Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is Fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain.
How should Fluvoxamine be taken?
Fluvoxamine is administered orally in the form of tablets .
Side effects associated with Fluvoxamine
Taking fluvoxamine may be associated with serotonin syndrome. It can also increase the risk of bleeding, eye problems and prolonged and painful erections.
Among the other possible side effects of fluvoxamine include the following:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Gas
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Stomach discomfort
- Stuffy nose
- Changes in taste
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Yawning
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Unusual behavior
- Black stools or bloody stools
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of coordination
- Sexual problems
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Memory problems
- Agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, excessive sense of well-being, restlessness or inability to sit still
- Painful or abundant menstruation
- Painful erection
- Redness, swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent headaches or insomnia
- Stiff muscles
- Stomach ache
- Suicidal thoughts
- Tremors
- Bleeding or bruising
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
- Unusual swelling
- Unusual weakness
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fluvoxamine
Taking fluvoxamine is contraindicated in those who have taken linezolid or MAO inhibitors within 14 days and in case of treatment with alosentron, pimozide, ramelteon, thioridazine or tizanidine. It is also not recommended for children and each case must be carefully evaluated by the physician.
The drug can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol or other medicines.
Before starting treatment with fluvoxamine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: medications containing methylene blue, anorectic, busipirone, fenfluramine derivatives, fentanyl, linezolid, lithium, MAO inhibitors, medicines for mental disorders, metoclopramide, nefazodone, quinidine, rasagiline, selegiline, 5-HT1 receptor agonist serotonin, sibutramine, St. John's wort, trazodone, tryptophan, anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDs, diuretics, tramadol, cisapride, phenothiazines, pimozide, cyproheptadine, alosetron, apripazide, benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, carbamazepine, clozapine, diltiazem, methadone, mexiletine, omeprazole, phenytoin, ramelteon, risperidone, SNRIs, tacrine, theophylline, tizanidine or tricyclic antidepressants
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from bipolar disorder or other behavioral problems, mood disorders, seizures, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, diabetes, blood or bone marrow diseases, increased pressure in the eye or glaucoma, metabolic disorders or low blood sodium levels
- You are suffering from dehydration
- You have recently suffered from a stroke
- You are experiencing (or have experienced) suicidal thoughts
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from alcohol or drug abuse
- You are a smoker
- You drink alcohol on a regular basis
- You are undergoing electroconvulsive therapy
- You have a family history of bipolar disorder, other behavioral problems, mood disorders, suicidal thoughts, alcohol or drug abuse
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Fluvoxamine may take several weeks before taking complete effect. Treatment with this medication should never be stopped abruptly, as it can cause the onset of painful side effects.
