Does Pristiq help with rage? (3+ findings)
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 helps with rage, research findings on the efficacy of Pristiq in controlling rage symptoms, dosage recommendations for using Pistiq to treat rage and anger symptoms, important tips and precautions when taking Pristiq, and approved therapies for treating rage and anger symptoms.
Does Pristiq help with rage?
Yes, Pristiq can help with the symptoms of rage for some depressed individuals. It is important to note that Pristiq is not approved specifically for managing rage or anger, it is approved for the treatment of depression.
Pristiq is the brand name of the antidepressant medication desvenlafaxine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). Pristiq functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
However, treating depression can also help with anger management in some individuals. Conversely, some individuals may experience agitation and irritability as a side effect of using Pristiq. (1)
Therefore, it’s important to monitor how you feel while taking Pristiq. If you experience rage symptoms while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider about how to manage them.
What does research suggest?
Research studies have shown that desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) can be an effective treatment for individuals with MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) who also experience symptoms of rage and anger.
This medication works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, both of which are neurotransmitters that regulate mood. (2)
In a study, desvenlafaxine was found to be effective in treating depressive symptoms and reducing rage and anger in individuals at a dose ranging between 50 and 100 mg per day. (3)
However, it is important to note that some individuals, particularly those under 25 years of age, may experience worsening depression, other mental or mood symptoms, or even suicidal thoughts or attempts while taking Pristiq. (4)
Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of desvenlafaxine with your healthcare provider.
What are the dosage recommendations for using Pristiq to treat rage?
The recommended starting and maintenance dose of Pristiq for treating rage and anger symptoms accompanying depression is 50 mg per day to be taken orally. Pristiq can be taken at any time of the day. However, it is important to take Pristiq at the same time every day to obtain the best treatment results.
There is no clinical evidence, according to published research data, that daily doses higher than 50 mg provide any extra benefits for the treatment of MDD and higher dosages can be linked to an increased risk of side effects.
However, Pristiq comes in 50 mg and 100 mg dosages, in case any individual needs a greater dose. It has been demonstrated that daily doses of up to 400 mg can be helpful in certain individuals experiencing severe pain symptoms accompanying their MDD symptoms. (2)
Important tips and precautions while taking Pristiq to treat rage symptoms
Several tips and precautions should be considered while taking Pristiq such as: (1)
- Don’t suddenly discontinue Pristiq without informing your healthcare provider. This can result in the development of withdrawal symptoms.
- It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines and to take Pristiq exactly as directed at the same time every day to ensure the best treatment results.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements that you take to avoid possible drug interactions and side effects.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medical condition that you have to adjust your Pristiq dose as needed and avoid the accumulation of the drug in your body.
- If you experience any side effects such as confusion, dizziness, or an allergic reaction like SOB (Shortness of Breath) or severe itching while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
What therapies are used for treating rage symptoms?
Certain therapies are used for treating rage symptoms or intermittent explosive disorders. Examples include:
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help manage rage symptoms by: (5)
- Identifying rage and anger triggers and developing coping strategies to manage these triggers.
- Learning how to communicate healthily with individuals.
- Developing stress management techniques.
- Understanding the root cause of anger and developing healthy ways to express it.
Medications
- Antidepressants such as SSRIs including citalopram and escitalopram and SNRIs including venlafaxine can only help treat rage and anger symptoms accompanying your depression.
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine can be used in managing rage and seizure symptoms that accompany epilepsy or other mental diseases.
- Mood stabilizers such as lithium and lamotrigine can be used for excessive rage and anger symptoms in certain individuals under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can help treat rage symptoms in individuals with MDD. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to different medications.
If you have depression and experience rage or anger symptoms, consult your healthcare provider about taking Pristiq to manage your depression and rage symptoms.
Following your healthcare provider’s guidelines and considering the precautions and tips while taking Pristiq for rage symptoms can help you obtain the best treatment results.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Desvenlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html
2.-
Lieberman DZ, Massey SH. Desvenlafaxine in major depressive disorder: an evidence-based review of its place in therapy. Core evidence [Internet]. 2009;4:67–82. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2899788/
3.-
Boyer P, Montgomery S, Lepola U, Germain JM, Brisard C, Ganguly R, et al. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fixed-dose desvenlafaxine 50 and 100 mg/day for major depressive disorder in a placebo-controlled trial. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2008 Sep;23(5):243–53. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18703933/
4.-
Pristiq Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD [Internet]. www.webmd.com. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-150251/pristiq-oral/details
5.-
Intermittent explosive disorder – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayoclinic.org. 2018. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intermittent-explosive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373926
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
