From the Guidelines
Fluvoxamine is the other name for Luvox, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social anxiety disorder, as noted in a recent guideline 1.
Key Points
- Fluvoxamine works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood, in the synaptic space between nerve cells.
- The medication is available in immediate-release tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) and extended-release capsules (100 mg and 150 mg).
- For OCD treatment in adults, the typical starting dose is 50 mg taken once daily at bedtime, gradually increased to an effective dose, usually between 100-300 mg daily, as seen in studies 1.
- Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction.
- Patients should be aware that fluvoxamine interacts with many other medications due to its effects on liver enzymes, so it's essential to inform healthcare providers about all medications being taken, as highlighted in 1.
Important Considerations
- Fluvoxamine has been associated with discontinuation syndrome, and caution is advised when starting or stopping the medication, as noted in 1.
- The medication may have greater potential for drug-drug interactions due to its effects on liver enzymes, and patients should be closely monitored for adverse effects, as seen in 1.
From the Research
Other Names for Luvox
Description of Fluvoxamine
- Fluvoxamine is a potent and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) 2
- It has little or no effect on other monoamine reuptake mechanisms 2
- Fluvoxamine is used to treat anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social phobia 2, 3, 4, 6
Uses of Fluvoxamine
- Fluvoxamine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 2, 3, 4, 6
- It is also used to treat panic disorder, social phobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 2, 3
- Fluvoxamine has been shown to be effective in treating a range of obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, including binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and body dysmorphic disorder 3