Does Venlafaxine Contain Gluten? (3+ Dangers)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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

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

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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In this article, we will discuss whether venlafaxine contains gluten in its formulation or not. We will also discuss gluten and its impact on health, the potential dangers of consuming gluten for people who are sensitive or allergic to gluten intake and steps to ensure gluten-free medication.

Does venlafaxine contain gluten?

In general, Venlafaxine, the active ingredient of Effexor and Effexor XR does not contain gluten. However, sometimes the other ingredients they add to the medication as excipients might have gluten.

Gluten can act as a binder and hold the ingredients in a tablet or capsule together. It also acts as a filler and gives the medication the right size and shape and it may also be used as a coating agent to enhance the appearance of a tablet or capsule. (5)

Excipients are inactive substances which are added to the medications as a medium for the active drug ingredients. They do not have therapeutic properties, however, they play an important role in the stability and effectiveness of a medication.

Venlafaxine is an active ingredient of Effexor and Effexor XR. These medications are antidepressants, primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and panic disorders. They work by changing some chemicals in your brain like serotonin and norepinephrine. (1)

Gluten is a type of protein found in foods like wheat and bread. However, some people get sick when they eat gluten because they are sensitive to it, so they should avoid gluten intake. (2)

What is the impact of gluten on health?

The impact of gluten on health can vary from person to person. Gluten can have a significant impact on health, especially for people who have gluten-related disorders. Here’s a brief review of it’s impact: (2)

No impact: Most people can consume gluten without any health issues. It’s a normal part of their diet and doesn’t harm them.

Celiac disease:

Cause: It is an autoimmune disorder triggered when people eat gluten which is a protein.

Mechanism: The inner lining of the small intestine gets attacked by the immune system in response to gluten which comes as a threat. This can cause lots of health problems and nutrient absorption issues. The damage to the inner lining of the small intestine can cause bothersome pain in the stomach. (3)

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity:

Cause: Few individuals might have digestive problems, headaches or tiredness when they eat gluten, even if they don’t have celiac disease. This condition is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Mechanism: We are not exactly sure why it happens but there are no autoimmune responses involved, just the symptoms they experience are similar to celiac disease. This may be due to the innate response of the gut to gluten components.

Wheat allergy: If someone has a wheat allergy and they eat things with wheat (which contains gluten), it can make them have allergies. They might get hives, have trouble breathing or feel sick in their stomach. It can be mild or very serious so they need to be careful.

What are the potential dangers of consuming gluten for gluten-sensitive individuals?

For individuals who are sensitive to gluten, consuming it can lead to various health conditions including: (4)

Gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating
Gas
Constipation

Systemic symptoms of celiac disease:

Fatigue
Weightloss
Anaemia (due to malabsorption of iron)
Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
Infertility and reproductive issues
Neurological symptoms (such as headaches and neuropathy)

Gastrointestinal symptoms of Non-celiac gluten sensitivity:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhoea or constipation

Systemic symptoms of Non-celiac gluten sensitivity:

Headaches
Fatigue
Joint pain
Mood disturbances (anxiety or depression)

It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not life-threatening but can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

How gluten in venlafaxine can affect treatment efficacy?

Gluten in venlafaxine or any other medication, typically does not affect its treatment efficacy in patients who are not sensitive to gluten. (2,4)

However, for individuals with celiac disease, consuming gluten in any form even through the medications can lead to different health issues and discomfort.

Digestive issues caused by gluten sensitivity, particularly in conditions like celiac disease can have implications for drug absorption. The immune response to gluten damages the lining of the small intestine which plays a crucial role in absorbing nutrients including medications from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.

This in turn can indirectly impact treatment efficacy because feeling physically unwell or experiencing discomfort can decline a person’s overall well-being and may also lead to non-compliance with medication which can interfere with desired therapeutic outcomes.

What amount of gluten in a drug formulation can harm you?

If you have celiac disease or you are very sensitive to gluten, even tiny amounts of it can cause your immune system to react and harm your small intestine. (6)

According to international standards, gluten-free is considered to have less than 20 parts of gluten per million parts of the product. This standard is widely accepted in the food industry. (6)

However, it’s important to know that some people with celiac disease might still react to levels below 20 ppm. So they need to be careful and check what they eat or use.

What are the steps to ensure gluten-free medication consumption?

Check with the pharmacist. When filling a prescription, consult your pharmacist to verify that the medication is gluten-free or to inquire about gluten-free alternatives. (5)
Read medication labels. Always read the package for information on ingredients and potential allergens. (5)
Research pharmaceutical manufacturers. Some pharmaceutical companies provide relevant information about the gluten content of their medications on their website.
Use gluten-free compounding. If a gluten-free version of your medication is not available, consider compounding pharmacies that can create custom, gluten-free formulations.

Remember that maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for ensuring safe and effective medication consumption when you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed the formulation of venlafaxine, whether it contains gluten or not. We have also discussed ways to ensure gluten-free medication consumption for people who are sensitive to it.

In my opinion, individuals with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease or wheat allergy need to take proactive steps to ensure that their medication is gluten-free.

By working closely with healthcare providers and pharmacists, and staying informed about gluten-free options, one can mitigate the risks associated with gluten in medications.