fluvoxamine and Central-Nervous-System-Diseases

Selective serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the 5-HT noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine, are mainstays in treatment for depression. The highly specific actions of SSRIs of enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission appears to explain their benefit, while lack of direct actions on other neurotransmitter systems is responsible for their superior safety profile compared with tricyclic antidepressants. Although SSRIs (and venlafaxine) have similar adverse effects, certain differences are emerging. Fluvoxamine may have fewer effects on sexual dysfunction and sleep pattern. SSRIs have a cardiovascular safety profile superior to that of tricyclic antidepressants for patients with cardiovascular disease; fluvoxamine is safe in patients with cardiovascular disease and in the elderly. A discontinuation syndrome may develop upon abrupt SSRI cessation. SSRIs are more tolerable than tricyclic antidepressants in overdose, and there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that they are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Although the literature suggests that there are no clinically significant differences in efficacy amongst SSRIs, treatment decisions need to be based on considerations such as patient acceptability, response history and toxicity.

Topics: Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Body Weight; Central Nervous System Diseases; Depressive Disorder; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sleep Wake Disorders

Given their equal efficacy, the choice of a specific antidepressant is largely influenced by side effect (SE) profiles. A number of new agents have recently become available. However, data directly comparing the side effects of these agents are scarce. As suggested by AHCPR guidelines, we used the 1998 Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) to construct a comparison table using treatment emergent, placebo-adjusted incidence rates for the major (gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and sexual) side effects caused by nine antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, nefazodone, bupropion SR, mirtazapine, venlafaxine XR, and citalopram). The results were tabulated to show the relative propensity of each drug to cause a particular side effect. Bupropion SR had the most favorable overall side-effect profile, and fluvoxamine the least favorable. However, there are several limitations in using the PDR to compare the newer antidepressants. Clinical studies directly comparing SEs of newer antidepressants are needed. Sexual SEs substantially affected total SE liability. A simplified summary table, with its advantages and some limitations, is not simple to construct. Pitfalls in this process are discussed.

Topics: Antidepressive Agents; Bupropion; Central Nervous System Diseases; Citalopram; Cyclohexanols; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Information Services; Fluvoxamine; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Incidence; Paroxetine; Piperazines; Placebos; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sertraline; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Triazoles; United States; United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride