Does Pristiq affect fertility? (+5 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 the impact of Pristiq on fertility. We will look at some common effects of Pristiq that have an important role in human fertility. Furthermore, we will look at some ways to avoid fertility-related issues due to Pristiq in both men and women.
Does Pristiq affect fertility?
Pritiq may affect fertility. Pristiq does not directly affect fertility in most patients. Hence, fertility and related issues are not common side effects of Pristiq. However, fertility irregularities are generally associated with the use of antidepressants.
Pristiq belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant class which is approved by the FDA for treatment of the major depressive disorder. Pristiq works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain thus, inducing anti-depressive properties (1).
Pristiq however, may not be directly associated with causing fertility issues. Such side effects might affect a smaller population taking Pristiq. Therefore, if you are on Pristiq and feel abnormalities in sexual activity or fertility, report to your doctor and seek medical help.
How does Pristiq affect fertility?
As mentioned earlier, Pristiq is not commonly associated with fertility complications but may affect a smaller proportion of patients.
However, Pristiq is regarded as a pregnancy category-C drug by the FDA which makes it not the best choice for pregnant women. It can only be given to them if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Careful monitoring is required if pregnant women are taking Pristiq. Research data states that exposure to an SNRI drug a month before pregnancy can have a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (2).
No direct complication with Pristiq has been on record but adverse developmental outcomes have been reported with the parent compound of Pristiq which is venlafaxine (2).
What does research suggest?
A study of 201 women who were suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) for a long time was given Pristiq as an antidepressive treatment. The study showed that the women who discontinued Pristiq during pregnancy were more exposed to a severe relapse of MDD (2).
Studies have also reported that the use of SSRIs and SNRIs such as Pristiq in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia in these pregnant women. Exposure to Pristiq in late pregnancy can also result in neonatal complications (2).
There is a need for prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding in such neonates. These neonates who were exposed to Pistiq in the third trimester must be monitored for drug discontinuation syndrome (2).
These studies show that antidepressants including SSRIs and SNRIs are associated with fertility complications including Zoloft and Celexa. However, Pristiq in particular, is not directly associated with fertility complications rather it may cause pregnancy and neonatal complications in some patients.
What are the alternate antidepressants to use?
If you are facing fertility issues while taking Pristiq, then consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend switching to an alternate antidepressant which might be well-tolerated for you without affecting your fertility.
Atypical antidepressants are usually not associated with causing sexual or fertility-related abnormalities. In fact, they are commonly prescribed to patients who suffer from fertility issues while taking other antidepressants (3).
If fertility issues are non-manageable with Pritiq then Wellbutrin (bupropion) which is an atypical antidepressant can be used as an alternate antidepressant under your doctor’s supervision and guidance (3).
What to do if Pristiq causes fertility issues?
If you suspect that Pristiq is causing fertility issues and difficulties, then immediately report to your healthcare provider. Discuss your symptoms and side effects for better evaluation and treatment.
Your doctor might consider tampering with Pristiq dosage as lowering the medication dosage has shown improvements in the side effects profile. However, if the side effects persist after reducing the dosage, then your doctor might prescribe you an alternate antidepressant to treat fertility irregularities.
Since Pristiq is a prescription medication, it is advised not to abruptly stop taking the medication on the occurrence of fertility-related side effects as it might cause withdrawal symptoms.
In my opinion as a pharmacist, I would emphasize the fact that strictly abide by your doctor’s prescription for taking Pristiq. Follow the recommended time and duration of taking the medication. Even then if you feel fertility-related side effects, consult your doctor and discuss your side effects to seek better treatment.
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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/
3.-
Beeder, L. A., & Samplaski, M. K. (2019). Effect of antidepressant medications on semen parameters and male fertility. International Journal of Urology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/iju.14111
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