From the Guidelines
Yes, fluvoxamine can cause increased sleepiness and may lead to sleeping 11-13 hours in some individuals. Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders 1. Drowsiness and fatigue are known side effects of this medication, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment. The sedative effects occur because fluvoxamine affects serotonin levels in the brain, which plays a role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Some key points to consider when taking fluvoxamine include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed to minimize side effects
- Taking the medication in the evening rather than morning to help regulate sleep patterns
- Monitoring for excessive sleepiness and adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication as needed
- Discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider, as they may adjust the treatment plan to minimize adverse effects 1. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right balance and minimize potential side effects, such as excessive sleepiness, to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
Somnolence 22% Insomnia 21% The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of Fluvoxamine Maleate Tablets and likely to be drug-related (incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice that for placebo) derived from TABLE 2 were: somnolence, insomnia, nervousness, tremor, nausea, dyspepsia, anorexia, vomiting, abnormal ejaculation, asthenia, and sweating
Somnolence is reported in 22% of patients, which could be associated with sleeping more than usual. However, the label does not provide information on the duration of sleep.
- The label does mention somnolence and insomnia as common adverse events, but it does not specify if somnolence is associated with sleeping 11-13 hours.
- There is no direct information in the label that supports the idea that fluvoxamine can cause someone to sleep 11-13 hours. 2
From the Research
Sleep Effects of Fluvoxamine
- Fluvoxamine can cause somnolence, as reported in postmarketing studies 3.
- The medication has been shown to increase the serum melatonin level, which regulates human circadian rhythm 4.
- Studies have found that fluvoxamine can improve sleep architecture and reduce symptoms of insomnia in depressed patients 4, 5.
- However, fluvoxamine can also disrupt sleep quality, particularly in the early stages of treatment, with effects on REM sleep and slow wave sleep 5, 6.
- Some patients may experience circadian rhythm sleep disorders as a possible side effect of fluvoxamine, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue 7.
Duration of Sleep
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that fluvoxamine can cause individuals to sleep for 11-13 hours.
- However, the medication's effects on melatonin levels and sleep architecture may lead to increased sleep duration in some individuals 4.
- Further research is needed to determine the specific effects of fluvoxamine on sleep duration and to establish whether it can cause prolonged sleep in certain individuals.