Does Luvox Cause Dizziness? (+3 Tips)

By Ivan Kahwa

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

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss dizziness associated with Luvox (Fluvoxamine). We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Luvox cause dizziness?

Yes, Luvox can cause dizziness. It is one of the most commonly reported early side effects of this medication and other antidepressants.

Some people may experience mild dizziness or lightheadedness when they first start taking the medication, which is considered normal and is not something to be worried about.

Luvox, a brand for Fluvoxamine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. It is associated with common and uncommon side effects including dizziness (1).

The Luvox-induced dizziness is 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. Some may feel dizzy when they lie down or stand too quickly.

Every individual is different and responds differently to medications. If Luvox-induced dizziness is affecting your health, reach out to your healthcare provider.

What does research suggest?

Dizziness is a known side effect of Luvox. However. it is generally not a health concern and starts to get better with time.

One study indicated that patients taking Luvox showed minimum side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and dizziness during the early course of their treatment even in higher doses (2).

Another study showed that the abrupt discontinuation of Luvox resulted in withdrawal symptoms including severe dizziness (3).

Dizziness is also a common early side effect of some other antidepressants like Sertraline, Mirtazapine, Citalopram etc.

Why does Luvox cause dizziness?

The exact mechanism of Luvox-induced dizziness is not clear. One possible mechanism is related to the working of Luvox. Luvox, being an SSRI, affects serotonin levels in the brain (4).

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in mood and balance. This chemical is closely related to depression and other affective disorders. Luvox increases the level of serotonin in the brain and this sometimes leads to dizziness.

However, not everyone experiences dizziness while taking Luvox as everyone has a different genetic makeup and their responses to medications also vary.

Always keep the lines of communication open with your health provider to ensure your medication is working well for you and any side effects including dizziness are properly addressed.

What to do if Luvox-induced dizziness persists?

If Luvox-induced dizziness becomes bothersome, you should take the following steps:

Talk to your healthcare provider

If dizziness persists while taking Luvox, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for appropriate help. They can suggest solutions to manage this side effect.

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Meclizine to treat dizziness (5). However, always check with your doctor before taking any new medication, including OTC, to ensure they won’t negatively interact with Luvox.

Your healthcare provider may consider reducing the dose of Luvox to see if it works for you. Sometimes dose reduction might reduce the side effects including dizziness.

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

Always remember, do not discontinue antidepressants on your own as it may lead to horrible withdrawal symptoms.

Exercise caution

If you are experiencing dizziness while taking Luvox, be cautious when engaging in activities that require full mental attention like driving or operating heavy machinery to avoid accidents.

If you are susceptible to dizziness due to Luvox, it is advisable to avoid abrupt changes in posture or sudden movements, especially by older adults, as these actions may lead to unexpected falls or fainting episodes.

Eat balanced diet

Eat a balanced diet rich in minerals and proteins to ensure your body receives essential nutrients. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and adequate fluids helps regulate blood pressure and sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of dizziness.

Stay hydrated

Keep yourself adequately hydrated to reduce the likelihood of dizziness. Hydration lowers your blood pressure because of reduced blood volume. Drinking water can also help you feel better faster.

In my experience and the information available, Luvox can cause dizziness as a potential side effect but its occurrence varies among individuals. I suggest that if you are experiencing dizziness while taking Luvox, reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and appropriate treatment.