Does fluvoxamine cause delayed release? (+4 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 explore whether fluvoxamine causes delayed release or not, what the researchers suggest about it and what factors might contribute to the condition.
Does fluvoxamine cause delayed release?
Yes, fluvoxamine may cause delayed release. However, the incidence of side effects may differ from patient to patient depending upon the body’s individuality and physiology (1).
Fluvoxamine belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and this class of antidepressants is more commonly associated with sexual side effects including delayed release, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and difficulty reaching a climactic experience (2).
However, fluvoxamine is one of the drugs in this class that are less commonly reported to be associated with side effects as compared to other drugs of this class. The research studies have conflicting data. Some studies report the association. However, some do not accept this association.
It’s crucial to discuss any concerns about sexual side effects with your healthcare provider. They can offer you tailored treatment plans for your condition.
How does fluvoxamine cause delayed release?
The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood but SSRIs like fluvoxamine can influence serotonin levels in the brain (3). Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation and also has an impact on sexual function (4). Increased serotonin levels might affect the normal functioning of the release reflex, leading to delayed release (5).
SSRIs can cause various side effects in both men and women. However, the effects can vary from patient to patient and not everyone taking fluvoxamine will experience the sexual side effect due to individual variation.
What does research suggest?
According to research conducted in 2002 to determine and compare the sexual side effects of Fluvoxamine and paroxetine, fluvoxamine is a safer antidepressant to be used for depression in patients where sexual dysfunctioning such as delayed release is not tolerated. However, paroxetine was found to cause this side effect (6).
Published research reported two cases of sexual dysfunction caused by fluvoxamine. Two patients developed climactic-experience and release difficulties after initiation of fluvoxamine therapy. The study concluded that the sexual side effects of SSRIs might be underreported (7).
In 2008, SSRIs including fluvoxamine were studied for their side effects in 344 patients. The study concluded that sexual disturbances were observed in patients taking SSRIs. However, male patients were found to be more susceptible as compared to female patients but the intensity of the side effects was more in female patients (8).
What factors may affect fluvoxamine-induced delayed release?
Several factors may affect delayed release while you are on fluvoxamine treatment. The factors may include:
Dosage: Higher doses of fluvoxamine may be the cause of the increased incidence of sexual side effects. High doses may increase the likelihood or severity of the side effects.
Duration of use: Delayed release may become more pronounced with prolonged use of fluvoxamine. In some cases, these side effects might improve over time as the body adjusts better to the medication.
Psychological factors: Psychological factors including stress, anxiety or relationship issues may influence sexual function and may contribute to or exacerbate fluvoxamine-induced delayed release.
Other medications: Concurrent use of other medications or the presence of certain other medical conditions may increase the likelihood of experiencing delayed release as a side effect of fluvoxamine.
Individual sensitivity: Every person’s body physiology may vary and this may influence the effect of the medication on the body. Some individuals may be more prone to developing sexual side effects as compared to others.
Age and well-being: The age, gender and well-being of a patient may play a significant role as a factor for the appearance of side effects. Older individuals with specific health conditions might be more susceptible to sexual side effects from medications.
What to do if fluvoxamine causes delayed release?
If you are taking fluvoxamine for certain mood disorders and you experience delayed release as a side effect, then the following must be done.
- Consult your healthcare provider. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for an open communication session.
- Maintain medication consistency. Continue taking fluvoxamine as prescribed unless advised otherwise. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Monitor and record the symptoms. Keep a record of delayed release episodes and their frequency to help your doctor assess the condition better.
- Your doctor might make adjustments to your treatment plan or in the case of more severe symptoms, your doctor might alter the medication with the other SSRIs in some cases, mirtazapine can be a good option, especially the ones that cause lesser effects on the release.
- Consider lifestyle changes. Stress reduction techniques including yoga or deep breathing, regular exercise and improved hygiene can be helpful.
Alternative medication
Many other antidepressants belonging to the same or different class can be used in the pace of fluvoxamine if sexual side effects appear. These medications may include the following (9):
- Bupropion
- Mirtazapine
- Agomelatine
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SSRIs are more commonly associated with delayed release but fluvoxamine is the drug that has the least incidence rate. Changing the class of your antidepressant might be helpful.
All the above-mentioned drugs have a lower incidence rate for sexual side effects whereas they have their own side effect profile. To select the best medication with lowest side effect profile, open communication with the healthcare provider is crucial.
Some side effects might improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. However, communicating with the healthcare professional is essential in every condition. Regular monitoring and follow-ups are important.
Conclusion
In my opinion, fluvoxamine can be a cause of delayed release in patients taking the medication, However, certain other factors can prove to be contributing towards the incidence of these side effects. Open communication with the healthcare provider is crucial to avoid such incidents.
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References
1.-
O’Donovan B, Rodgers RM, Cox AR, Krska J. ‘You feel like you haven’t got any control’: A qualitative study of side effects from medicines. Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management. 2019;24(1):13-24. doi:10.1177/2516043518821499
2.-
Jing, E., & Straw-Wilson, K. (2016). Sexual dysfunction in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and potential solutions: A narrative literature review. The mental health clinician, 6(4), 191–196. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.07.191
3.-
Irons J. (2005). Fluvoxamine in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 1(4), 289–299.
4.-
Bakshi, A. (2022, October 5). Biochemistry, Serotonin. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560856/
5.-
Buffom J. Pharmacology: The effects of drugs on sexual function. A review. J Psychoactive Drugs 1982; 14 (1–2):5–45.
6.-
Waldinger MD, van De Plas A, Pattij T, van Oorschot R, Coolen LM, Veening JG, Olivier B. The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors fluvoxamine and paroxetine differ in sexual inhibitory effects after chronic treatment. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2002 Mar;160(3):283-9. doi: 10.1007/s00213-001-0980-3. Epub 2002 Jan 25. PMID: 11889497.
7.-
Dorevitch A, Davis H. Fluvoxamine-Associated Sexual Dysfunction. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 1994;28(7-8):872-874. doi:10.1177/106002809402800709
8.-
Angel L. Montejogonzàlez , G. Llorca , J. A. Izquierdo , A. Ledesma , M. Bousono , A. Calcedo , J. L. Carrasco , J. Ciudad , E. Daniel , J. De LA Gandara , J. Derecho , M. Franco , M. J. Gomez , J. A. Macias , T. Martin , V Perez , J. M. Sanchez , S. Sanchez & E. Vicens (1997) Fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine in a prospective, multicenter, and descriptive clinical study of 344 patients, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 23:3, 176-194, DOI: 10.1080/00926239708403923
9.-
Gregorian RS, Golden KA, Bahce A, Goodman C, Kwong WJ, Khan ZM. Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Ann Pharmacother. 2002 Oct;36(10):1577-89. doi: 10.1345/aph.1A195. PMID: 12243609.
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