Fluvoxamine

Brand name:
FLUVOXIN (FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), Luvox)
Pronounced: FLUE-vox-uh-mean
Why is FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate prescribed?

FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is marked by continual, unwanted thoughts that prevent proper functioning in everyday living. Compulsive behavior is typified by ritualistic actions such as repetitious washing, repeating certain phrases, completing steps in a process over and over, counting and recounting, checking and rechecking to make sure that something has not been forgotten, excessive neatness, and hoarding of useless items.

FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin, a brain chemical associated with mood and thinking. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which also includes antidepressants such as Paxil and Prozac.
Most important fact about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate

Before starting therapy with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), be sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking--both prescription and over-the-counter--since combining FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with certain drugs may cause serious or even life-threatening effects. You should never take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with thioridazine (Mellaril) or pimozide (Orap). You should also avoid taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) within 14 days of taking any antidepressant drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, including Nardil and Parnate.
How should you take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate?

Take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate only as directed by your doctor.

FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) may be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose...

If you are taking 1 dose a day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. If you are taking 2 doses a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature and protect from humidity.
FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox).

* Side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness, weight loss

Why is FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) or similar drugs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, do not take FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Never combine FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with Mellaril or Orap, or take it within 14 days of taking an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil or Parnate. (See "Most important fact about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate.")
Special warnings about FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate

In clinical studies, SSRI antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) must be used with caution in children with depression. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is only approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 8 years and older.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

You should discuss all your medical problems with your doctor before starting therapy with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), as certain physical conditions or diseases may affect your reaction to it.

If you suffer from seizures, use FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate cautiously. If you experience a seizure while taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox), stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

If you have a history of mania (excessively energetic, out-of-control behavior), use FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate cautiously.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your reaction to this medication.

FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) can also deplete the body's supply of salt, especially in older adults and people who take diuretics or suffer from dehydration. Under these conditions, your doctor will check your salt levels regularly.

If you develop a rash or hives, or any other allergic-type reaction, notify your physician immediately.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate

Do not drink alcohol while taking FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate. If you smoke, be sure to tell your doctor before starting FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) therapy, as your dosage may need adjustment.

If FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) with the following:

Anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin
Antidepressant medications such as Anafranil, Elavil, and Tofranil, as well as the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate
Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers, including Inderal and Lopressor
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Methadone (Dolophine)
Mexiletine (Mexitil)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide (Orap)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Tacrine (Cognex)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Thioridazine (Mellaril)
Tranquilizers and sedatives such as Halcion, Valium, Versed, and Xanax
Tryptophan
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor immediately. FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) passes into breast milk and may cause serious reactions in a nursing baby. If FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) is finished.
Recommended dosage for FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) maleate

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

* Common symptoms of FLUVOXIN (Fluvoxamine, Luvox) overdose include:
Coma, breathing difficulties, sleepiness, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting

Other possible symptoms include convulsions, tremor, diarrhea, exaggerated reflexes, and slow or irregular heartbeat. After recovery, some overdose victims have been left with kidney complications, bowel damage, an unsteady gait, or dilated pupils.