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Fluvoxamine

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Description

Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant which is used in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Do not stop taking this medicine without informing the doctor as it may cause unwanted effects. It should be used with caution due to the increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts.
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Side effectsConcernsUsage

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Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Fluvoxamine

Change in mood

Difficulty in breathing

Blurred vision

Diarrhea

Weakness

Tremors

Constipation

Headache

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

Change in taste

Decreased appetite

Increased sweating

Uses of Fluvoxamine

What is it prescribed for?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Fluvoxamine is used in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is a brain disorder characterized by uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The peak levels of this medicine can be observed in 3 to 8 hours. The steady-state concentration can be achieved in 10 to 14 days.

  • Duration of effect

    The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating heavy machinery.

  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit forming tendency has been reported

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

Allergy

Not recommended in the patients with known allergy to Fluvoxamine or other Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

Fluvoxamine is not recommended in patients who have taken Monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last 14 days.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

General warnings

Suicidal thoughts

Fluvoxamine should be used with caution in patients with major depressive disorder due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Close monitoring of symptoms like change in the behavior, suicidal thoughts is necessary. Inform the doctor if these symptoms appear.

Abnormal bleeding

Fluvoxamine should be used with caution in patients receiving Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), aspirin, warfarin, etc., due to the increase in the risk of bleeding. Inform the doctor if you experience any unusual bleeding. Close monitoring of platelets and prothrombin time is necessary.

Changes in weight

Fluvoxamine is known to cause either weight loss or weight gain. Close monitoring of body weight is necessary. Inform the doctor if you experience any changes in the body weight.

Diabetes

Fluvoxamine may alter the blood glucose levels in the diabetic patients. It may increase or decrease the blood glucose level. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Inform the doctor if you experience any symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, increase in the frequency of urination, excessive thirst.

Discontinuation of treatment

Fluvoxamine should not be stopped immediately without consulting the doctor due to an increase in the risk of withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, anxiety, dizziness and irritability. Under your doctor's supervision, the dose should be reduced gradually based on the clinical condition.

Impaired kidney function

Fluvoxamine should be used with caution in patients with kidney injury. It is recommended to start lower doses in patients with kidney injury. Close monitoring of kidney function is necessary while receiving this medicine.

Impaired liver function

Fluvoxamine should be used with caution in patients with liver injury due to an increase in the risk of accumulation of medicine. Lower or less frequent dosing is preferred in patients with severe liver injury.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Consumption of alcohol with Fluvoxamine may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating heavy machinery.

Interaction with Medicine

Glimepiride

Tramadol

Furosemide

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Disease interactions

Depression

Use with caution in adults and pediatrics with depression as it may worsen the symptoms of depression. Close monitoring of symptoms like changes in the behavior and suicidal thoughts is necessary. Discontinue the medicine if symptoms persist.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take Fluvoxamine as advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesired effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Monitoring of symptoms like suicidal thoughts and behavior changes is necessary.

Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken at bedtime only

May cause sleepiness

How it works

It works by increasing the levels of a chemical substance called serotonin in the brain which helps in reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety, etc. by maintaining the normal brain function.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 19 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/2074

Fluvoxamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 19 June 2017]. Available from:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html

DailyMed - Fluvoxamine maleate capsule, extended release [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 19 June 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f8d38c5f-1ecb-49e2-8e37-032ed84a9c8a

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 19 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database

[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 19 June 2017]. Available from:

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~PjKNrC:1
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Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2018

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.