Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine is a drug to treat depression or obsessive -compulsive disorder ( OCD ) . This drug can also be used to treat other mental disorders that also involve symptoms of obsessions.

Fluvoxamine works by restoring the balance of serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger in the brain that plays an important role in regulating thoughts and moods.

With balanced serotonin levels, complaints in the form of disturbing negative thoughts and obsessions (thoughts that don't go away) can be reduced. In addition, the desire to repeat work on OCD becomes more controllable.

Fluvoxamine trademark: Luvox

What is Fluvoxamine

Precautions Before Taking Fluvoxamine

There are several things that must be considered before taking fluvoxamine, including:

• Do not take fluvoxamine if you are allergic to this drug.
• Do not take fluvoxamine if you are taking or have recently stopped using an MAOI class of antidepressant drugs, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or selegiline in the past 14 days.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have glaucoma , heart disease, stroke , blood clotting disorder, liver disease , hypertension, sexual dysfunction , kidney disease, seizures, or hyponatremia .
• Tell your doctor if you or your family have a history of bipolar disorder , mania, or suicide attempts.
• Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness after taking fluvoxamine, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with fluvoxamine, because alcohol can increase the side effects of drowsiness and decreased consciousness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you experience a worsening of your mental condition or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm while taking fluvoxamine. Always carry out controls according to the schedule given by the doctor.
• Immediately consult a doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose after taking fluvoxamine.

Dosage and Rules for Use Fluvoxamine

The following is the general dosage for using fluvoxamine based on the patient's condition and age:

Condition: Obsessive compulsive disorder

• Adult: Initially 50 mg once daily given at bedtime. Dosage may be increased gradually to a maximum of 300 mg per day. Doses of more than 150 mg per day should be divided into 2–3 separate doses.
• Children >8 years of age: Initially 25 mg once daily, may be increased by 25 mg every 4–7 days according to patient response. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day. Doses greater than 50 mg should be divided into 2 separate doses.

Condition: Depression

• Adult: Initial dose is 50–100 mg once daily given at bedtime. Dosage may be adjusted according to patient response every 3–4 weeks. The maximum dose is 300 mg per day. Doses greater than 150 mg should be divided into 2–3 separate doses.

How to Take Fluvoxamine Properly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the package before taking fluvoxamine.

Fluvoxamine can be taken before or after meals. Swallow fluvoxamine with water. Try to take fluvoxamine at the same time every day, so that the benefits are maximized.

If you are recommended to take fluvoxamine once a day, take it at bedtime. If you are recommended to take fluvoxamine 2 times a day, take it in the morning and at bedtime. If the 2 doses are not the same, give the larger dose at bedtime.

Take this drug regularly. Do not stop use suddenly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, dizziness, restlessness, confusion, insomnia, tingling, numbness, or electric shock.

If you forget to take fluvoxamine, consume it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.

Store fluvoxamine in a room at room temperature. Do not store it in a damp place or in direct sunlight.

Interactions of Fluvoxamine with Other Drugs

The use of fluvoxamine together with other drugs can cause interactions between drugs, including:

• Increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome when used with tramadol , lithium, fentanyl, linezolid, triptans or MAOIs
• Increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest when used with pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride or thioridazine
• Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (eg warfarin), antiplatelets (eg clopidogrel, aspirin), phenothiazines , atypical antipsychotics or NSAIDs
• Increased risk of hyponatremia when used with diuretic drugs
• Increased risk of developing an overdose of theophylline, methadone, carbamazepine, amitriptyline , clomipramine, clozapine, alprazolam, diazepam, or propranolol , in the blood

Fluvoxamine Side Effects and Dangers

Some of the side effects that may appear after taking fluvoxamine are:

• Drowsiness
• Dizzy
• Nauseous
• Vomit
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gastric pains
• Insomnia
• Weak
• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Excessive sweating
• No appetite

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or even get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:

• Have thoughts of hurting yourself
• Depression worsens, becomes irritable, restless, or acts impulsively
• Fever, very stiff or twitching muscles, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, restlessness, or hallucinations
• Decreased sex drive or libido
• Pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• Tremor
• Bloody stools, black stools, easy bruising , nosebleeds or vomiting blood
• Visual disturbances, such as eye pain or blurred vision
• Seizure