Does Pristiq-induced itching go away? (5 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 brief article, we will explore whether Pristiq itching goes away. Additionally, we will also talk about why Pristic induces itching, its duration, contributing factors, and what to do if Pristiq-induced itching persists.
Does Pristiq-induced itching go away?
Pristiq-induced itching may or may not go away as it depends on the individual’s response to Pristiq. Pristiq may induce itching only in individuals who are allergic to it, however, it is a rare phenomenon that needs emergency treatment.
Pristiq, also known as desvenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Pristiq may also be used in the clinical setting to treat hot flashes in women during menopause (1). Pristiq-induced itching is an allergic reaction that may cause redness and swelling all over the body of the patient and must be treated immediately.
Why does Pristiq induce itching?
Pristiq works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the synaptic regions of the brain. Due to this blockade, the neurotransmitter levels are raised in the synaptic regions and remain there for longer periods.
When the serotonin levels are raised, they might cause Pristiq-induced itching in some individuals (2). It is important to note that not everyone taking Pristiq may experience itching, however, if you do, you should immediately seek medical help.
What is the duration of Pristiq-induced itching?
The duration of Pristiq-induced itching may vary from person to person. Pristiq may take some time to adjust in the body and to show its complete therapeutic benefits. Some individuals with mild itchiness may get better in a few days when their body adjusts to Pristiq treatment. On the other hand, patients with severe allergic reactions may only get better when given symptomatic treatment.
Pristiq may also cause delayed-onset itching after using it for a few weeks. It is possible that some patients might get hypersensitive to Pristiq but do not experience any symptoms in the initial phase of the treatment. In such cases, Pristiq should be discontinued as per your doctor’s guidelines along with the use of antihistamines.
Mood stabilisers, anticonvulsants and antidepressants are commonly associated with skin-related issues such as acne, bruising, or others. Patients must be aware of the possible side effects of these medications before start taking them and if they observe any adverse effects, they should reach out to their healthcare provider (3).
What factors contribute to Pristiq-induced itching?
The factors contributing to Pristiq-induced itching may include:
- Age of the patient, as young and elderly patients are more prone to experience itching while using Pristiq.
- If you are using other medications along with Pristiq that may interact and cause skin-related issues.
- If you have a family history of skin-related conditions, you may be prone to Pristiq-induced itching.
- If you are allergic to Pristiq or any other medicine of the same drug class (SNRIs), you may have a higher chance of experiencing itching or other symptoms.
- Higher doses of Pristiq may pose a greater risk of developing skin-related issues (3).
What to do if Pristiq causes itching?
If Pristiq causes itching please immediately reach out to your healthcare provider. as it might be an allergic reaction. They may evaluate your current symptoms, family or medical history, and response to Pristiq treatment.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you antihistamines to give symptomatic treatment and you may be relieved from itching in a few days. Your doctor will also try to reduce the dosage as some patients may get rid of side effects when their doses are reduced at a therapeutically effective range.
However, if your symptoms do not go away, your doctor may also gradually discontinue Pristiq and introduce you to an alternative antidepressant such as Effexor (4), or other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) that does not cause itching and is effective for you for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Another medication, Trintellix is also effective in treating major depressive disorder (5).
In my opinion, Pristiq-induced itching may or may not go away depending on the patient’s response. Pristiq is generally a safe and effective antidepressant, but some individuals may be hypersensitive and experience an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are rare with Pristiq, however, if you do experience any side effects with Pristiq, please immediately reach out to your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. 2023 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521250. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521250/
2.-
Haddadi NS, Foroutan A, Shakiba S, Afshari K, Ostadhadi S, Daneshpazhooh M, Dehpour AR. Attenuation of serotonin-induced itch by sumatriptan: possible involvement of endogenous opioids. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018 Mar;310(2):165-172. doi: 10.1007/s00403-018-1809-9. Epub 2018 Jan 19. PMID: 29352328. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29352328/
3.-
Herstowska M, Komorowska O, Cubała WJ, Jakuszkowiak-Wojten K, Gałuszko-Węgielnik M, Landowski J. Severe skin complications in patients treated with antidepressants: a literature review. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014 May;31(2):92-7. doi: 10.5114/pdia.2014.40930. Epub 2014 Apr 22. PMID: 25097474; PMCID: PMC4112250. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112250/
4.-
Sopko MA Jr, Ehret MJ, Grgas M. Desvenlafaxine: another “me too” drug? Ann Pharmacother. 2008 Oct;42(10):1439-46. doi: 10.1345/aph.1K563. Epub 2008 Aug 12. PMID: 18698015. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18698015/
5.-
Llorca PM, Lançon C, Brignone M, Rive B, Salah S, Ereshefsky L, Francois C. Relative efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine versus selected antidepressants by indirect comparisons of similar clinical studies. Curr Med Res Opin. 2014 Dec;30(12):2589-606. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2014.969566. Epub 2014 Oct 10. PMID: 25249164. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25249164/
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