Does Luvox cause high blood pressure? (+3 factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether Luvox (Fluvoxamine) can cause high blood pressure. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.

Does Luvox cause high blood pressure?

Luvox (Fluvoxamine) does not necessarily cause high blood pressure. Most patients who are taking Luvox do not experience significant changes in blood pressure as a direct result. However, individual responses may vary. In some cases, Luvox can lead to a mild increase in blood pressure.

Patients with pre-existing hypertension are to be carefully monitored if prescribed Luvox. Luvox is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and this class of antidepressants has minimal effects on blood pressure and is safest to use regarding effects on blood pressure.

Luvox may cause an increase in blood pressure but the risk is low as compared to other classes of antidepressants.

If you are experiencing an increase in blood pressure while taking Luvox, it is necessary to communicate openly with your healthcare provider to ensure the safe and effective use of your medication.

How does Luvox elevate your blood pressure?

Luvox is an antidepressant that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake by brain cells. Thereby relieving anxiety and depression (1)

Elevated serotonin levels in the brain result in the constriction of blood vessels. This occurs because serotonin interacts with the receptors on smooth muscle cells within the vascular system, resulting in contraction. When the blood vessels constrict, it increases the resistance to the flow of blood resulting in increased blood pressure (2).

Luvox also raises blood pressure by elevating the stroke volume and heart rate because of increased serotonin levels. It occurs because of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system by the serotonin neurotransmitter (3).

Antidepressants including Luvox take about 2-4 weeks to start working. During this period the body adjusts to the changes induced by Luvox. During this adjustment period, a lot of side effects appear making it crucial to regular monitoring of patients.

What does research suggest?

There is limited study indicating the effect of Luvox on blood pressure. However, one study has shown that Luvox has little or no effect on heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, there were no effects on these parameters in response to changes in body position (4).

Another study also indicated the safety of Luvox and other SSRIs in depressed patients with a small increase in blood pressure irrespective of the dose (5).

What factors can influence blood pressure while taking Luvox?

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Luvox experiences an elevated blood pressure. Several factors play an important role. The factors that influence the incidence of high blood pressure are as follows:

Individual variation

Every person has a different genetic makeup and responds differently to Luvox. So some individuals may be more sensitive to its effects leading to an increased blood pressure while some may not show an increase in blood pressure.

Age

Elderly people may be more susceptible to changes in blood pressure while taking SSRIs such as Luvox. In such individuals, dose adjustment may be needed. In older adults, the rate of metabolism, liver and kidney functions are all affected which leads to variations in the effects of drugs including Luvox.

Underlying medical condition

Individuals with pre-existing hypertension may be at a higher risk of experiencing high blood pressure while taking Luvox. Individuals with a history of hypertension should be regularly monitored by a healthcare provider.

Drug interactions

Luvox may interact with other medications or substances you are taking, resulting in high blood pressure. Such interactions include the following medications:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may cause dangerously high levels of serotonin when taken along with SSRIs (6).
• Certain OTC medications contain ingredients that cause high blood pressure (7).
• Using NSAIDs along with Luvox can cause high blood pressure.
• Certain stimulant medications like Adderall. This may be due to an additive effect (8).

Lifestyle factors

High sodium intake and lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can increase blood pressure.

What to do if Luvox causes high blood pressure?

If you are experiencing high blood pressure while taking Luvox or other SSRIs such as Escitalopram, Sertraline etc, it is essential to communicate with your healthcare provider.

Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking and your past medical history. Your doctor may initially reduce your dosage of Luvox to see if it works. If dose reduction is not helpful and you still experience high blood pressure, they may gradually discontinue your medication or switch to another antidepressant with fewer side effects.

Always remember not to discontinue antidepressants without medical supervision as it can result in horrible withdrawal symptoms such as hallucination, agitation, high blood pressure, dizziness, etc.

What are alternative medications if Luvox is increasing blood pressure?

If Luvox is increasing your blood pressure and dose adjustment is also not helpful, then the following alternatives may be considered:

• Sertraline (SSRI)
• Duloxetine (SNRI)
• Bupropion (Atypical antidepressant)

How to manage high blood pressure while taking Luvox?

The following measures should be taken to reduce blood pressure while taking Luvox:

• Reduce sodium intake
• Reduce the intake of saturated fats found in red meat and processed food.
• Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. These are rich in potassium and can help counterbalance the effects of sodium.
• Engage in regular exercise and physical activities.
• Maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains.
• Yoga and meditation can reduce anxiety. This helps in reducing high blood pressure caused by stress or anxiety.
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption can help reduce high blood pressure.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Luvox can cause high blood pressure in some people. However, individual responses to medications vary and it is important to inform your doctor about this side effect to determine the safe use of Luvox.

I suggest addressing this condition immediately with your doctor as it can cause serious cardiac issues.

References