Fluvoxamine: uses, precautions and side effects of this drug

This Antidepressant is widely used against anxiety disorders and social phobia.

Among the large number of antidepressant drugs that exist, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are those that enjoy the most fame due to their efficacy and bearable side effects.

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

What is fluvoxamine?

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

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in our brain, which, among many other functions, has the function of favoring or improving our mood and preventing us from feeling sad or depressed.

Compared to tricyclic antidepressants, fluvoxamine exerts a much more potent action when it comes to mood enhancement. a much more potent action in inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin.. In addition, it has a much lower affinity for muscarinic, 5-HT2C and alpha 1 receptors, so its side effects are also much lower.

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

In which 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 emotional symptomatology.

Some of the cases in which the administration of fluvoxamine can be effective are disorders such as social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Besides, obviously, depressive disorders or conditions with depressive symptoms.

1. Social phobia

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

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

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the appearance of intrusive, repetitive and continuous thoughts that cause 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 drugs such as fluvoxamine have shown the greatest efficacy in this type of disorder and have become the treatment of choice when it comes to improving symptoms.

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 provoke them.

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder

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

5. Depressive disorders

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

Although there are many other SSRI antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine, recent studies comparing this drug with fluvoxamine have determined that fluvoxamine has a greater superiority in terms of onset of action and improvement in sleep quality. improvement in the quality of sleep in patients..

How is it administered?

Fluvoxamine is available in both in both regular tablet form and in extended-release capsules.both to be taken orally.

The usual recommended dose of this drug is once a day before the patient goes to bed, or twice a day, once when getting up and once before going to sleep. However, it is necessary to follow it is necessary to follow to the letter the indications of the medical professional, who will adjust the doses of the drug to the patient's needs.The doses will be adjusted individually so that they are as effective as possible.

In none of the cases the patient can increase or decrease the dosage on his own, nor can he take fluvoxamine more frequently than recommended.

What side effects can it cause?

The unwanted side effects of fluvoxamine can be divided into non-serious side effects and serious side effects. In the first case, the person should notify his/her physician if these symptoms persist over time or worsen; while in the case of severe effects, the patient should contact the physician 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.
• Alteration of attention and memory.
• Gastric problems.
• Gas.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Alterations in the sense of taste.
• Loss of weight.
• Agitation.
• Feeling of weakness.
• Changes in sexual desire and ability.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects include the following.

• Dizziness.
• Hallucinations.
• Alterations in coordination.
• Fever, sweating and confusion.
• Pain or tingling in the extremities..
• Tremors with no known cause.
• Skin changes such as rash. and urticaria.
• Respiratory problems.
• Convulsions.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Bleeding and bruises.
• Nosebleeds..
• vomiting blood
• Bloody or very dark stools.

Precautions to take into account

As with many other drugs with very potent effects on the body, it is recommended that the patient inform his doctor of any special health situation he may have, such as other conditions or allergies.

In addition, the patient should also report any medications, vitamin supplements or natural complexes that he/she regularly consumes, as well as his/her alcoholic habits.

Like the other SSRIs, fluvoxamine can cause problems in the fetus and in the newborn child, so it is necessary that the patient informs if she is pregnant or if she intends to become pregnant.

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