Does Fluvoxamine Cause Night Sweats? (+3 Factors)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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

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

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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In this article, we will discuss Fluvoxamine-indicated night sweats. We will also discuss some research studies, potential treatment options and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Fluvoxamine cause night sweats?

Yes, Fluvoxamine can cause night sweats or excessive sweating in general. This side effect commonly occurs in people who are new to Fluvoxamine or antidepressants in general.

Those who take antidepressants in the morning experience daytime sweating and those who take them at night experience nighttime sweating.

Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is an antidepressant used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression (1). The excessive sweating induced by Fluvoxamine is generally expected to go away within a few weeks of your treatment as your body adjusts to the medication, but it may not go away in some people.

It is important to note that excessive sweating whether it is night sweats, sweaty hands or just sweating more than usual, can be associated with many antidepressants, not just Fluvoxamine. These include Sertraline, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Effexor etc.

However, it is crucial to recognize that individual responses to medications vary greatly. Not everyone who takes Fluvoxamine or other antidepressants will experience these side effects.

Always keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider to ensure your medication is working well for you and that any side effects are appropriately addressed.

What does research suggest?

There is limited study on night sweats caused by Fluvoxamine. However, several studies have discussed sweating associated with antidepressants in general.

One study indicated that SSRIs might cause night sweats in people, particularly older adults (2).

One study aimed to explore the connection between night sweats and commonly prescribed medications. Out of all participants, 9.2% reported experiencing night sweats. Factors like age, gender and body mass index did not seem to have a strong link to night sweats.

However, when they adjusted for age and gender, they found SSRIs, angiotensin receptor blockers and thyroid hormone supplements were the medications most associated with night sweats (3).

How does Fluvoxamine cause night sweats?

Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is commonly used for treating mood disorders. Although night sweats are not a universal side effect of Fluvoxamine, they can occur as a result of the medication’s effect on serotonin levels.

The exact mechanism by which Fluvoxamine reduces night sweats is not exactly known. However, it is believed that serotonin plays a role in regulating body temperature, and changes in serotonin levels may affect the body’s thermoregulation process. This change or disruption in temperature regulation can cause symptoms such as night sweats or excessive sweating (1).

What factors can lead to night sweats while taking Fluvoxamine?

Night sweats due to Fluvoxamine can be attributed to several factors, such as:

Individual variation

People respond differently to medication, and some people may be more prone to side effects like night sweats than others.

Dose and duration

Higher doses and longer duration of use may increase the risk of experiencing this side effect.

Interactions

The interaction between Fluvoxamine and other medications and substances you are taking can influence the likelihood of night sweats.

Coexisting medical condition

Underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or menopause, can also contribute to night sweats.

Adjustment period

Night sweats can sometimes occur during the adjustment period when starting, stopping or changing the dosage of Fluvoxamine.

If night sweats due to Fluvoxamine become bothersome, it is essential to reach out to your healthcare provider.

What are the possible treatments for Fluvoxamine-induced sweating?

The following medications can be used to reduce the excessive sweating induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors:

Benzotropine (4)
Terazosin (5)
Cyproheptadine (6)

However, it is important to use them carefully and only when there are no contraindications.

Are there alternatives to Fluvoxamine that do not cause night sweats?

Several other classes of antidepressants can be considered as an alternative to Fluvoxamine, including:

Tricyclic antidepressants:

Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline

Atypical antidepressants:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Mirtazapine

However, it is important to note that these medications have their own set of potential side effects, and not all individuals will experience the same reaction. Your healthcare provider will consider your individual history and other factors when determining the most appropriate medication for you.

What to do if Fluvoxamine-induced night sweats persist?

If Fluvoxamine-induced sweating persists, inform your healthcare provider. They may reduce the dose initially. Research studies suggest that dose reduction might help in reducing antidepressant-induced sweating (7).

However, if dose reduction does not work, your doctor may gradually discontinue your medication or switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects.

It is crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance and stop taking the medication abruptly. Working together with your healthcare provider will help find the best solution to manage any side effects and ensure your overall well-being.

Conclusion

Based on my experience and the information available, I can say that Fluvoxamine can indeed lead to night sweats as a side effect. However, individual responses to medications can vary.

If you are experiencing this side effect, discuss it with your healthcare provider to explore the potential solution.