Does Effexor affect your memory? (+5 factors)
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 Effexor affects memory. We’ll also explore the factors that may contribute to cognitive issues while using Effexor and provide guidance on what to do if you encounter such problems.
Does Effexor affect your memory?
Yes, Effexor may affect your memory. However, it is not a frequently occurring side effect of this medication.
Effexor is an antidepressant medication that works by elevating the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain such as norepinephrine and serotonin. The increased levels of these neurotransmitters make you feel happy and elevate your mood. This medication is associated with the effective management of symptoms of various mental disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety (1).
What does research suggest?
A research study reported that a significant proportion (44%) of individuals experienced memory-related side effects after taking Effexor (2). However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the extent and nature of these memory-related effects.
In another study, dementia was reported as a potential adverse effect of Effexor overdose, particularly in older individuals. Overdosing on Effexor can have serious and potentially harmful effects on cognitive function, including the potential development or exacerbation of dementia symptoms (3).
What factors can contribute to memory-related issues with Effexor?
Various factors can contribute to memory-related problems while taking Effexor including:
- high dosage
- old age
- individual sensitivity to Effexor
- pre-existing memory disorders
- concurrent use of medications exacerbating memory issues
- long term use of Effexor
Higher doses, individual sensitivity, and older age may make individuals more vulnerable to cognitive side effects of certain medications, including Effexor. Additionally, long-term use of Effexor and underlying mental disorders may also increase the likelihood of experiencing memory-related side effects.
It’s important to discuss any concerns about memory problems with your healthcare professional who can provide guidance on managing medication side effects and explore alternative treatment options if needed.
What to do if Effexor affects your memory?
If you are experiencing memory problems after using Effexor, it is important to this issue as soon as possible. Here are some tips for preventing and effectively managing memory-related side effects of Effexor:
If you suspect memory problems after using Effexor, consult your healthcare professional immediately. They can assess the exact cause of memory problems as well as the severity of the issue and may adjust your medication dosage, or explore alternative treatment options based on your individual needs.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may consider lowering your Effexor dosage or switching to a different medication that may have fewer cognitive side effects.
Consider adopting memory-enhancing techniques, such as mindfulness, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle changes, to help manage memory issues.
If your memory problems persist and are significantly impacting your daily life, consider seeking a second opinion from a specialist or neuropsychologist to explore other potential causes and solutions.
What are the alternatives to Effexor if it affects memory?
If Effexor causes notable cognitive issues that significantly impact your daily routine, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative medications that are less likely to affect memory. These alternatives could include medications like:
- fluoxetine
- duloxetine
- fluvoxamine
- citalopram
- bupropion
However, it’s essential to note that the choice of medication should be based on individual health needs. While these alternatives may have other potential side effects, they are generally considered less likely to impact memory.
To my knowledge and experience, Effexor may cause memory problems but they are not very common side effects of Effexor. The influence of Effexor on memory is a subject of ongoing research. While some individuals may report memory-related side effects with Effexor, others may not experience such issues.
It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to carefully monitor patients and address cognitive concerns on a case-by-case basis, ultimately guiding treatment decisions to ensure the best possible outcomes
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References
1.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. [Updated 20 22 Oct 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/
2.-
Harrison CL, Ferrier N, Young AH. Tolerability of high-dose venlafaxine in depressed patients. J Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jun;18(2):200-4. doi: 10.1177/0269881104042621. PMID: 15260908. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15260908/
3.-
García-Cabeza I, de Blas MM, Epifanio MM, de Chávez MG. Cognitive deterioration after venlafaxine overdose. J Emerg Med. 2011 May;40(5):e103-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.04.059. Epub 2009 Jun 9. PMID: 19515524. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19515524/
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