In this article, we will discuss about Fluvoxamine Side Effects, Definition, Uses, and Warning Before Taking It
What is fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine is a drug to overcome depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or social phobias. These drugs belong to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Fluvoxamine works by restoring the balance of serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter, a messenger chemical in the brain, that plays an important role in influencing emotional mood. With balanced serotonin levels, complaints and symptoms can subside.
What is fluvoxamine for?
Fluvoxamine is commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive mental conditions (OCD). The drug helps control persistent thinking (obsession) and urges to perform repetitive tasks (urges such as hand washing, counting, checking) that interfere with daily life.
Fluvoxamine belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This drug works by helping restore the balance of a specific brain chemical called serotonin that helps manage thoughts and moods.
The drug can also be used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fluvoxamine Uses
Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this drug with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day at bedtime, or twice a day (once in the morning and once at bedtime). If you take this drug twice a day at an unequal dose, then a larger than 2 doses should be taken at bedtime.
Dosages are based on medical conditions, responses to therapy, age, and other medications that you may be using. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription, non-prescribing and herbal products).
In children, the dosage is also based on their age and gender. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this drug at low doses and will gradually increase your dosage. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Do not increase the dosage or use this drug more often or longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve faster, and the risk of side effects will increase. Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medicine at the same time every day.
It is important to continue taking this drug even if you feel good. Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can get worse when the drug suddenly stops. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, sleep changes, and short feelings similar to electric shocks.
To prevent these symptoms when you stop treatment with this drug, the doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report new or worsening symptoms immediately.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefits of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Warnings Before Taking Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine should not be used carelessly and should be in accordance with a doctor’s prescription. There are several things to be aware of before using this drug, among others:
- Do not take fluvoxamine if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not take fluvoxamine if you are or have recently undergone treatment with MAOI-type medications, such as izocarboxid, phenelzine, or selegiline.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have suffered from glaucoma, heart disease, stroke, blood clotting disorders, liver disease, hypertension, bipolar disorder, kidney disease, or electrolyte disorders.
- The drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness, do not consume alco**holic beverages, perform activities that require vigilance, or drive, during treatment with fluvoxamine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you have a desire to ki**ll yourself or self-harm during treatment with fluvoxamine. Always exercise control, according to the schedule given by the doctor.
- See a doctor immediately if a drug allergic reaction appears, more serious side effects, or an overdose after taking fluvoxamine.
Fluvoxamine Side Effects
In addition to reducing anxiety, fluvoxamine also has some side effects to note.
Common side effects:
- Changes in mood, behavior, or mental,
- Difficulty breathing and urinating, as well as
- Body twitches.
