Does fluvoxamine help adhd?(+3 factors)
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 explore whether Fluvoxamine helps cure ADHD. We will also discuss the current pharmacological treatment of ADHD.
Does Fluvoxamine help ADHD?
Fluvoxamine may help treat ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders) in some patients when used in combination with stimulant medications like methylphenidate (1). However, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management and treatment of ADHD.
Fluvoxamine is commonly used to treat depression and sometimes anxiety disorders. It’s a (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) SSRI and works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain (2). However, some patients have reported experiencing relief from ADHD.
It is important to note that taking Fluvoxamine for the treatment of ADHD is not fully supported by medical guidelines and research. If you are experiencing ADHD characterized by symptoms like hyperactivity or impulsivity, consult your doctor for a better treatment plan.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the benefits of fluvoxamine helping ADHD. However, some studies have shown positive results and indicated a connection between Fluvoxamine when used with stimulants like methylphenidate has shown potential for enhancing ADHD improvement potentially augmenting the effectiveness of traditional ADHD (3).
One research study reported the case of a 10-year-old boy who exhibited symptoms of ADHD including significant attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity issues. These issues had impacted both his academic and social aspects of life.
Conventional intervention had shown limited success prompting the decision to incorporate Fluvoxamine into the treatment plan. This was done alongside the existing stimulant medication i.e. Methylphenidate.
Surprisingly, after several weeks, the boy exhibited notable improvements in attention span and overall behaviour. However, it is crucial to note that more research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of Fluvoxamine for ADHD.
What is the possible mechanism through which fluvoxamine may help ADHD?
Recent clinical studies suggest that ADHD is associated with disruptions in the balance of neurotransmitters with dopamine and norepinephrine playing key roles. Patients with ADHD experience dysregulations in their neurotransmitters which involves difficulty in attention and impulsivity.
This suggests that imbalances in the dopamine system are implicated in ADHD and serotonin interactions may play a role in regulating attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Fluvoxamine, primarily an SSRI, and methylphenidate, a stimulant commonly used to treat ADHD may interact to modulate neurotransmitter activity. Fluvoxamine’s action as an SSRI focuses on increasing serotonin levels in the brain while methylphenidate primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine levels (4).
Therefore, it can be said that SSRIs like fluvoxamine might influence the serotonergic system in a way that compliments the effect of stimulant medications commonly used to treat ADHD.
What medications are approved for ADHD?
Some commonly prescribed medications to help manage and treat ADHD are:
Stimulant Medications
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Amphetamine (Adderall, Concerta) based medications may help cure ADHD. Both medications are CNS stimulants that increase the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Methylphenidate is available with the name Ritalin while amphetamine comes under the brand names Adderall and Dexedrine.
Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine are also prescribed to treat ADHD. They work as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors NRI which primarily target norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is involved in regulating attention and impulse control.
Combination Medications
For the treatment of ADHD, healthcare providers also consider prescribing combination medications such as the Dextroamphetamine-Amphrtamine combination (Adrell-XR). It includes amphetamine salts. It is an extended-release formulation that provides a long duration of action compared to immediate-release formulations.
Comparison of Fluvoxamine with other ADHD treatments
ADHD involves a spectrum of medications and therapies, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Fluvoxamine is primarily prescribed to treat conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorders or anxiety. Now it’s been considered as a potential treatment for curing ADHD. Here is a detailed comparison of Fluvoxamine with mainstream medications and therapies recommended for ADHD.
Advantages
Serotonergic Modulation
As discussed above, fluvoxamine is an SSRI that influences serotonin levels in the brain. In the context of ADHD, the role of serotonin is important as it regulates mood, emotions and cognitive functions. This mechanism helps mitigate ADHD symptoms and comorbid conditions like anxiety or depression often associated with ADHD.
Individualized Treatment
Some patients may have some clinical reasons that make them unsuitable candidates for conventional medication for ADHD. For example, stimulant medications might not be recommended to patients who have a history of heart problems. In such cases, fluvoxamine may present a viable alternative.
Disadvantages
Limited Research
As compared to other medications or treatments for ADHD, dedicated research is scarce on Fuvomaxine’s efficiency in treating ADHD. The available research reflects a gap in comprehensive understanding and poses several challenges in establishing its role in managing ADHD symptoms.
Varied Response
Individual response to Fluvoxamine for ADHD may vary significantly. Its effectiveness depends on several factors such as ADHD subtype, comorbid conditions, individual neurochemistry and pre-existing health conditions.
Not first-line treatment
As we know, fluvoxamine does not provide a first-line treatment for ADHD, and doctors only prescribe this medication when other conventional treatments have not yielded the desired results. The decision of prescribing fluvoxamine may also be influenced by the presence of comorbid conditions which are common in patients with ADHD.
According to my research, Fluvoxamine is not regarded as a primary or recommended treatment for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Standard treatments for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ) involve stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Patients seeking ADHD treatment are advised to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Buhagiar K, Cassar J. Methylphenidate augmentation of fluvoxamine for treatment-resistant depression: a case report and review literature. TURK PSIKIYATRI DERGISI. 2007 Jan 1;18(2):179.Available from:https://researchgate.net/profile/Kurt-Buhagiar/publication/6269985_Methylphenidate_augmentation_of_fluvoxamine_for_treatment-resistant_depression_A_case_report_and_review_literature/links/5c1ba07292851c22a338c944/Methylphenidate-augmentation-of-fluvoxamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-A-case-report-and-review-literature.pdf
2.-
van Harten J. Overview of the pharmacokinetics of fluvoxamine. Clinical pharmacokinetics. 1995 Nov;29(Suppl 1):1-9.Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003088-199500291-00003
3.-
Zheng H, Jia F, Han H, Wang S, Guo G, Quan D, Li G, Huang H. Combined fluvoxamine and extended-release methylphenidate improved treatment response compared to fluvoxamine alone in patients with treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 2019 Mar 1;29(3):397-404.Available from:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kurt-Buhagiar/publication/6269985_Methylphenidate_augmentation_of_fluvoxamine_for_treatment-resistant_depression_A_case_report_and_review_literature/links/5c1ba07292851c22a338c944/Methylphenidate-augmentation-of-fluvoxamine-for-treatment-resistant-depression-A-case-report-and-review-literature.pdf
4.-
Manassis K. Double jeopardy: How to treat kids with comorbid anxiety and ADHD. Current Psychiatry. 2008 Jun;7(6):77.Available from:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1555415520304499
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
