Does Luvox reduce heart rate? (3+ findings)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Luvox reduces heart rate, the mechanism of action of Luvox in reducing heart rate, clinical studies on Luvox’s effect on heart rate, the long-term effects of using Luvox on the heart, and what to do if Luvox lowers your heart rate.

Does Luvox reduce heart rate?

Luvox can occasionally reduce heart rate. A little drop in heart rate is an occasional side effect of Luvox, but it is not frequently experienced. (1)

Luvox is the trade name of the medication fluvoxamine, an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors). Some individuals may notice a brief or small drop in heart rate when they first start treatment. (2)

This drop in heart rate could be because of Luvox’s effect on the neurological system. Luvox works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. Typically, serotonin reduces heart rate by activating sensory vagal nerve endings present in your heart to produce a brief, initial hypotension brought on by bradycardia. (3)

What are the risks of a reduced heart rate?

A reduced heart rate can lead to a variety of health issues if left untreated such as: (4)

• Decreased blood supply to your organs, which might cause fainting, exhaustion, or dizziness.
• If the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet your body’s requirements, it may fail and cause heart failure.
• Reduced blood flow may lead to stroke due to the formation of blood clots that may obstruct the brain’s blood supply.
• Reduced HR may lead to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats which can result in chest pain or fainting.

It is crucial to monitor your HR with your healthcare provider while using Luvox to reduce these risks and complications.

How does Luvox reduce heart rate?

The exact mechanism by which Luvox reduces HR (heart rate) is not fully understood. However, Luxox’s mechanism of action may be linked to reduced heart rate as your HR may be indirectly impacted by Luvox’s rise in serotonin levels in the brain. (2)

It has been demonstrated that serotonin regulates HR and other aspects of CV (cardio-vascular) function. Other neurotransmitters that are also involved in controlling HR such as dopamine and norepinephrine may be impacted by Luvox.

Luvox mat directly affects the heart by slowing HR through increased parasympathetic activity. That’s why it is crucial to monitor your HR while taking Luvox.

What does research suggest?

According to research, a clinical trial examined 17 patients who were receiving fluvoxamine. In the fifth week of fluvoxamine (Luvox) treatment, there was a significant drop in HR by 14 beats per minute. (5)

In another different trial, twenty-six healthy male patients, ages 40 to 60 were included in the trial. The effects of a placebo, fluvoxamine, and clovoxamine were examined in this trial. 

The findings demonstrated that both during the day and at night, fluvoxamine caused a significant lowering of the sinus rate (6.5 and 6.2 beats per minute). Additionally, The QT interval lengthened (0.013 seconds during the day and 0.011 seconds at night) in correlation with the heart lowering. (5)

These research studies concluded that fluvoxamine has no effect on the heart other than a statistically significant slowing of the HR, which is not clinically significant.

What are the long-term effects of Luvox on the heart?

Luvox may have some long-term cardiac effects, but these effects are usually mild and infrequent. The most frequent adverse effects of Luvox on the heart include accelerated HR, postural hypotension (a reduction in blood pressure when one stands up), and a minor extension of the heart’s time to transfer electricity between its chambers. (5)

Luvox may also, in rare instances, result in QT prolongation (a change in the electrical activity of the heart that can result in serious arrhythmia). This can seriously impair your cardiac rhythm. It’s crucial to monitor your HR while taking Luvox. (6)

Does the Luvox-induced reduced heart rate go away?

Bradycardia or a reduced heart rate that is caused by Luvox is usually a transient side effect that fades away on its own in a few weeks after your body becomes adjusted to the medication. (2)

However, each person will experience the adverse effects for a different amount of time. Luvox’s dosage, and any underlying medical issues or factors can all have an impact on how long this side effect lasts.

Any symptoms you experience should be recognized and reported to your physician. It’s crucial to get medical help right away if you experience symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath (SOB).

What to do if Luvox lowers your heart rate?

If Luvox reduces your heart rate, seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare practitioner will thoroughly evaluate your situation and determine whether Luvox is the cause of your reduced HR or whether there is another underlying medical condition, such as certain cardiac abnormalities. (6)

If Luvox is the reason for your reduced HR, your healthcare practitioner may opt to reduce your medication dose or switch you to an alternative medicine that has fewer cardiac side effects such as Atypical antidepressants. (7)

Examples of atypical antidepressants:

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin).
• Trazodone.
• Nefazodone.
• Agomelatine.

These antidepressants were proven to have few adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and to be effective in treating depression.

Conclusion

Based on my knowledge and research, Luvox can reduce your heart rate. In my opinion, this is not a common side effect and fades away after a few weeks of starting the medication. However, if your reduced HR persists while taking Luvox, consult your healthcare practitioner about reducing your dose or switching to an alternative with fewer cardiovascular side effects.

References