Fluvoxamine Medications

Fluvoxamine is a medication used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain.

Luvox

Fluvoxamine

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What to Know About Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine is an SSRI-type antidepressant most widely recognized for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It increases serotonin levels in the brain by blocking the serotonin reuptake transporter, which alleviates the intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors characteristic of OCD. In many jurisdictions, including Singapore, fluvoxamine is also approved for social anxiety disorder, providing relief from excessive fear of social situations. The molecule is marketed under the brand name Luvox and its controlled-release counterpart Luvox CR, while generic fluvoxamine tablets are widely available. Though its primary uses are mental-health focused, clinicians sometimes repurpose fluvoxamine for conditions such as panic disorder or treatment-resistant depression when evidence supports benefit. Across the globe, fluvoxamine’s safety profile, drug-interaction potential, and modest onset of action make it a valuable option for patients seeking a well-studied serotonergic therapy.

What is Fluvoxamine?

Fluvoxamine belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, a group of agents that enhance serotonergic neurotransmission by inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT). The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) granted approval for fluvoxamine in 2004 for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and its label later expanded to include social anxiety disorder. The United States FDA initially approved the drug for OCD in 1994, while the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has listed both OCD and social anxiety as approved indications. At the molecular level, fluvoxamine binds to SERT with high affinity, preventing re-absorption of serotonin into presynaptic neurons and thereby raising extracellular serotonin concentrations. This pharmacodynamic action underpins the drug’s capacity to moderate mood, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors. Both the branded Luvox tablets and the lower-cost generic versions can be sourced through our online pharmacy, offering patients flexibility in choosing a formulation that fits their budget.

How Fluvoxamine Works

Mechanism of Action

Fluvoxamine selectively inhibits the serotonin reuptake transporter located on the presynaptic neuronal membrane. By blocking this transporter, the drug reduces the clearance of serotonin from the synaptic cleft, leading to sustained serotonergic signaling. Unlike some newer antidepressants, fluvoxamine exhibits minimal activity at other neurotransmitter receptors, which contributes to its relatively clean side-effect profile.

Therapeutic Effects

The increased serotonin availability moderates the hyper-active cortico-striatal-thalamic circuitry implicated in OCD, dampening intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. In social anxiety disorder, enhanced serotonergic tone improves emotional regulation, decreasing anticipatory anxiety and physiological arousal during social interactions. These clinical outcomes stem directly from the drug’s ability to balance serotonin-mediated neural pathways.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report that meaningful reductions in OCD symptom scores typically emerge after 4-6 weeks of daily dosing, with maximal benefit observed around 12 weeks. In social anxiety disorder, patients often notice a measurable decrease in anxiety within 2-3 weeks, though full remission may require longer treatment. Fluvoxamine’s half-life averages 15-20 hours, supporting once-daily dosing for immediate-release tablets and twice-daily dosing for the controlled-release formulation. Steady-state plasma concentrations are achieved after approximately 5 days of consistent use.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): HSA and FDA labeling endorse fluvoxamine as a first-line pharmacotherapy for adults with moderate to severe OCD.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Both EMA and HSA recognize fluvoxamine for the treatment of generalized social anxiety, providing relief from fear of scrutiny and performance situations.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - off-label in some regions: While not formally approved for depression in Singapore, clinicians sometimes prescribe fluvoxamine based on its serotonergic profile.

Off-Label Uses

Panic Disorder: Small open-label studies have shown reductions in panic attack frequency, though regulatory agencies have not granted formal approval.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Limited phase-II data suggest potential benefit, but larger trials are needed before official endorsement.
Adjunctive therapy for COVID-19: Early 2022 trials explored fluvoxamine’s anti-inflammatory properties; however, the indication remains investigational and is not recommended outside clinical trials.

Clinical Efficacy

A pivotal randomized, double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 30 % greater reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale scores after 12 weeks of fluvoxamine compared with placebo (p < .001). For social anxiety, a meta-analysis in Lancet Psychiatry reported a standardized mean difference of -.58 favoring fluvoxamine over placebo, reflecting moderate to large effect sizes across multiple studies.

Buying Fluvoxamine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our pharmacy service bridges the gap for patients in Singapore who encounter stock shortages or high out-of-pocket costs for branded SSRIs. By sourcing medications from licensed international partners, we maintain a reliable supply chain while respecting local regulatory standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Luvox (immediate-release tablets, 50 mg)
Luvox CR (controlled-release, 100 mg)
Generic fluvoxamine (tablets, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)

Choosing a generic version typically saves 40-60 % compared with the brand name, without compromising bioequivalence.

Quality & Safety

We work with suppliers that meet WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) criteria, ensuring each batch undergoes rigorous potency and purity testing before shipment.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing starts at SG$.35 per 50 mg generic tablet. All returning customers receive a lifetime 10 % discount on every reorder, providing long-term affordability for chronic treatment.

Discreet Delivery

Orders shipped via our platform arrive in plain-wrapped parcels. Express delivery reaches most Singapore addresses within 7 days, while standard shipping takes up to 3 weeks. Packaging is tamper-evident and does not display medication details.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Fluvoxamine is marketed as immediate-release tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) and as a controlled-release tablet (100 mg) designed for twice-daily dosing. No oral solution or injectable form is commercially available.

Typical Dosing Ranges

OCD (adults): Initiation often begins at 50 mg once daily, with gradual titration up to 300 mg per day based on tolerability and clinical response.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Starting dose of 50 mg daily, increased to 100 mg after one week if well tolerated; maximum recommended dose is 300 mg per day.
Controlled-Release (Luvox CR): Usually prescribed at 100 mg twice daily, not to exceed 200 mg per dose.

These examples reflect common clinical practice; individual dosing must be individualized by a qualified health professional.

Administration Guidelines

Fluvoxamine tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Immediate-release formulations are best taken after a light meal to reduce gastrointestinal upset, whereas controlled-release tablets should be taken with food to enhance absorption. Consistency in timing (morning vs. evening) helps maintain steady plasma levels.

Important: A healthcare provider must decide the exact dose, taking into account age, liver function, concomitant medications, and therapeutic goals.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Nausea (≈15 % of patients)
Insomnia or somnolence (≈12 %)
Dry mouth (≈10 %)
Headache (≈9 %)
Dizziness (≈8 %)

These events are generally mild and often improve within the first two weeks of therapy.

Serious Adverse Events

Serotonin Syndrome: Rare but life-threatening; signs include hyperthermia, agitation, tremor, and clonus. Immediate medical attention is required.
QT Prolongation: Fluvoxamine can modestly lengthen the QT interval, especially when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs; ECG monitoring is advised for high-risk patients.
Hepatic Injury: Elevated transaminases have been reported; routine liver function testing is recommended during the first three months.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine or any tablet excipients.
Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation.
Patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Drug Interactions

CYP1A2 Inhibitors (e.g., ciprofloxacin, fluoroquinolones): May increase fluvoxamine plasma concentrations, necessitating dose adjustment.
CYP1A2 Inducers (e.g., smoking, carbamazepine): Can lower fluvoxamine levels, potentially reducing efficacy.
Other serotonergic agents (e.g., tramadol, triptans, St. John’s Wort): Heighten risk of serotonin syndrome.
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Fluvoxamine may augment anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring is prudent.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C; animal studies show risk, but human data are limited. Use only if potential benefit outweighs risk.
Breastfeeding: Fluvoxamine is excreted in breast milk; clinicians often advise against breastfeeding while on therapy.
Elderly: Reduced hepatic metabolism may require lower starting doses and slower titration.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Dose reductions are recommended for moderate to severe liver disease; renal impairment does not markedly affect clearance but monitor for side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does fluvoxamine differ from sertraline? Fluvoxamine has a higher affinity for the serotonin transporter and a modest inhibitory effect on CYP1A2, while sertraline shows broader activity at dopamine receptors and weaker CYP interactions. Clinical choice often depends on individual side-effect tolerance and interaction profiles.
How long before fluvoxamine produces noticeable effects for OCD? Most patients report a measurable reduction in compulsive symptoms after 4-6 weeks, with optimal benefit typically reached by week 12.
What should I do if I experience persistent nausea from fluvoxamine? Take the tablet with food, stay hydrated, and consider splitting the daily dose into two administrations after consulting your clinician. If nausea remains severe, a dose reduction or switch to an alternative SSRI may be warranted.
Can fluvoxamine cause weight gain? Weight changes are uncommon; a minority of patients report modest weight gain (<5 % of body weight) after several months of therapy.
Does taking fluvoxamine with food affect its absorption? Food slightly improves the bioavailability of immediate-release tablets and reduces gastrointestinal irritation. Controlled-release tablets should be taken with a meal to ensure consistent absorption.
Are there foods I should avoid while on fluvoxamine? Grapefruit juice can inhibit CYP1A2 and raise fluvoxamine levels, potentially increasing side-effect risk. Limit consumption of large amounts.
Is fluvoxamine safe for older adults? Older patients may be more sensitive to sedation and QT prolongation. Starting at a lower dose (e.g., 25 mg daily) and titrating slowly is advisable under medical supervision.
What monitoring is required during fluvoxamine therapy? Baseline liver function tests, periodic ECG for patients with cardiac risk factors, and regular assessment of mood and anxiety symptoms are standard practice.
Can fluvoxamine interact with over-the-counter supplements? St. John’s Wort and SAMe have serotonergic activity and may precipitate serotonin syndrome when combined with fluvoxamine. Discuss all supplements with your healthcare provider.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing fluvoxamine?
- Complete list of current prescription, OTC, and herbal medications.
- History of cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or prolonged QT interval.
- Recent liver function test results.
- Specific symptoms you hope to treat (e.g., OCD severity, social anxiety triggers).

Disclaimer

The information provided about fluvoxamine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing fluvoxamine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing fluvoxamine.