Fluvoxamine maleate

What is Fluvoxamine maleate?

Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What is the most important information I should know about Fluvoxamine maleate?

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teenagers. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for changes in moods or actions, especially when they first start therapy or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients and their families should contact the doctor immediately if new symptoms develop or seem to get worse. Signs to watch for include anxiety, hostility, insomnia, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, and thoughts about suicide or dying.

Never take fluvoxamine if you are taking another class of antidepressant drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. MAOI drugs include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and isocarboxazid. Taking fluvoxamine in close proximity or concurrently with an MAOI can result in serious—sometimes fatal—reactions, including high body temperature, coma, and seizures.

A life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome (serious changes in how your brain, muscles, and digestive system work) can occur when you take fluvoxamine with medicines known as triptans, which are used to treat migraine headaches. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include restlessness, diarrhea, hallucinations, coma, loss of coordination, nausea, fast heartbeat, vomiting, increased body temperature, rapid changes in blood pressure, and overactive reflexes. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely to occur when starting or increasing the dose of fluvoxamine or a triptan.

Who should not take Fluvoxamine maleate?

Do not take fluvoxamine if you are sensitive to the drug. Never take fluvoxamine if you are taking alosetron, astemizole, cisapride, MAOIs, terfenadine, thioridazine, or tizanidine.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Fluvoxamine maleate?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with fluvoxamine. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have liver disease, a history of seizure disorders, suffer from mania, or experience worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams (mg) taken daily at bedtime. The dose may be increased depending upon your response. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg. If you take more than 100 mg a day, your doctor will divide the total amount into 2 doses. If the doses are not equal, you should take the larger dose at bedtime.

Elderly patients, or patients with impaired liver function, might require a lower starting dose.

Children 8 to 17 years old: The recommended starting dose is 25 mg taken at bedtime. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 200 mg daily for children under 11 years, and 300 mg for children 11 to 17 years. Larger daily dosages are divided in two, as for adults.

How should I take Fluvoxamine maleate?

Take fluvoxamine with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Fluvoxamine maleate?

Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without first talking to your doctor. An abrupt decrease in dose could cause withdrawal symptoms such as mood problems, tiredness, insomnia, and tingling sensations.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing hazardous activities. Fluvoxamine can cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking fluvoxamine or affect your condition.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Fluvoxamine maleate?

If fluvoxamine 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 fluvoxamine with the following: antidepressants such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or imipramine; blood pressure medications known as beta-blockers, including metoprolol and propranolol; blood thinners such as aspirin and aspirin-related products, or warfarin; carbamazepine; clozapine; diltiazem; lithium; methadone; mexiletine; migraine headache drugs such as almotriptan and sumatriptan; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen; phenytoin; pimozide; quinidine; tacrine; theophylline; thioridazine; tranquilizers and sedatives such as alprazolam, diazepam, midazolam, and triazolam; and tryptophan.

What are the possible side effects of Fluvoxamine maleate?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abnormal ejaculation, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, difficulty falling or staying asleep, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness, weight loss

Can I receive Fluvoxamine maleate if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of fluvoxamine during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while taking fluvoxamine.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Fluvoxamine maleate?

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.

How should I store Fluvoxamine maleate?

Store at room temperature and protect from moisture.