Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Luvox? (3+ Side Effects)

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

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In this article, we will discuss whether it’s safe to drink alcohol with Luvox, an antidepressant or not. We will also discuss what research suggests on this, the potential interactions between Luvox and alcohol and the side effects of combining both of them.

Can you drink alcohol while taking Luvox?

No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Luvox, especially if you have just started taking the medication.

Luvox is an antidepressant, that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (1)

Alcohol and Luvox can interact in ways that may lead to an increased risk of certain side effects. Drinking alcohol could also affect the intended benefits of medication. (1)

However, once you have gotten used to the medication, you can sometimes have a drink but it’s best not to take them both at the same time. It’s crucial to talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and any concerns you have about your medication as they can provide you with personalized guidance. (1)

How much alcohol is tolerable while taking Luvox?

When your body is adjusted to the prescribed dose of medication and your doctor has allowed you to drink alcohol, It’s important to keep in mind that there should be a considerable gap when you take the medicine and drink alcohol, this may minimize the chances of interaction. (1)

You must also ensure to choose drinks with lower alcohol content, such as light beers, wine spritzers (wine mixed with soda water) or cocktails with less alcohol content. You can also drink water between alcoholic beverages to keep yourself hydrated and mitigate the dehydrating effects of consuming alcohol.

You must be mindful of the quantity that you are consuming. Keep it in moderation and don’t over-drink, so there are no harmful interactions with your medication.

What does research suggest?

Research generally suggests that it’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Luvox (fluvoxamine). Luvox is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and alcohol can interact with SSRIs in various ways.

While specific research findings may vary, most researchers agree that if you mix Luvox with alcohol, it can make you feel more tired and drowsy and may impair your cognitive function.

However, a case reported that a study was conducted to understand how fluvoxamine affects the way the body processes alcohol and whether it intensifies the impact of alcohol on thinking and memory. (2)

The study involved 12 healthy men, they were given either an injection or oral dose of alcohol after taking 50mg of fluvoxamine once or multiple times. The researchers measured blood alcohol levels and fluvoxamine in the blood. They also looked at cognitive functions like memory, reaction time and word recognition. (2)

The conclusion was that fluvoxamine doesn’t significantly interact with alcohol or affect cognitive functions that strongly. (2)

What are the potential interactions between Luvox and alcohol?

Combining Luvox (fluvoxamine) with alcohol can potentially lead to interactions that affect your cognitive functions and may increase the risk of side effects. (3)

Both Luvox and alcohol have sedative effects, which means they can make you feel more tired or drowsy. Combing them may intensify this sedating effect.

Alcohol can also impair cognitive functions and combining it with Luvox may exacerbate this effect. You may experience difficulty concentrating, impaired memory and slow reaction times. (4)

There is also a risk of serotonin syndrome when combining SSRIs like Luvox with alcohol. It is important to note that an individual’s responses to these interactions can vary. If you choose to drink, do it in moderation and let your doctor know so they can help you stay safe and healthy.

What are the side effects of taking Luvox with alcohol?

Combing Luvox with alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects, including: (2,3,4)

Increased sedation: Combining Luvox with alcohol can make you feel extra sleepy and increase drowsiness, fatigue and difficulty staying awake.
Impaired cognitive function: Combining alcohol with Luvox may lead to difficulty in concentration, memory problems and slowed reaction times.
Gastrointestinal issues: Combining them may increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting and upset stomach.
Risk of serotonin syndrome: You can have a theoretical risk of a rare but life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome when combining SSRIs like Luvox with alcohol. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include, confusion, hallucination, seizures, changes in blood pressure, fever, sweating, shivering, blurred vision etc. (5)

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects and individual reactions to these interactions can vary. Some people may experience these side effects more severely than others.

Who is more at risk of Luvox and alcohol-induced side effects?

Individual’s responses to the use of Luvox and alcohol can vary but certain people may be more at risk of experiencing these side effects, including: (3,4,6)

Elderly individuals:

Older people may be more prone and sensitive to the effects of both Luvox and alcohol. Age-related changes in their metabolism and the potential for other medical conditions may increase the risk of side effects.

Those with liver or kidney conditions:

If your liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, the risk of Luvox and alcohol might affect you more, because these organs play an important role in metabolizing Luvox and alcohol. (6)

Individuals with a history of substance abuse:

Those people who have a history of substance abuse may be more vulnerable to the sedative effects of Luvox and alcohol. Combining them can increase the risk of addiction in such people.

It’s crucial to note that these are general considerations and individual health factors play a significant role. Always consult with your healthcare provider about the safety of consuming alcohol while taking Luvox.

What to do if you experience Luvox and alcohol-related side effects?

If you’re experiencing difficulties due to a mix of Luvox and alcohol, it’s important to take certain steps. Firstly if you are facing any severe symptoms seek immediate medical attention. Be open and honest about your alcohol consumption to help your doctor provide accurate advice.

It’s advisable to stop further alcohol consumption and follow the advice and recommendations of your healthcare provider. They may suggest adjustments to your medication, changes in lifestyle or other strategies to manage the side effects.

Attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and address any concerns and side effects. (1,2)

What other substances you should avoid while taking fluvoxamine?

The substances which may cause possible interactions with fluvoxamine may include:

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Eating or drinking grapefruit can interfere with how your body metabolizes fluvoxamine, making it stick around in your system for longer and increasing its levels in the blood, causing more side effects. (7)

Medications to avoid or use with caution with fluvoxamine:

Taking other antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs and TCAs with fluvoxamine may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome which could be fatal and lead to problems like seizures, confusion and hallucinations. (4)

Certain antipsychotics like Clozapine, when given with fluvoxamine might change their levels in the body. So your doctor needs to keep an eye on it by doing regular monitoring. Blood thinners like Warfarin might also affect how fluvoxamine works so they should be taken with precautions and regular monitoring.

In my opinion, it is better to consult your doctor regarding any concerns related to Luvox mixing with alcohol or any other medication. If you choose to drink alcohol, I suggest you take it in moderation and be attentive to how it may be affecting you. If you experience any concerning symptoms, stop the alcohol consumption right away and seek medical attention.