Does Pristiq affect sleep? (+5 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 effects of Pristiq on sleep. We will look at the common factors that impact sleep while taking Pristiq. We will further look at the common side effects of Pristiq on sleep patterns and some tips to manage sleep disturbances caused by Pristiq.
Does Pristiq affect sleep?
Yes, Pristiq can affect sleep. However, sleep effects due to Pristiq may vary from patient to patient due to different dosages, frequencies, and individual patient variations. therefore, always consult your healthcare provider if you experience sleep disturbances while on Pristiq.
Pristiq belongs to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant drugs. These medications work by blocking the serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain which results in an increase in the levels of these neurotransmitters (1).
based on its mechanism, Pristiq alters the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain which have a profound effect on mood changes and sleep patterns. Thus, Pristiq affects the sleep patterns in patients by altering the brain chemistry.
How does Pristiq affect sleep?
Pristiq induces sleep disturbances based on its mechanism of action. However, more studies are required to know the exact process by which Pristiq alters the sleep patterns in patients (2).
Pristiq belongs to SNRI antidepressants which increase the levels and activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This increased effect and activity of these neurotransmitters alter sleep patterns and disrupt sleep regulation (2).
Alterations in the levels and amount of these neurotransmitters in the brain are associated with mood regulation and sleep disturbances. Pristiq may cause sleep-related side effects such as nightmares, tiredness, irritability, restlessness, and night sweats (3).
What factors impact Pristiq-induced sleep disturbances?
The following are the factors that impact sleep disturbances while taking Pristiq (2,4):
- Dosage- The dosage of Pristiq may cause certain side effects including sleep disturbances. Patients taking Pristiq at higher doses are more prone to develop sleep disturbances as compared to those taking it at lower doses.
- Timing of administration- The timing of taking medications also impacts the side effects. Your doctor may prescribe you to take Pristiq either in the morning or at night based on your body’s preference and response to the medication.
- Concurrent medications- Sleep disturbances are induced if you take Pristiq along with other medications that interfere with each other.
- Pre-existing health conditions- Patients with pre-existing sleep conditions such as insomnia or somnolence tend to develop sleep disturbances while taking Pristiq.
- Lifestyle- The lifestyle of patients plays an important role in impacting their sleep patterns. Exercise, diet, and stress levels are directly linked to sleep regularity.
- Individual patient variations- Each patient reacts varyingly to the medications. Some patients taking Pristiq may suffer from sleep disturbances while others may not.
How to manage Pristiq-induced sleep disturbances?
To manage sleep disturbances induced by Pristiq, you need to carefully monitor your sleep-related symptoms and their effects on your daily productivity and mental alertness.
If the sleep disturbances are altering your daily normal routine, then you should seek medical help. Consult your doctor and discuss your side effects and symptoms to get better treatment outcomes.
Your doctor might lower or reduce the dosage of Pristiq. Lowering the medication dose brings relief in the severity of side effects associated with increased dosage.
Your doctor may also switch you to another antidepressant that does not cause severe sleep-related side effects and is generally safe and effective in treating and alleviating your symptoms and side effects.
Another option to get rid of sleep-related side effects associated with Pristiq is to change the medication timing. If you are suffering from excessive sleep, then consider taking Pristiq at night to avoid daytime sleepiness.
While, if you experience insomnia after taking Pristiq, then you should consider taking it during the daytime, to avoid sleeplessness during the night. However, always change medication timing after consulting with your doctor.
In conclusion, I would add that antidepressants are generally associated with causing sleep disturbances due to their mechanisms of action and ability to alter brain chemistry.
However, in the early course of treatment with any antidepressant that you start, give some time to your body to fully adjust and adapt to the medication. In case of severity of side effects and sleep disturbances, seek medical help.
Was this helpful?
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.-
Kelly K, Posternak M, Alpert JE. Toward achieving optimal response: understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(4):409-18. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.4/kkelly. PMID: 19170398; PMCID: PMC3181894. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181894/
3.-
Pfizer labeling. Pristiq. https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=497§ion=MedGuide
4.-
Wichniak A, Wierzbicka A, Walęcka M, Jernajczyk W. Effects of Antidepressants on Sleep. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Aug 9;19(9):63. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0816-4. PMID: 28791566; PMCID: PMC5548844. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5548844/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
