Does Pristiq increase blood sugar? (3+ factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Pristiq increases blood sugar, clinical studies and evidence on Pristiq’s influence on blood sugar, other factors influencing blood sugar while taking Pristiq, what you should do if Pristiq increases your blood sugar, and alternatives to Pristiq if it increases your blood sugar.

Does Pristiq increase blood sugar?

Yes, Pristiq can increase blood sugar levels. Pristiq may cause hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels) in certain individuals. However, hyperglycemia is not a common side effect of Pristiq.

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 serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. (1)

It is believed that Pristiq’s mechanism of action in causing hyperglycemia is connected to the elevated levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which can result in increasing blood sugar levels.

Pristiq is also believed to inhibit insulin release, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. This can lead to hyperglycemia and potentially diabetes. (2)

What does research suggest?

A research study found that a 59-year-old woman with type-2 diabetes mellitus, GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), heart disease, and other conditions was treated with venlafaxine but later switched to desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) due to insurance issues.

After a follow-up, lab tests showed that the patient’s FBG (Fasting Blood Glucose), PPBG (Post-Prandial Blood Glucose), and HbA1c levels had increased, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

However, Pristiq can be helpful in treating the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients.

The case report and literature indicate that antidepressants can affect glucose regulation, and desvenlafaxine may cause hyperglycemia. Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of potential changes in glucose regulation when initiating depression treatment with desvenlafaxine or other antidepressants. (3)

What factors might contribute to hyperglycemia while taking Pristiq?

There are several factors that might contribute to hyperglycemia while taking Pristiq, some of which include: (4)

• Medication dose: High doses of Pristiq can increase blood sugar levels. Elevated levels of serotonin and norepinephrine can contribute to increasing blood sugar levels.

• Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as Diabetes, Cushing syndrome, and chronic pancreatitis can increase blood sugar levels while taking Pristiq.

• Concomitant medications: Medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, thiazide diuretics, and beta-blockers can increase blood sugar levels while taking Pristiq.

• Obesity and physical inactivity: Lack of physical exercise can decrease insulin sensitivity, which may result in increasing blood sugar levels. Additionally, obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which may lead to increased blood sugar levels while taking Pristiq.

• Stress and poor nutrition: Stress can cause the release of cortisol hormone, which can increase blood sugar levels. Additionally, Lack of protein, fibers, and healthy fats can cause blood sugar imbalances.

• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin which helps to prepare the body for labor. This hormone can cause insulin resistance, which can result in increased blood sugar levels.

What should you do if Pristiq increases your blood sugar?

If Pristiq increases your blood sugar, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Pristiq dose over a period of weeks or months.

According to your situation, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose by 10-20% per week. You should take the reduced dose for at least one week before reducing the dose again.

Additionally, your healthcare provider will thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine whether Pristiq is the cause of hyperglycemia or whether there is an underlying medical condition like diabetes or other factors like obesity that can cause hyperglycemia.

After careful evaluation, if Pristiq is the cause of hyperglycemia and if this side effect is persistent despite reducing your dose, your healthcare provider might switch you to an alternative with fewer adverse events.

What are Pristiq alternatives if it causes hyperglycemia?

There are certain Pristiq alternatives that have fewer adverse effects on blood sugar levels such as:

• Mirtazapine: It is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as TeCA (Tetra-Cyclic Antidepressants). Mirtazapine was proven to be effective in treating depression in patients with type-1 diabetes. (5)

• Agomelatine: It is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in treating depression in diabetic patients without affecting blood sugar levels. (6)

• Trazodone: It is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in improving glucose control in certain individuals with diabetes. (7)

Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can increase blood sugar levels in certain individuals. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to different medications, and not everyone experiences hyperglycemia while taking Pristiq.

However, if you experience hyperglycemia while taking Pristiq, I recommend consulting your healthcare provider about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events such as mirtazapine or agomelatine.

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