Does Effexor shorten life span? (3 facts)
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 answer the question “Does Effexor shorten life span?”. We will also discuss what research studies suggest and when to consult your healthcare provider if you have troubling symptoms.
Does Effexor shorten life span?
Effexor may or may not impact the lifespan of the individual taking this antidepressant. Although Effexor has been associated with many side effects, there is no evidence that it reduced life expectancy.
However, keep in mind that each individual has a different physiological response to any medication. This can also leave a positive or negative impact on one’s life expectancy.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder (PD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a widely prescribed antidepressant due to its safety and efficacy (1).
Generally, Venlafaxine and other SNRIs are believed to increase life span because depression patients are known to have suicidal tendencies, which decrease with antidepressant use.
However, due to the difference in response of any individual to antidepressants, you should consult your healthcare provider for a better assessment of your disease process.
What does research suggest?
Research studies do not show a prominent mechanism of lower life span in patients taking Effexor, but do show an increased risk of suicidal ideation.
One research study has shown that venlafaxine and paroxetine are two medications which increase the risk of suicide when compared with other medications in the same class (2).
One clinical study also assessed the risk of suicide, attempted suicide and mortality as a result of Venlafaxine treatment. This study also stated that Venlafaxine and other SNRIs can reduce the life span by increasing the risk of suicide in patients taking therapy (3).
A research study comparing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs on the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm reported that both classes increase the risk of suicide in patients. Both classes of drugs show comparable effects on the risk of self-harm and attempted suicide (4).
Due to these reasons, the FDA has issued a warning that Effexor can increase suicidal thinking, especially in children and young adults and they should be monitored for emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behaviours. ‘
This type of behaviour is sometimes also shown at the withdrawal of the medication, due to the emergence of the withdrawal syndrome(1).
One research study on the depressed elderly population was published which reported that elderly patients were at a reduced risk of suicide after use of SNRIs, SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) (5).
Another clinical study on the elderly population found Venlafaxine to be associated with increased cardiovascular events. These undesirable events can decrease life expectancy and require that Venlafaxine treatment in the elderly be always monitored (6).
However, research on this topic is continuously being conducted and newer hypotheses are being formulated.
What are the risks and side effects associated with Effexor usage?
Effexor is normally a well-tolerated antidepressant except for some common side effects like nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, vertigo, night sweats etc. which go away after your body adjusts to the medication. It can however cause a few life-threatening conditions such as:
Serotonin syndrome
This is most likely to occur if you are using other serotonergic drugs, such as SSRIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and can cause many serious symptoms.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include hallucinations, tremors, confusion, agitation, hypomania, restlessness, tachycardia and hypertension to name a few. If serotonin syndrome occurs it is advised by the FDA to discontinue Effexor therapy and initiate supportive treatment.
Withdrawal syndrome
When abrupt dose reduction or discontinuation of Effexor occurs, there are chances that an individual may develop withdrawal syndrome. The symptoms of withdrawal syndrome include tinnitus, irritability, dizziness, lethargy, sensory disturbances and sometimes suicidal ideation.
It is best to consult your healthcare provider for your symptoms and decide on a dose reduction plan to manage them.
When to consult your healthcare provider?
If you experience the life-threatening side effects mentioned above, you should consult your doctor immediately. If you have these side effects due to Effexor therapy, your healthcare provider will most likely work out a plan to manage these symptoms or change your medication.
Regular monitoring and follow-ups with your doctor are crucial for you if you experience side effects while on Effexor.
If you are having suicidal ideations your doctor will recommend behavioural therapy and support groups to deal with these symptoms. You should always keep a check on your symptoms by self-monitoring and telling your doctor if anything out of the ordinary happens.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the impact of Effexor on life expectancy and what research studies suggest in this regard. We also discussed various life-threatening side effects and what to do if these side effects occur. In my opinion, it is very important to find a balance between Effexor usage for mental health and any problems arising from it.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. EFFEXOR XR (venlafaxine, extended-release) capsules. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020699s107lbl.pdf
2.-
Pompili M, Serafini G, Innamorati M, Ambrosi E, Giordano G, Girardi P, Tatarelli R, Lester D. Antidepressants and suicide risk: a comprehensive overview. Pharmaceuticals. 2010 Aug 30;3(9):2861-83. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/3/9/2861
3.-
Tiihonen J, Lönnqvist J, Wahlbeck K, Klaukka T, Tanskanen A, Haukka J. Antidepressants and the risk of suicide, attempted suicide, and overall mortality in a nationwide cohort. Archives of general psychiatry. 2006 Dec 1;63(12):1358-67. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/209948
4.-
Miller M, Pate V, Swanson SA, Azrael D, White A, Stürmer T. Antidepressant class, age, and the risk of deliberate self-harm: a propensity score matched cohort study of SSRI and SNRI users in the USA. CNS drugs. 2014 Jan;28:79-88. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40263-013-0120-8
5.-
Barak Y, Olmer A, Aizenberg D. Antidepressants reduce the risk of suicide among elderly depressed patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Jan;31(1):178-81. https://www.nature.com/articles/1300863
6.-
Johnson EM, Whyte E, Mulsant BH, Pollock BG, Weber E, Begley AE, Reynolds CF. Cardiovascular changes associated with venlafaxine in the treatment of late-life depression. The American journal of geriatric psychiatry. 2006 Sep 1;14(9):796-802. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748112607143
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