Does Pristiq affect birth control? (+3 factors)
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 the impact of Pristiq on birth control. We will look at the interactions between Pristiq and birth control. Furthermore, we will shed some light on the potential effects caused by birth control due to Pristiq use. We will also look at the management strategies to avoid these side effects.
Does Pristiq affect birth control?
No, Pristiq does not affect birth control. There is no strong evidence found about the effects of Pristiq on birth control methods such as birth control pills.
Pristiq belongs to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants which work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft thus, increasing their levels and activity in the brain (1).
Whereas, birth control methods or contraceptives are ways to avoid pregnancy. Birth control is done by medicines, surgeries, or implanting devices. Hormonal oral contraceptive pills may interact with concurrent medications (2).
It is important to stay vigilant while taking Pristiq and birth control pills for any potential interaction. This interaction may be complex and can vary among some patients. However, consult your doctor before taking birth control pills while on Pristiq to avoid any harmful interactions.
What does research suggest?
Research studies were conducted to observe the co-administration of hormonal oral contraceptive pills along with antidepressants for comorbid anxiety and depression results and the safety or efficacy of both medications or not (3).
Reproductive-aged women were included in this study. Various antidepressants belonging to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) were used to conduct the study (3).
However, the results showed that women taking hormonal oral contraceptives with SSRI and TCA antidepressants were affected. While women who took SNRIs and MAOI antidepressants had no drug interactions or harmful outputs (3).
Therefore, based on the results of this study, it could be concluded that Pristiq, which belongs to the SNRI antidepressants class, does not show an impact on oral hormonal birth control pills and does not directly affect pregnancy comorbid with depression or anxiety (3).
What factors may affect birth control while taking Pristiq?
Following are some factors that may impact birth control while taking Pristiq:
- Concurrent medications- Taking other medications along with Pristiq and birth control pills, could lead to additional interactions and may affect pregnancy.
- Pre-existing health conditions- Underlying health conditions may also impact taking Pristiq with birth control. Health conditions that affect the liver and metabolism may impact pregnancy while taking Pristiq and birth control pills.
- Dosage and timing- Potential interactions may occur depending upon the dosage and time of administration of Pristiq and birth control pills.
- Individual factors- Different patients react varyingly to the medications. Individual patient variations influence the impact of an individual’s body response to either Pristiq or birth control pills and may affect pregnancy accordingly.
How to ensure proper use of birth control pills?
The following steps must be followed, if you are taking birth control pills (4):
- Timing- Make sure to take birth control pills at the same time each day. You can set an alarm to avoid inconsistency in taking your pills.
- Storage- Birth control pills need to be stored at an appropriate temperature and in a dry, cool place. Avoid keeping your pills in high temperatures or direct sunlight which may affect their integrity and stability.
- Avoid missing doses- Make sure to keep track of your dosing and do not miss on your regular dosing. If you miss your dose or have accidentally taken an extra dosage then consult your doctor to avoid complications.
- Track refills- Make sure to keep your pills in an ample amount before running out of them.
What to do if Pristiq affects birth control and pregnancy?
If you suspect that taking Pristiq along with birth control pills is affecting your hormonal levels and has a profound effect on pregnancy, then consult your doctor and seek guidance regarding this issue.
After a thorough health assessment, if your doctor figures out that taking Pristiq with birth control pills is altering your fertility and pregnancy, then they might tamper or lower the dosage of Pristiq or may switch you to another antidepressant that suits you best.
However, your doctor must counsel and educate you about taking Pristiq as it takes almost 4-6 weeks for it to show efficacy for mental health conditions. Based on its delayed onset of action, your doctor may change the timing of Pristiq to avoid potential interaction with birth control pills.
Always remember to consult your doctor before discontinuing or stopping the dosage of Pristiq abruptly as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms and may cause discomfort.
In the end, I would advise you to always keep your doctor in the loop and have a transparent and honest discussion with your doctor regarding any underlying condition or concurrent medication that you are taking to avoid potential adversities and delays in the therapeutic efficacy of either medication.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
2.-
Hatcher RA, Kowal D. Birth Control. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 174. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK283/
3.-
Berry-Bibee EN, Kim MJ, Simmons KB, Tepper NK, Riley HE, Pagano HP, Curtis KM. Drug interactions between hormonal contraceptives and psychotropic drugs: a systematic review. Contraception. 2016 Dec;94(6):650-667. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2016.07.011. Epub 2016 Jul 18. PMID: 27444984. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27444984/
4.-
Cooper DB, Patel P, Mahdy H. Oral Contraceptive Pills. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
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