Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FLUVOXAMINE - ORAL

(flew-VOX-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Luvox

Uses

Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

OTHER

Uses

This medication has also been used to treat depression and/or a type of eating disorder (bulimia).

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily at bedtime, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. If your doctor decides to use a dose larger than 100 mg, it is recommended to take this drug twice daily. If you take this drug twice daily and one dose is larger than the other, take the larger dose at bedtime. Consult your pharmacist. It is important to continue taking this medication as directed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication, change your dose, or take it more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Side Effects

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, constipation, upset stomach, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, unusually fast heartbeat, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection, change in amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, muscle pain, trouble swallowing, unusual swelling, seizures, easy bruising or bleeding. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication. Also, avoid taking certain antihistamines (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), cisapride, or pimozide with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, pimozide, cisapride, nefazodone, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), trazodone, lithium, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), xanthines (e.g., caffeine, theophylline), tacrine, tryptophan, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), methadone, clozapine, herbal/ natural products (e.g., melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at, or below room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.