Does desvenlafaxine contain acetaminophen? (+3 precautions)
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 briefly discuss whether desvenlafaxine contains acetaminophen or not. Furthermore, we will try to understand the basic differences between the two drugs and the necessary precautions required before taking these two drugs concomitantly.
Does desvenlafaxine contain acetaminophen?
No, desvenlafaxine does not contain acetaminophen. Desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen are two completely different medications with different mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and indications.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of antidepressants. It blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters thus, increasing the levels and activities of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain (1).
Acetaminophen belongs to a group of medications called analgesics, which help relieve pain. It is also an antipyretic, which reduces fever. Acetaminophen is commonly prescribed for headaches, muscle aches, toothaches, and other common pains in the body (2).
Desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen have different therapeutic indications. However, if need be, your doctor may prescribe to take these two drugs in combination.
What makes desvenlafaxine different from acetaminophen?
Some common differences between desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen are as follows:
Mechanism of action
Desvenlafaxine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. This action in return, increases the amount of these neurotransmitters in the brain that leads to an increased activity and effect of both serotonin and norepinephrine (3).
The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is still not known. It is included in NSAIDs as it tends to act on the same mechanism by blocking the COX pathway (4).
Acetaminophen has similar properties as NSAIDs but lacks peripheral anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it may inhibit COX in the central nervous system but not in the peripheral nervous system. Due to these effects, acetaminophen is not included in the NSAIDs class of drugs (4).
Therapeutic efficacy
Desvenlafaxine is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used off-label to treat hot flashes in women during menopause (3).
Acetaminophen is the most commonly prescribed over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic medication. It is prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain and can be used in combination with opioids to treat severe pains (4).
Side effects profile
Desvenlafaxine is associated with a range of common side effects such as (1,3):
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Unusual dreams/nightmares
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Night sweating
- Difficulty urinating
- Sexual problems in men and women
Acetaminophen, on the other hand, is a generally safe medication with very few side effects. It can cause adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritis, and abdominal pain when administered intravenously (4).
Some serious side effects of acetaminophen include rash, hives, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing. An FDA black box warning for hepatotoxicity and liver failure is linked with excessive acetaminophen use (4).
Is it safe to take desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen together?
Yes, it is safe to take desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen together. These medications work by a different mechanism of action and have different clinical indications, which do not interact with each other. Hence, these medications are considered safe to take in combination.
Acetaminophen has a good safety and tolerability profile and can be taken in combination with antidepressants such as Lexapro, desvenlafaxine, etc. Acetaminophen is usually prescribed with antidepressants to treat fever or body aches along with mental health conditions.
The combination of desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen is considered safe and effective with rare and minimal side effects. However, consider your doctor’s advice before starting any medications in combination.
What precautions to required before taking desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen together?
The following precautions must be taken before starting desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen in combination :
- Consult your healthcare provider- Never start any medication in combination before consulting with your healthcare provider. Always get yourself assessed by a professional before starting medications.
- Monitor for interactions- Regular follow-ups and symptom monitoring must be done to avoid any serious complications or adversities.
- Liver function tests- Regular monitoring of liver function is important as these drugs affect the liver therefore, your doctor must carefully monitor your liver functioning.
- Avoid alcohol- Taking alcohol along with acetaminophen and desvenlafaxine may exert stress upon your liver which can be harmful for liver functioning.
In the end, I would recommend that always follow your doctor’s prescription. Although taking desvenlafaxine and acetaminophen is a safe combination, you still need monitoring and symptom check to avoid any serious complication.
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References
1.-
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
2.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Acetaminophen; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
3.-
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/
4.-
Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. [Updated 2023 Jun 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/
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