Can venlafaxine be used to treat OCD? (3+ findings)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026
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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
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The efficacy of venlafaxine in treating OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) will be discussed in this article, along with research on the venlafaxine’s effectiveness in reducing OCD symptoms, potential side effects of venlafaxine for OCD, what to do if venlafaxine is not working for you, and the FDA-approved medications for treating OCD.

Can venlafaxine be used to treat OCD?

Yes, venlafaxine can be used to treat OCD. Venlafaxine is a medication that is sold under the brand name Effexor is approved for treating depression. However, venlafaxine has also been investigated for its possible benefits in the treatment of OCD. (1)

It is crucial to know that venlafaxine is not FDA-approved for treating OCD. Nonetheless, venlafaxine is FDA-approved for treating depression, cataplexy, and SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). (2)

What does research suggest?

Research was conducted on the use of venlafaxine for treating resistant OCD in certain individuals. In an open clinical trial, thirty-nine OCD patients, including twenty-nine patients who are resistant to SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) were recruited. They received venlafaxine at a mean dose of 232.2 mg daily.

Twenty-seven of the thirty-nine individuals who received venlafaxine responded to the medication. Twenty-two individuals of the twenty-nine patients who failed to respond to prior SSRIs were determined to have had a persistent response to treatment. Venlafaxine was well-tolerated by individuals in treating their OCD.

The study came to the conclusion that venlafaxine may help treat OCD symptoms in certain individuals even if they didn’t respond to SSRI treatment. However, the limitations of the study should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results. (3)

What are the side effects of venlafaxine when used for OCD?

There are several side effects of venlafaxine that can occur when it is used for OCD, some of which include: (4)

Common side effects

  • Dizziness and headaches.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Nausea.
  • Insomnia (inability to sleep).
  • Constipation.
  • Sweating.

Serious side effects

  • Unexplained body weight changes (weight gain or loss).
  • Heavy bleeding.
  • SOB (shortness of breath) and fast or irregular Heart rate.
  • Excessive euphoria (happiness and excitement).
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Blurred vision or any other vision changes.
  • Prolonged confusion.

It is vital to immediately seek medical attention if you experience any of these adverse effects.

What to do if Effexor does not help your OCD?

If Effexor is not helping in treating your OCD, reach out to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will assess your situation appropriately and take the best course of action accordingly. They might opt to increase your medication dose or switch you to a medication that is specially used and approved to treat OCD.

Effexor is not FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD. There are other medications and therapies that are FDA-approved for treating OCD.

What medications are approved by the FDA for treating OCD?

The FDA approved the following treatments and medications for managing OCD symptoms: (5),(6)

CBT/ERP (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure and Response Prevention) is the first-line treatment for managing OCD symptoms.

SSRIs can be used in combination with CBT/ERP for managing OCD symptoms in certain individuals, examples include:

  • Sertraline (for adults and children aged six years and older).
  • Paroxetine (for adults only).
  • Fluoxetine (for adults and children aged seven years and older).
  • Fluvoxamine (for adults and children aged eight years and older).

TCAs (Tricyclic antidepressants) such as clomipramine can also be used in combination with CBT/ERP for treating OCD symptoms in certain individuals who failed to respond to SSRIs. Clomipramine is only used for adults and children aged ten years and older.

Your healthcare provider will properly assess your situation and prescribe suitable medications for treating your OCD accordingly.

Conclusion

Based on my knowledge and research, venlafaxine can help manage the symptoms of OCD in certain individuals. However, venlafaxine is not FDA-approved for treating OCD.

Consult your healthcare provider if your OCD symptoms persist while using venlafaxine. They can adjust your dose or switch you to a more suitable treatment for managing OCD symptoms.

 

 

 

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References

1.-

Hollander E, Friedberg J, Wasserman S, Allen A, Birnbaum M, Koran LM. Venlafaxine in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2003 May 15;64(5):546–50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12755657/#:~:text=Mean%20dose%20of%20venlafaxine%20was,responded%20to%20prior%20SSRI%20trials.

2.-

Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/#:~:text=Venlafaxine%20is%20FDA%20approved%20to,social%20anxiety%20disorder%2C%20and%20cataplexy.

3.-

Hollander E, Friedberg J, Wasserman S, Allen A, Birnbaum M, Koran LM. Venlafaxine in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2003 May 15;64(5):546–50. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12755657/#:~:text=Mean%20dose%20of%20venlafaxine%20was,responded%20to%20prior%20SSRI%20trials.

4.-

NHS. Side effects of venlafaxine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/venlafaxine/side-effects-of-venlafaxine/

5.-

Janardhan Reddy YC, Sundar AS, Narayanaswamy JC, Math SB. Clinical practice guidelines for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Indian Journal of Psychiatry [Internet]. 2019 Jan 1;59(Suppl 1):S74–90. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5310107/

6.-

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438#:~:text=Antidepressants%20approved%20by%20the%20U.S.

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