Is desvenlafaxine a controlled substance? (+3 differences)
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 desvenlafaxine is a controlled substance or not. We will look at the factors that separate it from being a controlled substance. Furthermore, we will look at some ways to manage if desvenlafaxine acts as a controlled substance.
Is desvenlafaxine a controlled substance?
No, desvenlafaxine is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety, and related conditions (1).
Desvenlafaxine belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant drug class which exerts its actions by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft thus, relieving depression and anxiety (1).
However, since devenlafaxine is a prescription medication, it should always be used under a doctor’s supervision. You may not start or stop using this medication without your doctor’s recommendation as it may lead to severe consequences (1).
Desvenlafaxine may not be considered a controlled substance because it does not lead to addiction or abuse. However, abruptly stopping the use of antidepressants may cause withdrawal symptoms in patients.
What makes desvenlafaxine different from controlled substances?
Desvenlafaxine impacts the central nervous system (CNS) and profoundly alters the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, it is not included in the controlled substances based on many differences.
Desvenlafaxine does alter brain chemistry but is not similar to controlled substances. Desvenlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain thus, enhancing mood and energy, and alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in patients (1).
Controlled substances can modulate pain signals and activate the brain’s reward system which plays a key role in the potential for abuse. These substances increase the brain chemicals and upregulate the brain activity which alters perception, mood, and consciousness in patients leading to dependency (3).
Desvenlafaxine can improve mood and increase energy and motivation which shows a resemblance to a controlled substance. However, desvenlafaxine exerts in action after 4-6 weeks of initiating desvenlafaxine treatment (2).
Controlled substances on the other, show immediate results and improvement in mood and perception that gives a sense of pleasure. Therefore, dependency and abuse of these substances become common and easy.
Controlled substances have several legislative restrictions and are not easily available. However, for therapeutic purposes, these can be prescribed and should be used under the strict supervision of healthcare providers to avoid abuse and misuse.
Desvenlafaxine also requires a prescription and monitoring from a doctor for the safe and efficacious use of this medication. Abrupt stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, and insomnia (1).
What are the common controlled substances available?
Controlled substances are not commonly available and have some legislative restrictions for use. Different states have their legislative laws and restrictions for the availability and use of controlled substances. Some of the common controlled substances are as follows (3):
- Opioids (Morphine, Codeine)
- Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Clonazepam)
- Barbiturates (Amobarbital, Pentobarbital)
- Stimulants (Methamphetamine, Amphetamine)
Controlled substances are illicit drugs that affect the CNS and can cause dependency in patients leading to addiction. These substances can have severe adversities if consumed at high doses (3).
Controlled substances are usually used in the treatment of anxiety, seizures, insomnia, severe pain, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using controlled substances for the treatment of these conditions often causes physical and mental dependence (3).
However, the controlled substances are divided into separate schedules by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The drugs in Schedule 1 have the highest potential for abuse leading to less potential for abuse in subsequent scheduled drugs (3).
As a pharmacist, I would advise you to always use desvenlafaxine under your doctor’s supervision. In the above article, we have discussed in detail that this medication is not included in controlled substances and it does not make you high or euphoric.
However, some patients may feel energized or motivated due to desvenlafaxine which does not make it a controlled substance. I would recommend you carefully use and monitor yourself if you are on desvenlafaxine for potential dependency and side effects related to abuse.
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References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
2.-
Andrade C. Desvenlafaxine. Indian J Psychiatry. 2009 Oct-Dec;51(4):320-3. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.58303. PMID: 20048462; PMCID: PMC2802384. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802384/
3.-
Aro HJ, Hussain A, Bobrin BD. Controlled Substances. [Updated 2023 Apr 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383/
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