Can you take Luvox and Seroquel together? (+3 side effects)

In this article, we are going to discuss whether or not Luvox and Seroquel can be taken together, the potential side effects of combining Luvox and Seroquel together, safe alternatives to be used with Luvox if Seroquel causes side effects, and important precautions to be considered while taking Luvox and Seroquel together.

Can you take Luvox and Seroquel together?

Luvox and Seroquel can be taken together. However, taking both medications together may result in drug interactions and adverse effects that must be carefully monitored. 

Luvox is the brand name of the medication fluvoxamine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Luvox is FDA-approved for the treatment of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). It functions by enhancing the levels of a natural neurotransmitter known as serotonin in the brain. (1)

Seroquel is the brand name of the medication quetiapine. An atypical antipsychotic medication that is used mainly in the treatment of psychosis (Schizophrenia), MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), and bipolar disorder. (2)

When used in tandem, Luvox and Seroquel have an impact on the neurotransmitter levels in the brain and may alter how the brain works. It’s crucial to report any unexpected symptoms or side effects to your healthcare provider while taking Luvox and Seroquel together.

How do Luvox and Seroquel interact together when combined?

Combining Luvox and Seroquel may result in specific drug interactions and side effects as Luvox and Seroquel influence the brain in various ways.

Evidence suggests that Luvox may improve Seroquel absorption. This happens as a result of Luvox’s inhibition of the CYP 3A4 enzyme, which is necessary for Seroquel metabolism. Luvox may increase the amount of Seroquel in the bloodstream by blocking this enzyme. (3)

It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider about any possible interactions if you take Luvox and Seroquel together.

When can you take Luvox and Seroquel together?

According to a research study, it was found that you can combine both Luvox and Seroquel for certain mental health issues such as Schizophrenia, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), and MDD (Major Depressive Disorder).

It has been demonstrated that quetiapine (Seroquel) and fluvoxamine (Luvox) together stimulate the dopamine neurotransmitter in the thalamus and prefrontal cortex of the brain in a synergistic manner. (4)

Your healthcare provider may recommend combining both Luvox and Seroquel if they believe that there are more benefits to taking them together than risks. However, it’s crucial to pay attention closely to your healthcare provider’s instructions and to report any side effects right away.

What are the side effects of combining Luvox and Seroquel together?

There are several side effects and interactions that may occur when combining Luvox and Seroquel together such as: (1), (5)

  • Drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Weight gain (especially with Seroquel) and increased appetite.
  • Constipation. 
  • Xerostomia (dry mouth).

Other adverse effects include:

  • Increased blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
  • Motor and cognitive impairment.
  • Involuntary motions of the mouth, face, or other body parts.
  • Arrhythmia and seizures.
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

If you experience these side effects or any other symptoms while taking Luvox and Seroquel together, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They will properly assess your situation and the cause of side effects and take the proper action accordingly.

Which antipsychotics are safe to take with Luvox?

There are some antipsychotics that are generally considered safe to be combined with Luvox in treating schizophrenia such as:

Clozapine: According to research, clozapine was shown effective, well-tolerated, and safe in treating schizophrenia along with Luvox. (6)

Risperidone, paliperidone, and olanzapine: These antipsychotics can be used instead of Seroquel in combination with Luvox to treat schizophrenia. (7)

However, these antipsychotics may increase the risk of side effects while combining them with Luvox. Therefore, it is essential to carefully monitor any side effects or interactions that may arise while combining them together.

Important precautions while taking Luvox with Seroquel

The following crucial safety measures and precautions should be considered when combining Luvox and Seroquel: (8), (9)

  • Keep a careful eye and monitor your blood pressure because both drugs have the potential to lower your BP.
  • While taking Luvox with Seroquel, be mindful of any possible sedative effects and refrain from driving until you see how both drugs affect you.
  • Notify your physician of any changes in your emotions, thoughts, behavior, or any other side effects that may arise from using both medications together.
  • Your physician should be informed of any additional medications, vitamins, or supplements that you take to avoid further drug interactions.
  • You should never abruptly discontinue the medications without the consultation of your physician. They will reduce your dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  • Steer off alcohol while taking both medications together, as it may aggravate side effects.

Conclusion

Based on my knowledge and experience, you can take Luvox with Seroquel. However, combining these medications together can increase the risk of side effects. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines and be aware of any arising side effects or interactions that may occur while using Luvox and Seroquel together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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References

2.-

Quetiapine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. 2020. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698019.html

3.-

Daly EJ, Trivedi MH. A review of quetiapine in combination with antidepressant therapy in patients with depression. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment [Internet]. 2007 Dec 1;3(6):855–67. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2656328/

4.-

Denys D, Klompmakers AA, Westenberg HGM. Synergistic dopamine increase in the rat prefrontal cortex with the combination of quetiapine and fluvoxamine. Psychopharmacology [Internet]. 2004 Nov 1 [cited 2023 Nov 18];176(2):195–203. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15138756/

5.-

NHS. Side effects of quetiapine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/quetiapine/side-effects-of-quetiapine/

6.-

Silver H. Fluvoxamine as an adjunctive agent in schizophrenia. CNS drug reviews [Internet]. 2001 [cited 2022 Jan 15];7(3):283–304. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11607044/

7.-

Silver H, Barash I, Aharon N, Kaplan A, Poyurovsky M. Fluvoxamine augmentation of antipsychotics improves negative symptoms in psychotic chronic schizophrenic patients: a placebo-controlled study. International Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2000 Sep;15(5):257–61. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10993127/

8.-

Fluvoxamine (Oral Route) Precautions – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. [cited 2023 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluvoxamine-oral-route/precautions/drg-20066874#:~:text=Check%20with%20your%20doctor%20right

9.-

Quetiapine (Oral Route) Precautions – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. [cited 2023 Nov 15]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/quetiapine-oral-route/precautions/drg-20066912?p=1#:~:text=Do%20not%20take%20more%20of

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