Can Effexor XR treat night sweats? (3+ management 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 if Effexor XR can treat night sweats. We will further discuss the causes of night sweats and explore the efficacy of Effexor XR for the treatment of night sweats. What are the potential side effects of Effexor XR?
Can Effexor XR treat night sweats?
Effexor XR can help you treat night sweats. However, there are reports which show the antiperspirant potential of Effexor XR at low doses, while at higher doses it is associated with increased sweating.
Effexor XR or Venlafaxine extended-release is in a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) prescribed for the treatment of Generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder (1).
Its off-label use includes the treatment of hot flashes (extreme warmth and sweating) in postmenopausal women and those taking medications for the treatment of breast cancer.
What does research suggest?
A randomized clinical trial compared the efficacy of low-dose estradiol and low-dose Venlafaxine extended-release for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women.
Results demonstrated Venlafaxine to be an effective non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes and night sweats and can be used as a first-line treatment in women who cannot take hormonal therapy (2).
In another report, researchers have hypothesized that Venlafaxine at low doses has an antiperspirant action due to its serotonergic effect whereas at high doses above 75 mg increases sweating as a result of its noradrenergic action (3).
What causes night sweats?
Night sweats refer to repeated heavy sweating during your sleep. They may or may not be associated with underlying illness. Common causes of night sweats include:
- Anxiety
- Drug addiction
- Alcohol abuse
- Autoimmune disorders
- Menopause
- Hypothyroidism
- Sleep disorders
- Cancer (such as leukaemia, carcinoid tumours)
- Medications like antidiabetic drugs, hormone therapy, antidepressants (Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Effexor) and methadone
How Effexor XR can help with night sweats?
Effexor XR may help to reduce night sweats in the following ways (3):
- The downregulation of the serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex by Effexor can lower serotonin-induced hyperthermia and alleviate sweat production.
- The alteration of the sensitivity of serotonin receptors in the chronic administration of Venlafaxine can help reduce sweat.
What are the alternative options for night sweat management?
The effect of Effexor XR against sweat secretion may vary from person to person and it may not be a suitable choice for the treatment of night sweats in some individuals. The alternative options for night sweat management include:
- Seek Medical Attention: In case your drug is increasing your sweat rather than reducing it, you should immediately contact your physician. Your doctor may help you by reducing the dose or by switching you to an alternate medication.
- Cyproheptadine: helps you to reduce night sweats due to its anti-serotonergic activity. It also helps with antidepressant-induced sweating without affecting their antidepressant efficacy.
- Terazosin: belongs to a class of selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blockers that can help you relieve day as well as night sweating.
- Benzotropine: works by inhibiting cholinergic activity and can help you with night sweats within one hour of drug administration.
As per my research analysis, Effexor XR can provide relief in night sweats and can be a good alternative for post-menopausal women who experience hot flashes and cannot take hormonal therapy for the treatment.
However, the effect may vary among individuals and some people may experience increased sweating with Effexor. Therefore, you should always consult your physician before starting this medication. Identifying the underlying cause of night sweats can help you provide the right medication.
In case you observe more sweating with Effexor, you should not stop the medication or reduce the dosage on your own. Abrupt stops can lead to life-threatening withdrawal syndrome.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). Venlafaxine; [Updated 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 Nov 27]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694020.html
2.-
Joffe H, Guthrie KA, LaCroix AZ, Reed SD, Ensrud KE, Manson JE, Newton KM, Freeman EW, Anderson GL, Larson JC, Hunt J, Shifren J, Rexrode KM, Caan B, Sternfeld B, Carpenter JS, Cohen L. Low-dose estradiol and the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine for vasomotor symptoms: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Jul;174(7):1058-66. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1891. PMID: 24861828; PMCID: PMC4179877. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24861828/
3.-
Demling J, Beyer S, Kornhuber J. To sweat or not to sweat? A hypothesis on the effects of venlafaxine and SSRIs. Med Hypotheses. 2010 Jan;74(1):155-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.07.011. Epub 2009 Aug 6. PMID: 19664885.. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19664885/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
