Is Effexor sedating? (+2 case studies)
By
Dr Maryam Shabbir (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Ivan Kahwa
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Maryam Shabbir PhD is a pharmacist with expertise in drugs delivery, pharmacology, dosage form design, transdermal drug delivery system, microneedles, and solubility enhancement. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Maryam Shabbir’s Highlights:
Assistant Professor at The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
PhD in Pharmaceutics with a focus on solubility enhancement of BCS class II and III drugs and their delivery through transdermal route using microneedles.
Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Lahore with a two-year scholarship.
Professional Experience:
Dr Maryam Shabbir joined Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore as soon as she completed her Pharm-D in 2010. In 2017, she got promoted as an assistant professor.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has supervised twenty two M.Phil. students in pharmaceutics in areas such as transdermal drug delivery system, nanoparticles, microparticle, solid dispersion, and transdermal patches.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects, including the development of lyophilized wafer of Acyclovir with Medisearch Pharmacal Pvt. Ltd., a major pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.She has also worked as a team member in one of the Contract Research Organizations of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has organized two International conferences and three national conferences as conference secretary for the University of Lahore in collaboration with Punjab Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has submitted two patents to the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO), and three patents are in pipeline. She has also presented her work in different exhibitions organized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. She works in close liaison with the Innovation Hub, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir participated as a member of the examination board for several Master’s exams and as an external examiner for Pharm-D in reputable universities of Pakistan. She is also a member of Punjab Pharmacy Council and Pakistan Pharmacist Association.
Education:
2010 Pharm D at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2013 Master of Philosophy (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2022 PhD (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
The main publications of Dr. Maryam Shabbir are:
Saeed S, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Shabbir M, Anjum I, Badshah SF, et al. Flexible Topical Hydrogel Patch Loaded with Antimicrobial Drug for Accelerated Wound Healing. Gels. 2023;9(7):567.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, et al. Preparation and characterization of polymeric cross-linked hydrogel patch for topical delivery of gentamicin. e-Polymers. 2023;23(1):20230045.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, Mehmood Y, Khalid I, Malik NS, Bin Jardan YAl. Fabrication of pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 for the controlled release of ketorolac: its characterization and acute oral toxicity study. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 2022;48(11):611-22.
Maher S, Shabbir M, Anam I, Khan N, Iqbal S, Saleem F. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of methanolic extract of medicinal plants from Balochistan. Int J Biol Biotechnol. 2020;15:691-7.
Shabbir M, Sajid A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, et al. Influence of different formulation variables on the performance of transdermal drug delivery system containing tizanidine hydrochloride: in vitro and ex vivo evaluations. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019;54:e00130.
Nagra U, Adnan S, Shafqat S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Zafar A, et al. Effect of Sustained Release Polymers on Drug Release Profile of Aceclofenac Tablets Physicochemical Properties, Analysis of Kinetics and Fit Factor. Indian J Pharm Educ Res. 2019;53:58-65.
Fatima S, Akhtar MF, Ashraf KM, Sharif A, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Peerzada S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Ashraf W, Antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory activities of Fumaria officinalis and its antidiabetic potential against alloxan induced diabetes. Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France). 2019;65(2):50-7.
Saeed S, Raza M, Shabbir M, Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Zaman M, et al. Study of Multi-Drug Resistance Associated with Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment by DOT Implementation Strategy in Pakistan. Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences. 2018;14:107-12.
Arshad I, Ali S, Amin U, Shabbir M, Raza M, Sharif A, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on the release of ketoprofen and allopurinol from bilayer matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2018;37(8):3076-83.
Sohail K, Javaid Z, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Peerzada S, Ahmad S. Formulation and evaluation of ranitidine floating tablets using different polymer combinations. Journal of Toxicological &Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017;1(1):18-25.
Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Manan M, Shabbir M, et al. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of whole plant extracts of Kalanchoe laciniata by Ames and MTT assay. EXCLI journal. 2017;16:593.
Shahid N, Adnan S, Farooq M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Masood Z, et al. Development of compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core comprising of atorvastatin/clopidogrel/aspirin using compression coating technique. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 2017;74(2):477-87.
Shabbir M, Fazli AR, Ali S, Raza M, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on in vitro dissolution and permeation of bisoprolol fumarate through transdermal patch. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74:187-97.
Saba Mazhar NS, Raza M, Akhtar B, Zahra A, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Chishti SA, Shabbir M, Sharif A. A descriptive study of Measles outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan in 2013. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):26-30.
Manzoor I, Raza M, Shabbir M, Ali S, Akhtar MF, Peerzada S, et al. Formulation and characterization of curcumin nanoparticles prepared from eudragit L-100 and poly vinyl alcohol as polymer. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):7-12.
Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Saleem M, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Raza M, Ijaz H, Shabbir M, Ali S, Nasim MB, Peerzada S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Alternanthera Bettzickiana, an important ethno-medicinal plant. Cellular and Molecular Biology. 2017;63(8):109-14.
Ahmed S, Saeed-Ul-Hassan S, Islam M, Qureshi F, Waheed I, Munawar I, Ishtiaq S, Rasool S, Akhtar MF, Chishti SA, Shabbir M. Anti-oxidant activity of Pistachia khinjuk supported by phytochemical investigation. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74(1):173-8.
Shahid N, Ali S, Shabbir M, Waqar K. Compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core for cardiovascular disease-A review. The Pharma Innovation. 2016;4(3, Part B).
Shabbir M, Ali S, Farooq M, Adnan S, Yousaf M, Idrees A, et al. Formulation factors affecting in vitro and ex vivo permeation of bisoprolol fumarate from a matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2016;35(3):237-47.
Mehmood A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Shabbir M, et al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of seeds of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. In animal models. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica. 2016;73(6):1601-8.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N, Amin U, Hamid I, Raza M. Effect of Polysorbate 80 Through Rabbit’s Skin Using Transdermal Patch Loaded with Bisoprolol Fumarate as Model Drug. Pakistan J Zool. 2016;48(1):227-34.
Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Sharif A, Akhtar B, Nasim MB, Peerzada S, Raza M, Ijaz H, Ahmed S, Shabbir M, Ali S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant of ethnopharmacological significance. EXCLI journal. 2016;15:589.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N. The Structure of Skin and Transdermal Drug Delivery System-A Review. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2015;8(2):103-9.
Shabbir M, Ali S, Shahid N, Rehman K, Amin U, Raza M. Formulation considerations and factors affecting transdermal drug delivery system-A review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Integrated Life Sciences. 2014;2(9):20-35.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Farooq M, Adnan S, Shahid N. The enhancement effect of permeation enhancers on Bisoprolol fumarate across animal membrane using Franz diffusion cell. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2014;7(12):1391-5.
Conference papers
Shabbir M (2022), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Policy Gap between Health and Pharmaceutical Industry. In International Social Science Conference 2022 (School of International Social Sciences, University of Lahore).
Shabbir M (2022), Controlling Permeation of Ketoprofen and Allopurinol through Bilayer Transdermal Patch using Multiple Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In Current Advancement in Pharmacy Practice (CAPP)- Theory to Practice (University of Lahore, Lahore)
Shabbir M (2018), Nanocarriers Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Different Cancers. In the 4th Annual International Pharmacy Scientific Symposium and Poster Exhibition-2018 (University of Central Punjab, Lahore).
Shabbir M (2018), Lipid Enveloped Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Photodynamic Chemotherapy. In the 3rd International Health Trigon Summit-2018 (University of Lahore).
You can view some of Dr Maryam’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Publon Profile: publons.com/researcher/1495244/maryam-shabbir
ORCID: 0000-0002-9308-5175
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maryam-Shabbir-4
Google Scholar: Maryam Shabbir – Google Scholar
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-shabbir-b409a270
Reviewer 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 if Effexor exerts a sedative effect when used in a treatment regimen for depression.
Is Effexor sedating?
Yes, Effexor can have a sedating effect. Effexor has been reported to cause sedation in some individuals, but the intensity is dose-dependent. The sedative effect might also increase if you are taking other medications or alcohol.
Sedation is the reduction of the patient’s response to the surrounding and external stimuli. This can sometimes help patients with panic attacks feel relaxed and improve their sleeping patterns due to insomnia. Sedation can also reduce involuntary movements associated with depression.
Effexor is used to sedate unwanted nervous ticks, such as shaking hands and anxiety. On the flip side, it can also activate and improve your desire to engage in daily chores and activities. Effexor exerts its effect by changing the balance of available serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in your brain.
How does Effexor cause sedation?
Effexor increases serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain by preventing these transport proteins from being absorbed at the presynaptic terminal. As a result, there are more transmitters available at the synapse, which in turn stimulates postsynaptic receptors more intensely. Effexor mostly affects noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons, and they barely affect cholinergic or histaminergic receptors (1).
Effexor may make you tired either directly making you drowsy or degrading the quality of your sleep. When taking medication, a patient usually notices the effect right away when they have an increased urge to sleep. Numerous issues arise from sedation and sleepiness such as exhaustion, difficulty in concentrating, making blunders, and mood swings with irritation.
What are the other psychological side effects of Effexor?
Numerous side effects are possible with Effexor. Some may go away after starting treatment in a few weeks, while others might not.
- Effexor side effects that are frequently seen include drowsiness, headache, altered appetite, and sedation.
- Effexor may be linked to a persistent, mild rise in blood pressure in certain individuals. Frequent blood pressure monitoring may be necessary.
- Effexor may make young adults more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or actions. It is not usually advised for anyone under the age of 18.
- It may produce sleepiness, or impair judgement, making it difficult for someone to concentrate.
- Effexor may induce serotonin syndrome when administered with other drugs. The symptoms might include agitation, hallucination, fast heartbeat, muscle tremor, flushing and dizziness.
- Effexor may cause someone with undiagnosed bipolar disorder to experience a manic episode.
- It may result in hyponatremia. Those who are already dehydrated, elderly, or on diuretics may be particularly vulnerable.
- If stopped suddenly, it may result in withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms might include headache, flu-like symptoms, and electric shock feelings
What does the clinical data suggest?
In a study conducted on rats, the authors demonstrated a sedative effect in animals when Effexor was given a single and repetitive administration of the drug. The sedative effect was attributed to the Effexor deactivation of the noradrenaline transporters. The reason for the lack of alterations in the rat’s locomotor activity could be the drug’s poor affinity for the alpha-1 and H1 receptors, which could lead to sedation (2).
In another study, a single administration of Effexor caused sedation in animals. However, in clinical settings Effexor needs repetitive administration, making the data less reliable for evaluating the effect of sedation on the patient. The authors suggested that the sedative effect of Effexor could be attributed to its stimulating action on the noradrenaline and serotogenic receptors (3).
How to manage sedation while taking Effexor?
It might be challenging to control the sedative effect of Effexor. Other options include taking Effexor at night so that their sedative effects are typically limited to the hours of sleep or trying a different antidepressant such as bupropion.
While combining Effexor with another drug can be successful (prescribing an antidote such as modafinil), these are not the only options. Sometimes sedation is desirable, while other times it is not. As long as the sedative effects do not last till the morning, it is ideal for treating insomnia.
Patients using Effexor should undergo regular monitoring of their lipid profile and renal function. It is imperative to exercise vigilance when monitoring individuals with psychiatric disorders that exhibit indications of suicidality, sadness, sedation and mania. Effexor should not be started within two weeks of quitting monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy.
Conclusion
This article described the sedative effect of Exeffor. It also describes the ways you can cope with the sedation caused by Effexor and other related side effects you might experience.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. [Updated 2022 Oct 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/
2.-
Mitchell HA, Ahern TH, Liles LC, Javors MA, Weinshenker D. The effects of norepinephrine transporter inactivation on locomotor activity in mice. Biological psychiatry. 2006 Nov 15;60(10):1046-52. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006322306005385
3.-
Ratajczak P, Kus K, Skurzyńska M, Nowakowska E. The influence of aripiprazole and venlafaxine on the antidepressant-like effect observed in prenatally stressed rats (animal model of depression). Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2018 Sep;37(9):972-82. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0960327117747023#bibr35-0960327117747023
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