Does Pristiq cause blurry vision? (+3 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 discuss the effect of Pristiq on blurry vision. We will discuss the mechanism of Pristiq and its impact on blurred vision and other ocular effects. Furthermore, we will discover how to manage these particular side effects caused by Pristiq.
Does Pristiq cause blurry vision?
Yes, Pristiq causes blurry vision. Pristiq causes blurry vision as a common side effect. The potential side effects of Pristiq may vary from person to person therefore, some patients may experience blurry vision while taking Pristiq while others may not.
Pristiq is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters in the brain causing an increased activity of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Along with blurry vision, Pristiq may potentially cause many other side effects which include dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, nightmares, loss of appetite, urinary difficulty, and dizziness (1).
How does Pristiq cause blurry vision?
Pristiq causes blurry vision due to its mechanism of action. Pristiq exerts its action by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It does not affect acetylcholine directly (2).
However, norepinephrine and acetylcholine have opposing effects on the human brain chemistry. Based on the mechanism of Pristiq, its inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake increases the levels and activity of norepinephrine in the brain (2).
This action of pristiq ultimately increases the noradrenergic activity that stimulates anticholinergic effects and results in anticholinergic effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation (2).
Which patients are more prone to blurry vision due to Pristiq?
The following patients are more prone to develop blurred vision due to Pristiq (2,3):
Underlying ocular diseases
Patients with depression or anxiety with comorbid ocular conditions such as diplopia, dry eyes, and close/open angled glaucoma may be more prone to develop blurry ey vision after initiating their treatment with Pristiq.
Concurrent anticholinergic medications
Patients taking other anticholinergic medications along with Pristiq may exacerbate blurry vision due to the additional side effects of both medications. Therefore, careful examination is required in patients taking anticholinergic medications along with Pristiq.
Individual patient variations
Each patient responds to the medications differently. Patients with different metabolisms, races, colors, etc react to medications based on their factors and may have varying side effects from the medications. Due to individual patient variations, each patient may suffer different severity of blurry vision due to Pristiq.
Pristiq-induced blurred vision is a common side effect and may subside on its own in a few days without causing any severity. However, the above-mentioned conditions may cause severity in some patients due to long-term use of Pristiq.
What to do if Pristiq-induced blurry vision becomes severe?
If you experience severe blurry vision due to Pristiq, then seek immediate medical help. Pristiq can potentially cause blurred vision but the severity of this side effect needs careful observation and monitoring.
If the condition becomes severe, your doctor must reduce the dosage of Pristiq as lowering the medication dose brings a reduction in the severity of side effects.
If the blurry vision persists after lowering the dosage, then your doctor may consider switching you to another antidepressant such as sertraline or escitalopram which are less likely to cause severe blurry vision in patients.
However, do not stop taking Pristiq abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. always consult your doctor before stopping or starting any medication.
In conclusion, I would suggest always consulting your doctor if any severe side effects of medication appear. Blurry vision usually occurs as an early side effect of Pristiq but its severity may vary and affect patients differently.
Therefore, as a pharmacist, I would suggest carefully observing, monitoring, and conveying to your doctor about your side effects to receive appropriate and effective treatment for your symptoms.
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References
1.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Desvenlafaxine; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html
2.-
Andrade C. Desvenlafaxine. Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Oct-Dec;51(4):320-3. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.58303. PMID: 20048462; PMCID: PMC2802384. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802384/
3.-
Constable PA, Al-Dasooqi D, Bruce R, Prem-Senthil M. A Review of Ocular Complications Associated with Medications Used for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2022 Feb 24;14:13-25. doi: 10.2147/OPTO.S355091. PMID: 35237084; PMCID: PMC8884704. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884704/
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