. Mostly single studies, not curated or confirmed robust.

About Desvenlafaxine

What it is

Desvenlafaxine is an SNRI antidepressant, the main active breakdown product of venlafaxine (O-desmethylvenlafaxine). It keeps more serotonin and noradrenaline available between nerve cells and is used for major depression. It is sold as Pristiq, among other names.

How genes come into it

Unlike venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine does not need CYP2D6: it is cleared mainly by UGT enzymes and the kidneys, with only a small part by CYP3A4. Studies confirmed that CYP2D6 has little effect on its levels, and looked at CYP2C19, UGT1A1 and serotonin genes. There is no CPIC or DPWG guideline.

What research found

Every published finding on gene variants and Desvenlafaxine. Upload your DNA file to see which of these rows apply to you.

Metabolism (10 findings)

Studies of how quickly the body processes this medication.

CYP2D6 CYP2D6 poor metabolizer: CYP2D6 poor metabolizer is associated with increased exposure to desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine in people with Depressive Disorder, Major.

CYP2C19 CYP2C19 poor metabolizer and intermediate metabolizer genotypes: CYP2C19 poor metabolizer and intermediate metabolizer genotypes is not associated with increased concentrations of desvenlafaxine in people with Depressive Disorder, Major as compared to CYP2C19 normal metabolizer and ultra-metabolizer genotypes.

CYP2C19 CYP2C19*1, CYP2C19*2: CYP2C19 *1/*2 is associated with decreased concentrations of desvenlafaxine in women with Depressive Disorder.

CYP2D6 CYP2D6 poor metabolizer and intermediate metabolizer genotypes: CYP2D6 poor metabolizer and intermediate metabolizer genotypes is associated with increased concentrations of desvenlafaxine in people with Depressive Disorder, Major as compared to CYP2D6 normal metabolizer and ultra-metabolizer genotypes.

Response (2 findings)

Studies of how well it worked in people carrying a variant.

HTR7 rs7905446: Genotype TT is associated with decreased response to atomoxetine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine in people with Depression as compared to genotypes GG + GT.

SLC6A4 SLC6A4 HTTLPR long form (L allele), SLC6A4 HTTLPR short form (S allele): SLC6A4 HTTLPR long form (L allele) is not associated with response to desvenlafaxine in people with Depressive Disorder, Major as compared to SLC6A4 HTTLPR short form (S allele).

Study findings and evidence levels: PharmGKB (CC BY-SA 4.0). Guidelines: CPIC and DPWG, as bundled in PharmCAT. Most studies were done mainly in people of European ancestry.

Related Drugs

More drugs from the same category

Cymbalta (SNRIs)

Effexor (SNRIs)

Savella (SNRIs)

Not a prescribing recommendation. This page is educational information about pharmacogenomic research and clinical guidelines - it is not medical or dosing advice, and not a prediction of how any medication will work for you. Never start, stop, or change a medication or dose based on it; talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can order clinical-grade testing if appropriate.

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Content updated September 2026.

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