Fluvoxamine Maleate - Uses, Side Effects, Interactions

Fluvoxamine maleate

An oral medication called fluvoxamine maleate is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) drug class.What advantages come with using fluvoxamine maleate?Fluvoxamine maleate has advantages that include:reducing OCD symptoms like obsessions and compulsionsEnhancing moodincreasing capacity for social and professional function.

What are the possible side effects of taking fluvoxamine maleate?

Fluvoxamine maleate side effects could possibly include:

Nausea

Headache

mouth ache

Drowsiness

Constipation

Diarrhea

Gain or loss of weight

Sexual issues

anxiousness or unease

Call your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

What is the dosage for fluvoxamine maleate?

Adults should take 50–200 mg of fluvoxamine maleate every day. The recommended starting dose is 50 mg per day. If necessary, your doctor will gradually increase your dosage.

The dosage range for kids aged 8 to 17 is 25 to 200 mg per day. The recommended starting dose is 25 mg per day. As necessary, your doctor will gradually raise your child's dosage.

How should I take fluvoxamine maleate?

Fluvoxamine maleate should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Never take it in amounts larger or smaller than advised or for a longer period of time.

It is typical to take fluvoxamine maleate once or twice a day, with or without food. Take your medication every day at the same time.

Your doctor might prescribe you a low dose of fluvoxamine maleate to start, and then gradually increase it once every 4-5 weeks or so. Pay attention to your doctor's advice.

Mechanism of action

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain, and fluvoxamine maleate works by preventing its reuptake. Fluvoxamine maleate raises serotonin levels in the brain by preventing serotonin reuptake, which lessens OCD symptoms.

How soon does fluvoxamine maleate start to work?

It may take 4 to 8 weeks after treatment has begun before all of fluvoxamine maleate's effects become apparent. Even if you are feeling better, keep taking the medication. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking fluvoxamine maleate.

Long-term effects

Maleate of fluvoxamine is typically well tolerated. The mildest side effects are nausea, headaches, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction.

Serious side effects of fluvoxamine maleate have only rarely been reported.

When taking SSRIs, a rare but serious condition known as serotonin syndrome may develop. Confusion, agitation, perspiration, tense muscles, and diarrhea are symptoms. Call your doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms.

Rare reports of seizures have been associated with fluvoxamine maleate. Stop taking the medication if you have a seizure, and call your doctor right away.

Fluvoxamine maleate can cause allergic reactions in some people, including skin rashes, hives, and breathing difficulties. Call your doctor as soon as you notice these symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

The digestive tract quickly absorbs fluvoxamine maleate, which reaches its peak concentration 4 to 8 hours later. Fluvoxamine maleate has a 16-hour half-life.

Fluvoxamine maleate alternatives

OCD can be treated with a wide range of pharmaceuticals. A few of these are:

Prozac Fluoxetine

Paxil (paroxetine)

fluoxetine (Sertraline)

Anafranil (clomipramine)

The ideal course of treatment for your condition can be decided together with your doctor.

Is Zoloft more effective than fluvoxamine for treating OCD?

This question cannot be answered with certainty because every individual will react to medications differently. Sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft, may work better for treating OCD in some people than fluvoxamine does in others. Finding the right medication for you requires collaboration with your doctor.

Share article
1 of 4
1 of 4
Get 10% off your first order

Plus get the inside scoop on our latest content and updates in our monthly newsletter.