Does Pristiq cause leg cramps? (+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 leg cramps associated with Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) use. We will also discuss the factors contributing to Pristiq-induced leg cramps and how to manage this side effect.
Does Pristiq cause leg cramps?
Yes, Pristiq can cause leg cramps. This is a reported side effect, however, the incidence is low.
A leg cramp is a sharp sudden pain in the muscles of the legs due to an unexpected muscle tightening. Although these cramps usually appear in the calf muscles, they also affect other leg areas such as thighs or feet. The cramps usually resolve within a few minutes but cause pain and discomfort (1).
Pristiq, an antidepressant, is used to treat mental health conditions (2). It rarely causes leg or muscle cramps. These cramps usually resolve within a few days of your treatment with Pristiq as your body gets used to the medication.
If you are experiencing leg cramps or any unusual symptoms like insomnia, weight changes, nightmares etc while taking Pristiq, it is important to discuss these with your healthcare provider (3).
How does Pristiq cause leg cramps?
The exact mechanism by which Pristiq causes leg cramps is not fully understood. However, it is suggested that Pristiq affects the brain’s neurotransmitters which may result in the alteration of these chemical substances in the brain (2).
These modifications may have an impact on muscle control and can be a factor in some individuals triggering cramps.
Reactions to medications might differ significantly in different people. Due to their specific physiological responses to Pristiq, all individuals will not be affected by the same side effects. Some people may be more susceptible to adverse effects while using Pristiq.
What factors can contribute to Pristiq-induced leg cramps?
Not everyone will experience leg cramps while on Pristiq. However, some risk factors will increase the likelihood of experiencing this side effect. These include:
High doses: Taking a higher dose of Pristiq may elevate the risk of experiencing leg cramps.
Age: Older adults, especially women, are more likely to be affected by this side effect.
Individual sensitivity: Individual responses to medications vary. Some individuals may be more prone to experiencing leg cramps than others.
Underlying health issues: Muscle-related health issues or previous leg muscle injuries may make an individual more susceptible to experiencing leg cramps.
Duration: Taking Pristiq for a long time may increase the risk of less common side effects including leg cramps.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider when considering Pristiq or experiencing side effects to ensure proper dosing and minimise the risk of side effects.
How to manage leg cramps while taking Pristiq?
Here are some ways you can manage the spasms while taking Pristiq:
Hydration
Dehydration can cause cramps worse, so it is important to keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating moist food.
Medication adjustment
If leg cramps become bothersome, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose of Prsitiq or shift to another antidepressant with fewer side effects like leg cramps. Always remember not to make any changes to your dosage without consulting your doctor first.
Do not skip the doses or discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor as it may cause horrible withdrawal symptoms (4).
Stretching
Gentle stretching can help reduce muscle tension and the frequency of spasms. Engage yourself in stress reduction exercises like yoga or meditation.
Consulting a physical therapist
If the severity of cramps is unbearable, it may require consultation with a physical therapist for targeted treatment.
In my view and the knowledge available, leg cramps can be a potential side effect of Pristiq. Some individuals may experience muscle cramps or spasms, including in the legs while taking this medication. I suggest, consulting a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Leg crampshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-cramps/#:~:text=Leg%20cramps%20happen%20when%20a,or%20the%20thighs%20(less%20often)
3.-
Desvenlafaxine (Oral Route) Side Effectshttps://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/desvenlafaxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071583?p=1
4.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
