Fluvoxamine (Luvox® and generic or Luvox CR® and generic) is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Here is key information about this medication.
Indications
Only approved in the US for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) though it is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in several other countries.
In the USA, fluvoxamine extended-release is available as a generic, so I don’t usually recommend using the immediate-release preparation.
Drug interactions
Substrate of CYP enzymes 1A2 and 2D6
Inhibitor of CYP enzymes 1A2(potent), 2C9, 2C19, and 3A4
Dose
The usual adult dose for both the immediate-release and controlled-release formulation is the same: 100 to 300 mg/day. Titration of the controlled-release preparation: Start with 100 mg at bedtime and then increase as needed and tolerated at intervals of at least one week. Dividing the dose is not needed.
(Titration of the immediate-release preparation: Start with 50 mg at bedtime. Increase by 50 mg every 4 to 7 days as needed and tolerated. Daily doses over 100mg should be given in divided doses. If the doses are not equal, the larger dose should be given at bedtime.)
Dosage forms and strengths
In the USA, both generic fluvoxamine extended-release and brand name Luvox CR are available 100 mg and 150 mg capsules.
Immediate-release fluvoxamine (Luvox®), which I do not usually recommend, is available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.
Potential side effects
Please see THIS PAGE for a handout listing the common and less common side effects of fluvoxamine along with the percentages of patients who report them.
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see links below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Drug interactions affecting prodrugs
References
Prescribing information for fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
Prescribing information for extended-release fluvoxamine (Luvox CR®)
Last modified July 2019
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