Fluvoxamine tablets
What do fluvoxamine tablets do?
FLUVOXAMINE (Luvox(R)) helps people with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It relieves the anxiety and unpleasant thoughts that make a person repeat everyday tasks (like hand-washing). Fluvoxamine is also used as an antidepressant, and may be used to treat other conditions such as panic disorder, premenstrual syndrome, or traumatic stress. Generic fluvoxamine tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take fluvoxamine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease
• history of manic illness
• liver disease
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluvoxamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take fluvoxamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take fluvoxamine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine has the potential to interact with a variety of medications, check with your healthcare professional. The following list contains some of these interactions.
Do not take fluvoxamine with any of the following medications:
• astemizole (Hismanal(R))
• cisapride (Propulsid(R))
• pimozide (Orap(R))
• terfenadine (Seldane(R))
• thioridazine (Mellaril(R))
• medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil(R)), tranylcypromine (Parnate(R)), isocarboxazid (Marplan(R)), selegiline (Eldepryl(R))
Fluvoxamine may also interact with the following medications:
• alcohol
• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• dextroamphetamine
• dextromethorphan
• diltiazem
• dofetilide
• kava kava
• linezolid
• medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• melatonin
• migraine headache medicines
• medications for anxiety or sleep problems; examples include alprazolam (Xanax(R)) or diazepam (Valium(R))
• metoprolol
• other medicines used for mental problems like depression or psychosis
• propranolol
• sildenafil
• some medicines for the treatment of pain
• St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
• theophylline
• valerian
• verapamil
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking fluvoxamine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
• irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• muscle spasms or weakness
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation or restlessness
• anxiety or nervousness
• daytime drowsiness
• diarrhea or constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or ability)
• tremor (shaking)