Does desvenlafaxine cause diarrhoea? (+3 prevention)
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 is associated with causing diarrhoea or not. We will look at the link between diarrhoea and desvenlafaxine along with some potential causes of diarrhoea due to desvenlafaxine. We will look at the ways to avoid diarrhoea caused due to desvenlafaxine.
Does desvenlafaxine cause diarrhoea?
Desvenlafaxine may cause diarrhoea in some patients. However, diarrhoea is not a common side effect associated with devenlafaxine, but some patients may face it based on individual patient variations.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant drug class that inhibits the reuptake of these neurotransmitters thus, increasing their levels and activity in the brain. Desvenlafaxine is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (1).
Desvenlafaxine may cause various side effects including some gastrointestinal (GI) side effects by altering the motility of the GI system. Diarrhoea is, however, an adverse effect that is less commonly associated with desvenlafaxine. Diarrhoea may also occur in patients who overdose on desvenlafaxine (2).
Who is more prone to develop desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea?
Desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea does not commonly affects every patient. However, patients who suffer diarrhoea from desvenlafaxine may already have an underlying GI condition such as irritable bowel disease, ulcer, heartburn, etc.
Individual patient variation also plays a key role in affecting patients. Some patients who suffer from desvenlafaine-induced diarrhoea may not accept the mechanism of medication and thus, lead to an unusual desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea (1).
Severity of the condition, right dosage and frequency is also essential and can be the reason of facing abnormal side effects of any medication. Reducing the dosage of the drug may help in treating diarrhoea associated with desvenlafaxine.
Usually, patients suffer from GI side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain in the early course of treatment with SNRIs and other antidepressants.
How to prevent desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea?
Some common ways to prevent diarrhoea caused due to desvenlafaxine are:
- Hydration and increased fluid intake- Diarrhoea can lead to excessive loss of electrolytes from the body. Keep yourself well-hydrated by increasing the intake of fluids and oral rehydrating solutions to replenish the lost electrolytes and nutrients.
- Dietary changes- Increase the intake of foods that do not upset your gut and are light on the stomach. Avoid spicy, greasy, and high-fiber foods which may exacerbate diarrhoea. Incorporating a BRAT (banana, rice, apple sauce, and toast) diet may always help get rid of diarrhoea (3).
- Probiotics- Include probiotics in your diet as they increase the beneficial bacteria that improve and regulate the digestive system.
- Change medication timing- Sometimes change in medication timing may suppress some of the symptoms. Therefore, discuss with your healthcare provider to change the timings to get rid of abdominal side effects.
What to do if desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea persists?
If you suffer from severe GI disturbance, diarrhoea, and affected motility of your gut due to desvenlafaxine, then contact your doctor and seek medical help.
Your doctor may reduce or taper your medication dose to help alleviate abdominal side effects. If this doesn’t work, then your doctor might switch you to other antidepressants that suit you well and do not lead to diarrhoea and other harmful side effects.
Your doctor may include an anti-diarrhoreal medication in your treatment regimen which can help get rid of desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea and improve GI symptoms.
Always maintain good hygiene. Diarrhoea can be caused due to poor hygiene and water sanitary conditions. Patients with poor sanitary conditions are more prone to have persistent diarrhoea (4).
Which medications can be used to treat diarrhoea?
The class of medications that help alleviate the symptoms of diarrhoea is called anti-diarrhoeal medication. These medications are usually given to patients who are more prone to diarrhoea and are taking medications that may exacerbate diarrhoea (4).
Loperamide is an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrhoeal medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of various kinds of diarrhoea. The addition of loperamide in medication prescriptions for the treatment of diarrhoea with other conditions has shown promising results (5).
In conclusion, I would suggest always consult your healthcare provider if you suffer excessive side effects from any medication. In my opinion, diarrhoea associated with desvenlafaxine can be eradicated by improving diet and staying hydrated.
However, if the desvenlafaxine-induced diarrhoea still persists, then you may consult your doctor to include an anti-diarrhoeal drug in your regimen to get rid of it.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
2.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Desvenlafaxine; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html
3.-
Weir SBS, Akhondi H. Bland Diet. [Updated 2023 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538142/
4.-
Meisenheimer ES MD, MBA, Epstein C DO, Thiel D MD, MPH. Acute Diarrhea in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Jul;106(1):72-80. PMID: 35839362. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35839362/
5.-
Sahi N, Nguyen R, Santos C. Loperamide. [Updated 2023 Mar 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557885/
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