FLUVOXAMINE AND CAFFEINE DON'T MIX!
FLUVOXAMINE AND CAFFEINE DON'T MIX!
Taking fluvoxamine (Luvox), or thinking of taking it?
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Fluvoxamine and caffeine don't play well together! To avoid nasty side effects, quit caffeine, or cut way back and be careful with it, when you start Luvox.
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That's actually all you need to know from this site. Read on only if you're curious why.
THE ISSUE - AT A GLANCE
Why don't coffee/tea/chocolate/soda and fluvoxamine (Luvox) play well together?
Are you thinking about taking Luvox (fluoxetine)? Or you're already taking it (for OCD or depression) and having some issues? Heads up: Fluvoxamine and caffeine don't mix!
Here's the short version of why: The body processes various drugs through pathways called "cytochrome P450" pathways. Think of it like a pipe: if you send two things through the same pipe, you can get a log-jam, and they start to build up.
Think about this: What are the side effects of fluvoxamine ("Luvox") supposed to be? Headaches, nausea, jitters, and insomnia, right? Remind you of anything?
You got it! Too much coffee!
Okay, but wait. Wondering why you've never heard of this issue regarding Prozac (fluoxetine), which sounds similar to fluvoxamine (Luvox) and is indeed a close cousin? Because Prozac goes mostly through a different pathway, luckily, called CYP2D6. That's not the metabolic pathway caffeine uses-- so, no conflict there. No wonder Prozac is more popular! It's easier to take.
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So how does this play out? Let's say you start on fluvoxamine and you drink your regular cup of coffee in the morning. Only now, it lasts 30-35 hours because the fluvoxamine is jamming the metabolic "pipe." Then you drink another coffee at noon out of habit, and it lasts 30-35 hours-- and that's on top of the last one, which is still hanging around. You have your last coffee at 4 pm (or some tea, or some chocolate or a soda), and WATCH OUT!
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One last wrinkle: There are genetic differences on top of that. In most people, caffeine lasts roughly 5-8 hours; for example, you'd better quit by 2 or 4 PM if you want to get to sleep at 10. But some people are super-sensitive ("slow metabolizers"), and some people can drink coffee all day long ("ultra-rapid metabolizers"). Around 1-15% of people are in each of those categories at the ends, depending on race etc. There's even a genetic test for it (and it's included in the deluxe version of the 23andMe results).
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If you already know that you're super-sensitive to caffeine (let's say, you can't drink it after 10 AM or noon and still fall asleep at night), this is going to be even more important for you on Luvox. (By the way, ask around in your family-- you might not be the only one who's sensitive to caffeine!) But if you're one of those people who takes a last sip of coffee as you turn off the light, you may have more leeway.
Just remember, whatever caffeine is usually like for you, think "Times 3 to 5."
Here's the thing to remember: Luvox makes caffeine
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STRONGER, and LONGER.
GETTING SPECIFIC: WATCH OUT FOR HIDDEN CAFFEINE
How to avoid headaches, jitters, nausea, and insomnia while taking fluvoxamine
TEA
There's lots of caffeine in black tea, and some in green tea too. Herbal tea is okay, though.
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Tea could be a good substitute if you're coming off coffee and need a little boost.
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Handy guideline:
Just remember, whatever you take will last 30-35 hours, and a second cup will build on the last.
CHOCOLATE
Insomnia, hello!
Chocolate can surprise you if you're on Luvox. Dark chocolate is powerful stuff-- but if you're normally a coffee-drinker, you can probably get away with savoring a few bites, or some milk chocolate, early in the day.
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What's the right amount, and cutoff time, for you? This should be a fun experiment!
ENERGY DRINKS
Watch out! These are caffeine bombs!
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Some sodas are too (e.g. Coke/Pepsi/Dr. Pepper/Mountain Dew), though not as much.
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Remember, everything is stronger and lasts longer on fluvoxamine. And if you drink more than one a day, each one builds up on the last one.
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FLUVOXAMINE AND CAFFEINE DON'T MIX!
Imagine a cup of coffee keeping you buzzed for 30 hours-- not good!
To avoid headaches, nausea, and insomnia, quit or cut way down on caffeine if you start taking Luvox.
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That's it. Spread the word!
