Is desvenlafaxine a psychotropic drug? (+5 others)
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 psychotropic drug or not. We will discuss the basic criteria for being a psychotropic medication. Furthermore, we will discover some other medications that also fall into the group of psychotropic medications.
Is desvenlafaxine a psychotropic drug?
Yes, desvenlafaxine is a psychotropic drug. Desvenlafaxine works by altering the levels of brain chemicals and helps in alleviating mental illnesses.
Desvenlafaxine belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant drug class. Desvenlafaxine exerts its actions by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain thus, increasing the activity of these neurotransmitters (1).
Psychotropic drugs are medications that influence the brain and affect mental processes, emotions, and behaviors. These drugs are used in treating various psychiatric conditions and illnesses by altering brain chemistry (2).
Desvenlafaxine is included in psychotropic medications due to its mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy. Desvenlafaxine is a prescription medication therefore, always consult your doctor before starting its dosage.
What makes desvenlafaxine a psychotropic drug?
Desvenlafaxine falls into the category of psychotropic drugs based on its mechanism of action and therapeutic effects. The way it exerts its action on the brain chemicals makes it a psychotropic medication.
Desvenlafaxaine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft which in turn, increases the amounts of these neurotransmitters in the brain (1).
This action of desvenlafaxine on brain neurotransmitters alters the brain chemistry and helps in alleviating the symptoms of mental illnesses, psychiatric conditions, depression, and anxiety-related symptoms (1).
Desvenlafaxine is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It takes almost 4-6 weeks to start showing its efficacy by altering the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain thus, alleviating symptoms of MDD (1).
Therefore, by exerting its effects on the brain and by altering levels of brain chemicals and interfering with brain chemistry, desvenlafaxine is also included in the psychotropic drugs that affect the brain and alleviate symptoms of mental illnesses.
What are some other psychotropic drugs?
Medications that fall under the category of psychotropic drugs include (3):
Antidepressant medications- These drugs are used to alleviate symptoms related to depression and related conditions. The following drug classes are commonly included in antidepressant medications:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)- Sertraline, Citalopram
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)- Duloxetine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)- Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
Anxiolytics- These are the medications that help in reducing or alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and related symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, alprazolam, etc are commonly included in anxiolytic medications.
Stimulants- These medications improve physical and mental well-being and functioning. These are psychotropic drugs that elevate mood, energy, and level of alertness. Nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamines are commonly included in stimulants.
Mood stabilizers- These medications are used to treat mood-related conditions in patients suffering from sudden mood shifts due to mania or bipolar disorders. Lithium and valproic acid are the most commonly used mood stabilizers.
Antipsychotics- These medications are also known as neuroleptic drugs. These are most commonly used for psychiatric conditions (4).
- Typical (1st generation)- Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Fluphenazine
- Atypical(2nd generation)- Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone
How to select the best psychotropic drug for your condition?
In order to select the best antipsychotic drug, you need to consult with your healthcare practitioner and get a detailed assessment of your condition. Based on this your doctor can prescribe you the most suitable antipsychotic drug.
After assessing your health, signs, and symptoms your doctor will prescribe you the medication that suits you the best based on their expertise and professional knowledge and experience.
However, to get the most appropriate medication and treatment, you need to have an honest and transparent conversation with your practitioner so that they do not miss out on important details and select the best medication to alleviate your symptoms.
In the end, I would suggest that most psychotropic medications are prescription drugs and should not be used without your doctor’s recommendations. Therefore, always consult with your doctor before starting or stopping any psychotropic drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms and other adversities.
Was this helpful?
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.-
Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN); Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing: Mental Health and Community Concepts [Internet]. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2022. Chapter 6 Psychotropic Medications. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590034/
3.-
Sathyanarayana Rao TS, Andrade C. Classification of psychotropic drugs: Problems, solutions, and more problems. Indian J Psychiatry. 2016 Apr-Jun;58(2):111-3. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.183771. PMID: 27385840; PMCID: PMC4919951. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4919951/
4.-
Ameer MA, Saadabadi A. Neuroleptic Medications. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459150/
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