From the Guidelines
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and naltrexone can generally be taken together, but this combination should be monitored by a healthcare provider. There are no significant pharmacological interactions that would absolutely contraindicate their concurrent use 1. Fluvoxamine is an SSRI antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, while naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking opioid receptors. These medications work through different mechanisms and target different neurotransmitter systems. However, both medications can potentially cause side effects like nausea, headache, dizziness, and sleep disturbances, which might be additive when taken together. Patients should be aware that fluvoxamine can inhibit certain liver enzymes, which could theoretically affect how other medications are metabolized, though significant interactions with naltrexone are not commonly reported 1.
Some key points to consider when taking this combination include:
- Monitoring for symptoms, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after dosage changes 1
- Reporting any unusual or severe side effects to the healthcare provider immediately, particularly any changes in mood, energy levels, or unusual thoughts 1
- Being aware of the potential for additive side effects, such as nausea, headache, and dizziness 1
- Understanding that fluvoxamine may have a greater potential for drug-drug interactions due to its inhibition of certain liver enzymes 1
It is essential to follow the healthcare provider's guidance and recommendations when taking fluvoxamine and naltrexone together, as they can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
From the Research
Combination of Luvox and Naltrexone
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses the combination of Luvox (fluvoxamine) and naltrexone.
- Luvox is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social phobia 2, 3.
- Naltrexone is an anticraving agent used to treat substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders 4.
- While there is evidence that naltrexone can be effective in treating substance use disorders with co-occurring mental health disorders 4, 5, there is no specific information on its use with Luvox.
- It is essential to consider the potential interactions between Luvox and naltrexone, as well as their individual side effect profiles, before combining them 2, 6.
Potential Interactions and Side Effects
- Luvox can inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, which may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications that affect serotonin levels 6.
- Naltrexone can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and dizziness, which may be exacerbated by the combination with Luvox 4.
- The combination of Luvox and naltrexone may require careful monitoring and dose adjustment to minimize potential interactions and side effects.