Does Effexor Affect GABA? (+3 Factors)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

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

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In this article, we will discuss whether Effexor affects GABA. We will also discuss the factors influencing GABA while taking Effexor and what to do if Effexor affects GABA.

Does Effexor affect GABA?

Effexor (Venlafaxine) does not directly impact GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that has a calming and inhibitory effect.

While Effexor, an antidepressant, has primary action on serotonin and norepinephrine, it indirectly influences other neurotransmitters and brain functions, but its specific interaction with GABA is not well-documented or a primary focus of its mechanism (1).

GABA is a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates and calms neural activity. It helps in reducing excessive brain activity and promotes relaxation and better sleep (2).

If you have concerns about GABA or its interaction with Effexor, it is recommended to discuss this with a healthcare professional.

What does research suggest?

There is no research indicating Effexor’s effect on GABA. One study stated that GABA, a specific substance in the brain, is not involved in causing depression or how antidepressant medications help with depression (3).

It is crucial to remember that individual responses to medications vary. If someone is concerned about Effexor’s effect on GABA, they should consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Another study indicated that long-term use of Venlafaxine significantly reduced the release of brain chemicals called glutamate in the hippocampus. However, there were no observed changes in the release of another brain chemical called GABA (4).

What factors can influence GABA levels while taking Effexor?

Effexor primarily targets serotonin and norepinephrine, and its direct influence on gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) is not well-documented.

Factors that could indirectly affect GABA levels while taking Effexor might include:

Individual response: Variances in how the body reacts to medications may impact neurotransmitter levels like GABA.

Brain chemistry: Effexor’s influence on serotonin and norepinephrine might indirectly influence other neurotransmitters, potentially affecting GABA levels in some individuals.

Medication interactions: Effexor can interact with other medications such as benzodiazepines and psychotropic medications and supplements an individual is taking. This can impact GABA levels in your brain.

Dosage and duration of treatment: Higher doses or long-term use of Effexor might indirectly impact neurotransmitter levels, potentially including GABA.

Underlying medical condition: Some mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders for which Effexor is being taken, epilepsy, panic disorders or sleep disorders can affect GABA levels in the brain.

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol or caffeine consumption along with Effexor can affect GABA levels in the brain.

Symptoms of changes in GABA levels while taking Effexor

Changes in GABA levels can lead to various effects due to its role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Signs and symptoms of altered GABA levels include (5):

Increases anxiety and stress
Increased risk of seizures
Sleep disturbances
Mood disorders
Cognitive impairment including issues with memory, focus and learning

What to do if Effexor affects GABA levels?

Although Effexor does not directly affect GABA levels if someone suspects altered GABA levels or changes in mood and anxiety levels while taking Effexor it is crucial to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider may reduce the dosage of your medication. If dose reduction does not work, they may gradually discontinue the medication or switch to another medication.

Do not discontinue Effexor on your own as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as hallucination, agitation, dizziness, lightheadedness etc.

Always remember consulting your doctor is essential for the safe and effective use of medications.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Effexor does not directly affect GABA levels and if you have concerns about its potential impact on GABA, it is advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and information.