Fluvoxamine is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or social phobia. This drug belongs to the class of drugs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Fluvoxamine works by restoring the balance of serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that plays an important role in influencing mood. With the balance of serotonin levels, complaints and symptoms can subside.
Fluvoxamine trademark: Luvox
What is Fluvoxamine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Types of antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
| Benefit | Coping with obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, or depression. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Fluvoxamine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Fluvoxamine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not take fluvoxamine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not take fluvoxamine if you are or have recently been treated with MAOI drugs, such as izocarboxid, phelezine, or selegiline.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, heart disease, stroke, blood clotting disorder, liver disease, hypertension, bipolar disorder, kidney disease, or electrolyte disturbances.
- This medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not drink alcohol, engage in activities that require alertness, or drive, while taking fluvoxamine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have any suicidal thoughts or self-harm while taking fluvoxamine. Always do the control according to the schedule given by the doctor.
- Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, a more serious side effect, or an overdose after taking fluvoxamine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Fluvoxamine
The following are general doses of fluvoxamine based on the patient's condition and age:
Condition: Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Mature: The initial dose is 50 mg once a day given at bedtime. The dose can be increased gradually to a maximum of 300 mg per day. Doses of more than 150 mg per day should be given in 2-3 doses.
Condition: Depression
- Mature: The initial dose is 50–100 mg once daily given at bedtime. The dose can be reduced or increased according to the patient's response every 3-4 weeks. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day. Doses of more than 150 mg should be given in 2–3 doses.
How to Take Fluvoxamine Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using fluvoxamine.
If you are advised to take fluvoxamine once a day, take it at bedtime. If you are advised to take fluvoxamine twice a day, take it in the morning and at bedtime.
Try to take fluvoxamine at the same time every day, in the morning or in the afternoon, for maximum benefits.
If you forget to take fluvoxamine, it is advisable to take it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store fluvoxamine at room temperature. Do not store it in a humid place or in direct sunlight.
Fluvoxamine Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of fluvoxamine together with other drugs can cause drug interactions, including:
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome which can be fatal when used with tramadol, lithium, fentanyl, dolasetron, triptans, or MAOIs
- Increased risk of arrhythmias with pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, or thioridazine
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulants (eg warfarin), antiplatelet agents (eg ticlopidine, aspirin), antipsychotics, or NSAIDs
- Increased risk of hyponatremia if used with diuretic drugs
- Increased blood levels of theophylline, methadone, tizanidine, amitriptyline, mexiletine, clomipramine, alprazolam, diazepam, or propranolol
Fluvoxamine Side Effects and Dangers
Some side effects that may appear after taking fluvoxamine are:
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Insomnia
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Weak
- Excessive sweating
- Difficult to concentrate
- No appetite
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- dry mouth
- Chest pain
- Severe dizziness
- Decreased sex drive or libido
- Pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- Body shaking
- Bloody stools, black stools, easy bruising, nosebleeds, or vomiting blood
- Visual disturbances, such as eye pain or blurred vision
- Confusion, restlessness, hallucinations, seizures, or fainting
- High fever
