diff --git a/backend/src/scripts/initializeDatabase.ts b/backend/src/scripts/initializeDatabase.ts
index 2b49b31..f4ea652 100644
--- a/backend/src/scripts/initializeDatabase.ts
+++ b/backend/src/scripts/initializeDatabase.ts
@@ -36,6 +36,19 @@ export async function initializeDatabase(): Promise<void> {
   
   try {
     console.log('Starting database initialization...');
+
+        // ✅ Set PRAGMA statements FIRST, before any transactions
+    await db.run('PRAGMA journal_mode = WAL;');
+    await db.run('PRAGMA synchronous = NORMAL;');
+    await db.run('PRAGMA foreign_keys = ON;');
+    await db.run('PRAGMA secure_delete = ON;');
+    await db.run('PRAGMA auto_vacuum = INCREMENTAL;');
+
+    
+    // ❌ REMOVE this line - synchronous cannot be changed in transaction
+    // await db.run('PRAGMA synchronous = NORMAL;');
+    
+    console.log('✅ Database PRAGMA settings configured');
     
     try {
       const existingAdmin = await db.get<{ count: number }>(