From the Guidelines
Fluvoxamine may help with headaches through its mechanism as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which increases serotonin levels in the brain, reducing pain perception and inflammation associated with headaches. As an SSRI, fluvoxamine can address underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety that may contribute to headaches. The medication is typically started at 50mg daily and gradually increased to 100-300mg daily as needed and tolerated 1. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, and dizziness, which often improve with time. It's essential to note that while fluvoxamine isn't FDA-approved specifically for headaches, it may be prescribed off-label when headaches co-occur with conditions like depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder that respond to SSRIs. Some key points to consider when prescribing fluvoxamine for headaches include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated
- Monitoring for potential side effects, such as nausea, insomnia, and dizziness
- Being aware of the potential for drug interactions, particularly with other serotonergic medications
- Considering the patient's medical history, including any history of seizure disorder or bleeding disorders
- Educating the patient on the potential benefits and risks of fluvoxamine treatment for headaches. Fluvoxamine has been shown to be effective in reducing nightmares in patients with PTSD, which may also be beneficial for patients experiencing headaches related to PTSD or other anxiety disorders 1. However, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and consider alternative treatment options before prescribing fluvoxamine for headaches. In terms of specific dosing, fluvoxamine can be started at 50mg daily and increased to 100-300mg daily as needed and tolerated, with benefits potentially taking 2-4 weeks to become noticeable 1. Overall, fluvoxamine may be a viable treatment option for headaches, particularly when co-occurring with depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, but its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional.
From the FDA Drug Label
Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Mechanism of Action
- Fluvoxamine is a potent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that facilitates serotoninergic neurotransmission via potent and selective inhibition of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake into presynaptic neurones 2
- The blockade of serotonin reuptake is the main mechanism of action of fluvoxamine, which is believed to be mediated by its effects on the serotonin transport system 3
- Fluvoxamine also has additional mechanisms of action, including σ1-agonist activity and the effect on the metabolism of melatonin and neurosteroids catabolism 4
Efficacy in Anxiety Disorders
- Fluvoxamine has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 5, 6, 3
- Fluvoxamine has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of a range of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, pathological gambling, and body dysmorphic disorder 6
Potential Role in Headache Treatment
- While there is no direct evidence on the use of fluvoxamine for headache treatment, its efficacy in anxiety disorders and its mechanism of action suggest that it may have a potential role in treating headaches associated with anxiety or depression 5, 6, 3, 4, 2
- Fluvoxamine's ability to facilitate serotoninergic neurotransmission and its effects on the metabolism of melatonin and neurosteroids catabolism may also contribute to its potential role in headache treatment 4, 2