Does Pristiq Contain Lithium? (3+ Differences)

By Ivan Kahwa

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

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 Pristiq contains Lithium. We will also talk about the key differences, related research findings about combination therapy, common side effects, and how to choose between Pristiq and Lithium.

Does Pristiq contain Lithium?

No, Pristiq does not contain Lithium. Pristiq and Lithium are two different medications used for different indications. The combination of Pristiq and Lithium may cause an increased risk of a rare but life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome.

How is Pristiq different from Lithium?

Pristiq and Lithium have the following differences:

Mechanism of action

Pristiq, also known as desvenlafaxine, works by inhibiting the reuptake of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine. Pristiq has more effect on the inhibition of serotonin, and it is structurally similar to Effexor (venlafaxine) (1).

Lithium is a mood stabiliser that helps patients with mood problems. The exact mechanism by which Lithium works is not fully understood, but it appears to help regulate certain neurotransmitters in the brain (2).

Indications

Pristiq is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients. Pristiq may also be used to treat hot flashes in the menopausal phase. Due to its similarity with Effexor (venlafaxine), it is also effective in treatment-resistant depression (1).

On the other hand, Lithium is used to manage manic episodes in bipolar disorder and as a maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder. Lithium can also be used as an adjunct therapy to treat major depressive disorder, vascular headaches such as migraines, and neutropenia (low WBC count) (2)

Withdrawal symptoms

When Pristiq is discontinued abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, drowsiness, anxiety, vivid dreams, or tiredness (3).

Lithium may also cause discontinuation symptoms such as insomnia, stress, or irritability. Therefore, neither of these medications should be abruptly discontinued. If you want to stop your medications, always consult your healthcare provider first (4).

Can you take Pristiq and Lithium together?

You should not take Pristiq and Lithium together as they both affect serotonin and have an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition.

Serotonin syndrome can be caused by the interaction of certain drugs, combination therapies of drugs that affect serotonin, or in case of overdose. This syndrome is characterized by several side effects including nervousness, fast heartbeat, seizures, and other serious adverse effects (5).

What are the common side effects of Pristiq and Lithium?

Some common side effects of Pristiq and Lithium may include (6,7):

Common side effects	Pristiq	Lithium
Dizziness	Yes	Yes
Dry mouth	Yes	Yes
Fatigue	Yes	Yes
Abdominal pain	Yes	Yes
Vivid dreams	Yes	No
Weight changes	Yes	Yes
Constipation	Yes	Yes

How to choose between Pristiq and Lithium?

The choice between Pristiq and Lithium depends on the symptoms you are experiencing, and the most appropriate medication should only be decided by your healthcare provider.

Your doctor may recommend Pristiq or Lithium based on your current symptoms and specific needs. Both Pristiq and Lithium are prescription drugs and should only be taken if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

What are the precautions while using Pristiq or Lithium?

The precautions while using Pristiq or Lithium may include:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Pristiq or Lithium.
Inform your doctor about underlying health conditions, family history, or if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
Your doctor must be aware if you are planning to become pregnant or have surgery.
Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not alter dosage or timings.
Be consistent with your medication and do not skip any dose.
If you skip any dose, take it as soon as you remember it; do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one (6,7).

In my opinion, Pristiq and Lithium are two different medications used for different therapeutic uses. These medications should not be used in combination due to the increased risk of life-threatening conditions.

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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.-

Chokhawala K, Lee S, Saadabadi A. Lithium. 2023 Feb 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085604. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30085604/

3.-

Montgomery SA, Fava M, Padmanabhan SK, Guico-Pabia CJ, Tourian KA. Discontinuation symptoms and taper/poststudy-emergent adverse events with desvenlafaxine treatment for major depressive disorder. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 Nov;24(6):296-305. doi: 10.1097/YIC.0b013e32832fbb5a. PMID: 19779354. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19779354/

4.-

Balon R, Yeragani VK, Pohl RB, Gershon S. Lithium discontinuation: withdrawal or relapse? Compr Psychiatry. 1988 May-Jun;29(3):330-4. doi: 10.1016/0010-440x(88)90056-9. PMID: 2897893. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2897893/

5.-

Simon LV, Keenaghan M. Serotonin Syndrome. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493999. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29493999/

6.-

Desvenlafaxine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html

7.-

Lithium-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 04/15/2017]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681039.html

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Does Pristiq contain Lithium? (3+ differences)