Managing Fluvoxamine Side Effects and Discontinuation Symptoms
You should gradually taper off fluvoxamine rather than stopping abruptly, and consult your healthcare provider immediately about your dizziness, headaches, sleep disturbances, and night sweats, which are recognized discontinuation symptoms. 1
Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you're experiencing—dizziness, headaches, restless sleep, and night sweats—are consistent with fluvoxamine discontinuation syndrome. According to the FDA drug label, abrupt discontinuation of fluvoxamine commonly causes:
- Dizziness and sensory disturbances
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Excessive sweating
- Irritability and anxiety
- Confusion 1
These symptoms typically peak around day 5 after discontinuation, as demonstrated in research showing that 86% of patients experience these symptoms when fluvoxamine is stopped abruptly 2.
Immediate Actions to Take
Contact your healthcare provider immediately
- Do not continue self-discontinuation without medical supervision
- Your symptoms require professional evaluation
Resume your prescribed dose (if advised by your provider)
- This may help alleviate your current symptoms
- Will prevent worsening of discontinuation effects 1
Discuss a proper tapering schedule with your provider
- Gradual dose reduction is strongly recommended
- Typical tapering periods range from 2-4 weeks depending on your dose
Proper Discontinuation Protocol
If you and your provider decide to discontinue fluvoxamine:
- Implement a gradual taper rather than abrupt cessation
- Monitor for symptoms during the tapering process
- Return to previous dose if intolerable symptoms occur
- Continue decreasing at a more gradual rate after symptoms subside 1
Common Side Effects vs. Discontinuation Symptoms
It's important to distinguish between common side effects of fluvoxamine and discontinuation symptoms:
| Common Side Effects | Discontinuation Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Nausea (9%) | Dizziness/incoordination |
| Insomnia (4%) | Headaches |
| Somnolence (22%) | Night sweats |
| Nervousness (12%) | Irritability |
| Dizziness (11%) | Sensory disturbances |
Your symptoms appear more consistent with discontinuation effects, especially since they began after you stopped taking the medication 1, 2.
Important Cautions
- Never stop SSRIs abruptly - this can lead to serious discontinuation symptoms
- Discontinuation symptoms are not addiction - they reflect physiological adaptation
- Symptoms are usually self-limiting but can be uncomfortable and disruptive
- Some patients may require very slow tapering over months rather than weeks 1
Long-term Considerations
Research shows that fluvoxamine can affect sleep architecture, with studies demonstrating that it may reduce REM sleep initially but can improve overall sleep quality in patients with depression and insomnia over an 8-week period 3, 4. If sleep disturbances persist after proper medication management, your provider may recommend:
- Sleep hygiene practices
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
- Alternative medication options 5
Remember that proper management of your medication is essential for both your mental health and physical well-being. Reach out to your healthcare provider today to discuss these symptoms and develop an appropriate plan.