Fluvoxamine (By Mouth)

Fluvoxamine (floo-VOX-a-meen)

Treats symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluvoxamine. You should not use fluvoxamine if you are also taking thioridazine (Mellaril®), terfenadine (Seldane®), astemizole (Hismanal®), cisapride (Propulsid®), or pimozide (Orap®). Make sure your doctor knows if you have taken a medicine to treat depression called an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®) within the past 2 weeks.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin®), diuretics (water pills), alprazolam (Xanax®), triazolam (Halcion®), diazepam (Valium®), lithium, theophylline, carbamazepine (Tegretol®), or blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, Corgard®, Inderal®, Lopressor®, Toprol®, Tenormin®).
• There are many other drugs that can interact with fluvoxamine. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, epilepsy or seizures, or any other medical problems, or if you smoke.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, extreme weakness, muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Swelling in hands, feet, or ankles
• Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Feeling irritable
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Problems having sex
• Trouble sleeping
• Sweating more than usual
• Weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.