Can Luvox (Fluvoxamine) Cause Lightheadedness?
Yes, fluvoxamine can cause lightheadedness, though it occurs less frequently than other common side effects like nausea and somnolence. 1
Incidence and Clinical Significance
Lightheadedness was reported in 11% of patients treated with fluvoxamine in clinical trials, occurring as part of the adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation in some cases 1
In a study of levetiracetam loading (which provides comparative context for CNS side effects), 11% of patients reported transient lightheadedness, suggesting this is a common CNS-related adverse effect across psychotropic medications 2
Dizziness (which encompasses lightheadedness) was reported in 2% of fluvoxamine-treated patients as a reason for discontinuation, compared to less than 1% in placebo groups 1
Mechanism and Context
Lightheadedness with fluvoxamine likely results from serotonergic effects on the central nervous system, similar to other SSRIs that commonly cause dizziness, confusion, and ataxia as CNS-related adverse effects 2
The side effect profile of fluvoxamine includes common CNS manifestations such as somnolence, insomnia, nervousness, and dizziness, with lightheadedness falling within this spectrum 1
Clinical Management Strategies
Start with lower doses and gradually titrate upward to minimize CNS side effects including lightheadedness, as recommended for escitalopram (a related SSRI) where taking medication at bedtime can help if daytime dizziness is problematic 3
Most adverse events, including lightheadedness, are generally mild to moderate in severity and may improve with continued treatment 4, 5
If lightheadedness persists or worsens, consider dose reduction or switching to an alternative agent, as fluvoxamine has demonstrated a favorable tolerability profile compared to tricyclic antidepressants 5
Important Caveats
Lightheadedness can be a component of discontinuation syndrome when fluvoxamine is stopped abruptly, along with dizziness, sensory disturbances, and other neurological symptoms 1
In overdose situations, lightheadedness may be accompanied by more serious symptoms including hypotension, somnolence, and cardiovascular effects 1
Patients should be monitored for symptomatic hypotension, particularly during dose initiation or escalation, as this can manifest as lightheadedness 2