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Fluvoxamine Maleate

 

Fluvoxamine Maleate (generic Luvox, Faverin) Review

brand names: Generic only. No brands available., Luvox
generic names: Fluvoxamine, Fluvoxamine maleate

How does it work?

Faverin tablets contain the active ingredient fluvoxamine maleate, which is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) . (NB. Fluvoxamine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Antidepressant medicines act on nerve cells in the brain. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.

When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.

SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, fluvoxamine helps relieve depression.

Fluvoxamine may also be used in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. It is not fully understood how it works in this illness.

It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of this medicine to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings in these first few weeks, then you should talk to your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a Fluvoxamine (Luvox) overdose may include nausea, fainting, drowsiness, trouble breathing, lack of coordination, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, vomiting, and coma.

What are Fluvoxamine (Luvox) tablets?

Fluvoxamine (Luvox ® ) helps people with an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It relieves the anxiety and unpleasant thoughts that make a person repeat everyday tasks (like hand-washing). Fluvoxamine (Faverin) is also used as an antidepressant, and may be used to treat other conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, panic disorder, or traumatic stress. Generic Fluvoxamine (Maleate) tablets are available.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• This medicine passes into breast milk. Mothers who need to take this medicine should discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding with their doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. There have been isolated cases of withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies of women who took Fluvoxamine (Luvox) at the end of their pregnancies. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you get pregnant or plan to have a baby while taking this medicine.
  
  

Special warnings about Fluvoxamine (Luvox) maleate

In clinical studies, SSRI antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Fluvoxamine (Luvox) or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Fluvoxamine (Faverin) must be used with caution in children with depression. Fluvoxamine (Maleate) is only approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 8 years and older.

If you have a history of mania (excessively energetic, out-of-control behavior), use Fluvoxamine (Luvox) maleate cautiously.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, panic, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox) may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, operating dangerous machinery, avoid driving, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your reaction to Fluvoxamine (Faverin) maleate.

If you suffer from seizures, use Fluvoxamine (Luvox) maleate cautiously. If you experience a seizure while taking Fluvoxamine (Faverin), stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox) can also deplete the body's supply of salt, especially in older adults and people who take diuretics or suffer from dehydration. Under these conditions, your doctor will check your salt levels regularly.

You should discuss all your medical problems with your doctor before starting therapy with Fluvoxamine (Luvox), as certain physical conditions or diseases may affect your reaction to it.

If you develop a rash or hives, or any other allergic-type reaction, notify your physician immediately.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•heart disease
•history of manic illness
•liver disease
•seizures (convulsions)
•suicidal thoughts
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Fluvoxamine (Luvox), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding