Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.
Relevant genes: CYP2D6
Gene2Rx covers this medication using the same CPIC and FDA guidelines GeneSight uses, costs $5-$49 instead of several hundred, and works with your existing 23andMe data.
Luvox is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2D6 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Luvox, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.
Published guidance from CPIC on how fluvoxamine should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2D6 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ultrarapid Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
There is not enough data to know how your genetics affect response to this drug. |
CPIC
No recommendation due to lack of evidence.
|
Optional |
|
Normal Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body is expected to process this drug normally; standard dosing is recommended. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
Strong |
|
Intermediate Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body may process this drug a bit slower, but regular starting doses are typically used. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
Moderate |
|
Poor Metabolizer
CYP2D6
|
Your body processes this drug much more slowly, so a lower dose or an alternative may be safer. |
CPIC
Consider a 25–50% lower starting dose and slower titration schedule as compared with normal metabolizers or consider a clinically appropriate alternative antidepressant not predominantly metabolized by CYP2D6.
|
Optional |
|
Indeterminate
CYP2D6
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Not available
CYP2D6
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown. |
CPIC
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
Source: CPIC
CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent of people are poor metabolizers (they barely activate CYP2D6), and another 1 to 3 percent are ultrarapid metabolizers (their enzyme is overactive).
For most CYP2D6 drugs, poor metabolizers feel stronger effects and more side effects at standard doses, while ultrarapid metabolizers may feel almost nothing. For prodrugs like codeine, the relationship flips: poor metabolizers feel less effect because they can't activate the drug.
Browse the full drug-class: SSRI antidepressants.
This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.
Get your report Look up another medicationInformational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.