Does Fluvoxamine cause joint pain? (3+ tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss joint pain associated with Fluvoxamine use – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effects.
Does Fluvoxamine cause joint pain?
Fluvoxamine may cause joint pain in some individuals. It is a listed side effect but is uncommon or rare. The incidence of this side effect is not well-established as inconsistent cases of joint pain with Fluvoxamine have been reported.
Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety (1). If you are new to this antidepressant and you feel pain in your joints, this could be an early side effect of Fluvoxamine and will most likely fade away within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
It is important to note that people can respond differently to Fluvoxamine and they have different factors affecting their health – that may contribute to Fluvoxamine-induced side effects. If you are taking Fluvoxamine and your joints hurt, consult your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
There is limited data available on the occurrence of joint pain due to Fluvoxamine use. However, research studies have shown that the use of SSRIs, like Fluvoxamine, can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures and a decrease in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (2).
Another study indicated that older adults both men and women, who take certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Fluvoxamine are at risk of experiencing greater bone loss (3).
In elderly men, SSRIs were linked to lower bone density, while in elderly women, they were associated with higher annual bone loss (3).
As the above studies indicate, joint pain as a side effect is not only associated with Fluvoxamine alone but some other antidepressants also show this side effect such as Sertraline, Citalopram, Trazodone etc.
What to do if Fluvoxamine causes joint pain?
If you are experiencing joint pain while taking Fluvoxamine, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider believes that Fluvoxamine is the main culprit, they may initially reduce the dose to see if it works.
If dose reduction does not work, they may gradually discontinue the medication or switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects.
However, it is important to note that do not discontinue the antidepressant on your own without consulting your doctor as it can cause horrible withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting etc (4).
Tips to manage joint pain while taking Fluvoxamine
If you are experiencing joint pain while taking Fluvoxamine, consider the following tips to help manage the discomfort:
- Applying heat or cold packs to the affected joints may provide relief. Experiment with both to see which works best for you.
- Ensure you get enough rest, and try to avoid putting excessive strain on the affected joints. Use proper body mechanics and joint protection techniques.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may help alleviate joint pain. However, consult your doctor before using this medication to ensure they won’t negatively interact with Fluvoxamine.
- Some people find relief through alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage. Consult with your healthcare provider before trying these methods.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can sometimes contribute to joint discomfort. Maintain a balanced diet with sufficient nutrients, including those important for joint health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
- Engage in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or walking, to help keep your joints flexible. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
- Following a weight management program and adjusting your diet can help reduce joint pain.
- Monitor your joint discomfort, if it is increasing then make sure to contact your physician to discontinue or alter the medication.
Conclusion
Based on my experience and the information available, I can say Fluvoxamine can cause joint pain in some individuals. It is important to note that individual responses to medications vary.
If you are experiencing joint pain while taking Fluvoxamine. I suggest to consult this with your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific situation, provide guidance on managing the discomfort, and consider potential adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.
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References
1.-
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.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
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