Uses
What is fluvoxamine used for?
Fluvoxamine is commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that causes unwanted repeated thoughts, or obsessions, and routines or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) related to these thoughts.
Fluvoxamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does fluvoxamine work (mechanism of action)?
Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of a natural chemical called serotonin in the brain.
How is fluvoxamine supplied (dosage forms)?
Fluvoxamine is available as Luvox and generic fluvoxamine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 25 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg oral tablets
- 100 mg extended-release oral capsules
- 150 mg extended-release oral capsules
How should I store fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of fluvoxamine?
The most common side effects of fluvoxamine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Indigestion, upset stomach, loss of appetite
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Sexual problems
- Dry mouth
- Stuffy nose, sore throat
- Unusual taste
- Peeing more often
- Muscle pain
- Yawning
The most common side effects of fluvoxamine in children or adolescents include the following.
- Unusual increase in muscle movements or agitation
- Depression
- Gas
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Rash
- Possible slower growth rate and weight change
There may be other side effects of fluvoxamine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of fluvoxamine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of fluvoxamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluvoxamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fluvoxamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Fluvoxamine or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Fluvoxamine can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as fluvoxamine, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Dramatic increase in energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Having unusually grand ideas
- Feeling excessively happy or irritable
- Talking more or faster than usual
Seizures. Some people who have taken fluvoxamine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking fluvoxamine and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
- Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
- Stiffening of your arms and legs
- Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Falling or losing consciousness
Glaucoma. Fluvoxamine may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Abnormal Bleeding. People taking fluvoxamine or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.
Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Fluvoxamine may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
- Seizures
Sexual Problems. Taking fluvoxamine or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause sexual problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.
- Decreased sex drive
- Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use fluvoxamine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fluvoxamine.
- Fluvoxamine
- Luvox
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific fluvoxamine products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Fluvoxamine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking fluvoxamine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about fluvoxamine before using it?
You can take fluvoxamine with or without food.
Do not take fluvoxamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. If you take the fluvoxamine extended-release capsules, take your dose at night, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not chew or crush the fluvoxamine extended-release capsules.
Do not share fluvoxamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep fluvoxamine out of the reach of children.
Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
- Feeling restless
- Changes in sleep habits
- Headache
- Sweating or shaking
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Electric-shock like feelings
- Confusion
Fluvoxamine can make you feel tired or affect your thinking and reaction time. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness and coordination until you know how fluvoxamine affects you.
Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, as smoking may affect the absorption of this medicine.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using fluvoxamine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if fluvoxamine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and past health conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
- Bipolar disorder or mania
- Seizures (or a history of seizures)
- Low sodium levels in the blood
- High blood pressure
- History of a stroke
- Any bleeding problems
Pregnancy. Taking fluvoxamine later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fluvoxamine while you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Fluvoxamine may pass into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take fluvoxamine while breastfeeding
Interactions
Does fluvoxamine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between fluvoxamine and foods or drinks.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluvoxamine. The combination can increase sleepiness or affect your alertness or concentration.
Does fluvoxamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking fluvoxamine.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease; this also includes intravenous methylene blue or the antibiotic linezolid
- Pimozide, which is a medicine used for Tourette syndrome
- Tizanidine (Zanaflex), which is a muscle relaxant
- Alosetron (Lotronex), which is a medicine used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D)
- Certain antipsychotics such as thioridazine, ziprasidone, clozapine, or chlorpromazine
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Tryptophan, which is a supplement that may be used to treat mental health conditions
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety
- Certain anticonvulsants, which are medicines used in people with epilepsy to treat and prevent seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others) or carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Amphetamines, such as Adderall, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
- Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol, methadone, or fentanyl
- Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, which are medicines used to treat bacterial infections
- Certain medicines for abnormal heart rhythm, such as amiodarone or mexiletine
- Certain beta-blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) or propranolol (Inderal LA), which are medicines used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- Certain calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil (Calan) or diltiazem (Cardizem), which are medicines used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
- Medicines that affect bleeding, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), warfarin, or aspirin
- A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex)
- Theophylline, which is a medicine used to treat lung conditions
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of fluvoxamine, and vice versa. Fluvoxamine interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much fluvoxamine?
If you or someone else has used too much fluvoxamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of fluvoxamine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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