Does Pristiq cause migraines? (+3 factors)
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 or not Pristiq causes migraines, Research studies on Pristiq’s association with migraines, factors contributing to Pristiq-induced migraines, what you should do if Pristiq causes migraines, and alternatives to Pristiq if it causes persistent migraines.
Does Pristiq cause migraines?
Yes, Pristiq can cause migraines in certain individuals. Pristiq has been associated with migraines as well as other types of headaches as side effects of its use. However, every person differs in their response to medications, and not everyone who takes Pristiq will experience migraines or headaches.
Pristiq is the brand name of the medication desvenlafaxine. It belongs to the antidepressant class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). Pristiq functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. (1)
The exact mechanism of Pristiq in causing migraine headaches is not fully understood. However, it is thought to be related to how Pristiq alters the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.
Serotonin and norepinephrine play a role in pain perception, and changes in their levels may cause migraines as well as other types of headaches. (2)
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the potential of Pristiq to cause migraines. However, there are some side effects of Pristiq that may be relevant to migraine patients, such as headache, dizziness, and changes in blood pressure.
An 8-week study revealed that 2% of patients had to stop taking Pristiq due to the side effects of headache and dizziness. (3)
Conversely, some healthcare providers may prescribe Pristiq as an off-label medication for treating migraines, but there is limited research to support this use. (1)
Moreover, there is a risk of drug interactions if Pristiq is used in combination with other migraine medications such as triptans.
What factors might contribute to Pristiq-induced migraines?
There are several factors that might contribute to Pristiq-induced migraines, some of which include: (4)
Hormonal fluctuations: Many women seem to experience headaches before or during menstruation, throughout pregnancy, and throughout menopause due to decresed estrogen. These hormonal fluctuations might induce migraines while taking Pristiq.
Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as oral contraceptives and vasodilators like nitroglycerin can induce migraines while taking Pristiq.
Stress: Stress is one of the most common triggers for migraines. Stress can activate certain pathways in the brain and release chemicals that can cause migraines.
Sensory stimuli: Both loud noises and bright, flashing lights can cause migraines. Some individuals may have migraines when they are around strong fragrances such as paint, smoke, and perfume.
Lifestyle factors: Alcohol, excessive caffeine, smoking, sleep changes (excessive sleeping or missing sleep), and excessive physical strain (intensive physical exertion) can all trigger migraines while taking Pristiq.
Food and food additives: Processed foods, salty, and aged cheeses may cause migraines. Additionally, food additives such as MSG (Mono-Sodium Glutamate) and aspartame sweetener may also trigger migraines while taking Pristiq.
What should you do if Pristiq causes persistent migraines?
If Pristiq causes persistent migraines, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Pristiq dose over a period of weeks or months.
According to your condition, 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 or whether there is an underlying medical condition or other factors such as hormonal fluctuations that can cause migraines.
After careful evaluation, if Pristiq is the cause of migraines 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 persistent migraines?
There are certain Pristiq alternatives if it causes persistent migraines such as:
Trazodone (Desyrel): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of medications known as SARI (Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor). According to a research study, trazodone was shown to be effective in treating migraines in certain individuals. (5)
Citalopram (Celexa): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Celexa has been shown to prevent the frequency, duration, and severity of certain individuals at a dose of 30 mg per day. (6)
Amitriptyline (Elavil): It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of medications known as TCAs (Tri-Cyclic Antidepressants). Amitriptyline was shown effective in preventing migraine attacks. (7)
Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can cause migraines in certain individuals. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to different medications.
However, if you experience migraines while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
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/
2.-
Marks D, Shah M, Patkar A, Masand P, Park GY, Pae CU. Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors for Pain Control: Premise and Promise. Current Neuropharmacology [Internet]. 2009 Dec 1;7(4):331–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2811866/pdf/CN-7-331.pdf
3.-
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021992s030lbl.pdf
4.-
Mayo Clinic . Migraine – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2021. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
5.-
Battistella PA, Ruffilli R, Cernetti R, Pettenazzo A, Baldin L, Bertoli S, et al. A placebo-controlled crossover trial using trazodone in pediatric migraine. Headache [Internet]. 1993 Jan 1 [cited 2023 Nov 28];33(1):36–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8436497/
6.-
Torabipour, S., Roohani, Y., Davati, A., Ansari, I., Roghani, M., Akhavirad, S. M. B., Pourfarzam, S., Moghadamnia, M., Afshinmajd, S. Preventive effect of citalopram on migraine headaches: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Journal of Basic and Clinical Pathophysiology, 2020; 8(2): 1-6. doi: 10.22070/jbcp.2020.13785.1137 https://jbcp.shahed.ac.ir/article_3064.html#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20The%20outcome%20of%20this,severe%20and%20shorter%20migraine%20episodes.
7.-
Burch R. Antidepressants for Preventive Treatment of Migraine. Current Treatment Options in Neurology. 2019 Mar 21;21(4). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30895388/
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