Does Pristiq cause back pain? (3+ useful 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 answer the question of Pristiq causing back pain. We will also talk about the factors which can contribute to back pain while taking Pristiq, along with some useful tips to manage your back pain.
Does Pristiq cause back pain?
There is no evidence that Pristiq causes back pain. However, in the medication guide for Pristiq, fatigue has been mentioned as a common side effect, and fatigue is often accompanied by back pain. (1)
If you are experiencing back pain after taking Pristiq, it may be due to fatigue or muscle stiffness caused by Pristiq. The other pains associated with Pristiq are headaches and abdominal pain. There are other causes which can contribute to back pain; ensure you evaluate the cause of your back pain before treating it. (2)
If you are experiencing any unwanted side effects after taking Pristiq that are affecting your daily life activities, make sure you consult your physician for proper management. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication, as it will lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.
What does the research suggest?
When Pristiq was administered to patients with depression, the common complaints among these individuals were nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, constipation, fatigue, etc. (1)
Pristiq can also cause low sodium levels (hyponatremia) in the body. The symptoms associated with low sodium levels include fatigue, weakness, lethargy, headache, nausea, dizziness, etc. (1)
Pristiq-caused back pain has not been documented in any research studies. However, side effects such as fatigue, hyponatremia, weakness, and muscle stiffness can contribute to back pain while taking Pristiq.
What are the factors contributing to back pain while taking Pristiq?
Back pain can be caused by many causes and is often the result of a combination of factors such as:
- Muscle strain: Any sudden movement or improper use of muscle can lead to muscle strain, which can cause pain. The pain feels like a stabbing sensation.
- Poor posture: Maintaining a poor posture while sitting or standing can contribute to pain.
- Inactivity: Lack of activity can weaken your back muscles and contribute to pain.
- Age: As age increases, the bones undergo wear and tear, and with age, flexibility also decreases, which can lead to back pain.
- Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to fatigue, which can increase back pain. Emotion stress is said to cause tension in the muscles, causing discomfort.
- Occupational factors: Work involving lifting heavy objects, repetitive movement or prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain.
- Medical conditions: Diseases such as fibromyalgia can cause fatigue and contribute to pain. Kidney stones can radiate pain to the back.
- Inflammatory conditions: Diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the spine and joints, causing pain.
- Drugs: Other medications which can cause back pain include Citalopram, Atenolol, Plavis, Bonvia, Remicade, etc.
How to minimise back pain while taking Pristiq?
Here are some general tips to manage back pain.
- Maintain a good posture while sitting, standing and walking. Practice stretches that help you with your posture. You can also use a belt, which will help you keep your back straight.
- If you are working in a sitting position for a long time, try taking breaks and lying down from time to time.
- Engage in regular physical activities such as walking and swimming and practise gentle exercise.
- Practice stretching exercises which improve your flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
- Manage stress by practising techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga since stress can contribute to muscle tension and back pain.
- You can take analgesics such as acetaminophen. Avoid ibuprofen, naproxen, cyclobenzaprine and metaxalone, as they can increase the side effects of Pristiq.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated.
- Consult your physician if you notice any unwanted changes. They will assess the cause of your problem and provide you with a proper treatment.
- Do not discontinue Pristiq if you experience any side effects. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may cause withdrawal symptoms and can worsen your condition.
In my perspective, Pristiq has not been associated with any complaints of back pain. However, Pristiq can cause fatigue and muscle stiffness, which can contribute to back pain. Back pain can be caused due to other underlying conditions or poor health management. Hence, it is essential to identify the cause before treating it.
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References
1.-
Pristiq [package insert]. Madison, NJ, Wyeth-Ayerst, September 2008 Available form: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021992s030lbl.pdf
2.-
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/
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