Fluvoxamine. An updated review of its pharmacology, and therapeutic use in depressive illness

Abstract

Fluvoxamine facilitates serotoninergic neurotransmission via potent and selective inhibition of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake into presynaptic neurones. The overall antidepressant efficacy of fluvoxamine 100 to 300 mg/day for 4 to 6 weeks in once daily or divided dosage regimens appears to be at least comparable to that of imipramine and similar to that of clomipramine, dothiepin, desipramine, amitriptyline, lofepramine, maprotiline, mianserin and moclobemide. The efficacy of fluvoxamine has been maintained for up to 1 year, but long term data are limited, and there are no comparative studies of fluvoxamine with other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In some studies, fluvoxamine appeared to have an earlier beneficial effect on suicidal ideation and/or anxiety or somatic complaints compared with imipramine, dothiepin and maprotiline. Gastrointestinal adverse effects, especially nausea, are commonly reported with fluvoxamine but are generally mild to moderate in severity. The tolerability profile of fluvoxamine appears to be more favourable than that of tricyclic antidepressants in terms of cardiotoxic and anticholinergic adverse effects, sedation, weight gain and death from overdosage. Thus, fluvoxamine is an effective and well tolerated antidepressant agent that is becoming established as an alternative to older agents in patients with mild, moderate or severe depression. Fluvoxamine may be particularly beneficial in potentially suicidal patients with severe depression, in those with an underlying compulsive personality or cardiovascular disorder, in patients with coexistent anxiety or agitation, and in the elderly.