Fluvoxamine (Generic for Luvox®) Uses, Dosage, and Safety

What Fluvoxamine Is and How It Works

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) most often prescribed for obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD). Many clinicians also use it for major depression and social anxiety when appropriate. This antidepressant fluvoxamine raises serotonin levels in the brain, which can reduce intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. If a prescriber has recommended treatment and you are comparing options or planning to order fluvoxamine online, this page outlines key facts on use, benefits, and safety.

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Fluvoxamine maleate is available as immediate‑release tablets in strengths commonly including 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Some markets also offer extended‑release capsules (often called Luvox ER), which are taken once daily and may ease gastrointestinal effects. Fluvoxamine treats OCD by increasing serotonin signaling and modulating circuits involved in anxiety, mood, and habit formation. The usual dosing cadence starts once daily at bedtime and can increase gradually; higher total daily doses are often split into morning and evening doses.

Dosage and Usage

• Initiation (immediate‑release): Many adults start at 50 mg once daily at bedtime.
• Titration: Increase by 50 mg every 4–7 days based on response and tolerability.
• Maintenance range: 100–300 mg per day for OCD; doses above 100 mg are often divided.
• Examples: Some patients stabilize at 150–200 mg daily; others need fluvoxamine 300 mg.
• Extended‑release: If prescribed, typically taken once daily; do not crush or chew capsules.
• Administration: Take with or without food. If nausea occurs, taking with food may help.
• Time of day: Bedtime dosing can reduce drowsiness during the day; morning dosing may suit those with insomnia.
• Missed dose: Take when remembered unless it is near the next dose. Do not double up.
• Tapering: Do not stop suddenly. Prescribers usually reduce the dose gradually to limit withdrawal symptoms.
• Drug holidays: Not recommended. Consistent daily dosing maintains benefit for OCD and depression.
• MAOI washout: Allow adequate washout when switching to or from an MAOI; clinicians typically separate these by at least 14 days.

• Store your tablets at 15–25°C (59–77°F), dry, and away from light.
• Keep medication in the original bottle with the label inside your carry‑on when traveling.
• Do not freeze or expose to high heat (over 30°C/86°F).
• Use a pill organizer only if it stays closed and dry; moisture can damage tablets.
• Pack an extra 1–2 weeks of supply to cover travel delays.
• For home delivery, choose prompt, express shipping to reduce transit time.

Benefits and Savings

For many with OCD, fluvoxamine reduces the frequency and intensity of obsessions and the urge to perform rituals. It also helps some patients with depression by improving mood, energy, and concentration. Certain patients with social anxiety benefit from reduced anticipatory worry. Once‑daily dosing can be convenient, and tablet strengths allow gradual, tailored titration. Stabilized patients often remain on therapy to maintain results.

Ordering from Canada can lower the fluvoxamine price significantly. Typical savings are 60–80% compared with many U.S. retail prices. Multi‑month supplies may reduce the per‑month fluvoxamine cost, and bulk promotions sometimes apply. You can set gentle reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out. If you are comparing brand and generic, ask about Luvox price options versus generic fluvoxamine maleate.

For occasional promotions, see our fluvoxamine coupons page for current deals.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, dry mouth.
• Activation or sedation: Insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue.
• Neurologic: Headache, tremor, restlessness.
• Sweating and flushing; decreased appetite.
• Sexual effects: Decreased libido or delayed orgasm.
• Weight change: Usually modest; varies by individual.

Serious but less common risks include serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), abnormal bleeding (higher risk with NSAIDs/anticoagulants), low sodium (hyponatremia), mania in bipolar disorder, seizures, and angle‑closure glaucoma in susceptible patients. Fluvoxamine has important drug interactions due to CYP inhibition. Avoid use with MAOIs, linezolid, or intravenous methylene blue. Tizanidine is contraindicated. Clinicians often monitor or adjust doses when combined with theophylline, warfarin, clozapine, certain benzodiazepines, and caffeine. Monitor for suicidal thoughts in young people, especially at the start or after dose changes.

Onset Time

Some patients notice improved sleep or reduced anxiety within 1–2 weeks. Mood and energy gains for depression typically appear by weeks 2–4, with fuller benefits by weeks 6–8. OCD symptoms may take longer; many patients see meaningful change by 8–12 weeks once the dose is optimized. If a response is partial at a lower dose, prescribers may adjust upward slowly. Stable benefits often require ongoing treatment and behavioral therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Escitalopram is another SSRI often chosen for depression and generalized anxiety. It has fewer notable drug‑interaction concerns than fluvoxamine and is taken once daily. If a prescriber recommends that option, you can review Escitalopram for details on dosing and availability.

Nardil is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) sometimes used for treatment‑resistant depression or social anxiety under specialist care. It requires strict dietary restrictions and careful interaction management. Learn more at Nardil® if considering this alternative.

Within the SSRI class, tolerability and specific symptom relief can vary. Some tolerate sertraline or fluoxetine better, while others respond well to fluvoxamine for intrusive thoughts. Choice often depends on side‑effect profile, interactions, and prior response.

Combination Therapy

• Cognitive‑behavioral therapy (CBT), including exposure and response prevention, is often combined with medication for OCD.
• Benzodiazepines may be used short‑term for acute anxiety; prescribers often use lower doses because fluvoxamine can raise benzodiazepine levels.
• Augmentation strategies (such as certain atypical antipsychotics) may be considered for partial responders under specialist guidance.
• Do not combine with MAOIs, linezolid, or other agents that raise serotonin without medical oversight due to serotonin syndrome risk.
• When combined with anticoagulants or NSAIDs, clinicians may monitor for bleeding and adjust therapy as needed.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Fluvoxamine is commonly prescribed for adults with OCD and may be considered for depression or social anxiety when appropriate. It is not used with MAOIs or tizanidine. Caution is warranted in significant liver impairment, a history of seizures, uncontrolled glaucoma, or bipolar disorder. Pediatric use is specialist‑directed. Older adults may start at lower doses and increase more slowly.

Discuss sleep effects before choosing a dosing time. Those with daytime sleepiness may take the dose at night, while those with insomnia may shift to morning dosing. Alcohol can worsen sedation and is best avoided. For extended‑release capsules, swallow whole. For immediate‑release tablets, consistent daily dosing helps keep levels steady.

To manage costs, compare the fluvoxamine price between strengths and consider a multi‑month supply if stable on a dose such as fluvoxamine 200 mg. Ask about generic fluvoxamine discount options versus brand Luvox medication if a branded prescription is written. Reorder reminders can help maintain continuity, and prompt, express shipping supports timely delivery.

Authoritative Sources

Luvox CR (fluvoxamine) US Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Fluvoxamine Maleate

FDA Medication Guides for Antidepressants

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This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow the directions provided by your prescriber and pharmacist.