Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Lithium+fluvoxamine

Lithium enhances mood stabilization through effects on intracellular signaling, while fluvoxamine increases serotonin availability by inhibiting its reuptake, together targeting mood disorders through complementary neurochemical pathways.

Lithium enhances mood stabilization through effects on intracellular signaling, while fluvoxamine increases serotonin availability by inhibiting its reuptake, together targeting both bipolar disorder and depression. Used for Bipolar disorder depression, Treatment-resistant depression, Major depressive disorder with bipolar features.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Lithium modulates second-messenger systems (particularly inositol phosphate metabolism) and protein kinase C signaling, providing mood-stabilizing effects. Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases synaptic serotonin concentration. The combination is used to enhance efficacy in treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder by addressing both monoaminergic and intracellular signaling mechanisms.

Approved indications

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Bipolar disorder (depression phase)
• Major depressive disorder with augmentation

Common side effects

• Tremor
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Polyuria/polydipsia
• Sedation
• Headache
• Serotonin syndrome (rare)

Key clinical trials

• Longitudinal Comparative Effectiveness of Bipolar Disorder Therapies
• Pharmacovigilance in Gerontopsychiatric Patients (PHASE3)
• Multi-Dimensional Diagnosis,Individualized Therapy,and Management Technique for Major Depressive Disorder:Based on Clinical and Pathological Characteristics (PHASE4)
• Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression (NA)
• Treatment-Resistant Depression, Hippocampus Atrophy and Serotonin Genetic Polymorphism (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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