Is Desvenlafaxine a strong antidepressant? (3+ studies)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026
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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 question “Is Desvenlafaxine a strong antidepressant?”. We will discuss the safety and efficacy of Desvenlafaxine in the light of research findings. We will also discuss some common side effects and what to do if Desvenlafaxine does not help manage your condition.

Is Desvenlafaxine a strong antidepressant?

Desvenlafaxine (also known as Pristiq) is a strong antidepressant and well-tolerated by many individuals receiving therapy for a short duration. However, the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Desvenlafaxine may vary from person to person.

Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant belonging to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) used for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) (1).

Desvenlafaxine and other antidepressants may work differently in different individuals. The effects of this medication may be strong for one person, and not so much for the other. The reason behind this is the different physiology, characteristics and genetics of each individual. Some individuals may have comorbidities that can affect the response of the individual to any medication.

What does research suggest?

Many research studies have been published assessing the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Desvenlafaxine. They have shown that Desvenlafaxine is a good strong antidepressant for short-term use if the individual responds well to the medication.

A research study assessing the efficacy of Desvenlafaxine in individuals with depression showed that it was effective in patients under 65 years old. Individuals above 65 years do not show much improvement in symptoms (2).

Another study evaluated the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Desvenlafaxine 50mg/day in patients with major depressive disorder and reported that Desvenlafaxine in this dosage showed effectiveness for the short-term treatment of MDD (3).

A clinical study analysing the efficacy of Desvenlafaxine in various doses also reported the medication to be efficacious in the short-term treatment of MDD. However, doses above 50mg/day did not show any greater efficacy than the lower doses (4).

In another study, on the safety and efficacy of Desvenlafaxine, it was concluded that Desvenlafaxine was effective and well tolerated in individuals receiving it for MDD for a short duration (5).

Another analysis of a large population of patients with MDD reported that Desvenlafaxine was effective in doses of 50mg/day and 100mg/day supporting the findings of many previous studies regarding the efficacy of Desvenlafaxine (6).

What are the side effects of Desvenlafaxine use?

Desvenlafaxine can produce side effects in individuals taking this medication. Some common side effects tend to –+ when your body adjusts to the medication. But if you are experiencing side effects that do not go away then you should consult your healthcare provider.

Common side effects

Some common side effects are experienced by most people undergoing therapy with Desvenlafaxine. These are as follows (1):

Rare side effects

Some rare side effects of Desvenlafaxine include (1):

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Nightmares
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Angle-closure glaucoma
  • Activation of mania or hypomania
  • Hyponatremia
  • Interstitial lung disease
  • Eosinophilic pneumonia
  • Seizures

What to do if Desvenlafaxine is not helping your condition?

If Desvenlafaxine does not improve your symptoms or does not help your condition you should contact your healthcare provider. After discussing this matter with your doctor, your doctor may increase or decrease the dosage of Desvenlafaxine. If this also fails, then your healthcare provider may prescribe you a different antidepressant for your condition.

If you are prescribed another antidepressant then Desvenlafaxine will need to be tapered off gradually to reduce the chances of discontinuation syndrome.

If unwanted side effects are the only reason to discontinue Desvenlafaxine, then your healthcare provider may prescribe you medications to specifically target the side effects. However, if that does not work then your doctor may change your antidepressant.

Keep in mind to consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication. Also, make sure to discuss any problems you are facing while using Desvenlafaxine, with your healthcare provider.

In this article, we answered the question “Is Desvenlafaxine a strong antidepressant?”. We also discussed research studies, some common and rare side effects and what to do if Desvenlafaxine is not working for your condition.

To the best of my knowledge and according to research, Desvenlafaxine is a strong antidepressant and can help treat symptoms of MDD but for a short duration. However, how Desvenlafaxine affects an individual may vary from person to person. Make sure to take this medication as per your doctor’s instructions to ensure safety and efficacy.

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References

1.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. PRISTIQ® (desvenlafaxine) Extended-Release tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021992s042lbl.pdf 

2.-

Mosca D, Zhang M, Prieto R, Boucher M. Efficacy of desvenlafaxine compared with placebo in major depressive disorder patients by age group and severity of depression at baseline. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2017 Apr 1;37(2):182-92. https://journals.lww.com/psychopharmacology/abstract/2017/04000/efficacy_of_desvenlafaxine_compared_with_placebo.13.aspx

3.-

Liebowitz MR, Manley AL, Padmanabhan SK, Ganguly R, Tummala R, Tourian KA. Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day and 100 mg/day in outpatients with major depressive disorder. Current medical research and opinion. 2008 Jul 1;24(7):1877-90. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007990802161923

4.-

Thase ME, Kornstein SG, Germain JM, Jiang Q, Guico-Pabia C, Ninan PT. An integrated analysis of the efficacy of desvenlafaxine compared with placebo in patients with major depressive disorder. CNS spectrums. 2009 Mar;14(3):144-54. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=4b8d94470fcde151178c049e4bc909afc4145c79

5.-

DeMartinis NA, Yeung PP, Entsuah R, Manley AL. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine succinate in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2007 May 1;68(5):677-88. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17503976/

6.-

Carrasco JL, Kornstein SG, McIntyre RS, Fayyad R, Prieto R, Salas M, Mackell J, Boucher M. An integrated analysis of the efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2016 May 1;31(3):134-46. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wk/incps/2016/00000031/00000003/art00003

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