Does Effexor cause the zombie effect? (+5 effect)
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 causes the zombie effect. This is usually a side effect of a higher dose of Effexor. Effexor is an antidepressant that is prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic attacks.
Does Effexor cause the zombie effect?
Yes, Effexor can cause a zombie effect. Some patients are scared to use antidepressants because they are concerned about the adverse effects. One widespread concept is that you would feel like a zombie or emotionless. While patients may feel sleepy when they first begin taking Effexor, the benefits far exceed the side effects.
Antidepressants can help alleviate feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness, agitation, and excessive concern. Effexor should not make you disconnected from yourself or your feelings. Notify your doctor if this occurs, as you may need to alter your prescription.
Because Effexor improves brain networks, this drug works best when paired with therapy sessions. Therapy addresses how your ideas may be contributing to your mental health issues, whilst Effexor addresses the chemical side. This allows the patient to develop new good coping methods and routines.
It can take 1-3 weeks for Effexor to start working. Most people do not notice a difference because this is when Efexor reaches its peak efficacy. If Effexor is causing a zombie effect, then it means you are taking a high dose of the drug and need to reduce it.
What are the symptoms of the Effexor-induced zombie effect?
The symptoms of the Effexor-induced zombie effect include:
- The patient feels zoned out,
- reduced or absence of feelings,
- reduced sympathy and empathy,
- low appetite,
- feeling emotionless,
- being unnaturally quiet,
- trouble getting decent sleep,
- feeling irritated most of the time.
How does Effexor cause the zombie effect?
Effexor raises serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain by inhibiting transport proteins and preventing reuptake at the presynaptic terminal. This activity increases the number of neurotransmitters available at the synapse, resulting in increased activation of postsynaptic receptors.
While neurotransmitters have various purposes, dopamine and norepinephrine are critical in boosting mental focus and attention. However, Effexor has a limited therapeutic range. It is ineffective if a patient takes too small a quantity, but it can be harmful if they take too large an amount.
When dopamine and norepinephrine levels are too high because of Effexor, they can stress the brain, resulting in the zombie effect (1).
What does the research suggest?
In one of the case studies, women reported of zombie-like effect while taking antidepressants. She had restless nights, agitation, suicidal thoughts, and emotional numbness towards her husband.
She discontinued Effexor abruptly and experienced extreme hatred towards her husband along with other negative thoughts (2). In various personal experiences, patients have reported having a zombie effect while taking Effexor. Once, the dose is adjusted, these symptoms go away within a few weeks.
What other factors cause the zombie effect?
- Medicines: According to most experts, the zombie effect is a rare adverse effect of ADHD stimulants and other antidepressants.
- Sleep deprivation: having less sleep can cause brain fog and the patient will feel irritated and disturbed. Effexor has also been reported to cause insomnia.
- Diet: not getting enough calories due to loss of appetite while taking Effexor can make the patient dizzy, spacey and detached.
- Withdrawal symptoms: during withdrawal of stimulants, and other antidepressants the patient will experience altered mood and anxiety.
How to manage zombie effects while taking Effexor?
- Talk to the doctor: The first step is to express the concern to the doctor. He will ask questions to assess whether a change in medication is required.
- Reducing the dose: Sometimes reducing the dose of Effexor would be sufficient to reverse the zombie effect.
- Stimulant drugs: these are classified into two types: those derived from methylphenidate (such as Ritalin), and those derived from dextroamphetamine (such as Adderall).
- Nonsimulat drugs: these drugs are classified into two types: one of which contains clonidine (such as Catapress), and guanfacine (such as Tenex). Atomoxetine (such as Strattera) is another stimulant drug.
- Reduce distractions: the patient should indulge in activities that are suitable for his mood rather than attending unwanted gatherings.
- Get enough sleep: set a sleeping pattern and strictly follow that routine.
Patience is the key; antidepressants take time
In my experience as a pharmacist, Effexor is one of the many reasons that cause the zombie effect. Personal character, mood swings, sleeping patterns, personal relations, home and working environment can have a greater impact on one’s emotions as compared to a single drug.
Most symptoms of depression and anxiety will improve after the correct dose of Effexor is obtained. Changing the dose is a typical event that can cause considerable improvements in the symptoms to be delayed. It may require a trial-and-error approach to discover one that works.
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References
1.-
Gutierrez MA, Stimmel GL, Aiso JY. Venlafaxine: a 2003 update. Clinical therapeutics. 2003 Aug 1;25(8):2138-54. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291803802102
2.-
Eikelenboom-Schieveld SJ, Lucire Y, Fogleman JC. The relevance of cytochrome P450 polymorphism in forensic medicine and akathisia-related violence and suicide. Journal of forensic and legal medicine. 2016 Jul 1;41:65-71. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1752928X16300051
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