Does Desvenlafaxine Help With OCD? (3+ Findings)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026

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

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether Desvenlafaxine can be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We will also discuss some research studies and what other alternative treatment options for OCD are available if Desvenlafaxine fails.

Does Desvenlafaxine help with OCD?

Yes, Desvenlafaxine can be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Desvenlafaxine is a medication that is sold under the brand name Pristiq and is approved for treating depression and anxiety.

However, it is crucial to know that Desvenlafaxine is not FDA-approved for treating OCD. Its FDA-approved use includes major depressive disorder (MDD) (1).

Desvenlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), exerts its effects by altering the neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain, which results in improving mood and reducing anxiety (2).

Always openly communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and appropriate treatment for your OCD.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research indicating the use of Desvenlafaxine in treating OCD. However SNRIs, like Duloxetine, Venlafaxine etc, in general, can be used as an off-label treatment for OCD.

One study indicated that SNRIs might cause fewer side effects and could be a good choice if the first medications do not work well for OCD (3).

Another study also indicated that SNRIs such as Venlafaxine may help treat OCD symptoms in certain individuals even if they did not respond to SSRI treatment. However, further research is required (4).

What are the dosage recommendations of Desvenlafaxine for OCD?

Desvenlafaxine can be prescribed as an off-label treatment for OCD. Its dosage depends on the factors like patient’s age and overall health.

Usually, the starting dose is 50mg per day which may be increased up to a maximum of 100mg per day depending on the patient’s response and tolerability.

However, when using medications off-label or for conditions they are not approved for, it is crucial to consult a doctor. They can provide guidance on the proper dosage and overall suitability of the medication.

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

Desvenlafaxine may cause a number of side effects when used to treat OCD. These include (7):

Common side effects

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Sleep disturbances
Sweating
Weight changes
Constipation
Nausea
Diarrhoea

Serious side effects

Suicidal thoughts
Blurred vision
Agitation
Tremors

It is important to note that individual responses to medications vary and not everyone taking Desvenlafaxine will experience these side effects; but if they do occur, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider.

They will assess your condition and provide individualized guidance to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.

What to do if Desvenlafaxine does not help your OCD?

If Desvenlafaxine is not helpful in treating OCD, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation properly and take the best course of action accordingly.

They may initially increase your dosage to see if it works. However, if it does not work, your healthcare provider may gradually discontinue your medication or switch to another antidepressant that is specially used and approved to treat OCD.

Desvenlafaxine is not an FDA-approved medication for treating OCD. There are other therapies and medications that are FDA-approved to treat OCD.

What medications are approved by the FDA to treat OCD?

The FDA approved the following medications to treat OCD (5,6):

Clomipramine for adults and children above 10 years.
Paroxetine for adults only.
Sertraline for adults and children above 6 years.
Fluvoxamine for adults and children above 7 years.

Along with medications CBT/ERP (Cognitive behavioural therapy/Exposure and response prevention) is the first line of treatment for managing OCD symptoms.

Medications mentioned above are used in combination with CBT/ERP for treating OCD symptoms in certain individuals who failed to respond to medications alone.

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

Final words

Based on my knowledge and research, Desvenlafaxine can be used to treat the symptoms of OCD in certain individuals. However, Desvenlafaxine is not FDA-approved for treating OCD.

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