With new inventions and developments, science is advancing in every sphere, and so is the medical sciences. With these advancements, medical practitioners and patients are more equipped with alternatives and varieties. A diverse variety of drugs are available namely from opioids to non-opioids, non-steroidal antiinflammatory to corticosteroids.
In that series, we have another class of antidepressant medicines, SSRIs. These SSRIs find their applications in pain relief associated with injury damage to the body, or any surgery. Luvox is one of the many SSRI medicines. Unlike other SSRIs, not impacting cognitive power adversely makes Luvox different from other SSRIs. But that is not the only difference that makes it different from other SSRIs. In this blog, we will mainly be focusing on how is Luvox different from other SSRIs.
What is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI)?
SSRIs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for medications that are antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin by blocking reabsorption and recycling resulting in the accumulation of more serotonin in the brain. SSRI medicines block the serotonin’s absorption to neurons which makes more availability of serotonin for message transmission between neurons in the brain and the system.
Basic Introduction To Luvox:
Luvox, also known by its brand name Fluvoxamine, is FDA-approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment. It impacts and has effects on dopamine and norepinephrine uptake systems. Belonging to the SSRIs class of drugs it is an on-label and off-label medicine for depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and other psychological conditions. Apart from its no to less impact on the brain, on cognitive abilities to be more specific, favors this medicine. We will see further How Is Luvox Different From Other SSRIs.
Mechanism Of Action Of The Luvox Pill:
Luvox enhances the serotonin action on autoreceptor 5HT1A. 5HT1A has a major role in the activity regulation of the serotonin system. The reuptake of serotonin is blocked by luvox (fluvoxamine) at the neuronal membrane that has the serotonin reuptake pump of serotonin. It is the general idea of fluvoxamine functioning as an exact and comprehensive mechanism has not been determined yet.
Comparison of Luvoc with other SSRIs:
Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, and Vilazodone are currently approved SSRI medicines for psychological disorders in the United States. From this list, Fluvoxamine is favored and highly popular as it is prescribed and licensed in many countries as an antidepressant. The significance of Luvox is evident in the fact that it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration United States for children’s usage in OCD cases.
Here are some significant points to notice:
- Fluvoxamine is the first SSRI medicine registered for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some studies also suggested the efficacy of this pill in ocd management.
- It is the most researched and tested medicine amongst other SSRIs for obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Some studies suggest that it is significantly effective in anxiety disorders and is applicable as anti-anxiety medicine.
- Luvox is a weak inhibitor of cytochrome P450(CYP) 2D6. P450(CYP) 2D6 is an isoenzyme that participates in drug metabolism. so it is less likely or unlikely to result in interaction with many antipsychotics in case of drug interactions that utilize the same isoenzyme.
- It is applicable for adults and children as well in OCD treatment.
- It is one of the most prescribed remedies for social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, and PTSD.
- Luvox’s bioavailability is independent of food. It means that this drug makes itself available completely without any influence from food.
- The interaction of drugs, medicines, or other substances is the most concerning of all the intake precautions. Luvox interacts with very less medicines or drugs which is a sign of an efficient and good drug. Luvox does not interact with lithium or digoxin making it a relatively better pill.
- The use of Luvox is permissible during breastfeeding. Pregnancy and infant both have normal levels according to some studies.
- Luvox has proved its effectiveness in binge eating disorders, pathological gambling, autism, compulsive buying, and bulimia nervosa.
- Although it is strictly advised to stick to the prescribed guidelines. Its long-term use is safe as no problems have been observed.
Side effects Of Luvox:
Luvox, even after being studied and found significantly beneficial in anxiety disorders and Obsessive-compulsive disorders, is not side effect proof. Some common side effects with few severe symptoms can be experienced by the patients. Prescription proper is strictly advised.
Some side effects of Luvox are given below:
Physical and psychological:
Common:
- Mild Headaches
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Restlessness
Severe:
- Tremors
- Serotonin syndrome.
- Flushed skin
- Muscle stiffness
- Disorientation
- Pupil dilation
Heart-related:
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeats rhythm
- Rapid heart rate
Other SSRIs medicine side effects and withdrawal symptoms:
These medicines can have better results in comparision to counterpart medicines but some severe side effects are still persistent. Because of their adverse side effects that can result in worsening of patients’ health. Severe side effects are:
Agitation: Taking these medicines regularly and then abruptly stopping them can cause withdrawal symptoms. Agitation is one of them.
Appetite loss: Fluvoxamine impacts the brain giving it pleasure which sometimes results in appetite loss.
Generally, withdrawal symptoms should pass within 2-3 weeks but vary from person to person on the basis of dose consumption.
Summary:
Luvox is an SSRI that provides relief for mood disorders by utilizing this accumulated serotonin. Taking these medicines without any prescription or an appropriate prescription can cause worse and life-threatening medical issues. These are erectile dysfunction, insomnia, low libido, and suicidal thoughts. Before stopping taking this pill, the doctor decreases the dose gradually or as per prescription to avoid the severity of these symptoms.
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