Can Fluvoxamine mess with your periods? (+3 factors)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss the effects of Fluvoxamine on periods or menstrual health. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Can Fluvoxamine mess with your periods?
Fluvoxamine may affect periods in some women. Although it is not considered a common side effect, menstrual irregularities are considered possible and listed as a side effect of Fluvoxamine.
Menstrual problems such as heavy or unusual bleeding, spotting or bleeding between periods, and periods with severe pain and cramps can be caused by the use of some antidepressants such as Fluvoxamine (1)
According to the National Health Service, these changes are not normal and should be discussed with a healthcare provider immediately.
Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is an antidepressant used for treating anxiety and depression (2).
Several studies have shown that Fluvoxamine and other antidepressants like Sertraline, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Mirtazapine, Venlafaxine etc cause menstruation disorders.
What is the potential connection between Fluvoxamine and irregular periods?
Antidepressants such as Fluvoxamine can interfere with menstrual cycles leading to irregular periods. Fluvoxamine, which is an SSRI, can cause the release of high levels of a hormone called prolactin.
Elevated prolactin levels prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs by blocking the release of follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to missed periods (5).
What does research suggest?
Several research studies have found a link between menstrual issues and Fluvoxamine or antidepressants in general.
One of the research studies was conducted on 1432 women subjects. They were divided into two groups, the antidepressant group and the control group. The results showed that menstrual disorders were high in the antidepressant group (3)
Another study indicated a notable prevalence of menstruation disorders among women using antidepressants, suggesting a potential association between such disorders and the use of antidepressant medications (4).
Can Fluvoxamine lead to other hormonal changes?
Fluvoxamine, being an SSRI, mainly targets serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. However, it can indirectly influence changes in the secretion of some hormones like cortisol and prolactin and possibly others. The extent of changes can vary among individuals.
The impact of Fluvoxamine on these hormone levels is less significant compared to other medications that directly affect hormone regulation. If you are concerned about hormone changes while taking Fluvoxamine, it is important to consult this with your healthcare provider.
What other factors besides Fluvoxamine lead to irregular periods?
Various factors can contribute to irregular periods. These include:
- Pregnancy
- Stress and anxiety
- Hormone imbalance e.g elevated levels of prolactin hormone
- Certain infections e.g uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps
- Trauma
- Weight changes
- Certain medications e.g antiepileptics and antidepressants
- Age
- Menopause
- Intrauterine devices (IUD)
Can depression affect your period?
Depression or high levels of stress can affect your menstrual cycles. Various studies have suggested that women suffering from depression are more prone to irregular periods.
Depression triggers cortisol release affecting the hypothalamus. This affects the usual signal from the hypothalamus to release an egg, resulting in delayed or absent periods due to altered ovulation (6).
If your period becomes irregular or problematic while taking Fluvoxamine, it could be a sign that the medication is not effectively managing your depression. In such cases, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
What to do if Fluvoxamine is affecting your period?
If Fluvoxamine is affecting your periods, reach out to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may try a dose reduction at first to help your body adjust to the medication. If dose reduction does not work, they may gradually discontinue the medication or switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend hormonal assays to check the levels of hormones in your body, like prolactin, to diagnose any potential hormonal changes that could affect your menstrual cycle.
It is all about finding the best strategy to help you feel your best, both mentally and physically. So, communicate openly with your healthcare provider.
Alternative medications if Fluvoxamine is affecting your periods
If you are experiencing irregular periods while taking Fluvoxamine, your doctor may switch to another antidepressant such as:
- Sertraline
- Paroxetine
- Bupropion
However, it is crucial to remember that these medications have their own side effects and individual responses to medications vary. So, it is important to consult your doctor before switching to another antidepressant. They can provide guidance based on your individual health and needs.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Fluvoxamine can cause irregular periods in some women. However, individual responses to medications vary. It is advisable to communicate openly with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment plans.
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References
1.-
Highlights Of Prescribing Information These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Fluvoxamine Maleate Tablets safely and effectively.https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021519s003lbl.pdf
2.-
Figgitt DP, McClellan KJ. Fluvoxamine. An updated review of its use in the management of adults with anxiety disorders. Drugs. 2000 Oct;60(4):925-54. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200060040-00006. PMID: 11085201.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11085201/#:~:text=Fluvoxamine%20is%20a%20potent%20and,a%20potent%20inhibitor%20of%20CYP1A2.
4.-
Uguz F, Sahingoz M, Kose SA, Ozbebit O, Sengul C, Selvi Y, Sengul CB, Ayhan MG, Dagistanli A, Askin R. Antidepressants and menstruation disorders in women: a cross-sectional study in three centers. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2012 Sep-Oct;34(5):529-33. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.03.014. Epub 2012 Apr 24. PMID: 22534402.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22534402/
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