Does Pristiq have a short half-life? (+5 Queries)
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 the half-life of Pristiq and whether it limits its effectiveness. We will also discuss how co-existing medical conditions affect the half-life of Pristiq.
Does Pristiq have a short half-life?
Yes, Pristiq possesses a relatively shorter half-life of 11 hours, when contrasted with other antidepressants. Despite having a longer half-life than Effexor (5-7 hours), Pristiq is still shorter in half-life in comparison to fluoxetine (4-6 days) and citalopram (33 hours).
Pristiq is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The half-life of SNRIs is shorter as compared to SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. Thus it requires more frequent dosage administration.
It provides swift relief by mitigating depressive symptoms. But as it leaves the body earlier, the drug concentration in the body fluctuates. A change in levels of serotonin and norepinephrine doesn’t give the body enough time to readapt. which exhibit itself with shivers, mood changes, and discomfort.
So it is essential to understand the importance of frequent dosing and patient compliance when dealing with Pristiq, as it has a short half-life.
How does Pristiq’s half-life impact its overall effectiveness?
Though Pristiq is highly bioavailable and is quite effective in treating major depressive disorder, its short half-life of 11 hours, necessitates the administration of the next dose within 24 hours to maintain the desired effect. In case of discontinuation, withdrawal symptoms can appear within a few days.
The timeline as well as the severity of withdrawal symptoms may vary from person to person. It starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by physical discomfort, anxiety, and irritability. The brief half-life of Pristiq poses a challenge. This is why it should be taken regularly, preferably at the same time.
What are the pros and cons of Pristiq’s short half-life?
The short half-life of Pristiq comes with some benefits like:
- Quick onset of action: The short half-life is beneficial for ensuring a quick onset of action. The therapeutic level is reached earlier and patients get relief sooner.
- Lesser Drug Interactions: Pristiq does not stay in the body for longer and it doesn’t get accumulated as well. Due to this, it causes a lesser effect on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs.
It has some disadvantages too, like
- Frequent dosing: As drug concentration drops to half after 11 hours, the next dose is required to get a sustainable effect. This can cause compliance issues in the elderly or in people already taking several drugs for different co-morbidities.
- Withdrawal symptoms: It is more likely to show a withdrawal effect immediately after a missed dose. While drugs like fluoxetine take a few days to a few weeks, before showing such symptoms.
How does liver and kidney dysfunction affect the half-life of Pristiq?
Pristiq is processed by both the liver and kidneys so if any of these are not working as they should, it affects how long Pristiq stays in the body. As it is majorly metabolized by kidneys, kidney dysfunction shows a more pronounced effect.
Effect of Hepatic impairment: It affects the half-life but it is not that significant. So, in case of moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction, it is advised to take 50 mg per day.
Effect of Renal Impairment: If a patient is suffering from moderate renal dysfunction, he can take 50 mg of Pristiq per day. But in the case of end-stage renal disease, where creatinine clearance is less than 15ml/min, the recommended dose of Pristiq is, 50 mg every other day
Can the short half-life of Pristiq be a consideration for pregnancy?
Medicines with a short half-life are usually safer, as they stay for a shorter time in the body. That means lesser exposure for the baby. But Pristiq has been reported to cause complications for both mother and baby. It can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia in mothers and respiratory distress in neonates.
Conclusion
Because of a shorter half-life, once-daily dosing is essential to achieve the desired effect. It has its pros and cons. It is not advised to be administered in pregnancy. it requires medical advice and supervision in case of renal or hepatic impairment.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Perry R, Cassagnol M. Desvenlafaxine: A new serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder. Clinical Therapeutics. 2009 Jan;31:1374–404.
2.-
DeMaio W, Kane CP, Nichols AI, Jordan R. Metabolism studies of desvenlafaxine. J Bioequiv Availab. 2011 Jul;3(7):151-60.
3.-
Baldo BA, Rose MA. The anaesthetist, opioid analgesic drugs, and serotonin toxicity: a mechanistic and clinical review. British journal of anaesthesia. 2020 Jan 1;124(1):44-62.
4.-
Palmsten K, Huybrechts KF, Michels KB, Williams PL, Mogun H, Setoguchi S, et al. Antidepressant Use and Risk for Preeclampsia. Epidemiology. 2013 Sep;24(5):682–91
5.-
Patroneva A, Connolly SM, Fatato P, Pedersen R, Jiang Q, Paul J, et al. An Assessment of Drug-Drug Interactions: The Effect of Desvenlafaxine and Duloxetine on the Pharmacokinetics of the CYP2D6 Probe Desipramine in Healthy Subjects. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. 2008 Sep 22;36(12):2484–91.
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
