Can Fluvoxamine And Olanzapine Be Taken Together? (3+ ADRs)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

View More north_east

In this article, we will discuss whether fluvoxamine and olanzapine can be taken together as a combination therapy or not. We will also discuss what research suggests on this, the efficacy of this combination therapy, the potential side effects of taking fluvoxamine and olanzapine together and what’s the best way to take these medications together.

Can fluvoxamine and olanzapine be taken together?

Yes, fluvoxamine and olanzapine can be taken together. However, it should be under the strict supervision and prescription of a qualified healthcare professional. (1)

Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant which is primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and OCD. Whereas, olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is generally used for the treatment of certain mental conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. (1)

While fluvoxamine and olanzapine have different primary uses and mechanisms of action, both medications can affect serotonin levels and combining them may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can cause confusion, hallucinations, seizures and other problems. (1)

It’s crucial to have open communication with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health situation and help you manage potential interactions or side effects.

What does research suggest?

According to research, a study was conducted involving patients with schizophrenia who were already taking olanzapine, researchers wanted to see what happens when they added fluvoxamine to the treatment. (3)

Olanzapine is broken down in the body by a certain enzyme, and fluvoxamine can interfere with this process. When fluvoxamine was added the levels of olanzapine in the patient’s bodies increased significantly.

The study found that the combination of olanzapine and fluvoxamine was generally well-tolerated and some patients showed improvement in symptoms.

However, the researchers recommended, using this combination cautiously and monitoring it closely to avoid potential side effects or complications related to increased olanzapine levels. If such a combination is considered, regular checks on medication levels in the blood would be important to ensure safety and effectiveness. (3)

What are the potential interactions between fluvoxamine and olanzapine?

When you take fluvoxamine and olanzapine together, there can be an interaction that affects the levels of olanzapine in your body. This interaction is primarily because olanzapine is metabolized by a specific enzyme called cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), and fluvoxamine can inhibit the activity of this enzyme. (1,2)

As a result, olanzapine levels could increase which could lead to a higher risk of side effects. It’s important to monitor these levels regularly to ensure they stay within a safe and effective range. (1)

The impact can vary from person to person, so combining these medications should be done cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

What are the side effects of taking fluvoxamine and olanzapine together?

Some common side effects of this combination therapy include: (4,5)

Sedation or drowsiness: The combination may increase the feelings of sleepiness or drowsiness.
Weight changes: Olanzapine is known to be associated with weight gain or weight loss, and this effect may be more pronounced when combined with fluvoxamine.
Increased cholesterol and blood sugar levels: Olanzapine can affect your cholesterol and blood sugar levels and this risk could be heightened when used with fluvoxamine.
Movement disorder: The combination of these medications can increase the risk of movement-related problems.
Serotonin syndrome: Although in rare cases, the increased risk of serotonin syndrome is associated when combining medications that affect serotonin levels.

It’s important to note that side effects may vary from person to person and not everyone will experience them. The decision to combine these medications should be made carefully and close monitoring by a healthcare professional is required.

What to do if you experience fluvoxamine and olanzapine-induced side effects?

If you’re experiencing side effects while taking the combination therapy of fluvoxamine and olanzapine, here are some steps to consider: (2,3,4)

Contact your healthcare provider:

Reach out to your doctor as soon as you can and tell them about the side effects you are experiencing. They can provide you with professional guidance and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Medication adjustment:

Depending on the side effects you are experiencing, your healthcare provider may consider adjusting your dosage or they may discontinue one of the medications to address the issue.

Regular check-ups:

Attend regular check-ups with your doctor so they can keep an eye on your overall health and see how well the medications are working for you.

Follow any recommendations or advice given by your healthcare provider. They can adjust your dosage and change the time of your medication that is most suitable for you or they may consider alternative treatment options if needed.

In my opinion, self-prescribing and adjusting medication without professional advice can be risky and may lead to adverse effects or unintended consequences.

Open communication with a healthcare provider ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential benefits and risks, fostering a safer and more effective approach to managing your health.