The Sound of Evolution
Fluvoxamine
Mechanism of action:
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and belongs to the aryloxyalkylamine derivative class. Fluvoxamine binds to the serotonin transporter on the membrane of presynaptic neurons, preventing serotonin (5-HT) from being reabsorbed into the neuron. This increases serotonin concentration in the synaptic cleft and enhances as well as prolongs its action on postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, thereby modulating central nervous system pathways associated with depression, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and anxiety.
Reference(s):
1. Dell'Osso B et al. (2005). Fluvoxamine: a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Expert Opin Pharmacother.
2. Irons J et al. (2005). Fluvoxamine in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.
3. Foster RH et al. (1997). Paroxetine: a review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential in the management of panic disorder. CNS Drugs.