Can Desvenlafaxine give you energy? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss whether Desvenlafaxine can give you energy. We will also discuss some research studies and what to do if Desvenlafaxine does not give you energy.
Can Desvenlafaxine give you energy?
Desvenlafaxine may give you energy and improve your mood, sleep and general well-being. However, these improvements are seen only in individuals who tolerate the medication and respond well to it.
As the response of individuals to Desvenlafaxine can vary from person to person, so can the ability of Desvenlafaxine to provide you with energy.
Desvenlafaxine is not an energy pill, but being an antidepressant it reverses laziness and lack of motivation caused by depression. It is a known fact that people who suffer from depression start to lose interest in almost everything and their brain does not allow them to be productive (1).
However, the impact of Desvenlafaxine on energy levels differs from person to person, as it may not increase energy levels in every other individual when it starts to work. This is because Desvenlafaxine can cause sedation and tiredness in some people.
Antidepressants affect people differently and it is hard to predict how these meds make you feel before actually taking them. Make sure you properly take your antidepressant and reach out to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any of the side effects.
What does research suggest?
Research suggests that some individuals may experience an increase in energy levels while taking Desvenlafaxine. The specific incidence of this effect varies among individuals and may not occur in everyone.
One study indicated that Desvenlafaxine at doses of 50 and 100 mg per day helped a lot with boosting energy and reducing feelings of tiredness in people dealing with major depressive disorder. Those who experienced better energy levels early on and had fewer ongoing issues with feeling tired also showed better overall improvement in how they functioned (2).
It is important to note that Desvenlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. The overall goal of treatment is to improve overall well-being and alleviate symptoms, rather than solely focusing on increased energy levels (3).
What to do if Desvenlafaxine does not boost your energy levels?
Keep in mind that Desvenlafaxine may make you a bit restless and fatigued at the start of treatment. However, after the first few weeks, it may start improving your mood and energy levels. If Desvenlafaxine still does not increase your energy levels or improve your symptoms it is important to consult a healthcare provider.
Your doctor may evaluate your situation and will decide on the best course of action. Your doctor may change the dosage of Desvenlafaxine or even revise your prescription to change the medication if your symptoms do not improve.
Always remember not to discontinue antidepressants on your own as they can cause horrible withdrawal symptoms (4).
What are the non-pharmacological ways to increase your energy levels?
Here are some self-care tips and techniques that can help you boost your energy levels:
Get enough sleep
Sometimes the reason for low energy levels is not getting enough sleep. Make sure you have a healthy sleep schedule and get an adequate amount of sleep to keep yourself energetic.
Stay hydrated
Consuming plenty of fluids and water can make you feel less fatigued and in turn, increase your energy levels.
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Too much caffeine and alcohol can affect energy levels. Caffeine is a stimulant, it may give you energy, but if consumed in large quantities, especially in the evening, it can lead to insomnia. Alcohol is known to make you drowsy and irritable and decrease your energy levels.
Reduce stress
You can focus on reducing stress and engage in activities that relax your mind. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises all help your mind to relax. these activities can help boost your energy levels.
Eating healthy diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help your body with essential nutrients and the energy it needs.
Lifestyle changes
Exercising regularly can be beneficial for low energy. It boosts your circulation and helps release endorphins which are known to improve mood and energy levels.
To the best of my knowledge and based on research studies, Desvenlafaxine can give you energy. However, this effect can vary from person to person.
If Desvenlafaxine does not boost your energy levels or makes you feel fatigued, it is better to consult your healthcare provider for a detailed assessment, a change in medication and engage in self-care activities to boost your energy levels.
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References
2.-
Lam RW, Wajsbrot DB, Meier E, Pappadopulos E, Mackell JA, Boucher M. Effect of desvenlafaxine 50 mg and 100 mg on energy and lassitude in patients with major depressive disorder: A pooled analysis. J Psychopharmacol. 2017 Sep;31(9):1204-1214. doi: 10.1177/0269881117719261. Epub 2017 Jul 18. PMID: 28718346.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28718346/#:~:text=Among%20Sheehan%20Disability%20Scale%20remitters,patients%20with%20major%20depressive%20disorder.
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