Fluvoxamine is given to treat depression that lasts for over 2 weeks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, anorexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, migraine and chronic headaches, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and social phobias.
Fluvoxamine belongs to the family of drugs known as Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that block the movement of the
neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) serotonin into nerve endings.
Serotonin is believed to govern moods and is quickly reabsorbed after its
release at the nerve endings. SSRIs such as Fluvoxamine slow this process,
thus boosting the levels of serotonin in the brain. It usually takes up to
7 days for Fluvoxamine to start working.
CAUTION
Do not take Fluvoxamine within 2 weeks of taking any drug
classified as an MAO inhibitor. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can
occur.
SSRIs should be used with caution by people with seizures.
Do not combine Fluvoxamine with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava,
Hop, or Ginseng.
Pregnant women using SSRIs are more likely to deliver prematurely or going to have babies with major abnormalities. The SSRIs pass into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feeding while taking this medicine.
FLUVOXAMINE SIDE EFFECTS
More common side effects of Fluvoxamine may include headaches,
decreased sex drive, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with
ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, upset stomach, appetite loss,
insomnia, rash, sleepiness, and vomiting.
Rare side effects may include impotence, acne, abnormal dreams, low concentration, allergic reaction, hair loss, back pain, blindness, breast development in males, breast pain or enlargement, breathing difficulties, cataracts, chest pain, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, hot flushes, inflammation of the penis, throbbing heartbeat, vaginal inflammation, hemorrhage, and urinary pain.
FLUVOXAMINE WARNING
If you have a kidney or liver disorder, or have had seizures, your
physician may limit your dosage. Caution is advised.
Fluvoxamine may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Use caution until you know how the Fluvoxamine affects you.
FLUVOXAMINE INTERACTION
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Fluvoxamine. Use
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Aleve with
caution.
Do not combine Fluvoxamine with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava,
Hop, or Ginseng.
It is imperative to check with your physician before combining
Fluvoxamine with the following:
Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Crystodigin
Flecainide
Imitrex
Lithium
MAO inhibitor drugs
Other
serotonin-boosting drugs
Other antidepressants
Propafenone
Sumatriptan
Tolbutamide
Valium
Warfarin
FLUVOXAMINE DOSES
ADULTS
The usual dose is 50-300mg a day at bedtime, taken either in the
morning or in the evening. Seniors and people with liver or kidney
condition may need a lower dose.
CHILDREN
For children aged 8-17: 25-200mg a day. Doses should be divided
into two and given day and night.
Fluvoxamine is not recommended for children under 8.
FLUVOXAMINE OVERDOSE
In case of a Fluvoxamine overdose, seek medical attention right away.
Overdose symptoms of Fluvoxamine include seizures, nausea,
agitation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, coma, fainting, mania,
and high or low blood pressure.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
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