Fluvoxamine: Uses and Side Effects of This Drug

Among the large number of antidepressant drugs that exist, Selective Reuptake Inhibitors Serotonin (SSRI) are the most famous for their effectiveness and bearable side effects.

Within this group is fluvoxamine, a very effective antidepressant for a large number of disorders related to both depression and anxiety, which we will discuss throughout this article.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

What is fluvoxamine?

Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant drug that is included in the group of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Therefore, and like the rest of SSRI antidepressants, its function is to prevent the reuptake of serotonin so that the levels of this in the nervous system increase.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that occurs naturally in our brain, which, among many other functions, it is to favor or improve our mood and prevent us from feeling sad or depressed.

Compared to tricyclic antidepressants, fluvoxamine exerts a much more powerful action in inhibiting this reuptake of serotonin

. In addition, it has a much lower affinity for muscarinic receptors, 5-HT2C and alpha 1, so the side effects of this are also quite minor.

Also, a very distinctive feature of fluoxetine is its action at 1 sigma receptors. Although the function of these receptors is still under investigation, recent animal studies propose that its enhancement is closely related to the improvement of cognitive symptoms of depression.

• You may be interested: "SSRI: types, functioning and effects of this antidepressant"

In what disorder is it used?

Based on its effects on serotonin reuptake inhibition, fluoxetine is administered in those cases in which the person suffers from some type of mental disorder or illness that includes symptoms emotional.

Some of the cases in which the administration of fluvoxamine may be effective are disorders such as social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder or the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition to, obviously, depressive disorders or a condition with depressive symptoms or symptoms.

1. Social phobia

The use of antidepressants to treat anxiety disorders such as phobias is more than known in the clinical field. Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder (SAD), is considered one of the most common anxiety disorders.

This is distinguished from other phobias because the person has a persistent fear of one or more situations social, being in most cases this fear related to experiencing a situation embarrassing.

• You may be interested: "Social phobia: what is it and how to overcome it?"

2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the appearance of intrusive, repetitive and continuous thoughts that provoke in the person a feeling of discomfort, fear, and nervousness. These thoughts lead the person to perform a series of behaviors, known as compulsions, aimed at reducing these feelings of anxiety.

Second-generation antidepressant psychotropic drugs such as fluvoxamine are those that have shown greater efficacy in this type of disorder, which is why they have become the treatment of choice when it comes to improving the symptom.

3. Panic disorder

Another anxiety disorder in which fluoxetine is particularly effective is panic disorder. This condition causes the person to experience sudden attacks of terror without any external stimulus to cause it.

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder

This mental alteration is included within the disorders related to trauma and stress factors, and produces in the person a series of symptoms typical of anxiety disorders caused by the experience of a stressful or traumatic event such as war, physical abuse or rape or a catastrophe.

5. Depressive disorders

There are several disorders related to depression, and its symptoms may vary in relation to parameters such as duration, severity or persistence. However, most are characterized by a low and irritable mood in the majority of the time, fatigue and lack of energy or feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem among many others.

Although there are many other SSRI-category antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetineRecent studies, in which this drug is compared with fluvoxamine, have determined that this second drug has a greater superiority in terms of onset of action and the improvement of the quality of sleep in patients.

• Related article: "Are there several types of depression?"

How is it administered?

Fluvoxamine occurs both in regular tablet form as in extended-release capsules, both to consume orally.

The usual recommended dose of this drug is once a day before the patient goes to bed, or twice, once when getting up and once before going to sleep. Nevertheless, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the medical professional to the letter, which will adjust the doses individually to make them as effective as possible.

In none of the cases can the patient increase or decrease the dose on their own, nor can they consume fluvoxamine more frequently than recommended.

What side effects can it cause?

The unwanted side effects of fluvoxamine They can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects. In the first case, the person should notify their doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen; while in serious effects the patient must contact him urgently.

Non-serious side effects

Among the side effects of fluvoxamine that are not very serious, the most common are the following.

• Drowsiness.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth
• Impaired attention and memory.
• Gastric problems
• Gases
• Nausea and / or vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Alterations in the sense of taste.
• Weightloss.
• Agitation.
• Feeling of weakness
• Changes in sexual desire and ability.

Serious side effects

Among the serious side effects, the following stand out.

• Dizziness
• Hallucinations.
• Alterations in coordination.
• Fever, sweating, and confusion.
• Pain or tingling in the extremities.
• Tremors with no known cause.
• Skin changes such as a rash and hives.
• Respiratory problems.
• Seizures.
• Loss of consciousness
• Bleeds and bruises.
• Nosebleed.
• Vomiting blood
• Bloody stools or a very dark tone.

Precautions to consider

As in many other drugs with very powerful effects on the body, it is recommended that the patient inform your doctor of any special health situation you are in such as other conditions or allergies.

In addition, you must also report all those medications, vitamin supplements or natural complexes that you consume regularly, as well as your alcoholic habits.

Like the rest of SSRIs, fluvoxamine can cause problems in the fetus and in the newborn child, so it is necessary for the patient to inform whether she is pregnant or if she intends to stay.

Although the effects of drowsiness are greater in other antidepressant drugs, those people who drive or operate heavy machinery regularly should pay special attention and take precautions relevant.