Does Effexor cause heartburn? (3+ findings)
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 are going to discuss whether or not Effexor causes heartburn, research studies correlating the link between Effexor and heartburn, other potential causes of Effexor-induced heartburn, what you should do if Effexor causes heartburm, and management tips and recommendations to reduce heartburn.
Does Effexor cause heartburn?
Yes, Effexor can cause heartburn. Heartburn is one of the common side effects of Effexor. (1)
Effexor is an SNRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant that acts in the brain by raising serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels. The activation of serotonin receptors in the brain can sometimes cause GI (gastrointestinal) side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. (2)
However, these side effects differ from one individual to another and may subside as the body adjusts to the medication. These side effects typically go away within the first few weeks of taking Effexor.
What does research suggest?
Research studies have revealed that some Effexor users may experience GI (gastrointestinal) adverse effects, such as heartburn. Nevertheless, each person experiences this to a different degree.
According to certain research, patients taking Effexor and other antidepressants may experience GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) symptoms, and heartburn. (3), (4)
It’s crucial to remember that not everyone using Effexor will experience heartburn, and as the body becomes adjusted to the medication, the frequency of heartburn may subside over time.
What additional factors may contribute to Effexor-induced heartburn?
There are several factors that can contribute to Effexor-induced heartburn, some of which include: (5)
Medication dose: High doses of Effexor can increase the risk of heartburn and stomach acidity in certain individuals. Effexor can be taken at any time of the day, preferably with food to decrease GI adverse effects.
Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as antihypertensives and contraceptives (birth control pills) can increase the risk of heartburn.
Underlying medical conditions: Gastrointestinal diseases such as GERD, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and peptic ulcers can increase the risk of heartburn and GI adverse symptoms.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking and alcohol can irritate the stomach and cause GI adverse effects such as heartburn and gastritis.
Pregnancy: Abdominal pressure that results from pregnancy can induce heartburn.
What should you do if Effexor causes heartburn?
If Effexor causes heartburn, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer GI-related adverse events such as:
SSRI antidepressants (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like citalopram (Celexa). It can treat depression with fewer heartburn, and GI-related adverse effects. (6)
Your healthcare provider will need to properly assess your situation and determine whether Effexor is causing the heartburn or whether the heartburn is caused by other factors such as underlying medical conditions like Gastrointestinal diseases or the use of concurrent medications.
Additionally, your healthcare provider might prescribe antacids like Tums or H2-antagonists like famotidine to help relieve heartburn while taking Effexor. If your heartburn is severe. They might prescribe PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) like omeprazole or pantoprazole to help relieve heartburn and GI-related adverse effects. (7)
What are some lifestyle tips and recommendations for managing heartburn?
There are several lifestyle tips and recommendations that can help manage your heartburn, here are a few of them: (8)
- Eat frequent small meals, eating larger meals might cause heartburn by increasing the strain on the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Heartburn-causing foods such as carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, fats, and spicy food can increase the risk of heartburn and stomach acidity.
- Elevating the head of your bed and putting 2 pillows underneath your head before sleeping can help decrease heartburn and GERD symptoms.
- Avoid eating before bed by at least 2 to 3 hours to avoid regurgitation of food and stomach acid.
- Try OTC (Over-The-Counter) antacids such as Tums or H2-antagonists (famotidine) if your heartburn is severe. These medications can help with heartburn and stomach acidity symptoms.
- Avoid excessive alcohol drinking and smoking.
Based on my knowledge and research, Effexor can cause heartburn. However, it differs from person to person. If you experience heartburn while using Effexor, contact your healthcare provider to reduce your dose or switch your medication to one with fewer side effects and try following some useful lifestyle recommendations to reduce your heartburn.
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References
1.-
Venlafaxine (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067379
2.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/#:~:text=Venlafaxine%20works%20by%20increasing%20serotonin,the%20stimulation%20of%20postsynaptic%20receptors.
3.-
Song JH, Yu BH, Lee D, Yoon SC, Jeon HJ. Uncontrolled Self-Medication with Venlafaxine in a Patient with Major Depressive Disorder. Psychiatry Investigation. 2011;8(1):74. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079191/
4.-
MARTÍN-MERINO E, RUIGÓMEZ A, GARCÍA RODRÍGUEZ LA, WALLANDER MA ., JOHANSSON S. Depression and treatment with antidepressants are associated with the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2010 Feb; Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20199498/
5.-
Cleveland Clinic. Heartburn Symptoms and Treatment | Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2015. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview
6.-
Viazis N, Karamanolis G, Vienna E, Karamanolis DG. Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of hypersensitive esophagus. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2011 Aug 1;4(5):295–300. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165206/
7.-
Gastritis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355813#:~:text=These%20drugs%20include%20the%20prescription
8.-
Contributors WE. Lifestyle Changes for Managing Heartburn [Internet]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/lifestyle-changes-heartburn
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