Does Prozac Help POTS? (+3 Strategies)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

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 answer the query “Does Prozac help POTS?”. We will also explore the role of Prozac in managing the symptoms of POTS and its pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.

Does Prozac help POTS?

Prozac does help with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Prozac (Fluoxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant indicated for treating anxiety and depression (1).

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a diverse autonomic disorder. International societies have defined POTS as a persistent increase in the heart rate of not less than 30 bpm during 10 minutes of standing upright. However, individuals aged 12 to 19 may experience a rise of 40 bpm (2).

In addition to its use in depression, Prozac and other SSRIs like Lexapro, have been found to be helpful in managing the symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

While Prozac is not specifically prescribed to treat postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, some healthcare providers might consider Prozac as a part of a treatment plan for managing certain symptoms associated with POTS.

However, the effectiveness of Prozac or any SSRI in managing POTS symptoms can vary from person to person.

How does Prozac help POTS?

Disturbances in serotonin production and regulation have been proposed as potential contributors to elevated heart rate and blood pressure seen in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

The exact mechanism of SSRIs, including Prozac, in managing POTS is not fully known. However, it has been suggested that SSRIs improve the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance by enhancing the nerve stimulation of the vasoconstriction reflex during standing.

What does research suggest?

There is only a limited number of reported cases that support the use of Prozac in POTS. One study suggested that SSRIs, like Prozac, enhance nerve signals that help the body regulate blood flow when standing.

This reduces blood pooling in veins and improves the body’s ability to handle standing up, which can be helpful in managing symptoms for people with POTS (3).

The study also indicated that the combination of SSRI and SNRI has been found beneficial for patients who are experiencing symptoms of POTS. An NRI (nor-epinephrine reuptake inhibitor) such as Bupropion is also beneficial in helping patients with POTS (3).

What are the symptoms of POTS?

The symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome include (4):

Lightheadedness
Syncope
Palpitations
Exercise intolerance
Anxiety
Tremors

These symptoms usually arise when standing but go away when the patient lies down. Yet they can restrict the patient’s capacity to do everyday tasks like bathing, house chores and eating.

POTS symptoms tend to occur more frequently in women after pregnancy, viral infections, fever, trauma or surgery. These symptoms can also be produced due to other conditions like diabetes or alcoholism.

How is POTS managed pharmacologically?

Medications that are used to treat and manage POTS include (3,5):

Fludrocortisone
Midodrine
Methylphenidate
Erythropoietin
Labetalol

There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of POTS (6). However, above mentioned medications have shown improvement in the symptoms of POTS.

Treatment of POTS requires a multidisciplinary approach using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The main goal of pharmacological therapy is to improve symptoms.

How to manage POTS non-pharmacologically?

The following non-pharmacological measures should be taken to manage and improve the POTS symptoms (5):

Aerobic exercise for more than 30 minutes a day helps to increase the venous blood flow in the legs.
Avoiding the use of medications that worsen the symptoms of POTS, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and phenothiazines.
To effectively handle POTS symptoms, it is recommended to ensure sufficient fluid intake and consume 3-5 grams of salt daily.
Individuals with dysautonomic syncope should use waist-high compression stockings to increase pressure on the calves, thereby reducing the pooling of blood in the veins.

Final words

In my view and the knowledge available, Prozac is not specifically prescribed for POTS. However, SSRIs, like Prozac, may be used to manage symptoms like anxiety or depression that often accompany POTS.

I suggest consulting a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment options for managing POTS effectively.