Does Effexor cause acid reflux? (+3 tips)
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 blog post, we will answer the question “Does Effexor cause acid reflux?. We will also discuss what factors can contribute to acid reflux while on Effexor and how to manage symptoms if acid reflux occurs.
Does Effexor cause acid reflux?
Yes, Effexor (Venlafaxine) can cause acid reflux or heartburn. However, people respond differently to different medications. Some individuals may feel mild heartburn while some may not. If you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux while on Effexor therapy be sure to rule out other factors that may be responsible. Effexor has been found to help with antidepressant-mediated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (1).
If acid reflux is from Effexor, the side effect may subside after a few days when your body adjusts to the medication. Most gastrointestinal (GI) side effects do not stay for more than a week after initiation of treatment.
What does research suggest?
Research studies have mixed results regarding the effect of Effexor on the GI effects an individual experiences. Some studies claim that Venlafaxine helps manage GI symptoms of acid reflux and GERD, while others refute this claim and say that this medication is a cause of GI disturbances in patients.
A research study assessing antidepressant-mediated GERD states that Effexor may be a much better option for individuals who experience GERD symptoms. Patients treated with citalopram, escitalopram and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) showed GERD symptoms, which remained unresolved with dosage changes. Effexor was substituted for the antidepressant medication and omeprazole was added to manage GERD (1).
One clinical study assessed the effects of Venlafaxine, Esomeprazole and Mosapride treatment on acid reflux, heartburn and GERD patients. The findings of this study made it clear that the efficacy of this combination of medications is better for patients with concomitant anxiety, depression and GERD symptoms (2).
Another study did not support the same findings and reports that Venlafaxine is not very beneficial for patients with concomitant depressive disorders and digestive issues. This study showed a similar effect of the medication compared to placebo treatment (3).
What factors can contribute to acid reflux while on Effexor?
Although Venlafaxine, other SNRIs or SSRIs may or may not directly contribute to acid reflux or heartburn, there are many factors which can increase acid reflux whether or not you are on the medication. One main factor is the dysfunction of the lower oesophagal sphincter. If this happens stomach acid can flow back into your oesophagus (4).
Individuals’ history of acid reflux, GERD or previous experience with any gastric issues can also make the patient more prone to such effects. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider and rule out any such factor.
Sometimes lifestyle and dietary habits are the cause of such side effects. Smoking, alcohol intake or having spicy foods can make you more susceptible to acid reflux. A sedentary lifestyle especially lying down right after a meal can also be a culprit.
How to manage acid reflux while taking Effexor?
If you experience this effect while on Effexor therapy then the following strategies can help you manage your acid reflux symptoms:
OTC medications
Medications like Omeprazole, Cimetidine or Antacids like milk of magnesia, which are considered to reduce stomach acid can be taken to alleviate your symptoms.
Don’t take medication on an empty stomach
If you feel that Effexor is the cause of your symptoms then it is advised not to take the medication on an empty stomach. Although there is no specific guideline for taking Effexor with or without food, taking it with food may help some people manage their gastric issues.
Avoid trigger foods
You should avoid foods that tend to induce or worsen reflux. Avoiding spicy foods and citrus fruits or juices can be beneficial in this regard. Alcohol and caffeine both increase the symptoms of acid reflux, making it worse. So it is advised to limit intake of caffeine and alcohol to manage symptoms. Fatty and fried should also be limited to avoid heartburn and acid reflux.
Lifestyle modifications
If you have a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight, consider adding exercise to your daily routine. An adequate amount of exercise can help with symptoms of acid reflux while on Effexor. Also, you should not immediately go to bed after a meal. Waiting for a few hours before you lie down is important because it gives your stomach some time to digest the food.
Smoking has been found to increase acid reflux and worsen its symptoms. So quitting smoking can have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux as well as being favourable for overall health.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist
It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist regarding your symptoms. There may be some underlying conditions increasing your acid reflux, and your healthcare provider can assess and provide you with a better strategy to manage your symptoms.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Does Effexor cause acid reflux?”. We also discussed what factors can contribute to acid reflux and how to manage its symptoms while taking Effexor. Even though Effexor does not primarily cause acid reflux in everyone, it can occur in some individuals and can be managed through appropriate guidance and strategies.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Brahm NC, Kelly-Rehm MC. Antidepressant-mediated gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Consultant pharmacist: the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. 2011 Apr;26(4):274-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21486738/
2.-
Peng, J.-C & Li, Y.-Z & Lian, H.-Y. (2009). Efficacy of Venlafaxine in treatment of non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease with depression and anxiety. World Chinese Journal of Digestology. 17. 2508-2511. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287641602_Efficacy_of_Venlafaxine_in_treatment_of_non-erosive_gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_with_depression_and_anxiety
3.-
Van Kerkhoven LA, Laheij RJ, Aparicio N, De Boer WA, Van Den Hazel S, Tan AC, Witteman BJ, Jansen JB. Effect of the antidepressant venlafaxine in functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008 Jul 1;6(7):746-52. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1542356508001584
4.-
Clarrett DM, Hachem C. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Missouri medicine. 2018 May;115(3):214. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140167/
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