Does Pristiq cause easy bruising? (3+ warning signs)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026
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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 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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In this article, we will discuss whether or not Pristiq causes easy bruising, the link between Pristiq and easy bruising, potential side effects of Pristiq, what you should do if Pristiq causes easy bruising, and Pristiq alternatives it causes easy bruising.

Does Pristiq cause easy bruising?

Yes, Pristiq can cause easy bruising. Easy bruising is a possible side effect of Pristiq. This is because Pristiq may interfere with the body’s capacity to clot blood, thereby exacerbating bleeding and bruising. 

Additional bleeding-related adverse effects of Pristiq include bleeding gums, blood in the urine or feces, blood in the cough, and nose bleeds. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious side effects. (1)

Pristiq is the brand name of the antidepressant medication desvenlafaxine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. Pristiq functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. (2)

The precise mechanism by which Pristiq induces bruising is not fully understood. However, it is thought to be connected to Pristiq’s mechanism of action, since elevated serotonin levels can exacerbate inflammation and increase the risk of bleeding in certain circumstances.

What does research suggest?

Studies have shown that SNRIs, such as venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can cause easy bruising. 

According to a case report, a 34-year-old lady with a history of depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and Grave’s disease reported experiencing severe bruising for ten days in a row. The majority of the minor bruises were found on the patient’s lower extremities. 

The bruising reportedly started as soon as she started on venlafaxine and got worse when her dosage was increased to 75 mg per day for maintenance. 

After discontinuing venlafaxine for four weeks, a follow-up examination showed that the bruising had resolved.

The study showed that medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake, such as SSRIs and SNRIs including Pristiq, act as an antagonist of the serotonin that is necessary to transport serotonin into the platelet. This leads to a lower concentration of serotonin within the platelet, which in turn causes hemorrhagic complications. (3)

What are the potential side effects of Pristiq?

There are potential side effects of using Pristiq. Examples include: (4)

Common side effects

  • Headaches and dizziness.
  • Night sweats.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Constipation.
  • Xerostomia or dry mouth.
  • Nausea.
  • Insomnia (inability to sleep).

Serious side effects

  • Long-lasting confusion.
  • Bleeding from any part of your body such as blood in urine or feces, bleeding gums, blood in the cough, or changes in your menstrual cycle.
  • Euphoria or excessive happiness and restlessness (inability to sit or stand still).
  • Frequent muscle spasms.
  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate) and SOB (Shortness of Breath).
  • Blurred vision or any vision changes.
  • Seizures.

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

What should you do if Pristiq causes easy bruising?

If Pristiq causes easy bruising, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Pristiq dose over weeks or months.

According to your situation, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose by 10-20% per week. You should take the reduced dose for at least one week before reducing the dose again.

Additionally, your healthcare provider will thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine whether Pristiq is the cause of easy bruising or whether there are underlying medical conditions or other factors that can cause easy bruising.

After careful evaluation, if Pristiq is the cause of easy bruising and if this side effect is persistent despite reducing your dose, your healthcare provider might switch you to an alternative with fewer adverse events.

What are Pristiq alternatives if it causes easy bruising?

There are certain Pristiq alternatives if it causes easy bruising such as:

Sertraline (Zoloft): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Sertraline can cause fewer symptoms of bruising than Pristiq. (5)

Fluoxetine (Prozac): This antidepressant may cause fewer blood-related side effects when compared to Pristiq. Fluoxetine also belongs to the class of antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs. (5)

Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can cause easy bruising. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to different medications and most people don’t experience bruising while taking Pristiq.

However, if you experience bruising while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.

 

 

 

 

 

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References

1.-

Desvenlafaxine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. www.webmd.com. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-163933/desvenlafaxine-oral/details

2.-

Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/

3.-

Carpenter JE, Fombi J, Udoka O, Holder-Perkins V. Venlafaxine-Induced Bruising. The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders. 2016 May 5; Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5035804/

 

4.-

Desvenlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html

5.-

Side effects – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2021 [cited 2023 Nov 28]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/ssri-antidepressants/side-effects/#:~:text=Less%20common%20side%20effects%20of

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