Does Pristiq help bipolar disorder? (+5 alternates)
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 use of Pristiq for bipolar disorder. We will discuss the efficiency or contradiction of Pristiq with bipolar disorder. Furthermore, we will look at some alternate drugs used for the treatment of bipolar conditions.
Does Pristiq help bipolar disorder?
No, Pristiq does not help bipolar disorder. Pristiq is not approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder, mania, or bipolar depression (1).
Pristiq is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant that increases the amount of these neurotransmitters in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of these chemicals. Pristiq is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) (2).
Pristiq is not approved to be used in maniac or bipolar patients because this drug possesses the risk of potentially triggering manic or hypomanic episodes in some patients (1).
Therefore, if you have bipolar disorder along with depressive symptoms, then Pristiq is not the drug of choice for this condition. Contact your doctor for suitable medications for your health condition.
What does research suggest?
Research studies suggest that antidepressants may induce mania in some patients. Pristiq is recommended for use for major depressive disorder and not recommended for bipolar disorder as it may worsen the patient’s condition (3).
One case of a patient has been reported with an established diagnosis of MDD who developed acute mania after initiating the antidepressant treatment with 50mg Pristiq per day (3).
Three weeks into this treatment he started showing aggressiveness, irritation, and psychomotor agitation. Upon examination, he displayed severe symptoms of psychosis and mania (3).
However, the patient was immediately discontinued Pristiq and replaced with risperidone and lorazepam. Upon discontinuation of Pristiq, he showed marked improvement in manic symptoms (3).
This case indicates that patients with no prior history of mania are also prone to develop manic symptoms by taking Pristiq. Some other cases of patients have also been reported of medication-induced mania with venlafaxine which is a parent compound of Pristiq (3).
What is the relationship between Pristiq and bipolar disorder?
The relationship between Pristiq and bipolar disorder or mania is complex. You may require careful consideration and monitoring if taking an antidepressant such as Pristiq with a bipolar condition.
Pristiq is associated with inducing mania or hypomanic conditions in patients therefore, its use is not considered safe in bipolar patients.
However, in some cases, doctors may prescribe Pristiq in combination with a mood stabilizer for bipolar conditions. Monotherapy with Pristiq is never used in bipolar conditions due to the chances of adversities (3).
What are the FDA-approved medications for bipolar disorder?
Following are the medications that are approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder (4):
Mood stabilizers
- Lithium
- Valproate
Atypical antipsychotics
- Aripiprazole
- Olanzapine
- Quetiapine
- Risperidone
Anticonvulsants
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
These drugs may be given as a monotherapy or in combination based on your signs and symptoms. Therefore, always consult your doctor before taking these medications for bipolar disorder.
Your doctor may consider recommending you FDA-approved drug for treating manic episodes. Lamotrigine may be a safe option to be taken either in the morning or at night prescribed by your doctor based on your health.
What are the approved treatment strategies for bipolar disorder?
Some approved adjunctive treatment strategies for bipolar condition in the long-term maintenance include (5):
- Family-focused therapy- This involves the patients and their caregivers in almost 21 sessions of psychoeducation, communication, and problem-solving skills training.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy- This therapy helps patients get out of the loop of negative thinking patterns and behaviours that cause emotional distress. It has been very beneficial in depressive patients with episodes of mania/hypomania.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy- There is a direct connection between mood and circadian rhythms. Through this therapy, a problem-solving approach to the interpersonal problems of patients is implemented which enables them to maintain their circadian cycles and daily routines.
- Psychoeducation- Group education is provided to the patients regarding their illnesses, treatment plans, early detection of recurrences, and sleep and wake cycle maintenance.
In conclusion, I would suggest that always stick to your doctor’s prescription. Although Pristiq may exacerbate bipolar conditions and may cause manic and hypomanic symptoms in some patients, you should not stop the drug without consulting your doctor.
As a pharmacist, my key advice is to always talk to your doctor honestly about your symptoms and side effects so they can prescribe the best choice of drug for your safe and effective treatment.
Was this helpful?
References
2.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
3.-
Kalia R, Magsalin RM, Khan AY, Kahn DA. Mania possibly induced by desvenlafaxine. J Psychiatr Pract. 2010 Jan;16(1):58-62. doi: 10.1097/01.pra.0000367780.18883.d8. PMID: 20098233. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20098233/
4.-
Butler M, Urosevic S, Desai P, et al. Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2018 Aug. (Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 208.) Chapter 1, Introduction. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK532193/
5.-
Geddes JR, Miklowitz DJ. Treatment of bipolar disorder. Lancet. 2013 May 11;381(9878):1672-82. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0. PMID: 23663953; PMCID: PMC3876031. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876031/
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