Does Pristiq Increase Prolactin? (3+ Symptoms)

By Ivan Kahwa

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

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 increases prolactin. We will also discuss how Pristiq increases prolactin levels and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Pristiq increase prolactin?

Pristiq does not necessarily increase prolactin levels. However, individuals respond differently to medications, especially the meds that can affect your brain.

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is an antidepressant used to treat different mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (1).

Pristiq is not generally associated with an increase in prolactin levels. However, if you have concerns about changes in hormone levels or other side effects while taking Pristiq, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider for proper guidance and testing if necessary.

How does Pristiq increase prolactin?

The exact mechanism by which Pristiq increases prolactin levels is not fully known. Pristiq is an antidepressant which works by altering serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain (2).

The changes in serotonin and norepinephrine levels might influence other hormonal systems including prolactin. The relationship between Pristiq and prolactin is not experienced by all the individuals taking this medication.

Careful monitoring is required if Pristiq is affecting your prolactin levels. Pristiq is generally a well-tolerated antidepressant, but not everyone can benefit from it. If you experience hormone-related issues while taking Pristiq or any other antidepressant, seek medical help promptly.

Symptoms of increased prolactin levels while taking Pristiq?

Increased prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) refer to higher-than-normal concentrations of the hormone prolactin in the blood (3).

Symptoms of higher prolactin levels while taking Pristiq include (3):

Galactorrhea: High prolactin levels can stimulate sudden production of breast milk which results in spontaneous flow of breast milk, even when non-pregnant or nursing.

Menstrual irregularities: Elevated prolactin levels disrupt the normal hormonal balance leading to irregular menstrual periods or missed periods in women taking Pristiq.

Sexual dysfunction: Sexual abnormalities including decreased libido occur as a result of increased prolactin levels due to Pristiq.

Elevated prolactin levels can hinder ovulation in women and sperm production in men, potentially causing fertility issues by disrupting the reproductive processes.

Gynecomastia: Breast enlargement is seen in men having high prolactin levels. Men experiencing gynecomastia should use Pristiq under medical supervision to avoid the potential side effects.

Mood changes: Some people may experience mood changes such as anxiety as a result of elevated prolactin levels. Rarely elevated prolactin levels might lead to headaches or vision changes due to increased pressure on the optical nerve, affecting visual function.

It is important to note that not everyone taking Pristiq will experience these symptoms and the severity and occurrence of these side effects can vary from person to person. If you suspect that elevated prolactin levels due to Pristiq are causing these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance on how to manage them.

How to manage elevated prolactin levels while on Pristiq?

Managing elevated prolactin levels while on Pristiq may involve several approaches, including:

Consulting a healthcare provider

Reach out to your healthcare provider if Pristiq is increasing prolactin levels. Your healthcare provider may consider reducing the dosage of Pristiq to see if it works.

If the dose reduction does not alleviate the symptoms of increased prolactin levels, your doctor may gradually discontinue your medication or switch to a different antidepressant with a lower likelihood of affecting prolactin levels.

Always remember not to discontinue antidepressants on your own as they can cause withdrawal symptoms (4).

Symptom management

If you experience symptoms of elevated prolactin levels like galactorrhea and sexual dysfunction, your healthcare provider may provide specific treatment to resolve these symptoms.

Consulting an endocrinologist

Consult an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone-related issues, if the symptoms of increased prolactin levels are not resolved. They may assess your situation and make necessary adjustments to your treatment accordingly.

Regular monitoring

Regular blood tests to monitor prolactin levels can help assess the situation and guide treatment adjustments.

What are the other side effects of Pristiq?

Pristiq is usually associated with side effects including (5):

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Changes in weight
Changes in appetite
Fertility issues
Night sweats
Drowsiness
Dizziness

Based on my knowledge and research, I can say that while Pristiq may lead to elevated prolactin levels in some individuals, it generally has a lower risk of doing so. However, the effects can vary, and it is important to monitor prolactin levels and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider if needed.