Does Effexor block dopamine? (5+ Effects)
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 if Effexor blocks dopamine. Furthermore, we will discuss the impact of dopamine blockade. Also, we will look into the factors that can impact dopamine blockade by Effexor.
Does Effexor block dopamine?
Effexor blocks dopamine reuptake but to a lesser extent. Effexor or Venlafaxine primarily blocks the neuronal reuptake of Serotonin and at higher doses, it also blocks reuptake of Norepinephrine.
Dopamine neurotransmitter helps to regulate locomotion, learning, neuroendocrine secretions and other feelings such as pleasure and motivation (1).
Effexor is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder. It is also prescribed to treat hot flashes in postmenopause women or women taking medication for breast cancer (2).
What does research suggest?
In a case report of a 32-year-old man diagnosed with social phobias developed psychotic symptoms when he was put on Venlafaxine treatment. The symptoms resolved once Venlafaxine was stopped and it was found that dopamine reuptake inhibition by Venlafaxine contributed to the emergence of psychotic symptoms (3).
Research studies suggested increased dopamine levels in the striatum, hippocampus and frontal brain region after Venlafaxine administration (4, 5).
What are the impacts of dopamine blockade by Effexor?
Dopamine plays a significant role in various brain functions. Altered dopamine levels can have both positive as well negative impacts on your brain functioning.
Positive effects of altered dopamine levels
- Control stress and anxiety: Dopamine plays a key role in mood regulation. Increased Dopamine levels can help you cope with the symptoms of depression and anxiety more effectively.
- Boost motivation: Dopamine helps to improve motivation and the brain’s reward system which could enhance your ability to work.
- Enhanced cognitive functions: Dopamine is intricately linked to enhanced focus, thinking, decision making and learning abilities.
- Alleviate neurological disorders: Dopamine levels decrease drastically in some neurological disorders like Parkinson’s syndrome. Elevated dopamine by Effexor administration can help to alleviate symptoms of such disorders.
Negative Impacts of altered Dopamine levels
- Increased dependency: You may experience increased dependency on Effexor for motivation and to regulate your stress and anxiety.
- Psychotic symptoms: As described earlier in the case report, some people may experience increased psychotic symptoms such as mania, anxiety, restlessness, irritation and confusion with Effexor-induced dopamine levels.
- Reduced efficacy and tolerance: If used for a longer duration of time, Effexor-induced dopamine can increase tolerance to the drug and you may require dose adjustments.
What factors can influence dopamine blockade by Effexor?
Several factors can influence dopamine blockade by Effexor. These include:
- Dose and duration of Effexor treatment: The dose and duration of Effexor treatment can impact the alteration in dopamine levels.
- Genetic makeup: The increase in dopamine levels may not be consistent in all individuals taking Effexor. Some may show high levels while in some there may not be any change in dopamine levels due to genetic components.
- Concomitant use of other medications: Other medications that increase dopamine levels could elevate the risk associated with increased dopaminergic activity.
- Other disorders: Certain health conditions like Parkinson’s and thyroid disorder can significantly alter dopamine levels in patients taking Effexor.
What to do if you experience dopamine-related side effects with Effexor?
If you experience side effects of Effexor due to its dopaminergic activity, you should immediately consult your healthcare provider. Your physician may evaluate your symptoms and your medication history to know the underlying cause of your side effects.
Initially, they may try to adjust the dose and if the symptoms persist, they may shift you to the alternate antidepressant medication. Open communication with your doctor can help to navigate you through the right medication.
You should not stop or alter the dosage of your own as abrupt withdrawal can lead to life-threatening syndrome.
In my perspective, Effexor can elevate dopamine levels by inhibiting its reuptake. The effect can vary from person to person. Some individuals may not be affected by these altered dopamine levels while some may experience serious side effects.
Alterations in dopamine levels can impact mental and physical well-being. Therefore, Effexor should be taken under the proper guidance of the physician and the patient should be carefully monitored during the whole course of treatment.
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References
1.-
Jaber M, Robinson SW, Missale C, Caron MG. Dopamine receptors and brain function. Neuropharmacology. 1996;35(11):1503-19. doi: 10.1016/s0028-3908(96)00100-1. PMID: 9025098. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9025098/
2.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Venlafaxine; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2022 Jan 15; cited 2023 Nov 29]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604025.html
3.-
Safeekh AT, Pinto D. Venlafaxine-induced psychotic symptoms. Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Oct-Dec;51(4):308-9. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.58301. PMID: 20048460; PMCID: PMC2802382. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802382/
4.-
Czubak A, Nowakowska E, Golembiowska K, Kus K, Burda K, Metelska J. Effect of venlafaxine and nicotine on the level of neurotransmitters and their metabolites in rat brains. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2010 Jun;61(3):339-46. PMID: 20610865. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20610865/
5.-
de Oliveira RA, Cunha GM, Borges KD, de Bruin GS, dos Santos-Filho EA, Viana GS, de Bruin VM. The effect of venlafaxine on behaviour, body weight and striatal monoamine levels on sleep-deprived female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 Nov;79(3):499-506. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.09.001. PMID: 15582021. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15582021/
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