Does Pristiq cause nausea? (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 whether Pristiq causes nausea. We will also discuss the mechanism of Pristiq-induced nausea and explore strategies to prevent and cope with Pristiq-induced nausea.
Does Pristiq cause nausea?
Yes, Pristiq does cause nausea. It is one of the common side effects of Pristiq that frequently leads to vomiting. However, not everyone will experience this side effect due to individual variability.
Pristiq is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal side effects associated with this class of antidepressants (1).
Nausea caused by Pristiq often resolves on its own after a few days as your body adjusts to the drug. Nevertheless, if the side effect persists, you should consult a healthcare professional. Some other antidepressants, like Zoloft, can also cause nausea.
How does Pristiq cause nausea?
The antidepressant Pristiq acts by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter produced by the brain that aids in the regulation of different bodily functions such as sleep, mood, and digestion.
Since Pristiq inhibits serotonin from being reabsorbed, this prolongs the effect of serotonin on various body processes. Your mood may benefit significantly from this, but your digestive system might experience problems.
It has been speculated that elevated levels of serotonin stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and changes in appetite (2).
What does research suggest?
Although the incidence of Pristiq-induced nausea varies, it is usually thought to be a common side effect that affects more than 36% of the users. The precise frequency can, however, differ from person to person (3).
Research revealed that the most commonly reported side effect of Pristiq was nausea. In each of the 100 mg trials, nausea was experienced by 16%, 30%, and 35% of the patients, compared to 17% and 27% of patients receiving 50 mg/day.
However, after one to two weeks, the frequency of nausea decreased significantly in all cases. The frequency of reported cases of nausea for people using Pristiq at 200mg or 400 mg per day ranged from 30% to 46% (4).
Does Pristiq-induced nausea go away?
Yes, Pristiq-induced nausea does go away with time as your body adjusts to the drug. It is a common side effect of the medication and is frequently accompanied by additional gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea.
Additionally, nausea may vary in intensity in certain people. While some individuals may only have moderate symptoms, others may throw up more frequently. Just make sure to keep a careful eye on any other negative effects associated with Pristiq.
Nausea caused by medications often resolves in a few days or weeks, however, if the side effect worsens, consult your healthcare professional. They can guide you on how to manage this side effect safely.
How to manage Pristiq-induced nausea?
Some tips to manage nausea caused by Pristiq are given below (5):
Consultation with a healthcare provider:
Seeking advice from a healthcare provider is advised if nausea is severe, persistent, and bothersome. Depending on the situation, they may alter the dosage. If that is not feasible, they will discuss different therapy options to address your worries.
Home remedies:
Usually, nausea subsides over the first two to three weeks. So, home remedies like ginger, peppermint, or lemon tea can be consumed to provide relief during this period.
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs:
Drugs like Kaopectate and pepto-bismol may help reduce the symptoms of nausea. Informing medical professionals before taking any medications other than those prescribed by the doctor is strongly advised.
Dietary modifications:
Unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider, take the antidepressant with food. Eat more often and in smaller portions to speed up the stomach’s ability to process food and lessen the likelihood of nausea. Drink plenty of liquids, such as ginger ale or water.
Lifestyle adjustments:
Include regular exercise in your everyday routine and practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety as it can trigger nausea.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have discussed that Pristiq does cause nausea as it is a common side effect of the drug and resolves on its own after a few days or weeks. Not everyone experiences this side effect due to individual variability.
In my opinion, the medication should be taken as prescribed by the doctor to avoid any side effects. However, if you experience any side effects like nausea, consult your doctor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Pristiq Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. www.webmd.com. [cited 2023 Nov 23]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-150251/pristiq-oral/details
2.-
Singh P, Yoon SS, Kuo B. Nausea: a review of pathophysiology and therapeutics. Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology. 2016 Jan;9(1):98-112. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1756283X15618131
3.-
Pristiq Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2023. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/pristiq-side-effects.html
4.-
Lourenco MT, Kennedy SH. Desvenlafaxine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2009;5:127. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695227/
5.-
Schimelpfening N. Tips for Coping With Nausea While on Antidepressants [Internet]. Verywell Mind. 2022. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/throwing-up-after-taking-an-antidepressant-1067352
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