What common side effect does fluentamine (Luvox) have on smokers that may influence dosage?

Fluvoxamine (Luvox) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. Smokers may experience an increased metabolism of certain drugs due to the induction of liver enzymes by components in cigarette smoke, particularly cytochrome P450 enzymes. This metabolic increase can lead to a more rapid clearance of medications like fluvoxamine from the body.

As a result, smokers may require a higher dosage of fluvoxamine to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, which distinguishes this population's response to the medication. Understanding this interaction is essential for healthcare providers when prescribing fluvoxamine to ensure effective treatment and adequate therapeutic dosing in smokers.