Does venlafaxine affect cognitive function? (3+ benefits)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will talk about the effect of venlafaxine on cognitive functions. We will also discuss the positive and negative impact of venlafaxine on cognitive functions, along with research studies.
Does venlafaxine affect cognitive function?
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant which improves your cognitive functions. Depression and anxiety cause a change in cognitive functioning, such as mood, memory, perception, attention, social cognition, etc. (1)
Antidepressants act by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. This increase in neurotransmitters helps improve cognitive functions.
It is important to note that not all individuals respond to the treatment. Some may benefit from Effexor, while others may not. It is crucial to discuss your treatment with your physician and plan a course of action that is appropriate for you.
What does the research suggest?
Studies show that venlafaxine has a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect on myelin. A preclinical study done by Zhang et al. reported that venlafaxine has a positive effect on cognitive function and can provide enhanced therapeutic benefits in patients with multiple sclerosis. (2)
Tian et al. conducted a study to investigate the effect of venlafaxine on executive control, which is responsible for managing cognitive processes. The findings of the study revealed that venlafaxine has the potential to restore normal executive functioning in patients with depression and may also help improve their cognitive abilities. (3)
In a study conducted on elderly patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, it was found that the administration of venlafaxine at a daily dose of 75mg led to a substantial improvement in their cognitive and psychomotor functions. (4)
What determines how Effexor affects cognitive function?
The effect of Effexor on cognition can be influenced by many factors, which include:
Individual variability: Each individual has their own unique brain chemistry and genetic factors, which can influence how the medication will work in the body. Some individuals may benefit, while some may not.
Dosage: A high dose of Effexor can have a negative impact on your cognitive functions. Hence, it is important to work with your physician to find the right dosage for your specific needs.
Duration of use: The effect of Effexor on cognition changes over time; as you get used to the medication, your cognitive functions will improve. If not, consult your physician for a dose adjustment.
Underlying conditions: If you have a condition which affects your cognition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD), dementia, brain injury or stroke, you may experience cognitive dysfunction. Consult your physician to evaluate any underlying condition.
Side effects and interaction: Few of the side effects of Effexor include cognitive dysfunction such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating. Drugs such as benzodiazepines, seizure drugs, narcotic painkillers and sedative drugs can also cause cognitive impairment. Effexor may interact with other drugs, such as antipsychotics and other antidepressants, which can cause cognitive dysfunction.
Food and beverages: Foods such as berries, dark chocolate, green vegetables, foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, trout), walnuts and almonds help improve cognitive function. Whereas highly processed foods (refined sugar), excessive caffeine, alcohol, high sugar diet, processed food, high-sodium foods, etc. can have a negative effect on cognition.
What are the positive effects of Effexor on cognitive functions?
Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which acts on neurotransmitters responsible for mood, memory, perception, attention, etc. If you are currently taking Effexor to treat your condition, you may notice improvements in your overall well-being and symptoms. These positive effects can indicate that the medication is working effectively to manage your condition.
The positive effects of Effexor on cognitive functions include:
- Improves attention
- Improves concentration
- Enhances executive functions such as planning, organisation and decision-making.
- Enhances memory
- Elevates mood
- Neuroprotective effects help improve overall cognitive functioning.
What are the negative effects of Effexor on cognitive functions?
The effect of Effexor differs from person to person; some may experience positive effects while others may not. There are few side effects related to Effexor, and it may have a negative impact on your cognition. However, these effects vary among individuals.
Effexor usually works in about 4-6 weeks and shows its action on cognitive function. If you notice your condition is not improved even after 6-8 weeks of treatment, seek medical attention for further management.
The negative effects of Effexor on cognitive functions include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory impairment
- Confusion
- Sedation/Drowsiness
- Slow processing speed
- Disorientation
What are the effects of withdrawal symptoms on cognition?
Suddenly, stopping the use of Effexor after a long-term treatment can have adverse effects. Abrupt discontinuation of Effexor can affect cognitive functioning as well. It is essential to consult a physician before discontinuing or reducing the dose of Effexor. Your physician will gradually decrease your dose and stop the medication, which will reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Nervousness
- Dysphoric mood
- Irritability
- Emotional lability
- Hypomania
- Drowsiness
- Sensory disturbances
- headache
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Vertigo
- Tremor
- Seizure
How to manage the effects of Effexor on cognitive function?
Here are some general strategies which can help you manage the effects of Effexor on cognition.
- Always communicate with your physician about the effects you are experiencing after taking Effexor. Your physician will help you determine the side effects related to the medication and adjust the treatment accordingly.
- If you are experiencing any cognitive side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, you can change the timing of the medication from day to night.
- If you are taking any other medication along with Effexor, look out for interactions which may affect your cognition.
- If you want to discontinue your medication, make sure you talk to your physician, your physician will gradually titrate your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- You can consider other treatments, such as cognitive behavioural strategies along with Effexor, to treat your condition.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, ensure you have a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get sufficient sleep. These will have a positive influence on cognitive function.
- Schedule a regular follow-up appointment with your physician. Discuss any changes in symptoms with your physician.
Conclusion:
In my experience, Effexor has been found to be very effective in treating patients with depression and anxiety and has a significant effect on cognition. Effexor can have both positive and negative effects on cognition. Make sure to inform your physician if you experience any unwanted side effects when taking Effexor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Lindert J, Paul KC, Lachman ME, Ritz B, Seeman TE. Depression-, anxiety-, and anger and cognitive functions: findings from a longitudinal prospective study. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2021 Aug 6;12:665742. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8377351/
2.-
Zhang, Y., Bi, X., Adebiyi, O., Wang, J., Mooshekhian, A., Cohen, J., Wei, Z., Wang, F. and Li, X.M., 2019. Venlafaxine improves the cognitive impairment and depression-like behaviors in a cuprizone mouse model by alleviating demyelination and neuroinflammation in the brain. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, p.332. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.00332/full
3.-
Tian Y, Du J, Spagna A, Mackie MA, Gu X, Dong Y, Fan J, Wang K. Venlafaxine treatment reduces the deficit of executive control of attention in patients with major depressive disorder. Scientific reports. 2016 Jun 16;6(1):28028. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/srep28028
4.-
Trick L, Stanley N, Rigney U, Hindmarch I. A double-blind, randomized, 26-week study comparing the cognitive and psychomotor effects and efficacy of 75 mg (37.5 mg bid) venlafaxine and 75 mg (25 mg mane, 50 mg nocte) dothiepin in elderly patients with moderate major depression being treated in general practice. Journal of psychopharmacology. 2004 Jun;18(2):205-14. Available from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881104042622
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