Can Luvox Be Taken With Effexor? (+3 Tips)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

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

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In this article, we will discuss whether Luvox (Fluvoxamine) can be taken with Effexor (Venlafaxine). We will also discuss some research studies and how to ensure the safe use of these medications together.

Can Luvox be taken with Effexor?

Luvox (Fluvoxamine) can be taken with Effexor (Venlafaxine) but only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Both Luvox and Effexor are prescription medications and should be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Luvox and Effexor are both antidepressant medications. They both work on chemicals in your brain and balance them to help your symptoms. Both antidepressants affect serotonin levels in the brain (1,2)

Combining the medication that affects serotonin increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

If your doctor has prescribed both medications together, they likely consider the potential risks and benefits and will monitor you closely for any signs of serotonin syndrome and other side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider regarding medication combinations to ensure your safety.

When can Luvox be taken with Effexor?

The combination of Luvox and Effexor might be considered in specific cases of treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders. However, combining these medications should only be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. They can monitor for side effects and adjust the treatment accordingly.

Always remember individual responses to medications vary and if an individual is not responding well to single-drug treatment then a combination of medications could be useful in alleviating the symptoms. However, these medications should be taken under medical supervision to ensure safety and efficacy.

What does research suggest?

Several research studies indicating the combined use of SSRIs such as Fluvoxamine and SNRIs such as Venlafaxine have been reported.

One study indicated cases in which people taking Venlafaxine alone did not fully recover from depression, adding a different class of antidepressant SSRI (Sertraline, Fluvoxamine, etc) helped (1).

These individuals had tried different antidepressants before without full success. When they combined an SSRI with Venlafaxine, they got better without major side effects (1).

The study reported a case in which Mrs D had a history of OCD, especially before her periods. She tried various medicines but her symptoms recovered by nearly 50% when she started taking Venlafaxine. Despite trying higher doses of Venlafaxine, Mrs D symptoms did not improve any further (1).

The doctor recommended adding SSRI to her Venlafaxine treatment. She then noticed her OCD symptoms reduced to 85%. Her family noticed a big positive change (1).

Another study also explained that the reason behind combining SSRIs with Venlafaxine is to increase the impact on serotonin in the brain by using both medications and also to affect other receptors related to adrenaline (2).

The advantage comes from boosting the overall effect of SSRIs; at lower doses, Venlafaxine acts more like an SSRI (2).

What are the advantages of using Fluvoxamine and Effexor together?

Fluvoxamine and Effexor can be prescribed for managing treatment-resistant depression or anxiety disorders. Some potential benefits include:

Increased effectiveness: Combined use of medications that work on different neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine can result in increased effectiveness against depression and anxiety symptoms.

Resistant cases: In some situations, single-drug treatment is not effective in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Combining two different classes of antidepressants results in the relief of symptoms for individuals who do not respond well to single-drug treatment (3).

It is important to note that the combination of antidepressants should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.

What are the side effects of Fluvoxamine and Effexor together?

A combination of Fluvoxamine and Effexor is associated with certain side effects. These include:

Serotonin syndrome: Combined use of Fluvoxamine and Effexor results in an increased concentration of serotonin in the brain which results in a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome characterized by symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, increased heart rate, seizures etc (5).

Serotonergic side effects: Both these medications affect serotonin in the brain and are also associated with side effects such as nausea, insomnia, dizziness, etc. When taken together these side effects are intensified.

Cardiovascular side effects: Cardiovascular side effects are intensified by the combined use of these medications.

These side effects can vary from person to person. Some people may get worse at this combination. If your doctor has prescribed you this combination, keep a close eye on your side effects. If you suspect that your side effects are getting worse, report it to your healthcare provider straight away.

It is essential to use this medication combination only under the close supervision of a healthcare provider who can monitor your response and adjust your treatment as needed.

How to ensure the safe use of Fluvoxamine and Effexor together?

The following points should be kept in mind to ensure the safe and effective use of Fluvoxamine and Effexor together.

Always take these medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Effexor can be taken at any time of the day when used alone. However, your doctor may ask you to take these medications at different times to minimize the risk of potential side effects.
Take the medications at the same time each day to ensure a uniform concentration of drugs in your body.
Do not skip the doses or discontinue your medication without consulting your doctor as it can cause horrible withdrawal symptoms (6).
Avoid the consumption of alcohol or caffeine with antidepressants as it can intensify the side effects.

Conclusion

In my view, combining Luvox and Effexor should be approached cautiously and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to increased risk of side effects, including the potential for serotoin syndrome. Always consult your doctor before using this combination.