Of the many antidepressant drugs available, the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular because of their effectiveness and tolerable 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.

What is fluvoxamine?

Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant drug that is included in the group of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Therefore, like the other SSRI antidepressants, its function is to prevent the reuptake of serotonin so that it increases levels 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 has a much more powerful action in inhibiting this reuptake of serotonin . In addition, it has a much lower affinity for the muscle receptors, 5-HT2C and alpha 1, so the side effects of this are also quite minor.

Likewise, 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 enhancement is closely related to the improvement of cognitive symptoms of depression.

What disorder is it used for?

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

Some of the cases in which fluvoxamine may be effective are disorders such as social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, obviously, depressive disorders or conditions with depressive pictures 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, and in most cases this fear is related to experiencing an embarrassing situation.

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 behaviours, known as compulsions, aimed at diminishing these feelings of anxiety.

Second generation antidepressant psychopharmaceuticals such as fluvoxamine have shown the greatest efficacy in this type of disorder, making them the treatment of choice when it comes to improving symptoms.

3. Panic disorder

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

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder

This mental alteration is included among 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 their symptomatology may vary in relation to parameters such as duration, severity or persistence. However, most are characterized by a low and irritable mood in most cases, 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 fluoxetine, recent studies comparing this drug with fluvoxamine have found that this second drug has a greater superiority in terms of initiation of action and improvement of sleep quality in patients .

How is it administered?

Fluvoxamine comes in both regular tablet and extended-release capsule formats , both for oral consumption.

The usual recommended dosage of this drug is once a day before the patient goes to bed, or twice, once upon arising and once before going to sleep. However, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the medical professional , who will adjust the doses individually to be as effective as possible.

In none of the cases can the patient increase or decrease the dose on his own, nor can he consume fluvoxamine more often 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 or her doctor if these symptoms persist over time or worsen; in the second case, the patient should contact his or her doctor as a matter of urgency.

Non-serious side effects

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

  • Drowsiness .
  • Headache.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Attention and memory impairment .
  • Gastric problems.
  • Gases.
  • Nausea and/or vomiting .
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Alterations in the sense of taste.
  • Weight loss.
  • Shaking .
  • Sense 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 alterations such as rash and hives.
  • Breathing problems.
  • Seizures.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Bleeding and bruising.
  • Nosebleed .
  • Vomiting blood.
  • Bloody stools or a very dark tone.

Precautions to be taken

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 situations they are in, such as other conditions or allergies.

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

Like the other SSRIs, fluvoxamine can cause problems for the foetus and the newborn child, so it is necessary for the patient to report whether she is pregnant or intends to stay.

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