3. Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine

  • It may take two to four weeks before you start to feel better. It is very important that you keep taking fluvoxamine, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first.
  • If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, talk to a friend, your doctor or go to hospital straight away.
  • Fluvoxamine is used in children over 8 years to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, not depression.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor who will check on your progress.
Type of medicine Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant
Used for Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Also called Fluvoxamine maleate
Faverin®
Available as Tablets

Anyone can develop depression. It can develop for no apparent reason or it may be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, bereavement, or illness.

Brain cells called neurons, release a number of chemicals which go on to stimulate other neurons leading to electrical impulses which result in many functions controlled by the brain. Serotonin is one such chemical in the brain. Once released, it stimulates other neurons and is then taken back up into the neuron cells and recycled. Antidepressants like fluvoxamine increase the amount of circulating serotonin available in the brain. This may help depression symptoms in some people.

Before taking fluvoxamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have heart, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have epilepsy, diabetes or glaucoma.
  • If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
  • If you have ever suffered from mania (an abnormally 'high' mood).
  • If you have a blood disorder or have had problems with bleeding.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is particularly important if you have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI).
  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take fluvoxamine exactly as your doctor has told you to. It is usually taken once a day in the evening, although you may be asked to take fluvoxamine two or three times a day.
  • Swallow fluvoxamine tablets with a drink of water. It is not important whether you take the tablets before or after food.
  • If you forget to take a dose and it is still within the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If you only remember through the night or during the next day, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
  • It may take between two and four weeks for you to feel the benefits of fluvoxamine, but it is very important that you keep taking it even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • If you feel your depression is getting worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings while you are taking fluvoxamine, then you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Fluvoxamine may slow your reactions. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
  • It is sensible to avoid drinking alcohol while you are being treated with fluvoxamine. Taking fluvoxamine and alcohol increases the chance that you may experience side-effects.
  • If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently, as fluvoxamine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
  • If you are being treated for depression, your doctor is likely to continue your treatment for at least 6 months even if you are feeling better.
  • Do not stop taking fluvoxamine without speaking with your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fluvoxamine.

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common fluvoxamine side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, indigestion, loss of appetite Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, or sucking sugar-free sweets
Dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Tremor, palpitations, difficulty sleeping Avoid large amounts of caffeine such as in tea, coffee, and cola
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day
Sweating Take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids

Important: tell your doctor (or go to the nearest accident and emergency department) straight away if:

  • You have any thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life whilst you are taking fluvoxamine.
  • You develop a high fever, sweating, confusion, and muscle stiffness.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Faverin® Tablets 50 or 100 mg film-coated tablets; Manufacturer's PIL, Faverin® Tablets 50 or 100 mg film-coated tablets, Abbott Healthcare Products Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2010.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Prof Cathy Jackson
Last Checked: 19/01/2012 Document ID: 1419  Version: 26 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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