From the Guidelines
Weight gain of 6-7 pounds when weaning off fluvoxamine is not typical for most people, though some weight fluctuation can occur during antidepressant discontinuation. Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may actually cause weight gain in some individuals during treatment, and discontinuation often leads to a return to pre-medication weight rather than additional weight gain 1. If you're experiencing this weight gain while tapering off fluvoxamine, it could be related to changes in appetite, metabolism, or fluid retention as your body adjusts to decreasing medication levels. Other factors like changes in physical activity, eating habits, or mood during this transition period might also contribute. Some key points to consider when weaning off fluvoxamine include:
- A discontinuation syndrome characterized by various symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety has been reported following missed doses or acute discontinuation of shorter-acting SSRIs, including fluvoxamine 1.
- It's essential to taper fluvoxamine gradually under medical supervision to minimize discontinuation symptoms.
- If weight gain is significant or concerning, consult your healthcare provider, as it could potentially indicate another underlying issue or might be related to the return of symptoms that were previously managed by the medication. Given the potential for discontinuation syndrome and other factors that may influence weight during the tapering process, it is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage the transition safely and effectively.
From the Research
Weight Gain After Weaning Off Fluvoxamine
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that it is typical to gain 6-7 lbs when weaning off fluvoxamine 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of fluvoxamine in treating anxiety disorders and COVID-19, rather than its effects on weight after weaning off the medication.
- However, a study on physiological adaptations to weight loss and factors favoring weight regain suggests that weight regain after weight loss is a common phenomenon due to physiological adaptations, including changes in appetite-related hormones and energy homeostasis 6.
- It is possible that weaning off fluvoxamine, which can affect serotonin levels and appetite regulation, may contribute to weight gain in some individuals, but this is speculative and not supported by direct evidence from the provided studies 2, 6.