Fluvoxamine
Molecule Description
Fluvoxamine belongs to a group of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRI). It is an antidepressant. It helps in decreasing unwanted thoughts and urges to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily living.
Uses of Fluvoxamine
- It is used to treat depression
- It is also used to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Contraindications of Fluvoxamine
When should one not use Fluvoxamine
- If you are allergic to Fluvoxamine or any of the other ingredients
- If you are taking other medicines called Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) sometimes prescribed to treat depression or anxiety-like Linezolid (an antibiotic which is also an MAOI)
- If you are taking Tizanidine, a medicine often used as muscle relaxant
Side effects of Fluvoxamine
Common side effects of this drug are:
- An allergic reaction can also be observed where rash and swelling of face, throat and tongue can be observed
- Breathing trouble and severe dizziness
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Faster heartbeat
- Feeling drowsy (lethargy)
- Feeling unwell
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Nervousness
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Muscle weakness
- Vomiting
- Convulsions
- Liver complaints
- Mania (a feeling of happiness or over-excitement)
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Unexpected milk flow - rare side effect
Precautions and Warnings of Fluvoxamine
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Fluvoxamine during pregnancy?
A:
It is not advised to take Fluvoxamine in pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Fluvoxamine while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not safe during breastfeeding while taking this medicine. Fluvoxamine may pass into breast milk which leads to the risk to the newborn baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Fluvoxamine?
A:
As long as you don’t feel dizzy, you can drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Fluvoxamine?
A:
Intake of alcohol should also be restricted while taking Fluvoxamine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Talk to your doctor if you:
- Recently had a heart attack
- Have epilepsy
- Have a history of bleeding problems
- Have diabetes
- Are having treatment with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
- Have ever had mania (a feeling of over-excitement)
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have high pressure in your eyes (glaucoma)
- Are less than 18 years old
Mode of Action of Fluvoxamine
How Does It Work?
Fluvoxamine works by inhibiting the neuronal uptake of Serotonin in the brain by blocking the selective Neuronal Serotonin Reuptake receptors, thereby helps to restore the balance of a natural substance like Serotonin in the brain....
Interactions of Fluvoxamine
Interactions with other medicines
- Antidepressants (like Benzodiazepines, Tricyclic Antidepressants or anti-psychotics)
- Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) or Aspirin-like medicines, used to treat pain and inflammation (arthritis)
- Ciclosporin used to reduce the activity of the immune system
- Methadone used to treat pain and withdrawal symptoms
- Mexiletine used to treat abnormal heart rhythms
- Phenytoin or Carbamazepine used to treat epilepsy
- Propranolol used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions
- Ropinirole, for Parkinson’s disease
- Theophylline used to treat asthma and bronchitis
- Tramadol, a pain-killer
- Clopidogrel, Warfarin, used to prevent blood clots
Interactions with food items
Grapefruit juice also increases the amount of Fluvoxamine absorbed by the body which increases the effect of Fluvoxamine.
Dosage of Fluvoxamine
Overdose
Dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea are common symptoms of the overdose of Fluvoxamine. Consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Missed a Dose
If you missed a dose, wait until the next dose is due. Do not try to double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What Happens if I miss a dose of Fluvoxamine?
A: The healthcare expert should be consulted before taking the next dose and you must not administer the double dose, as it can cause serious complications.
Q: Is it safe to take Fluvoxamine for a long period?
A: Fluvoxamine is a safe and effective medication. It should be taken as directed by the physician for the suggested period.
Q: Can I use this medicine in children?
A: This medicine should not be used to treat depression in children and adolescents under 18 years. The doctor will decide giving the same based on the benefits and risks.
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