Fluvoxamine: Uses, Precautions And Side Effects Of This Drug
Among the large number of antidepressant drugs that exist, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are those that are most famous due to 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 talk about throughout this article.
Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant drug that It is included in the group of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Therefore, and like the rest of the SSRI antidepressants, its function is to prevent the reuptake of serotonin so that its levels increase in the nervous system.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is produced naturally in our brain, which, among many other functions, has the ability to promote or improve our mood and prevent us from feeling sad or depressed.
Compared to tricyclic antidepressants, fluvoxamine exerts a much more powerful action when it comes to inhibiting this serotonin reuptake In addition, it has a much lower affinity for muscarinic, 5-HT2C and alpha 1 receptors, so its side effects are also quite minor.
Likewise, a very distinctive characteristic of fluoxetine is its action on sigma 1 receptors. Although the function of these receptors is still under investigation, recent studies in animals propose that its potentiation has a close relationship with the improvement of symptoms. cognitive aspects of depression.
Based on its effects on the inhibition of serotonin reuptake, fluoxetine is administered in those cases in which the person suffers from some type of mental disorder or illness that includes emotional symptoms.
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 (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 setting. 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 social situations, in most cases this fear being related to experiencing an embarrassing situation.
2. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by the appearance of intrusive, repetitive and continuous thoughts that provoke the person a feeling of discomfort, fear and nervousness These thoughts lead the person to carry out 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 demonstrated greater effectiveness in this type of disorder, which is why they have become the treatment of choice when it comes to improving symptoms.
3. Panic disorder
Another anxiety disorder for which fluoxetine is particularly effective is panic disorder. This condition causes the person to experience sudden attacks of terror without any external stimulus causing it.
This mental alteration is included within disorders related to trauma and stress factors, and produces in the person a series of symptoms typical of anxiety disorders caused by experiencing 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 can vary in relation to parameters such as duration, severity or persistence. However, most are characterized by having a low and irritable mood most of the time, fatigue and lack of energy or feelings of uselessness and low self-esteem among many others.
Although there are many other antidepressant drugs in the SSRI category, such as fluoxetine, recent studies comparing this drug with fluvoxamine have determined that this second drug has greater superiority in terms of onset of action. and of improving sleep quality in patients
How is it administered?
Fluvoxamine occurs both in regular tablet format and in extended-release capsules both to be consumed 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 so that they are as effective as possible.
In neither case 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?
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 last over time or worsen; while in serious effects the patient must contact him urgently.
Among the side effects of fluvoxamine that are not very serious, the most common are the following.
Serious side effects
Among the serious side effects, the following stand out.
Vertigo.
hallucinations
Alterations in coordination.
Fever, sweating and confusion.
Pain or tingling in the extremities
Tremors without known cause.
Skin changes such as rash and hives.
Respiratory problems.
Seizures.
Loss of consciousness.
Bleeding and bruises.
Nosebleed
Vomiting with blood.
Stools with blood or a very dark color.
Precautions to consider
As with many other medications with very powerful effects on the body, it is recommended that the patient inform their doctor of any special health situation in which they are found, such as other conditions or allergies.
In addition, you must also report all medications, vitamin supplements or natural complexes that you regularly consume, as well as your alcohol habits.
Like other SSRIs, fluvoxamine can cause problems in the fetus and in the newborn child, so it is necessary for the patient to inform if she is pregnant or if she intends to remain pregnant.
Although the drowsiness effects are greater in other antidepressant drugs, those who regularly drive or operate heavy machinery should pay special attention and take appropriate precautions.
