Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Fluvoxamine is indicated for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It exerts its therapeutic effect by reducing unwanted or persistent thoughts (obsessions) and diminishing the impulse to carry out repetitive actions (compulsions) that impede daily activities. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), fluvoxamine regulates the level of serotonin, a natural neurotransmitter in the brain, to restore its equilibrium.
Uses and Dosage
Fluvoxamine is available in tablet and extended-release capsule form for oral administration. The tablet is usually taken once daily at bedtime or twice daily, once in the morning and once at bedtime. The extended-release capsule is usually taken once daily at bedtime with or without food.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluvoxamine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.
Swallow the extended-release capsules whole and do not crush or chew them.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of fluvoxamine and gradually increase your dose once every week, depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience.
It may take several weeks or longer to feel the full benefit of fluvoxamine. Continue to take fluvoxamine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without talking to your doctor first. If you suddenly stop taking fluvoxamine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation, dizziness, extreme worry, uneasiness, confusion, headache, tiredness, mood changes, difficulty falling or staying asleep, or pain, burning, numbness, tingling, or electric shock sensations in the hands or feet. Your doctor will likely decrease your dose gradually.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- constipation
- indigestion
- gas
- change in taste
- stuffy nose
- decreased appetite
- sweating
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- weight loss
- nervousness
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- dizziness
- pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
- shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control
- headache
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or confusion
- weakness
- unsteadiness
- rash
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- slowed or difficult breathing
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- bloody nose
- vomiting blood or a material that looks like coffee grounds
- red blood in stool or black and tarry stools
Caution
Prior to initiating treatment with fluvoxamine, inform your physician or pharmacist of any known allergies or hypersensitivities. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that could provoke allergic reactions or other complications.
Inform your physician or pharmacist of your medical history prior to using fluvoxamine, especially if you have a personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, a personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, seizures, low sodium levels in your blood, bleeding problems, or a personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
Fluvoxamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol or cannabis consumption may intensify these effects. Do not operate heavy machinery or engage in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
Fluvoxamine has been known to cause QT prolongation, a condition that can affect the rhythm of the heart. In rare cases, QT prolongation may lead to serious and potentially fatal symptoms such as an irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood can increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be further compounded by the use of certain drugs or conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of fluvoxamine, such as bleeding, loss of coordination, or QT prolongation. Older adults may also be more likely to develop hyponatremia, a type of salt imbalance, especially if they are taking diuretics. Loss of coordination increases the risk of falls.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of fluvoxamine, particularly loss of appetite and weight loss. Children taking this medication should have their weight and height monitored.
Fluvoxamine should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary, as it may harm an unborn baby. In rare cases, infants born to mothers who used this medication during the last three months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If your newborn exhibits any of these symptoms, notify your physician immediately.
Since untreated mental/mood disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder can be severe, do not discontinue this medication unless directed by your physician. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant, please consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of using fluvoxamine during pregnancy.
Fluvoxamine passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Speak with your physician before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Luvox is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Luvox tablet:
- 50mg
- 100mg
-
fluvoxamine tablet:
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 100mg
FAQ
Why should Luvox be taken at night?
Certain antidepressants tend to make you feel drowsy, so they’re better tolerated if you take them at bedtime.
Does Luvox calm you down?
Antidepressants like Luvox have also been found to be effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety, such as panic and fear.
Resources
- https://www.verywellmind.com/antidepressant-night-morning-1066863#:~:text=into%20this%20category.-,Drowsiness,Elavil%20(amitriptyline)
- https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/antidepressants/a6706/fluvoxamine-faverin/#:~:text=Antidepressants%20like%20fluvoxamine%20have%20also,feel%20instantly%20happy%20and%20relaxed
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fluvoxamine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066874?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1089/luvox-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/fluvoxamine.html
