Fluvoxamine

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 23/03/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Fluvoxamine

CHINESE NAME:氟伏沙明

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Apo-Fluvoxamine, Faverin

DRUG CLASS: Antidepressant, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

USED FOR: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression

OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Vortioxetine

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 50mg, 100mg (tablets)

What is Fluvoxamine for?

Fluvoxamine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Citalopram. SSRIs are antidepressants which work by allowing a type of chemicals, serotonin, to stay longer in the brain in order to boost mood. Therefore, Fluvoxamine is commonly used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

How to use it?

Fluvoxamine is given orally and comes as tablets. The dosage for different uses and age groups are listed below:

For depression

Adult

The initial dose is 50-100 mg once daily to be taken at bedtime. The dose may then increase up to 300 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses according to your response.

For obsessive-compulsive disorder

Adult

The initial dose is 50 mg once daily at bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose by increments of 50 mg every 4-7 days according to your response. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg.

Children aged 8 years and over

The starting dose is 25 mg once daily at bedtime, and may be increased every 4-7 days. The maximum daily dose for children aged 8-11 years is 200 mg, and that for adolescents is 300 mg.

What are the side effects of Fluvoxamine?

Side effects of Fluvoxamine include headache, anxiety, abnormal appetite, insomnia, weakness, impaired concentration, confusion, constipation, nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, bleeding, sexual dysfunction, vomiting, and weight changes.

Who should not take Fluvoxamine?

– People allergic to Fluvoxamine or any formulation component.
– People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors and those who have taken them in the past 14 days.

Pharmacist Tips:

– It often takes a few weeks to see a noticeable improvement in your symptoms.
– Do not stop taking Fluvoxamine abruptly since withdrawal syndrome, such as headache and muscle tension, can occur.
– Antidepressants can induce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Family members and caregivers should monitor closely any changes in their behaviors.
– Drowsiness and sedation are more common in adults. If you are affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Common dosing schedule:
You can take Fluvoxamine with or without food at bedtime.
Do not drink alcohol as it may worsen your mood or anxiety.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Fluvoxamine may interact with:
– Alcohol
– Dextromethorphan
– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, e.g. Selegiline, Rasagiline
– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen
– Theophylline

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Fluvoxamine in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Fluvoxamine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Fluvoxamine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.