Can Desvenlafaxine Be Taken With Xanax? (+3 Side Effects)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether or not desvenlafaxine can be taken with Xanax, interactions between desvenlafaxine and Xanax, the advantages of using desvenlafaxine and Xanax together, side effects of taking desvenlafaxine and Xanax together, and precautions when taking desvenlafaxine with Xanax.

Can desvenlafaxine be taken with Xanax?

Yes, desvenlafaxine can be taken with Xanax. However, combining desvenlafaxine and Xanax can increase the risk of side effects in certain individuals.

Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant medication that is sold under the brand name Pristiq. It belongs to the class of medications known as the SNRIs—desvenlafaxine functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. (1)

Xanax is the brand name of the medication alprazolam. It belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. Xanax is FDA-approved for treating GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and PD (Panic Disorder). (2)

Desvenlafaxine and Xanax can increase the risk of CNS adverse effects as they both affect the brain. This combination is not recommended for the elderly population.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking the desvenlafaxine and Xanax combination to properly assess your situation and determine whether or not this combination is suitable for you.

How does desvenlafaxine interact with Xanax?

The metabolism of Xanax can be reduced when combined with desvenlafaxine. Thereby, increasing the concentration of Xanax in the body which can result in more adverse effects.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood. However, desvenlafaxine may inhibit certain enzymes in the liver that are responsible for metabolizing Xanax such as Cytochrome P450 3A4. As a result, Xanax will stay longer in the body and its elimination will be decreased. (3)

Nonetheless, several medications such as desvenlafaxine have the ability to stimulate or inhibit CYP activity, which can change how Xanax is metabolized and impact the body’s levels of the drug. (4)

It’s crucial to let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking desvenlafaxine along with Xanax since they might need to adjust your dosage or monitor the adverse effects.

What are the advantages of using desvenlafaxine and Xanax together?

Desvenlafaxine and Xanax can be effective in treating and managing treatment-resistant depression and anxiety in patients who don’t respond to antidepressants or anxiolytics alone. Some advantages of using them together include:

Increased effectiveness and fast control of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Mood and mental symptoms improvement, especially in individuals who are resistant to many antidepressant medications.

It is crucial to note that this combination should be taken only under the supervision of your healthcare provider to avoid and reduce the risk of side effects.

What are the potential side effects of combining desvenlafaxine with Xanax?

There are many adverse consequences associated with desvenlafaxine, some of which include: (5)

Unusual dreams and nightmares.
Dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Constipation.
Insomnia.
Night sweats.
Fast HR (Heart Rate).
Confusion and vision changes.

Xanax is associated with side effects such as: (6)

Drowsiness.
Irritability and agitation.
Dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Fatigue.
Difficulty concentrating.
Talkativeness.
Night sweats.

Individuals differ in their response to different medications depending on several factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, concurrent medications, and medication doses.

If you want to discontinue any of these medications, contact your healthcare provider. Don’t discontinue these medications abruptly as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. You should never adjust or discontinue your medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Important precautions while taking desvenlafaxine and Xanax combination

The following precautions and safety measures should be considered when taking desvenlafaxine and Xanax combination: (5), (6), (7)

Take the medications at the same time every day and as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure a consistent drug concentration in your body.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements that you take to avoid possible drug interactions and adverse effects.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience serious side effects such as long-lasting confusion, bleeding, unexplained euphoria, or suicidal thoughts.
Steer clear of alcohol when combining desvenlafaxine and Xanax as alcohol can increase the risk of overdose and adverse effects.
Do not abruptly discontinue any of the medications. If you want to discontinue any of the medications, consult your healthcare provider. They will gradually reduce your medication dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Be cautious while driving or operating vehicles as both medications can increase drowsiness.

Based on my knowledge and research, desvenlafaxine can be combined with Xanax in resistant cases of depression and anxiety. However, taking both medications can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any arising symptoms while taking this combination and consider following your healthcare provider’s precautions when taking desvenlafaxine and Xanax.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/#:~:text=Desvenlafaxine%20is%20an%20antidepressant%20that,treat%20hot%20flashes%20during%20menopause.

2.-

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/018276s059lbl.pdf

3.-

Agarwal V, Kommaddi RP, Valli K, Ryder D, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, et al. Drug metabolism in human brain: high levels of cytochrome P4503A43 in brain and metabolism of anti-anxiety drug alprazolam to its active metabolite. PloS One [Internet]. 2008 Jun 11 [cited 2021 Oct 5];3(6):e2337. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18545703/

4.-

Oganesian A, Shilling AD, Young-Sciame R, Tran J, Watanyar A, Azam F, et al. Desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine exert minimal in vitro inhibition of human cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein activities. Psychopharmacology Bulletin [Internet]. 2009 [cited 2023 Nov 24];42(2):47–63. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19629022/

5.-

Desvenlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html

6.-

MedlinePlus. Alprazolam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. 2021. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html

7.-

Alprazolam (Oral Route) Proper Use – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/alprazolam-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20061040?p=1

Pharmaceuticals and Medications

Diseases & Conditions

Can desvenlafaxine be taken with Xanax? (+3 side effects)