Can Fluvoxamine cause headaches? (3+ tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will answer the question “Can Fluvoxamine cause headaches?”. We will also discuss the incidence of headaches caused by Fluvoxamine and some tips to manage or reduce the occurrence of Fluvoxamine-induced headaches.
Can Fluvoxamine cause headaches?
Yes, Fluvoxamine can cause headaches, especially at the start of treatment with this medication. Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant belonging to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and many other depressive illnesses (1).
Fluvoxamine therapy can cause many side effects like headaches, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, nervousness, and increased sweating at the start of therapy. Normally these side effects tend to resolve within 1-2 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Antidepressants including Fluvoxamine, can lower blood sodium levels, causing hyponatremia. If blood sodium levels go too low they can cause symptoms like headaches, confusion, fatigue and nausea. This effect is more common in the starting few weeks when antidepressant therapy is initiated. Elderly patients are also at a higher risk of Fluvoxamine-induced headaches.
What is the incidence of headaches caused by Fluvoxamine?
The incidence of Fluvoxamine-induced headaches varies among patients taking therapy. Research studies suggest that it is a commonly occurring side effect. Many patients experience this side effect at the start of treatment.
A study assessing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Fluvoxamine in depressive disorders reported headaches as a side effect of Fluvoxamine therapy in more than 20% of patients receiving this medication (2).
Another research study evaluating the side effect profile of all SSRIs reported the incidence of Fluvoxamine-induced headache to be almost 21% in individuals receiving treatment. This study also associated Fluvoxamine to be related to a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects as a result of therapy (3).
A study analysing the safety profile of Fluvoxamine in 24,624 patients receiving treatment reported headaches to be a frequently occurring side effect with an incidence of 4.7%. Almost 1.1% of patients discontinued Fluvoxamine due to this reason (4).
How to get rid of Fluvoxamine-induced headaches?
You can take OTC painkillers like Paracetamol, Naproxen or Ibuprofen to help you manage Fluvoxamine-induced headaches. Paracetamol is considered the safest option to manage any type of headache, due to its wide safety profile.
Naproxen and Ibuprofen are also good options but because they belong to a class of medications called NSAIDs, they can produce GI side effects in individuals. They may help you relieve your headache, but may also cause unwanted effects on your stomach.
Headaches caused by Fluvoxamine or other antidepressants (like bupropion or escitalopram) can go away on their own when your body gets used to the medication. If your headaches do not subside or get worse, make sure to reach out to your healthcare provider regarding your concerns.
Tips to manage Fluvoxamine-induced headaches
In addition to OTC medications, there are various tips and techniques which can help relieve your headache. Some of them are as follows:
- Take a break from activities that may worsen your headache and rest in a quiet and dark environment.
- Try getting some sleep. Sometimes getting too little sleep can also increase your headache.
- Applying a cold or warm press to the affected area can help reduce some of the symptoms. You can try applying a cold pack or warm towel to your head.
- Manage your stress by practising relaxation and stress management techniques meditation.
- Dehydration can cause headaches to worsen so keep yourself well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Try drinking tea or coffee but in moderation. Caffeine can increase the effects of OTC painkillers.
- Avoid triggers like strong odours, loud noises, bright lights and certain foods.
- Lower your alcohol intake as it can also aggravate your headache.
- Avoid electronic devices like tablets or mobile phones, because light from these devices can strain your eyes and increase your headache.
- Try a gentle massage to the temples, base of the skull, neck and shoulders. Using essential oils like peppermint, rosemary and lavender oil can also help.
- Try to maintain good posture to get rid of any pressure on your neck.
- Take a healthy diet and maintain a regular exercise routine.
- Keep a journal and record your headache incidences to identify any possible patterns.
Understanding Fluvoxamine-induced headaches
To summarise, Fluvoxamine can cause headaches. This fact has been well proven by research studies. It is a side effect of the medicine and not everyone experiences it. It can subside on its own after a few days when your body adjusts to the medication.
To the best of my knowledge and after thorough research, taking OTC painkillers and making some adjustments to your routine and lifestyle can help you with Fluvoxamine-induced headaches. If these do not help and the headache does not subside, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can better assess the situation and make changes to the prescription if needed.
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References
1.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. LUVOX® (fluvoxamine maleate) Tablets for oral administration. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/022235lbl.pdf
2.-
Benfield P, Ward A. Fluvoxamine: a review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in depressive illness. Drugs. 1986 Oct;32:313-34. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-198632040-00002
3.-
Ferguson JM. SSRI antidepressant medications: adverse effects and tolerability. Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry. 2001 Feb;3(1):22. https://www.psychiatrist.com/read-pdf/23317/
4.-
Wagner W, Plekkenpol B, Gray TE, Vlaskamp H, Essers H. Review of fluvoxamine safety database. Drugs. 1992 May;43:48-54. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199200432-00008
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