Is fluvoxamine a narcotic? (+3 differences)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss whether fluvoxamine belongs to the class of narcotic analgesics. We will also discuss the key differences between fluvoxamine and narcotics including their mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects.
Is fluvoxamine a narcotic?
No, fluvoxamine is not a narcotic drug. It belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Fluvoxamine does not resemble any of the medications belonging to narcotic analgesics and it is not a controlled substance like narcotics.
Narcotics are a class of drugs that can be used as both prescription medications and illegal substances. Narcotic analgesics or opioids are derived from the opium poppy plant or synthesized to produce similar effects. These drugs are known for their ability to relieve pain but also carry a high risk of dependence and addiction (1).
On the other hand, fluvoxamine and other SSRIs do not cause any dependence or addiction in individuals. However, the sudden discontinuation of fluvoxamine can lead to withdrawal effects such as nausea, vomiting dizziness, headaches, and fatigue (2).
How is fluvoxamine different from narcotics?
Fluvoxamine is an entirely different medication from narcotics. The major differences between fluvoxamine and the drugs belonging to narcotic analgesics may include their mechanism of action, therapeutic benefits, and side effects.
Mechanism of action
Fluvoxamine is an SSRI antideressant medication. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for the regulation of mood and behavior. Fluvoxamine, to a lesser extent also affects the levels of dopamine in the brain but this is not its primary mechanism of action. The elevation of these neurotransmitters by fluvoxamine helps in the management of various mental disorders such as depression and anxiety (2).
On the other hand, narcotic drugs primarily work by binding to the specific mu (μ) receptors found in the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. These drugs are associated with the inhibition of pain perception and subsequent analgesic effects (3).
Therapeutic uses
The therapeutic uses of fluvoxamine and narcotics are different from each other. Fluvoxamine is primarily prescribed for the management of various mental disorders including:
- major depressive disorder
- anxiety disorders
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- panic disorders
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- social anxiety
Whereas, in low doses, narcotics have the following therapeutic benefits (4):
- management of severe and resistant pain
- chronic pain
- induction of sleep
- anesthesia adjuvant
- cough suppression
- postoperative pain management
It is essential to note that while narcotics can be effective for managing pain, they also carry risks, including the potential for addiction, tolerance, and overdose.
Side effects
Side effects associated with the use of fluvoxamine include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, agitation, xerostomia, weight changes, appetite changes, and serotonin syndrome.
On the other hand, narcotics may cause miosis, respiratory deression, confusion, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, constipation, and vomiting. Additionally, long-term treatment with narcotics may lead to serious consequences resulting in dependence and addiction.
The misuse of narcotics is a significant public health concern. Individuals using narcotics for pain management should do so under the careful supervision of a healthcare professional, and the potential risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed.
Can you take fluvoxamine with narcotics?
It is advisable to avoid the combination of fluvoxamine with narcotic drugs due to the risk of potentially serious side effects including serotonin syndrome.
If you are prescribed both fluvoxamine and opioids, your healthcare provider will carefully monitor your response to the medications and adjust the doses as needed. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and report any unusual or concerning symptoms promptly.
Conclusion
Based on my knowledge and research, I conclude that fluvoxamine is not a narcotic drug. It belongs to a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant medications. The key differences between fluvoxamine and narcotics are related to their mechanism of action, therapeutic benefits, and side effects.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Teeple E Jr. Pharmacology and physiology of narcotics. Crit Care Clin. 1990 Apr;6(2):255-82. PMID: 2160852. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2160852/
2.-
Figgitt DP, McClellan KJ. Fluvoxamine. An updated review of its use in the management of adults with anxiety disorders. Drugs. 2000 Oct;60(4):925-54. doi: 10.2165/00003495-200060040-00006. PMID: 11085201. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11085201/
3.-
Bovill JG. Mechanisms of actions of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl. 1997 May;15:9-15. doi: 10.1097/00003643-199705001-00003. PMID: 9202932.
4.-
France RD, Urban BJ, Keefe FJ. Long-term use of narcotic analgesics in chronic pain. Soc Sci Med. 1984;19(12):1379-82. doi: 10.1016/0277-9536(84)90027-3. PMID: 6152361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6152361/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
