Does Pristiq cause jitters? (11 precautions)
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 cause jitters. Furthermore, we will talk about the related research findings, susceptible individuals, what to do if Pristiq-induced jitters persist, and how to ensure safe use of Pristiq.
Does Pristiq cause jitters?
Pristiq can cause jitters, but it is not a common side effect. Patients taking Pristiq may experience jitters in the initial phase of treatment and jitteriness may subside after a few weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to the antidepressant treatment.
Pristiq, also known as desvenlafaxine, is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Pristiq may also be used to treat hot flashes in women during menopause (1).
Jitteriness, also known as anxiety syndrome, is characterized by nervousness or restlessness which results in shaking of the body parts. Antidepressants may cause jittery feelings in some individuals when used at higher doses for extended periods (2).
What does research suggest about Pristiq and jitters?
Research studies suggest that when individuals start taking antidepressants, they may experience jitteriness or anxiety syndrome. These jittery feelings may cause symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, extreme energy or excitement, intense feelings of fear, or stress.
Antidepressants causing these jittery feelings may include drugs from different classes such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepine, or a combination of two antidepressants (3).
According to another research study, it was found that a higher dose of antidepressant may cause jitteriness or anxiety syndrome within 6 weeks of the treatment. The major risk factor associated with antidepressant-induced jitteriness is a higher dose (4).
Who is more susceptible to experiencing jitteriness while using Pristiq?
The susceptible individuals who may experience jitteriness while using Pristiq are patients who have a history of mood disorder, major depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder in their family.
Patients who are sensitive to antidepressants such as Pristiq are more prone to experience jitteriness because of their genetic makeup and physiological responses to the medication.
Additionally, patients taking Pristiq at higher doses or those whose Pristiq dose has been increased may also have more chances of jittery feelings. The age or sex of the patient is not associated with the incidence of antidepressant-induced jitteriness.
Some patients may experience jitteriness within the first week of starting antidepressants. According to a clinical trial, half of the participants of the study experienced jitteriness within the first 3 days of the antidepressant treatment (3).
What to do if Pristiq-induced jitters persist?
If Pristiq-induced jitters persist or worsen, please inform your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your current symptoms, and family or medical history. If you are taking a higher dose of Pristiq, your doctor may consider reducing the dosage gradually and monitor your response afterwards.
If dose reduction does not help improve your symptoms of jitteriness, your doctor may suggest an alternative treatment to Pristiq such as Effexor or Cymbalta. Strict monitoring is required while prescribing other SNRIs if you experience jitters with one of them. However, it is important to note that not everyone using Pristiq may experience jitters.
How to ensure safe and effective use of Pristiq?
To ensure the safe and effective use of Pristiq, you should follow the below guidelines:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Pristiq before taking it.
- Your doctor must be aware of your family or medical history.
- You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements.
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is an active metabolite of venlafaxine; these two medicines are similar but they should not be taken together.
- Avoid using alcohol as it may worsen the side effects of Pristiq.
- Pristiq may raise blood pressure, therefore regular monitoring of blood pressure is advised while using Pristiq.
- Pristiq may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or when lying down get up slowly.
- Take Pristiq exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Do not skip or miss the dose; if a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember it.
- Swallow Pristiq tablet as a whole and do not cut or crush it.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Pristiq, as abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms.
In my opinion, Pristiq may cause jitters, especially in sensitive individuals or when used at higher doses. The symptoms of jitters may include insomnia, shaking of the body, anxiety, restlessness, or extreme feelings of fear or excitement.
However, jitteriness is not a common adverse effect of Pristiq, but if you experience jitters, please consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust the dose or switch you to an alternative antidepressant if necessary.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. 2023 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521250. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521250/
2.-
Sinclair LI, Christmas DM, Hood SD, Potokar JP, Robertson A, Isaac A, Srivastava S, Nutt DJ, Davies SJ. Antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome: systematic review. Br J Psychiatry. 2009 Jun;194(6):483-90. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.107.048371. PMID: 19478285. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19478285/
3.-
Harada T, Inada K, Yamada K, Sakamoto K, Ishigooka J. A prospective naturalistic study of antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2014 Nov 10;10:2115-21. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S70637. PMID: 25419134; PMCID: PMC4235204. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4235204/
4.-
Sinha P, Shetty DJ, Bairy LK, Andrade C. Antidepressant-related jitteriness syndrome in anxiety and depressive disorders: Incidence and risk factors. Asian J Psychiatr. 2017 Oct;29:148-153. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jun 2. PMID: 29061415. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29061415/
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