Does generic Pristiq cause weight gain? (+3 tips)
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 whether generic Pristiq causes weight gain. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does generic Pristiq cause weight gain?
Yes, generic Pristiq, also known as Desvenlafaxine, can cause weight gain. Pristiq is the brand name, but there are various generic versions of Desvenlafaxine available and approved by regulators.
Generic versions have the same active ingredient but may have different excipients or fillers, which can affect how they work in the body. However, they are all considered to be just as active as the brand name Pristiq.
Weight gain is a possible side effect associated with many antidepressant medications, including Pristiq and its generic counterparts (1). However, the extent of weight gain can vary from person to person and not everyone experiences this side effect.
Make sure you consult your healthcare provider if you experience Pristiq-induced weight gain.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research indicating weight gain due to generic Pristiq. One research indicated that in short-term studies with about 1800 people, the drug Desvenlafaxine led to a small but noticeable decrease in weight compared to those taking a Placebo (2).
During a 12-week follow-up with about 600 people both the drug and placebo caused a small increase in overall weight (2).
Another research stated that certain pathways related to serotonin and histamine might cause weight gain as a side effect of some antidepressants in general. So when choosing antidepressants, it is important to think about how they might affect weight and try to control any unwanted weight changes (3).
People respond differently to medications. Some people may experience weight loss as a side effect of Pristiq. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing weight changes while on Pristiq (4).
What is the controversy about generic Pristiq?
The controversy surrounding generic versions of Pristiq has been a concern. Some people wonder if generic versions are as good as brand, while others talk about how much they cost.
Regulatory bodies make sure generic drugs are safe and work well, but some people still like the brand better because they think it works differently.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about any worries with generic medications to choose the best treatment.
How to ensure the safety and quality of generic Pristiq?
Ensuring the safety and quality of generic Pristiq is essential. The FDA mandated that generic drugs must meet the same standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality as their brand-name counterparts.
Generic Pristiq is subject to bioequivalence testing to guarantee that it is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name drug, assuring its effectiveness. You should trust the regulatory authority here.
It is also advisable to obtain generic drugs from trustworthy sources to ensure product quality and safety.
What to do if generic Pristiq makes you gain weight?
If you suspect Pristiq is making you gain weight, you should take the following steps:
Consulting your doctor
Talk to your doctor promptly, they will assess your condition and determine whether weight gain is due to Pristiq or any other reason. There are a huge number of antidepressants available because one medication does not work well for every other individual.
If you are gaining weight on Pristiq, this indicates that it is not the right choice of antidepressant for you. If that’s the case your doctor may switch to another antidepressant with a lower potential for weight gain.
Eating habits
Being mindful of your eating habits is crucial if you are experiencing weight gain due to antidepressants. The medication might trigger emotional cravings, but you must fight through them and make good food choices. This can make you feel satisfied without causing substantial weight gain.
Lifestyle modification
It is important to exercise every day, especially if you are gaining weight. Even if you are not sure why you are gaining weight, exercise can really help you lose it. It can also reduce your depression and anxiety by releasing good chemicals in your brain, which can help with feelings of sadness or worry.
Try fasting
Intermittent fasting is a safe and helpful way to lose weight. In fasting, you don’t have to change what you eat, but you do need to eat during specific times which helps in reducing your weight.
In my view, generic Pristiq can cause weight gain. However, individual responses to medications vary. Always consult your healthcare provider about antidepressant use to ensure its safety and efficacy.
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References
2.-
Tourian KA, Leurent C, Graepel J, Ninan PT. Desvenlafaxine and weight change in major depressive disorder. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2010;12(1):PCC.08m00746. doi: 10.4088/PCC.08m00746blu. PMID: 20582292; PMCID: PMC2882808.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2882808/
3.-
Gill H, Gill B, El-Halabi S, Chen-Li D, Lipsitz O, Rosenblat JD, Van Rheenen TE, Rodrigues NB, Mansur RB, Majeed A, Lui LMW, Nasri F, Lee Y, Mcintyre RS. Antidepressant Medications and Weight Change: A Narrative Review. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Nov;28(11):2064-2072. doi: 10.1002/oby.22969. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33022115.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33022115/
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