We'll see how the new generation works.
Pristiq is the active metabolite of Effexor XR. EXR had to be metabolized by the liver to be made in to the active ingredient to have any effect on the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake in the brain. Pristiq has few side effects and a longer half life than EXR—it is a better, easier alternative to EXR. You will do well on this medication.
Also if you are taking any other medications, since Pristiq does not use the CYP 2D6 pathway in the liver for metabolism, so it has a very low chance of causing any interference with the other drugs. Some anti-depressants can cause other drugs to have more or less of the drug in the blood stream.
SNRI’s have a weight neutral profile unlike SSRI’s which can cause the patient to put on the pounds.