Does Pristiq Block Dopamine? (+3 studies)
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 Pristiq blocks dopamine. We will also discuss the mechanism of action of Pristiq, its effects on other neurotransmitters, and other relevant information.
Does Pristiq block dopamine?
Pristiq has little to no effects on dopamine. It acts on serotonin and norepinephrine (NE) and has a weak effect on dopamine and its reuptake. Pristiq is the brand name for desvenlafaxine which is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (1).
Pristiq is an antidepressant that works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and NE thereby elevating their concentration in the brain. Due to this effect, it is an FDA-approved drug for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter like serotonin and NE. Dopamine influences reward processing, focus, motivation, locomotion, and the ability to experience pleasure. It is likely to play a role in regulating human emotions (2).
Due to its effects, a dopamine deficit is likely to be involved in the development of depression. Poor functioning of dopaminergic neurons results in depressive symptoms like loss of interest and hopelessness (2).
Although different antidepressants block the reuptake of dopamine to increase dopamine levels in the brain, Pristiq is not one of them. Studies have demonstrated that Pristiq has little to no effects on dopamine levels.
What does research suggest?
Different studies have been performed to assess the impact of Pristiq on dopamine levels. Competitive radioligand binding assays demonstrated that Pristiq shows a weak binding affinity for dopamine transporters (3).
Another study was carried out to study the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of Pristiq. Results revealed that Pristiq increased serotonin and NE levels while the dopamine concentration remained unchanged (4).
A microdialysis study on desvenlafaxine, the generic of Pristiq demonstrated that it did not change the extracellular dopamine levels in the rat striatum. In this study, desvenlafaxine was administered both orally and intravenously (5).
These studies show that Pristiq does not change the level of dopamine in the brain. It does not block dopamine or increase or decrease the dopamine levels in the brain.
What neurotransmitters does Pristiq affect?
Pristiq has poor effects on dopamine. The primary neurotransmitters that are influenced by Pristiq are serotonin and norepinephrine (NE). Pristiq blocks their reuptake and increases their concentration in the brain.
Serotonin:
Changes in the synthesis, release, transport, and concentration of serotonin are associated with depression. Serotonin deficit has been associated with self-blame, criticism, anxiety, fear, a low mood, and other negative emotions in MDD (2).
Due to the role of serotonin in depression, drugs that increase the levels of serotonin are known to treat depression. Pristiq is also effective for depression as it increases serotonin concentration.
An excessive concentration of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. It is a rare but lethal condition therefore one must immediately contact their healthcare provider if they observe the following symptoms while taking Pristiq (1):
- increased heart rate
- excessive saliva production
- excessive sweating
- hyperactive bowel sounds
- pupil dilation
- hyperthermia
Norepinephrine (NE):
Pristiq increases NE levels in the body. NE deficiency has been observed in depressed individuals. A lack of NE results in symptoms like a reduction in pleasure, happiness, interest, energy, passion, and confidence (2).
Thus, Pristiq produces its effects by increasing the levels of serotonin and NE. It does not block dopamine or change its concentration.
What are some other drugs that affect dopamine?
Different drugs affect the level of dopamine in the body. They may block dopamine and reduce its concentration or increase dopamine levels in the body.
Drugs that block dopamine:
Drugs that act as dopamine antagonists are as follows:
- metoclopramide
- prochlorperazine
- droperidol
- promethazine
- haloperidol
Dopamine antagonists are used to treat mental disorders associated with increased brain activity. Some mental disorders treated by these drugs include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These drugs also help with severe nausea and vomiting.
Drugs that increase dopamine levels:
Drugs that increase dopamine levels are as follows:
- bromocriptine
- amantadine
- fenoldopam
- antidepressants like Wellbutrin (bupropion).
As per my understanding, Pristiq does not block dopamine. Studies have demonstrated that Pristiq has a weak binding affinity for dopamine and has little to no effects on its concentration. Pristiq produces its effects primarily by acting on serotonin and NE receptors and increasing their concentration in the brain. Serotonin, NE, and dopamine have different roles in the brain and their dysfunction is involved in the development of depression.
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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.-
Liu Y, Zhao J, Guo W. Emotional Roles of Mono-Aminergic Neurotransmitters in Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety Disorders. Front Psychol. 2018 Nov 21;9:2201. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02201. PMID: 30524332; PMCID: PMC6262356.
3.-
Deecher DC, Beyer CE, Johnston G, Bray J, Shah S, Abou-Gharbia M, Andree TH. Desvenlafaxine succinate: A new serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2006 Aug;318(2):657-65. doi: 10.1124/jpet.106.103382. Epub 2006 May 4. PMID: 16675639.
4.-
Alfinito PD, Huselton C, Chen X, Deecher DC. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the novel serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desvenlafaxine succinate in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain Res. 2006 Jul 7;1098(1):71-8. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.04.057. Epub 2006 Jun 9. PMID: 16764833.
5.-
Zhang R, Li X, Shi Y, Shao Y, Sun K, Wang A, Sun F, Liu W, Wang D, Jin J, Li Y. The effects of LPM570065, a novel triple reuptake inhibitor, on extracellular serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in rats. PLoS One. 2014 Mar 10;9(3):e91775. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091775. PMID: 24614602; PMCID: PMC3948889.
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