Fluvoxamine

What is Fluvoxamine?

Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant that is used to treat various disorders such as anxiety disorder, panic disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) & more. It belongs to the Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) family of remedies.

Uses of Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine is used to treat major depressive disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is characterized by troublesome thoughts & fears leading to compulsive behavior.

It is also prescribed in cases of long-term anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & social anxiety disorder.

Fluvoxamine is sometimes prescribed for other uses as well. It has also shown results in treating the adverse effects of chronic schizophrenia.

Side Effects

Similar to all other medicines, the side effects of Fluvoxamine also vary from minor to simple. If the following side effects do not disappear within a short time, consult your specialist directly.

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Stomachache
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Loss of concentration
• memory troubles
• Loss of clarity in thoughts
• Changes in sexual ability

Dosage

The dosage of Fluvoxamine tablets is decided by the specialist based on the age, severity & necessity of the patient. It is available in various strengths such as 25 mg, 50mg, 100mg & 150mg.

The dose should not be increased suddenly; it is given with an increment of 50mg at a time.

In the case of immediate-release tablets – The increment of dose should be slow with proper monitoring.

In the case of delay-release capsules – the dose should be titrated slowly with an initial dose of 100mg.

In this case of a missed dose, do not twice it. Either take it when you remember if it is close to the actual time or skips the dose & take the next dose at the regular time. Do not overdose. Take the dose strictly as prescribed by the doctor or psychiatrist.

In case of treatment discontinuation, the dose should not be stopped suddenly. It should be reduced gradually by monitoring closely for any intolerable symptoms.

Precautions for Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine should be taken only on prescription after the physician is made aware of all the other medications you have been taking.

Several medicines can interact with this drug to cause side effects.

It also interacts with alcohol & produces side effects like dizziness, drowsiness & confusion.

Fluvoxamine worsens some diseases & disorders like depression, hyponatremia, seizure disorder, mania, smoking, weight loss, etc.

Do not share your medications, Fluvoxamine is prescribed differently for different conditions. The dosage varies along with the severity of the condition.

Do not self-medicate. It can bring suicidal tendencies in children & teenagers who take antidepressants. Therefore, it should be taken only on prescription as doctors can analyze if the benefit outweighs the risks

In case of a missed dose, do not double it. Either take it when you remember if it is close to the actual time or skips the dose & take the next dose at the regular time, do not overdose.

Store the medicine at room temperature away from direct sunlight in dry places.

Consuming expired medicine can be dangerous. Properly discard the medicine if no longer needed or expired.

Pregnant women should avoid taking Fluvoxamine as it may pose harm to the fetus.

Breastfeeding women should also avoid consuming Fluvoxamine unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Your consultant should be conscious if you are allergic to any of the constituents present in the tablets.