Does Luvox cause nausea? (5+ management tips)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
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
In this article, we will discuss the possibility of nausea being caused by Luvox. We will also highlight the causes and management techniques to overcome nausea caused by Luvox.
Does Luvox cause nausea?
Yes, nausea is a side effect of Luvox (fluvoxamine). It is one of the common symptoms associated with Luvox which is often accompanied by vomiting. It is to be noted that not all individuals taking Luvox experience this side effect. (1)
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is an antidepressant belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting are very common among this class of antidepressants.
How does Luvox cause nausea?
It has been recently suggested that serotonin might be the key player in fluvoxamine-induced nausea. Fluvoxamine activates 5-HT3 receptors located at the visceral afferent fibres which are connected to the vomiting centre. The activation of these receptors leads to nausea which is often accompanied by vomiting.
To overcome this, research has suggested that fluvoxamine should be started at a low dose of 50 mg per day and gradually increased to the required dosage throughout the treatment. (2)
What does research suggest?
There is scientific literature and research available to support the fact that fluvoxamine is responsible for causing nausea. It is one of the common side effects of this medication.
According to research, 15 to 40% of cases have reported that they experienced fluvoxamine-induced nausea. (2)
One study highlighted that nausea was reported by over one-third of the participants taking fluvoxamine but the symptoms ameliorated after two weeks of medication. This showcases that nausea can be a temporary side effect experienced by some individuals at the start of the treatment. (3)
What are the management tips for fluvoxamine-induced nausea?
Consultation with a healthcare provider: In case of severe or persistent nausea or nausea being bothersome, consultation with the healthcare provider is recommended. They can adjust the dosage on a case-by-case basis. If that is not possible, they will share alternative treatment plans to try to accommodate your concerns.
Home remedies: In normal circumstances, nausea usually goes away within the first two or three weeks. During this time, home remedies such as ginger, peppermint or lemon in the form of tea can be ingested for relief.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Medications such as Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate may help alleviate the symptoms. It is highly recommended to inform healthcare professionals before using any other medications apart from the ones prescribed by the doctor.
Dietary adjustments: Avoid having big meals and switch to smaller but more frequent meals. This will help the stomach to digest and process food more quickly and efficiently and reduce the chances of nausea.
Lifestyle adjustments:
- Incorporating regular exercise within daily lifestyle helps promote the immune and gastrointestinal systems to work more efficiently.
- Try maintaining a stress-free routine or indulge in meditation or yoga to release the stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to nausea.
- Avoid strong odours that are triggering the nausea. The type of odour depends on the individual and is not specific to one person.
What are the common side effects of Luvox?
Some of the common side effects caused by Luvox are listed below: (1)
Gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
- Diarrhoea
Central nervous symptoms:
- Somnolence
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Tremor and agitation
- Asthenia
Abnormal ejaculation:
- Mostly delayed ejaculation is observed
Are there alternatives to Luvox that do not cause nausea?
There are some medications available that do not cause nausea and can be used instead of Luvox. Most of the medications have nausea as a common side effect. Therefore, consultation with the healthcare provider is very important to decide which medication is best suited to you.
Alternative options would include the choice of drug from the same class i.e. serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Different drugs will have different side effect profiles. Therefore, the risk-benefit profile needs to be carefully examined before prescription.
Prozac (fluoxetine) belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and can be used as an alternative to venlafaxine. It has been known to not cause nausea and is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Conclusion
In my opinion, most of the medications have nausea listed as a side effect. The benefits over risk ratio need to be evaluated before making any decisions. Luvox causes nausea but it can be managed through dose adjustment or other remedies listed above.
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References
1.-
Like SP. Luvox may cause profuse sweating. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1188649/pdf/jpn00059-0002.pdf
2.-
Nobuhisa Ueda, Reiji Yoshimura, Koji Shinkai, Takeshi Terao, Jun Nakamura, Characteristics of fluvoxamine-induced nausea, Psychiatry Research, Volume 104, Issue 3, 2001, Pages 259-264, ISSN 0165-1781. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178101003201
3.-
BURTON, STEPHEN W.. A Review of Fluvoxamine and its Uses in Depression. International Clinical Psychopharmacology 6():p 1-22, December 1991. https://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/abstract/1991/12003/a_review_of_fluvoxamine_and_its_uses_in_depression.1.aspx
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