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Fluvoxamine

Information about Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine Uses

Fluvoxamine is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia and post traumatic stress disorder.

How Fluvoxamine works

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Common side effects of Fluvoxamine

Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Dryness in mouth, Nervousness, Constipation, Decreased appetite, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Headache, Sleepiness, Weakness, Dyspepsia, Agitation, Palpitations, Abdominal pain, General discomfort

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Swati Mishra

BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

03 Dec 2024 | 04:59 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Fluvoxamine

FluvoxinSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

₹110 to ₹3677 variant(s)

UvoxAbbott

₹295 to ₹5774 variant(s)

FrextIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹207 to ₹3583 variant(s)

FluvatorTorrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹258 to ₹4382 variant(s)

VoxidepIcon Life Sciences

₹110 to ₹3285 variant(s)

VoxaminMicro Labs Ltd

₹183 to ₹3592 variant(s)

SorestStrides shasun Ltd

₹206 to ₹3542 variant(s)

VoxinixArinna Lifescience Pvt Ltd

₹171 to ₹3284 variant(s)

FluvarisCrescent Therapeutics Ltd

₹170 to ₹3912 variant(s)

LofebrilDycine Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹126 to ₹2302 variant(s)

Expert advice for Fluvoxamine

It should be taken at night with or without food.
The addiction/dependence potential of Fluvoxamine is very less.
Take caution while taking Fluvoxamine if you are using Benzodiazepines and MAO inhibitors previously.
Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Fluvoxamine affects you.
Fluvoxamine is when taken in combination with other drugs, leads to Serotonin syndrome. Avoid serotonergic drugs like triptans, lithium, and tramadol.
Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
It can take 2-3 weeks for Fluvoxamine to start working.
Do not stop treatment suddenly as this may cause upset stomach, flu-like withdrawal symptoms and sleep disturbance.
If your doctor asks you to stop Fluvoxamine, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks.
Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Fluvoxamine, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
The addiction/dependence potential of Fluvoxamine is very less.

Frequently asked questions for Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine

Q. Is Fluvoxamine used for anxiety?

Yes, Fluvoxamine is used to treat social anxiety disorder. It is anxiety related to interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life. Fluvoxamine is also used for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks. In OCD, a person experiences unwanted thoughts and the irresistible desire to perform certain actions over and over. These thoughts and desires do not go away and make it bothersome for the person.

Q. Can Fluvoxamine get you high?

There is no evidence that Fluvoxamine causes dependence. But, it is possible that patients may experience withdrawal symptoms on sudden discontinuation of Fluvoxamine. Usually, the withdrawal symptoms are mild and go away on their own within 2 weeks.

Q. Does Fluvoxamine make you sleepy?

Yes, a common side effect of Fluvoxamine is sleepiness. It may also affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, or react quickly. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until and unless you know how Fluvoxamine affects you.

Q. How quickly does Fluvoxamine work?

It takes a long time for Fluvoxamine to start working. However, you may see an improvement in your sleep, appetite and energy levels within 1-2 weeks of starting Fluvoxamine. While, conditions like depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may take about 6-8 weeks to improve.

Q. Does Fluvoxamine cause weight gain?

Fluvoxamine may either cause weight gain or weight loss. The weight loss could be due to loss of appetite. However, the chances of having weight gain or loss is not known. As compared to other anti-depressants, there is no significant change in body weight with Fluvoxamine in the majority of people.

Q. Who should not take Fluvoxamine?

You should not take Fluvoxamine if you are allergic to it, if you are taking another medicine to treat depression called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI within the last 14 days. This is because taking both these medicines close in time together may cause serious and sometimes fatal reactions like high body temperature, convulsions, and even coma.

Q. Does Fluvoxamine have any serious health risks associated with it?

Yes, the use of Fluvoxamine may cause serious health risks. These may include increased risks of suicidal thoughts and actions, mania, bleeding problems, convulsions, visual problems, and low sodium levels in the blood.

Q. Can I stop Fluvoxamine if I am better now?

No, instead of stopping the medicine by yourself, consult your doctor who will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. This is done because sudden discontinuation of Fluvoxamine may cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless or changes in sleep habits, headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness, electric shock-like sensations, shaking, and confusion.