Fluvoxin

Fluvoxin is a prescription medicine used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other psychiatric disorders. The drug improves mood and emotions and reduces the uncontrollable thoughts or urges in OCD. While people taking fluvoxin and other antidepressant medications often show improvement, others worsen or start experiencing new symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of fluvoxin before beginning treatment, regardless of the condition being managed.

What is Fluvoxin and How Does it Work?

Fluvoxin (fluvoxamine) is an antidepressant medication in the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The drug modulates the levels of a brain chemical known as serotonin, whose balance is usually disrupted in disorders like depression and OCD.

Fluvoxin increases serotonin concentration in the brain leading to improved mood and relief of tension and other physical symptoms of depression. Similarly, it relieves the repetitive and uncontrollable urges in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Serotonin promotes excitatory responses in the body, which is the basis for improved memory, cognition, sleep, learning, and mood in those taking fluvoxin. Notably, it might take up to 4 weeks of regular use before the full effect of the medicine becomes evident. Note: Do not stop using the drug if improvement does not occur in the first weeks of treatment.

What Does Fluvoxin Treat?

The antidepressant medication is approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children above age 8. OCD usually manifests with:

• Obsessions that include recurrent and uncontrollable, unwanted or disturbing thoughts
• Compulsions ( irresistible urges to perform particular tasks leading to repetitive, ritualized behaviors)

Fluvoxamine is also used for off-label purposes (non-FDA approved indications), such as:

• Major depressive disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders, including binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa
• Panic disorder

The depressive disorder usually manifests with feelings of emptiness, sadness or tearfulness, loss of interest and pleasure in daily activities, and sleep disturbances. Other likely symptoms include psychomotor agitation, low energy and fatigue, and suicidal tendencies.

On the other hand, social anxiety disorder is marked by fear of situations in which a person might feel others are judging them. As a result, the person begins to sweat, shake, tremble or have difficulty talking.

Before taking fluvoxamine for any off-label indications, discuss with the healthcare provider the potential risks and benefits backed by research as well as the available alternatives.

How to Use Fluvoxin

The drug is available in two forms: a tablet and an extended-release capsule. Both forms are taken by mouth, with or without food. Follow the instructions on the prescription carefully and if anything is unclear, seek clarification from the healthcare provider.

Typically, fluvoxin tablets are swallowed once or twice daily. If the doctor prescribed once-daily dosing, night (before bed) is the best time to take the pill, while those using the drug twice daily can take it in the morning and at bedtime. The extended-release capsule, taken once daily, should be swallowed whole, do not chew or crush.

Treatment usually begins with lower doses of fluvoxamine, with the doctor adjusting the amount upwards depending on the response. Dose adjustment is generally made in at least a week’s interval.

Like other SSRI medications, it might take several weeks of using fluvoxin to feel the drug’s full benefits. Thus, continue using the medicine as directed, even if you do not feel better within the first few days of treatment.

Again, even with symptoms gone, do not stop taking fluvoxin unless instructed by the provider. Sudden discontinuation of fluvoxamine can precipitate withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, confusion, dizziness; irritation, fatigue; headache; sleep disturbances; abnormal sensations in the feet or hands; uneasiness. Doctors discontinue fluvoxin by tapering the dose, gradually reducing the daily amount taken.

Do not take this medication for an extended period or higher doses than prescribed, as this will not fasten the resolution of symptoms. Instead, it increases the risk of toxicity and adverse effects.

Fluvoxamine Dosage

Fluvoxin comes in tablets of 25mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The medication dosage depends on the patient’s condition, comorbid health problems, and age. For instance, individuals with liver disease should receive lower doses. (Dosage described here is for approved drug use only).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adults

The initial recommended dose for immediate-release tablets is 50 mg once daily, taken orally at bedtime, while the extended-release initial dosage is 100mg once per day. Typical increments of 50 mg every 4 to 7 days can be done until the desired therapeutic effect is obtained. The daily dose should not exceed 300 mg/day.

Daily doses of more than 100 mg should be divided and taken in the morning and evening. If not equally divided, the larger amount should be taken before bed to minimize interference with daily activities.

Potential Fluvoxin Side Effects

Common side effects of fluvoxin include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Changes in taste and appetite
• Indigestion or the feeling of bloating
• Dry mouth
• Nose stuffiness
• Sleep disturbance with either falling or staying asleep
• Weight loss
• Nervous
• Sexual dysfunction in males and females

These side effects, except sexual dysfunction, are usually mild and resolve over time. However, if they worsen and become more bothersome, inform the provider promptly.

Other unwanted effects of fluvoxin are rare but quite severe. If they occur, contact the doctor or emergency services immediately for medical intervention. Below are the serious side effects of fluvoxin:

• Low serum sodium (hyponatremia), whose symptoms include weakness, headache, and difficulty concentrating
• Angle-closure glaucoma manifesting with vision changes, eye pain, and swelling
• Life-threatening serotonin syndrome. The symptoms include diarrhea, severe muscle spasms, shivering, confusion, hotness of the body, and seizures.

Precautions for Using Fluvoxin

Before taking this medication, talk to the doctor about any drug allergy, including fluvoxamine, and provide a list of the current medicines and notable medical history. Remember, fluvoxin has inactive ingredients that might also induce hypersensitive reactions. Discuss with the provider for more details.

Other precautions to observe include:

• • Avoid alcohol and other substances that worsen drowsiness or dizziness when taking fluvoxin
  • Refrain from tasks requiring concentration including driving and operating machinery, until it is safe
  • If scheduled for surgery, inform the doctor or dentist of fluvoxin use
  • Positive family history of angle-closure glaucoma warrants an eye examination before commencing treatment. Any symptom of increased pressure in the eye should be reported immediately.

Drug Interactions

Drug-drug interactions

Fluvoxin can interact with other medicines disrupting how it works and cause adverse reactions. Such interactions can occur between fluvoxin and:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for treating pain, such as aspirin and diclofenac
• Epilepsy medications (carbamazepine)
• Anti-parkisonism agents (ropinirole)
• Asthma drugs like theophylline
• Blood-thinning medications (warfarin)
• Methadone for treating alcohol

Drug-food interactions

Concomitant use of alcohol and fluvoxin worsens drowsiness and inability to concentrate. Limit or avoid using alcohol while taking the drug.

Drug-disease interactions

The effects of fluvoxin might be exaggerated if used in patients with liver problems, hyponatremia, seizures, and depression.

Contraindiactions

• Hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine
• Coadministration with serotonergic drugs like MAOIs and linezolid

Alternatives to Fluvoxin

• Uvox
• Voxamin
• Voxinix
• Voxidep
• Fluvator

Buying Fluvoxin From A Trusted Online Store

Kiwi Drug offers affordable access to all medications to people on all continents. Subject to industry regulations, Kiwi uses professional pharmacists to ensure the clients receive the best services and maintain optimum quality of life. A  prescription is needed when purchasing Fluvoxin. However, Kiwi’s online doctor can issue you with one via the online doctor service from Kiwi after reviewing your medical profile. Otherwise, buying Fluvoxin from Kiwi Drug is straightforward and quick. Follow the steps below:

• Sign up and add the medicine to the cart
• Click on Checkout Now
• Answer the questions presented on the next page
• Enter the payment details and wait for your package to arrive