Does Effexor cause emotional blunting? (3+ solutions)
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 aim to answer the query “Does Effexor cause emotional blunting?” Additionally, we will discuss what research suggests, the causes and duration of emotional blunting, and management strategies while taking Effexor.
Does Effexor cause emotional blunting?
Yes, Effexor may cause emotional blunting and it is a common side effect of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). However, it is important to note that emotional blunting may also be a residual symptom of depression itself.
Effexor belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of drugs. Effexor works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in brain cells. Effexor, also known as Venlafaxine, is an FDA-approved drug to treat anxiety and depression.
However, it may also be prescribed for other related mental health conditions (1). Emotional blunting is a psychological condition characterized by numbness towards emotions such as fear, love, or anger. Emotional blunting may be a side effect of commonly used antidepressants, however, in some cases, it might be due to the illness as well (2).
What does research suggest about Effexor and emotional blunting?
According to research studies, low-dose Effexor was found to cause emotional blunting in patients with depression and anxiety. A patient with depression who was on Mirtazapine treatment did not get better, he was then given low-dose Effexor.
It was found that his depression and anxiety symptoms were improved, but he experienced emotional numbness. Despite switching him to other antidepressants, doctors increased Effexor dose and he felt better in terms of emotions and depression was also controlled (3).
Several research studies were conducted and they suggested that about 45% of patients experienced emotional blunting during the acute phase of depression. About 56% of patients believed that emotional blunting is due to the depression itself and 45% of patients believed their antidepressant was responsible for making them emotionally numb (4).
What are the causes and duration of emotional blunting with Effexor?
Effexor may cause emotional blunting by altering the levels of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical substance in the brain cells that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, emotions, and the body’s stress response (1).
Patients taking Effexor in low doses may experience emotional blunting; however, when Effexor dose is increased, Effexor starts affecting other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Due to this mechanism of action, Effexor may not cause emotional blunting in some individuals at higher doses (3).
Some individuals may experience emotional blunting for a few days or some may experience it for several weeks. This side effect and its intensity vary from person to person due to the differences in individual factors and physiological responses (5).
How to manage emotional blunting with Effexor?
If you experience emotional blunting while taking Effexor, and it worsens or persists, please inform your healthcare provider. Effexor has the potential to cause emotional blunting, but your doctor may adjust the dosage after evaluation of your current symptoms, underlying health conditions, and response to the medication.
You may also try some changes in your lifestyle to cope better with your feelings. Go for a walk, do some yoga, try to be socially active, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some patients may also get better emotionally with cognitive-behavioural therapy.
What are the alternatives to Effexor for unbearable emotional side effects?
Your doctor may consider the alternatives to Effexor if it causes unbearable emotional side effects. Tramadol is similar to Effexor in terms of treating depression and can be used as an alternative (6).
Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may also be used as alternative to Effexor (7). Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant which is appropriate for you.
In my perspective, Effexor may cause emotional blunting as a side effect. However, it may also be a symptom of depression itself. Emotional blunting is a condition in which individuals feel unresponsiveness towards emotions.
If you experience emotional blunting while taking Effexor, it is important to inform your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage, suggest alternatives, or recommend some lifestyle changes to manage emotional blunting while taking Effexor.
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References
1.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30570984/
2.-
Goodwin GM, Price J, De Bodinat C, Laredo J. Emotional blunting with antidepressant treatments: A survey among depressed patients. J Affect Disord. 2017 Oct 15;221:31-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.048. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28628765. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28628765/
3.-
Sato S, Sodeyama N, Matsuzaki A, Shiratori Y. Apathy symptoms induced by low-dose venlafaxine: Two cases. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2020 Jun;40(2):196-197. doi: 10.1002/npr2.12104. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32267090; PMCID: PMC7722648. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7722648/
4.-
Christensen MC, Ren H, Fagiolini A. Emotional blunting in patients with depression. Part I: clinical characteristics. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2022 Apr 4;21(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s12991-022-00387-1. PMID: 35379283; PMCID: PMC8981644. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8981644/
5.-
Ma H, Cai M, Wang H. Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Dec 14;12:792960. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960. PMID: 34970173; PMCID: PMC8712545. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712545/
6.-
Reeves RR, Cox SK. Similar effects of tramadol and venlafaxine in major depressive disorder. South Med J. 2008 Feb;101(2):193-5. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3181616e66. PMID: 18364623. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18364623/
7.-
Bauer M, Tharmanathan P, Volz HP, Moeller HJ, Freemantle N. The effect of venlafaxine compared with other antidepressants and placebo in the treatment of major depression: a meta-analysis. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2009 Apr;259(3):172-85. doi: 10.1007/s00406-008-0849-0. Epub 2009 Jan 22. PMID: 19165525. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19165525/
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