What is fluvoxamine maleate?
Fluvoxamine maleate is an oral drug that is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI).
What are the benefits of taking fluvoxamine maleate?
The benefits of taking fluvoxamine maleate include:
Relieving symptoms of OCD, such as obsessions and compulsions
Improving mood
Increasing ability to function socially and at work
What are the possible side effects of taking fluvoxamine maleate?
The possible side effects of taking fluvoxamine maleate include:
Nausea
Headache
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Weight loss or gain
Sexual problems
Anxiety or nervousness
If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor.
What is the dosage for fluvoxamine maleate?
The recommended dose of fluvoxamine maleate for adults is 50-200 mg per day. The starting dose is usually 50 mg per day. Your doctor will increase your dose gradually as needed.
For children ages 8-17, the recommended dose is 25-200 mg per day. The starting dose is usually 25 mg per day. Your doctor will increase your child’s dose gradually as needed.
How should I take fluvoxamine maleate?
Take fluvoxamine maleate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Fluvoxamine maleate is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of fluvoxamine maleate and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 4-5 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Mechanism of action
Fluvoxamine maleate works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, fluvoxamine maleate increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which helps to relieve symptoms of OCD.
How long does it take for fluvoxamine maleate to work?
The full effects of fluvoxamine maleate may not be seen until 4-8 weeks after treatment is started. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking fluvoxamine maleate without talking to your doctor.
Long-term effects
Fluvoxamine maleate is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include nausea, headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sexual problems.
There have been rare reports of serious side effects with fluvoxamine maleate, including:
Serotonin syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that can occur when taking SSRIs. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, sweating, muscle stiffness, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Seizures: There have been rare reports of seizures with fluvoxamine maleate. If you experience a seizure, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to fluvoxamine maleate, including skin rash, hives, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Pharmacokinetics
Fluvoxamine maleate is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak concentration in 4-8 hours. The half-life of fluvoxamine maleate is 16 hours.
Alternatives to fluvoxamine maleate
There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat OCD. Some of these include:
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment for your condition.
Is Zoloft more effective than fluvoxamine for treating OCD?
There is no definitive answer to this question as different people may respond differently to different medications. Some people may find that Zoloft (sertraline) is more effective for treating their OCD, while others may find that fluvoxamine is more effective. It is important to work with your doctor to find the medication that is best for you.
