ANSWERS: 1
  • Fluvoxamine is a type of generic prescription medication that increases the amount of a chemical known as serotonin in your brain. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of depression, social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders, fluvoxamine poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

    Types of Side Effects

    Common side effects of fluvoxamine include changes in sexual performance or desire, constipation, headaches, fatigue and insomnia.

    Drug Interactions

    Because the combination has the potential to cause potentially-fatal reactions like hyperthermia, doctors avoid prescribing fluvoxamine within 14 days of a Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) like isocarboxazid or phenelzine. Fluvoxamine may also increase side effects from drugs like the muscle relaxant tizanidine, the irritable bowel syndrome drug alosetron, the sleep medication ramelteon and the anti-psychotic pimozide, explains the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Warning

    During the first two months of treatment, fluvoxamine has the potential to worsen depression, resulting in suicidal thoughts or self-harmful actions, especially in people under the age of 24, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Symptoms associated with fluvoxamine-induced depression include anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, aggression, impulsivity, restlessness and mania.

    Risks

    Rare, but possible risks associated with fluvoxamine include seizures, electrolyte imbalances, heart attack, angina, jaundice, bleeding in your digestive system, shortages in red or white blood cells or blood platelets, amnesia, hallucinations and kidney failure.

    Considerations

    Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe fluvoxamine for use in pregnant women. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, bleeding disorders, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, heart attack and heart or liver disease, it may not be safe for you to take fluvoxamine, cautions the Mayo Clinic.

    Source:

    U.S. National Library of Medicine Daily Med: LUVOX CR (fluvoxamine maleate) capsule, extended release

    Mayo Clinic: Fluvoxamine (Oral Route)

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