Does Pristiq increase testosterone? (3 factors)
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 Pristiq increases testosterone levels. We will also discuss the relationship between Pristiq and testosterone levels and what strategies can help testosterone imbalance while taking Pristiq.
Does Pristiq increase testosterone?
Pristiq does not necessarily increase testosterone levels. However, long-term use of Pristiq has been linked to a slight change in testosterone levels in some men.
Pristiq is the brand name for the drug Desvenlafaxine, an antidepressant primarily used for the treatment of depression and anxiety by elevating the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves mood (1).
Testosterone is a hormone responsible for sexual activity in men. It plays an important role in the development and maintenance of sexual characteristics in men. Imbalances in hormones can lead to certain issues like low testosterone or high testosterone, these changes might affect a person’s health (2).
If you have concerns about testosterone levels while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare provider for specialized guidance.
What is the connection between Pristiq and testosterone?
There is no direct relation between Pristiq and testosterone, as Pristiq primarily affects serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain and does not directly target the hormonal system. However, there can be an indirect relation between Pristiq and testosterone in some cases, primarily due to the medication’s side effects.
What does research suggest?
There is no study indicating Pristiq-induced high testosterone levels. However, only one study indicated that SNRI, like Desvenlafaxine, may decrease testosterone levels in some individuals (3).
Doctors usually don’t need to routinely check testosterone levels for everyone taking SNRIs. But in cases, like when patients mention low sex drive or feeling very tired, doctors who know about this possible link might consider testing testosterone levels before and after starting SNRI (3).
Like Pristiq, some other antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil may also affect testosterone levels in some individuals.
What factors can influence testosterone levels while taking Pristiq?
There can be various factors that influence testosterone levels in individuals who are taking Pristiq. These factors include:
Individual variations: Individual responses to medications vary. Some individuals might experience changes in sexual side effects like changes in libido and sexual dysfunction.
Underlying conditions: The influence of the mental health condition being treated is itself a contributing factor.
Dosage and duration: The dosage and treatment duration are other contributing factors as long-term use and higher doses may be more likely to lead to changes in testosterone levels.
It is important to note that any changes in testosterone levels while taking Pristiq are generally mild. If you are concerned about how Pristiq may be affecting your hormones or sexual functions, it’s advisable to communicate your issues with your healthcare provider for potential treatment adjustments and alternatives.
What are the strategies to address testosterone imbalance during Pristiq treatment?
If you are experiencing symptoms of testosterone imbalance while on Pristiq. Here are some strategies that may be considered:
Medication adjustment: Your healthcare provider may consider adjusting the dose of Pristiq or changing to a different antidepressant that is less likely to affect sexual functions and hormonal levels.
Hormone replacement therapy: If your hormones are out of balance and it is causing issues for your health, your healthcare provider might recommend you take supplemental testosterone to restore a healthy hormonal balance (4).
Lifestyle modifications: Engaging in physical activity can enhance general health and circulation. It can also help maintain appropriate testosterone levels.
Diet: A diet high in minerals and vitamins, particularly magnesium and zinc can support the maintenance of normal testosterone levels.
Regular monitoring: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your response to treatment and any changes in symptoms.
In my view, Pristiq does not directly increase testosterone levels. It is primarily used as an antidepressant and isn’t typically known for affecting testosterone production. If concerned about hormonal changes, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and evaluation.
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