Does Luvox-induced insomnia go away? (+3 findings)
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 whether or not Luvox-induced insomnia resolves, how Luvox can disrupt sleep patterns and quality, and an overview of studies or known evidence linking Luvox to insomnia.
We will also discuss the potential causes or factors that may contribute to insomnia while taking Luvox, various strategies and tips to manage insomnia symptoms while taking Luvox, and what to do if Luvox-induced insomnia persists.
Does Luvox-induced insomnia go away?
Yes, Luvox-induced insomnia usually goes away after a few weeks of starting the medication. Insomnia is one of the common side effects of using Luvox, particularly for patients who are new to Luvox or any other antidepressant. (1)
When your body becomes adjusted to Luvox, the symptoms of insomnia start to fade away after a few weeks of using Luvox. If the symptom persists for longer than four weeks after starting Luvox, contact your healthcare provider.
How can Luvox induce insomnia?
Luvoc can induce insomnia as a result of its mechanism of action and effects on specific brain neurotransmitters or chemicals. Luvox is the brand name for the antidepressant fluvoxamine, which is a member of the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) pharmacological class. (1)
Luvox functions by raising serotonin levels in the brain, which may promote more alertness and waking. It could be more difficult as a result to get to sleep and can cause insomnia.
If you experience insomnia while taking Luvox, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your dose and following useful lifestyle changes or treatments to help reduce Luvox-induced insomnia.
What does research suggest?
A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of fluvoxamine (Luvox) on the sleep architecture of depression patients suffering from insomnia.
In this 8-week controlled trial, 23 depressed patients with insomnia completed the trial. Each participant was given fluvoxamine for a period of eight weeks.
The research concluded that during the course of the eight-week study, fluvoxamine simultaneously enhanced polysomnography (PSG) parameters and reduced reports of insomnia. (2)
Conversely, further studies have demonstrated that SSRIs such as fluvoxamine and fluoxetine resulted in disturbed sleep (Prolonged REM latency). However, every person reacts to medications differently. (3)
Get in touch with your healthcare practitioner if you experience insomnia while taking Luvox so they can ascertain the cause and recommend the appropriate course of action.
How does Luvox affect sleep?
Luvox can affect sleep and lead to decreased REM sleep (the stage where you deeply fall asleep and dream). (4)
Decreased sleep quality may lead to:
Enhanced wakefulness: Luvox may increase wakefulness and make falling asleep harder, which can interfere with sleep cycles.
Decreased deep sleep: Using Luvox can shorten the duration of deep rejuvenating sleep, which can result in less restful sleep.
Increased frequency of awakenings: Using Luvox may increase the frequency of nighttime awakenings, which may make it more difficult to fall back asleep.
Daytime tiredness and sleepiness: Sleep disturbances can cause daytime tiredness and sleepiness.
What factors may contribute to Luvox-induced insomnia?
Several factors may contribute to Luvox-induced insomnia such as: (5), (6)
Medication dose: High Luvox doses can increase the likelihood of insomnia.
Underlying medical conditions: Sleep disorders, heart problems, and mental health conditions can induce insomnia while taking Luvox.
Concomitant medications: Certain medications such as antiepileptic drugs and steroids can induce insomnia.
Lifestyle habits: Smoking, caffeine, recreational drugs, or alcohol can induce insomnia while taking Luvox.
Stress is one of the main factors of inducing insomnia while taking Luvox.
Age and sex: Insomnia worsens as people get older. Women experience insomnia more than men due to their hormonal changes.
How to manage insomnia while taking Luvox?
There are several tips and strategies that can help manage insomnia while taking Luvox such as: (1), (7)
- Take Luvox in the morning as soon as you wake up. The severity of insomnia can be reduced by taking Luvox in the morning instead of before sleeping.
- Make your bedroom conducive to rest by keeping it quiet, cool, and dark.
- Steer clear of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. While alcohol can help you fall asleep more easily, it can also make your sleep light.
- Discover fresh approaches to stress relief such as taking a hot bath, reading a book, or practicing stress-relieving exercises such as yoga and meditation.
- Steer clear of several OTC (over-the-counter) and prescription medications that interfere with sleep such as antihistamines. Consult your healthcare provider about suitable medications that won’t keep you awake at night.
What to do if Luvox-induced insomnia persists?
If Luvox-induced insomnia persists, contact your healthcare provider. They might reduce your medication dose or switch you to alternatives that don’t cause insomnia such as:
Mirtazapine: Sold under the brand name Remeron. Remeron is an atypical antidepressant and is well-known for its sedative effect. Therefore, it can help patients suffering from insomnia. (8)
Trazodone: Sold under the brand name Desyrl. It can be used as a sedative in addition to its antidepressant properties. (9)
Based on my knowledge and research, Luvox-induced insomnia fades away after a few weeks of taking the medication. However, if Luvox-induced insomnia persists, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Fluvoxamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html#:~:text=Fluvoxamine%20is%20used%20to%20treat,that%20interferes%20with%20normal%20life).
2.-
Hao Y, Hu Y, Wang H, Paudel D, Xu Y, Zhang B. The Effect Of Fluvoxamine On Sleep Architecture Of Depressed Patients With Insomnia: An 8-Week, Open-Label, Baseline-Controlled Study. Nature and Science of Sleep. 2019 Nov;Volume 11:291–300. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31807102/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Fluvoxamine%20improved%20PSG%20parameters,sleep%20status%20on%20day%2014.
3.-
McCrae CS, Lichstein KL. Secondary insomnia: diagnostic challenges and intervention opportunities. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2001 Feb;5(1):47–61. Available from: https://www.med.upenn.edu/cbti/assets/user-content/documents/LichsteinSIreview.pdf
4.-
Wilson SJ, Bell C, Coupland NJ, Nutt DJ. Sleep changes during long-term treatment of depression with fluvoxamine – a home-based study. Psychopharmacology. 2000 May 12;149(4):360–5. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10867963/
5.-
Insomnia – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH [Internet]. www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes
6.-
Insomnia [Internet]. www.nhsinform.scot. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/insomnia/
7.-
Insomnia – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH [Internet]. www.nhlbi.nih.gov. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/treatment
8.-
Papazisis G, Siafis S, Tzachanis D. Tachyphylaxis to the Sedative Action of Mirtazapine. The American Journal of Case Reports [Internet]. 2018 Apr 7;19:410–2. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5907691/
9.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/#:~:text=Trazodone%20reduces%20levels%20of%20neurotransmitters,alpha%2D1%2Dadrenergic%20receptors.
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