Impact of genetic variation on response to therapy
The SmPC for fluvoxamine states that although CYP2D6 is the main isoenzyme involved in fluvoxamine’s metabolism in vitro, plasma concentrations in poor metabolisers for CYP2D6 are not much higher than those in extensive (normal) metabolisers.
A review of the evidence by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC®) found moderate evidence that poor metabolisers had significantly higher plasma concentrations compared to normal metabolisers which may result in a higher risk of developing side effects.
The SmPC for fluvoxamine provides a range of doses and recommends individual adjustment according to response and indication. Knowledge of a patient’s CYP2D6 metaboliser phenotype may help guide this by identifying patients who could be at an increased risk of experiencing adverse effects or treatment failure.
Testing recommendations
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has published recommendations regarding pharmacogenomic testing that are summarised as follows:
- There is currently insufficient evidence of clinical benefit to recommend pharmacogenomic testing for CYP2D6 in routine prescription of psychotropic medication.
- Testing should be considered if an individual has had inadequate responses to previous medications, or has experienced marked, dose-associated adverse reactions to similar medications.
Therapeutic recommendations
CYP2D6 metaboliser status unknown
- Initiate treatment with standard starting dose.
- Monitor for efficacy and adverse effects and titrate according to response.
CYP2D6 Ultra-rapid metabolisers: Activity score >2.25
Some examples of CYP2D6 genotypes include (see note): *1/*1xN, *1/*2xN
- Initiate treatment with standard starting dose.
- Monitor for efficacy and adverse effects and titrate according to response.
CYP2D6 Normal metabolisers: Activity score ≥1.25 – ≤2.25
Some examples of CYP2D6 genotypes include (see note): *1/*1, *1/*2, *2/*2
- Initiate treatment with standard starting dose.
- Monitor for efficacy and adverse effects and titrate according to response.
CYP2D6 Intermediate metabolisers: Activity score >0 – <1.25
Some examples of CYP2D6 genotypes include (see note): *1/*4, *1/*5, *1/*4xN
- Reduced metabolism of fluvoxamine compared to normal metabolisers.
- May result in increased probability of adverse effects.
- Initiate treatment with standard starting dose.
- Monitor for efficacy and adverse effects and titrate according to response.
CYP2D6 Poor metabolisers: Activity score 0
Some examples of CYP2D6 genotypes include (see note): *4/*4, *4/*4xN, *3/*4, *5/*5
- Greatly reduced metabolism of fluvoxamine compared to normal metabolisers.
- May result in increased probability of adverse effects.
- Consider a 25%-50% reduction in starting dose.
- Monitor for efficacy and adverse effects and titrate according to response.
- If there are concerns regarding adverse effects despite dose reduction, consider alternative therapy without major CYP2D6 metabolism.
Note: This is a limited list of examples of CYP2D6 genotypes. N represents the number of additional copies of the gene.
Further information
There is a potential for drug interactions with inhibitors or inducers of CYP2D6 and with other substrates for CYP2D6. Fluvoxamine is both a substrate of CYP2D6 and is also an inhibitor of multiple CYP isoenzymes including CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Drug-drug interactions and other patient characteristics including age, renal and hepatic function should be considered when initiating and titrating antidepressant therapy. Consult the SmPC for more detailed information on CYP inhibition and drug interactions with fluvoxamine.
The main benefit of pharmacogenomic testing for antidepressants is to aid in medication selection by identifying patients who are more or less likely to experience side effects or treatment failure to certain medications. Patients who are already on stable and effective fluvoxamine treatment without significant concerns regarding adverse effects may not benefit from retrospective dose modifications based on CYP2D6 pharmacogenomic results.
Antidepressants that are not metabolised by CYP2D6, or to a lesser extent, include citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline.
References
Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium CPIC® (2023) Guideline for CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2B6, SLC6A4, and HTR2A Genotypes and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressants. Available at: https://cpicpgx.org/guidelines/cpic-guideline-for-ssri-and-snri-antidepressants/ (Accessed online 23 June 2025.)
Mylan (2023) Faverin Film-coated Tablets 100mg SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6603/smpc (Accessed online 23 June 2025).
Royal College of Psychiatrists (2023). College report CR237: The role of genetic testing in mental health settings. Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/campaigning-for-better-mental-health-policy/college-reports/2023-college-reports/the-role-of-genetic-testing-in-mental-health-settings-(cr237) (Accessed online 29 May 2025.)
Beunk, L et al. (2022). Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) guideline for the gene-drug interaction between CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 and SSRIs. European Journal of Human Genetics, 30(10), 1114-1120. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-021-01004-7 (Accessed online 23 June 2025.)
