Fluvoxamine 50mg

Antidepressant, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

“Alert: Black Box Warning

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants increased the risk compared with placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of fluvoxamine in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.  Fluvoxamine immediate release is not approved for use in pediatric patients, except for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Fluvoxamine extended release (ER) has not been evaluated in pediatric patients.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship    

Fluvoxamine, Luvox inhibits CNS neuron serotonin uptake while having minimal to no effect on reuptake of norepinephrine or dopamine.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Before starting Fluvoxamine, Luvox make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.  Fluvoxamine, Luvox can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults with a major depressive disorder.  The patient or patient caregiver should be aware of warning signs such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania and to notify their healthcare provider if any of these symptoms or worsening depression occur.  Fluvoxamine, Luvox can also impair platelet aggregation resulting in a higher risk of bleeding as well as cause central nervous system depression.  Like all other serotonin reuptake inhibitors there is always a low risk of developing serotonin syndrome which is characterized by changes in mental status, autonomic instability, neuromuscular changes, GI symptoms and/or seizures.

Oral (Immediate-Release): 100mg to 300mg daily.

Oral (Extended-Release): 100mg to 300mg daily.

How to Take: Can be taken with or without food.  Do not crush, open, or chew ER capsules.

Headache, insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, xerostomia, anorexia, ejaculatory disorder, weakness, chest pain, palpitations, hypertension, edema, syncope, pain, chills, hypertonia, manic reaction, malaise, diaphoresis, ecchymoses, acne vulgaris, decrease libido, hypermenorrhea, weight loss or gain, dyspepsia, constipation, vomiting, urinary frequency, impotence, myalgia, tremor.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Fluvoxamine, Luvox only common ones.

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If you are just starting this medication or just had a dosage increase, then it is common to have more prominent side effects for 2 weeks or so and if any remain at that point they will likely remain.  If the symptoms are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss how to come off the medication.
2. What do I do if my mood worsens on this medication and I feel much worse?
   Contact your physician immediately, it is rare however antidepressant medications can cause suicidal ideation, generally in those under the age of 24.
3. What is serotonin syndrome?
   Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition of serotonin toxicity from too much of it in your system generally from the use of certain medications and supplements.  Usually multiple agents are at play or very high doses are involved.  The signs and symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), diaphoresis (excessive sweating), tremor, muscle rigidity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or seizures.  If serotonin syndrome is suspected, discontinue any serotonergic medications and seek immediate medical attention.