Does Effexor make you irritable? (+1 effects)
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 makes you irritable. Effexor is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is frequently prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic attacks.
Does Effexor make you irritable?
Yes, Effexor can make you irritable. Feeling anxious, irritated, or having difficulty sleeping may occur when Effexor is first started or abruptly stopped. As your body responds to the drug, your anxiety and irritation may subside.
When a person is irritable, small things that would not normally bother him can cause irritation. As a result of the tension, a person may become more sensitive to stressful situations.
Sometimes underlying medical conditions like diabetes can also cause irritability. But if you think you are experiencing irritation due to Effexor then you should immediately inform your doctor. The doctor might want to reduce your dose of Effexor or change your antidepressant altogether.
What are the signs of irritation caused by Effexor?
The symptoms of Effexor-induced irritability include:
- Hostility,
- aggression,
- frustration,
- mood swings,
- tension,
- rapid heart rate, and
- restlessness.
Irritation can also occur when the patient discontinues Effexor suddenly. Withdrawing off Effexor may cause irritation, nausea, headache, itching skin, mood changes, nightmares and vomiting. The withdrawal symptoms usually begin 8-12 hours following the patient’s final dose.
What does the research suggest?
In a case report, twenty-six patients were given Effexor for depression in Huntington’s disease (HD). Depression symptoms in HD patients decreased considerably after 4 weeks of Effexor treatment as compared to baseline. However, one in every five individuals experienced irritability and nausea (1).
In another case study, a female was given an increased dose of Effexor for her depression. She began to have a shorter sleep cycle, more energy, and racing thoughts. Her family observed that she was impatient and irritable, and alternated between euphoria and hypersexual behaviour. Her dose of Effexor was reduced and given lithium (2).
Which factors increase irritability while taking Effexor?
Other factors that can cause increased irritability include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): irritability, negative thoughts, and aggressive behaviour are some of the symptoms of PTSD.
- Low blood sugar: hypoglycemia can harm a person’s physical and mental health. Low blood sugar levels can increase irritability and nervousness.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): PMS occurs due to hormonal imbalance and can cause severe mood swings and irritability in women during or before the menstrual cycle.
- Sleeping problems: sleep deprivation, or not getting enough sleep, can make a person cranky the next day.
- Chronic pain: pain caused by toothache, fractures, or flu can cause irritability and depression in the patient.
- Brain disorders: Brain injuries, seizures, tumours, dementia, and parkinsonism can alter the mood of the patient.
- Substance withdrawal: drug abuse and drug withdrawal can cause mood changes.
- Thyroid problem: hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause irritability and change in mood due to hormonal imbalance.
How to manage Effexor-induced irritation?
Following lifestyle modifications and treatment protocols can help the patient in managing Effexor-induced irritability:
- Get enough sleep: Getting good sleep and maintaining a sleeping pattern can help reduce irritation and mood swings.
- Identify the triggers: avoid people and situations that cause irritation and aggressiveness.
- Physical activity: Take a walk, exercise, or go swimming.
- Be alone: Spend some time alone or in nature.
- Soothing activities: Listen to relaxing music, take a warm bath, paint or read a book.
- Hormonal therapy: if the underlying cause of irritation is hormonal balance, then hormonal therapy and lifestyle changes can counteract the level of irritation.
- Medication: mood stabilizers and other antidepressants can be prescribed to reduce irritability.
Reduce irritability; schedule a follow-up
Effexor can cause irritability, insomnia, and mood swings. However, such symptoms go away with time. If you experience frequent episodes of irritability, then I would suggest you immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor first. Irritation is itself one of the side effects of Effexor withdrawal.
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References
1.-
Holl AK, Wilkinson L, Painold A, Holl EM, Bonelli RM. Combating depression in Huntington’s disease: effective antidepressive treatment with venlafaxine XR. International clinical psychopharmacology. 2010 Jan 1;25(1):46-50. https://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/Fulltext/2010/01000/Huntington_s_disease__present_treatments_and.7.aspx?casa_token=mHIZvgG-WqgAAAAA:Vs-011N4K4RNjMGAvikrFZzyQY3GEn0d7vK0-HXqUWRUT8iYjhS3KnFdOMe9_nfvSIoc290GSyTCJKmxS8maHXLy
2.-
Shulman RB, Scheftner WA, Nayudu S. Venlafaxine-associated mania. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. 2001 Apr 1;21(2):239-41. https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/fulltext/2001/04000/venlafaxine_associated_mania.19.aspx?casa_token=aW7gNJfMs_0AAAAA:Fxx4s1gpaOQhlSAsWWbohmtQ9RhawKXfEIB_A4GGqM8XXJKq0looHda8aRNKj4FYCG7SMFmkCohumcI88GFVE1fs
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