Fluvoxamine Pharmacology

Fluvoxamine

About Fluvoxamine
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, Oxime derivative, Antidepressant.
Mechanism of Action of Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine blocks the re-uptake of neurotransmitter Serotonin from the synapse in to the presynaptic nerve terminal in the CNS. This will prolong the action of Serotonin (5HT) and it is useful in the treatment of depression.
Pharmacokinets of Fluvoxamine
Absorption: Fluvoxamine is absorbed orally and the bioavailability is about 53 %. Distribution: It is distributed through out the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: It undergoes metabolism in the liver. Excretion: Excreted mainly through urine.
Onset of Action for Fluvoxamine
N/A
Duration of Action for Fluvoxamine
N/A
Half Life of Fluvoxamine
15 hours
Side Effects of Fluvoxamine
1. Insomnia
2. Nausea
3. Diarrhoea
4. Headache
5. Nervousness
6. Dizziness
7. Tremor
8. Somnolence
9. Dry mouth
10. Anorexia
11. Impotence
12. Increased sweating
13. Constipation
14. Abnormal ejaculation
15. Agitation
16. Upper respiratory tract infection
17. Abdominal pain
18. Flu like syndrome
19. Confusion
20. Asthenia
Contra-indications of Fluvoxamine
1. Hypersensitivity to Fluvoxamine
2. Patient on MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor) therapy
Special Precautions while taking Fluvoxamine
1.Hepatic impairment
2.Renal impairment
3.Myocardial infarction
4.Cardiac failure
5.Epilepsy
6.Hypomania
7.Alcoholics
8.Patient on MAOI therapy (Discontinue the MAO inhibitor at least 2 weeks before Fluvoxamine is started)
9.Use cautiously in patient at risk for suicide
10.Use caution while driving vehicle, operating machine and activities requiring mental alertness or judgment

Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Contraindicated
Children Related Information
Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated
Indications for Fluvoxamine
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Interactions for Fluvoxamine
Drugs that are metabolized by and / or inhibit cytochrome P450 iso-enzymes: Plasma levels and/or pharmacodynamic effects of terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, warfarin, theophylline, certain benzodiazepines and phenytoin should be monitored closely.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): It is recommended that fluvoxamine should not be used in combination with MAOIs or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with a MAOI. After stopping fluvoxamine, at least 14 days should be allowed to elapse before starting a MAOI.
Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines metabolized by hepatic oxidation (e.g. alprazolam, midazolam, trizolam etc.) should be used with caution because the clearance of these drugs is likely to be reduced by fluvoxamine. Clearance of benzodiazepines metabolized by glucuronidation (e.g. lorazepam, oxazepam, temaxepam) is unlikely to be affected by fluvoxamine.
Diazepam: The co-administration of fluvoxamine and diazepam is generally not advisable because fluvoxamine reduces the clearence of both diazepam and its active metabolite.
Theophylline: If theophylline is coadministered with fluvoxamine, its dose should be redced to one third of the usual maintenance dose (as fluvoxamine decreases the clearence of theophyllline approximately 3-fold). No dose adjustment is required for fluoxamine.
Warfarin: Patients receiving oral anticoagulants and fluvoxamine should have their prothrombin time monitored and the anticoagulant dose adjusted accordingly.
Diltiazem: Bradycardia has been reported with the co-administration of fluvoxamine and diltiazem.
Propranolol and other beta blockers: If propranolol or metaprolol is co-administered with fluvoxamine, a reduction in the initial beta blockers dose along with cautious dose titration is recommended.
Typical Dosage for Fluvoxamine
Adult
Depression:Initial dose: 50 mg / day preferably at night dose can be increased by 50 mg every 4 - 7 days until sufficient response occurs. If the dose is more than 100 mg/ day, then the drug should be given in 2 divided doses.
Maximum dose: 300 mg / day
Schedule of Fluvoxamine
H
Storage Requirements for Fluvoxamine
Store at 15 - 30 degree C. Keep out of the reach of children. Protect from direct light and heat.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Fluvoxamine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Fluvoxamine
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Drug can be removed from the body by inducing emesis or by gastric lavage Activated charcoal can be given to reduce the absorption of the drug.

Home Delivery for Fluvoxamine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including fluvoxamine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for fluvoxamine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for fluvoxamine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take fluvoxamine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for fluvoxamine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for fluvoxamine with the pharmacy.

Fluvoxamine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for fluvoxamine might be better known than fluvoxamine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have fluvoxamine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for fluvoxamine.