What is Fluvoxamine Maleate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Fluvoxamine Maleate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Luvox CR

Generic Names:

  • Fluvoxamine Maleate

Uses:

  • Treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This medicine is a type of antidepressant called an SSRI.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidepressant, Central Nervous System Agent

Forms:

  • Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Fluvoxamine Maleate used for?

Fluvoxamine maleate is a medication used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Fluvoxamine maleate belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluvoxamine maleate is sold under the brand name Luvox. This medication was approved by the US FDA in 1994. In the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, fluvoxamine maleate use is common.

What form(s) does Fluvoxamine Maleate come in

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Fluvoxamine Maleate doses?

  • Tablet 25MG

  • Tablet 50MG

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Fluvoxamine Maleate prescriptions

  • fluvoxaMINE Maleate
    100mg tablet

  • fluvoxaMINE Maleate
    25mg tablet

  • fluvoxaMINE Maleate
    50mg tablet

How to take Fluvoxamine Maleate

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Take this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Fluvoxamine Maleate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to fluvoxamine.

Fluvoxamine Maleate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, bleeding problems, glaucoma, heart disease, had a heart attack, or a history of seizures, depression, or mental health problems. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

  • For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serotonin syndrome (may be life-threatening when used with certain other medicines)Higher risk of bleeding problemsLow sodium levels in the blood

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause decreased appetite and weight loss. Your child's height and weight will be measured to make sure your child is growing properly.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, unsteadiness

  • Seizures

  • Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, panic, trouble sleeping

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Fluvoxamine Maleate interactions

  • Do not use fluvoxamine with alosetron, pimozide, ramelteon, thioridazine, or tizanidine. Do not use fluvoxamine and an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of each other.

  • Some medicines can affect how fluvoxamine works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:Buspirone, carbamazepine, clozapine, fentanyl, lithium, methadone, metoprolol, mexiletine, omeprazole, phenytoin, propranolol, quinidine, St John€™s wort, tacrine, theophylline, tramadol, or tryptophan supplementsAmphetaminesBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depressionNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Sedative or sleeping medicine (including alprazolam, diazepam)Triptan medicine to treat migraine headaches

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause decreased appetite and weight loss. Your child's height and weight will be measured to make sure your child is growing properly.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Fluvoxamine Maleate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Worsening of depression

  • Seizures

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, unsteadiness

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching

  • Feeling more excited or energetic than usual

  • Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others, panic, trouble sleeping

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation, stomach upset

  • Sexual problems

  • Loss of appetite, weight loss

  • Dizziness, unusual drowsiness or sleepiness