Does Effexor cause dissociation? (3+ 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 or not Effexor causes dissociation, research studies on the effect of Effexor on dissociation, factors influencing Effexor-induced dissociation, and how to manage dissociation while taking Effexor.
Does Effexor cause dissociation?
Effexor can rarely cause dissociation. Dissociation is not a common side effect of Effexor. Dissociation is a mental state that refers to detachment from reality, like experiencing feelings of not being linked to your body or viewing your life from a distance. (1)
Dissociation is a worrying symptom. However, it is important to remember that not everyone using Effexor will experience dissociation. Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you suffer from dissociation when taking Effexor.
What does research suggest?
There are limited research studies examining the possible connection between the use of Effexor and dissociation. However, a small percentage of people who use Effexor may experience dissociative symptoms (as if they are detached from their bodies) at the beginning of taking the medication. These effects may fade away after their body adjusts to the medication. (1)
To properly comprehend the link between Effexor and dissociation, more research is required. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you experience dissociative symptoms while taking Effexor.
What are the factors that influence Effexor-induced dissociation?
There are several factors that can increase dissociation symptoms while using Effexor such as:
Medication dose: Excessive doses of Effexor can result in more adverse events including dissociative symptoms.
Concurrent medications: There are certain medications that can induce dissociation symptoms such as barbiturates, benzodiazepines, general anesthetics, and opioids. (2)
Underlying medical conditions: There are certain medical conditions that can increase dissociation in certain individuals such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). (3)
Personal differences: There are certain individuals who are more sensitive or affected by the dissociative effects of Effexor than other individuals.
It is noteworthy that dissociation is not a common side effect of Effexor, and that each person’s experience with the severity of symptoms might differ greatly.
How to manage dissociation while taking Effexor?
Managing dissociation symptoms while taking Effexor should be done under the supervision of your healthcare provider or psychiatrist.
If you experience dissociation while taking Effexor, you must immediately contact your healthcare provider. They can assist in determining whether the dissociative symptoms are caused by Effexor or by other variables.
They might opt to reduce your dose or switch you to medications with fewer dissociative adverse effects. Examples include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluoxetine (Prozac). (4)
Other antidepressants such as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) like Nardil (phenelzine) and NDRIs (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors) like Wellbutrin (bupropion) can be used in the treatment of OCD in replacement of Effexor. (4)
What is the best treatment for dissociation?
The best treatment for dissociation is Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or talking therapy is the first-line treatment option for dissociation. This therapy is a type of discussion and conversation between you and your healthcare provider or psychiatrist about your disorder or any associated problems.
Medications such as anxiety medications like benzodiazepines (alprazolam or diazepam), antidepressants like SSRIs (citalopram, fluoxetine, or sertraline), or antipsychotics (aripiprazole or quetiapine) may help certain individuals with their mental health symptoms including their dissociative symptoms. (5)
Conclusion
Based on my knowledge and research, Effexor can rarely cause dissociation in certain individuals. If you experience any dissociative symptoms while taking Effexor, consult your healthcare provider so that they can properly assess your situation and take the best course of action accordingly.
They might opt to reduce your medication dose or switch you to a medication with fewer adverse effects. Additionally, psychotherapy can be very effective in treating dissociation symptoms.
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References
1.-
Safeekh A, Pinto D. Venlafaxine-induced psychotic symptoms. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;51(4):308. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802382/
2.-
Good MI. Substance-induced dissociative disorders and psychiatric nosology. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology [Internet]. 1989 Apr 1;9(2):88–93. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2656780/#:~:text=Agents%20capable%20of%20precipitating%20dissociative,%2C%20general%20anesthetics%2C%20and%20others.
3.-
NHS. Dissociative disorders [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/dissociative-disorders/
4.-
Gentile JP, Dillon KS, Gillig PM. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for patients with dissociative identity disorder. Innovations in clinical neuroscience [Internet]. 2019;10(2):22–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3615506/
5.-
Mayo Clinic. Dissociative disorders – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. 2017. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355221
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