Does Luvox cause confusion? (+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 discuss whether or not Luvox causes confusion, How Luvox can cause confusion, research studies on Luvox’s impact on cognition and confusion, factors that contribute to confusion while taking Luvox, and what to do if Luvox causes persistent confusion.
Does Luvox cause confusion?
Yes, Luvox can cause confusion. Confusion is a potential and serious side effect of Luvox. Luvox is the brand name of the medication fluvoxamine, an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). It is used mainly in treating OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). (1)
Feeling disoriented, having trouble thinking, or having trouble remembering things are all signs of confusion. It is important to remember that this adverse effect is rare and usually disappears when the body becomes adjusted to the medication.
However, you should get in touch with your healthcare provider right away if confusion or disorientation symptoms don’t fade away or get worse. In addition, seek medical attention immediately if you experience any additional symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, or suicidal thoughts while taking Luvox.
How can Luvox cause confusion?
Luvox’s mechanism of action in increasing serotonin levels in the brain can cause confusion. Luvox works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which in turn raises the amount of serotonin that is available to the brain’s neurons.
Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter that controls mood, hunger, and sleep. Confusion and disorientation can result from variations in serotonin levels as they impact the brain’s ability to process information. For some individuals, this may be a more long-term adverse effect, while for others, it may just last momentarily while the body adjusts to the new serotonin levels. (2)
Higher doses of Luvox are associated with a higher risk of confusion, which may also be more prevalent in the elderly or patients with a history of cognitive problems.
What does research suggest?
Research has shown that SSRIs can have a number of cholinergic adverse effects, including confusion, disorientation, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Comparing fluvoxamine (Luvox) against other SSRIs such as paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, and venlafaxine, it was found that fluvoxamine caused the least amount of cholinergic side effects including confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Citalopram as well as other SSRIs can also cause CNS-related side effects such as dissociation. (3)
However, a different study found that fluvoxamine could reverse CNS atrophy and improve cognitive function and performance.
The current analysis investigates fluvoxamine’s mechanism in influencing cognitive performance and the potential benefits of fluvoxamine for improving cognitive outcomes in depressed patients. (4)
What factors can cause confusion while taking Luvox?
There are several factors that can induce confusion while taking Luvox such as: (5)
Medication dose: Excessive Luvox dosages can induce confusion and other cognitive side effects.
Age: The elderly population is more prone to experience confusion than the younger population while taking Luvox.
Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as hallucinogens, antihistamines, sedatives, and opioids can cause sedation as a side effect of their usage. It’s crucial to inform your physician about the medications that you take while using Luvox.
Underlying medical conditions: Diseases such as liver, kidney, diabetes, and heart diseases may have an impact on the body’s ability to metabolize Luvox, which could induce confusion.
Pre-existing cognitive or brain diseases: You may be more prone to become confused while taking Luvox if you already have cognitive or brain diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, stroke, brain cancer, and meningitis.
Lifestyle factors: Alcohol and dehydration can induce confusion while taking Luvox.
What should you do if your confusion persists while taking Luvox?
If your confusion and disorientation symptoms persist while taking Luvox, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider will properly assess your situation and determine whether Luvox is the cause of confusion or whether there are other contributing factors.
If Luvox is the cause of your confusion and disorientation symptoms. They might reduce your medication dose or switch you to alternatives with fewer cognitive adverse effects such as:
Agomelatine: Sold under the brand name Valdoxan, an atypical antidepressant that was shown effective in treating depression and doesn’t cause confusion as a side effect of its use. (6)
Mirtazapine: An atypical antidepressant that is sold under the brand name Remeron, was shown effective in treating depression and has been proven to enhance cognitive functions in certain individuals. (7)
Based on my knowledge and research, Confusion is one of the potential side effects of Luvox. In my opinion, this side effect fades away after a few weeks of using the medication.
However, if confusion persists for longer than four weeks, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer cognitive adverse effects.
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References
1.-
Fluvoxamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html
2.-
PubChem. Fluvoxamine [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fluvoxamine
3.-
Westenberg HGM, Sandner C. Tolerability and safety of fluvoxamine and other antidepressants. International Journal of Clinical Practice [Internet]. 2006 Mar 20;60(4):482–91. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1448696/
4.-
Hindmarch I, Hashimoto K. Cognition and depression: the effects of fluvoxamine, a sigma-1 receptor agonist, reconsidered. Human Psychopharmacology [Internet]. 2010 Apr 1;25(3):193–200. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20373470/
5.-
Confusion: A Symptom of Disrupted Brain Activity [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25206-confusion
6.-
Robillard R, Carpenter JS, Feilds KL, Hermens DF, White D, Naismith SL, et al. Parallel Changes in Mood and Melatonin Rhythm Following an Adjunctive Multimodal Chronobiological Intervention With Agomelatine in People With Depression: A Proof of Concept Open Label Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry [Internet]. 2018 Dec 11;9:624. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6297866/
7.-
Wang Q, Ma M, Yu H, Yu H, Zhang S, Li R. Mirtazapine prevents cell activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress against isoflurane exposure in microglia. Bioengineered [Internet]. 2021 Dec 29 [cited 2023 Nov 17];13(1):521–30. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8805817/#:~:text=In%20recent%20years%2C%20mirtazapine%20has,schizophrenia%20%5B9%2C10%5D.
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