Is desvenlafaxine the same as venlafaxine? (7 comparisons)
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 explore whether desvenlafaxine is the same as venlafaxine. Furthermore, we will discuss the comparison between venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine in terms of mechanism, indication, efficacy, side effects, dosage forms, and precautions while using venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine.
Is desvenlafaxine the same as venlafaxine?
Desvenlafaxine is not the same as venlafaxine. These two medications are associated with one another as desvenlafaxine is an active metabolite of venlafaxine. It means that when venlafaxine is taken, it is converted into desvenlafaxine. Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine belong to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class of antidepressants (1).
What is the comparison between desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine?
The comparison between desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine is discussed below:
Mechanism of action
Venlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters in the synaptic regions of the brain. By this mechanism of action, venlafaxine increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain cells.
Venlafaxine has more affinity to block the reuptake of serotonin compared to norepinephrine. Venlafaxine majorly block serotonin at a lower dose of 75mg per day, and norepinephrine at higher doses of 225mg per day along with serotonin inhibition (1).
On the other hand, desvenlafaxine strongly inhibits the reuptake of serotonin compared to norepinephrine in the brain’s synaptic regions. Both venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are structurally similar to each other (2).
Therapeutic uses
Venlafaxine is FDA-approved to treat depression, anxiety and cataplexy. Venlafaxine can also be used to treat other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other related disorders (1).
Desvenlafaxine, on the other hand, is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder. However, in clinical practices, desvenlafaxine might be useful in treatment-resistant depression and hot flashes during menopause (2).
Efficacy
Several research studies have suggested that venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are similar in efficacy in treating major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine, both improve the symptoms of depression, such as enhancing mood, negative thoughts, or emotionless (3,4).
Side effects
A comparison between common side effects of venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine has been shown in the below table (5,6):
| Common side effects | Venlafaxine | Desvenlafaxine |
| Nausea | Yes | Yes (but less chances) |
| Dizziness | Yes | Yes |
| Fatigue | Yes | Yes |
| Loss of appetite | Yes | Yes |
| Constipation or diarrhoea | Yes | Yes |
| Abdominal pain | Yes | No |
| Sweating | Yes | Yes |
| Insomnia | No | Yes |
| Headache | Yes | Yes |
Dosage form
Venlafaxine is available in extended-release capsules that are consumed with food. You can take venlafaxine capsules once a day, in the morning or evening, depending on which time is best for you according to your specific needs. Venlafaxine capsules need to be taken as a whole.
But if you are unable to take venlafaxine capsules as a whole, you may open and sprinkle the granules on applesauce and consume it immediately.
On the other hand, desvenlafaxine is available in extended-release tablets, that are consumed once daily with or without food. Do not cut, crush, split or chew desvenlafaxine tablets and swallow them as a whole with water.
You should take venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine at the same time each day. Do not alter the time or dosage of these medications on your own. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose, and take it as per schedule if the time of the next dose is near (5,6).
What are the precautions while using venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine?
The precautions while taking venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are discussed below:
- Do not take venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine if you are allergic to either of them or any other medicine of the same class (SNRIs).
- You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
- Your doctor must be aware of your family or medical history; so have an open and clear communication with them.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or have surgery.
- Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine cause drowsiness; therefore avoid driving and other tasks that require concentration and alertness.
- Avoid taking alcohol as it may add to the drowsiness caused by venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine (5,6).
Can you use venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine together?
You should not take venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine together. These two medications have almost the same side effects and can make them worse if taken in combination. As venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine increase the serotonin levels, they might lead to a rare but life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome.
In my opinion, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are two different medications but are structurally similar to each other. Venlafaxine is approved for depression, and anxiety, and can also be used for related disorders; however, desvenlafaxine is used for depression only. Do not take venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine together and with other drugs that can interact with them.
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References
1.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30570984/
2.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. 2023 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521250. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521250/
3.-
Coleman KA, Xavier VY, Palmer TL, Meaney JV, Radalj LM, Canny LM. An indirect comparison of the efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine using placebo as the common comparator. CNS Spectr. 2012 Sep;17(3):131-41. doi: 10.1017/S1092852912000648. Epub 2012 Aug 13. PMID: 22883424. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22883424/
4.-
Sopko MA Jr, Ehret MJ, Grgas M. Desvenlafaxine: another “me too” drug? Ann Pharmacother. 2008 Oct;42(10):1439-46. doi: 10.1345/aph.1K563. Epub 2008 Aug 12. PMID: 18698015. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18698015/
5.-
Venlafaxine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694020.html
6.-
Desvenlafaxine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608022.html
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