Fluvoxamine is a prescription medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have a variety of uses beyond just social disorders. These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the bloodstream. In the following article, we discuss the uses, brand name, interactions, side effects and warnings of fluvoxamine. We also answer the question what is the best time to take fluvoxamine.
What Is Fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain.
Fluvoxamine Brand Name
The brand name version of fluvoxamine include:
- Luvox
Fluvoxamine vs Fluoxetine
Fluvaxomine and fluoxetine are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications that are often confused with one another due to their similar names. Fluvoxamine is known to produce less nausea for people who take it than fluoxetine.
Fluvoxamine And COVID
Clinical trials have been conducted to examine the use of fluvoxamine as a treatment for COVID-19. These studies, however, have been inconclusive. Fluvoxamine has not been approved by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment fo COVID-19.
Interactions Of Fluvoxamine
Do not take fluvoxamine in conjunction with any of the following products or medications:
- Buspirone
- Fentanyl
- Lithium
- Rizatriptan
- Tryptophan
How To Take Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine comes as a tablet and extended-release tablet, both of which can be taken by mouth. Both tablets are usually taken once a day at bedtime or twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and tell your doctor if you have any complications while taking the medication.
What Is The Best Time To Take Fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine tablets should be taken after waking up and before bedtime.
Fluvoxamine Dosage
The dosage for fluvoxamine may depend on multiple factors, including the following:
- Number of doses
- Strength of each dose
- Your age
- Your weight
- The severity of your condition
Dosage For Treatment Of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Adult: 100mg per day once before bedtime. Dosage may increase as needed.
Side Effects of Fluvoxamine
Most side effects of fluvoxamine are relatively common and mild.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of fluvoxamine include the following. These symptoms should disappear within a few days after they begin to occur.
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Gas
- Change in taste
- Sweating
- Weight loss
- Nervousness
- Sexual problems
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If they do not, contact a medical professional immediately.
Serious Side Effects
Other side effects are more serious and may require medical attention. Contact your doctor or another medical professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms. call 911 if you think your symptoms are life-threatening.
- Unsteadiness
- Blood in urine
- Blood in stools
- Slowed or difficult breathing
- Bloody nose
- Unusual Bleeding or bruising
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stool
- Severely decreased appetite
- Greatly increased energy
- Severe trouble sleeping
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusually grand ideas
- Excessive happiness or irritability
- Talking more or faster than usual
Disclaimer: At ManifestRX our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Unfortunately, because drugs affect each individual differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects.
Fluvoxamine Warnings
Fluvoxamine may increase the frequency of suicidal thoughts in some patients. If you are taking fluvoxamine and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 9-11 immediately.
Serotonin Syndrome Warning
This drug can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens when medications cause too much serotonin to build up in your body. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of this condition, such as agitation, hallucinations, coordination problems, or muscle stiffness.
Abnormal Bleeding Warning
Fluvoxamine may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising. Some people who take fluvoxamine may be at higher risk if you’re also taking aspirin, the blood thinner warfarin, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen or naproxen).
Fluvoxamine Interactions
There are a number of drugs which you should not take in conjunction with fluvoxamine. These include the following:
Alosetron
Taking alosetron with fluvoxamine can increase your risk of side effects from alosetron, including stomach pain and severe constipation.
Ramelteon
Taking this drug with fluvoxamine can increase your risk of negative side effects from ramelteon.
Linezolid
You should wait at least 2 weeks in between the time you take linezolid and the time you take fluvoxamine. Failing to do so can increase the likelihood of serious side effects.
Thioridazine
Taking thioridazine with fluvoxamine can cause serious heart rhythm problems or sudden death.
Tizanidine
Taking tizanidine with fluvoxamine can increase your risk of side effects from tizanidine. These adverse effects can include drowsiness or a drop in blood pressure. These can cause you to be much less alert.
Summary
Fluvoxamine is a prescription medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have a variety of uses beyond just social disorders.
