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fluvoxamine LUVOX

Class: SSRI
FDA Indications: OCD
Off-Label Use: Bulimia Nervosa, Depression, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Social Anxiety
Prescribing
Forms: 25, 50, 100mg tablet
Dose Range: 50-300 mg/day
Starting: Start at 50 mg qd then ↑ by 50 mg increments q4-7 days, usual dose range 100-300mg qd
Stopping: A gradual reduction in the dose rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible

NAMI drug fact sheet

Precautions
Contraindications: Concomitant use of MAOIs
Serious Side Effects: Serotonin syndrome; ↑ risk of SI in children and young adults; may impair platelet aggregation; SIADH
Side Effects: headache, sedation/somnolence, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, xerostomia, anorexia, anorgasmia, weakness/asthenia
Pharmacodynamics
1° MOA: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
2° MOA: Sigma-1 receptor agonism
Target: SERT, σ1R
Pharmacokinetics
t½: 16 (9-28)° TMAX: 1.5-8°
Substrate of: 1A2, 2D6
Inhibits: 1A2 & 2C19 (potent, even at low doses), 2B6, 2C9 & 3A4 (moderate), 2D6 (weak); Induces: ∅
Active Metabolites: ∅
DDIs
  • - a veritable "pan-inhibitor," possible interactions via CYP inhibition are legion
  • - particular attention should be paid to other drugs with narrow therapeutic indices e.g. theophylline, warfarin, phenytoin & 3° TCAs; be cautious when adding any drug to fluvoxamine–"Start low, go slow!"
  • - caffeine is also a 1A2 substrate, so Luvox can make that morning cup of coffee a lot more stimulating!
  • - a 1A2 substrate itself, its own concentrations can be decreased by cigarette smoke's 1A2 induction
  • - nonlinear pharmacokinetics; inhibits its own metabolism
Misc
  • - σ1R properties may explain rapid-onset effects on anxiety & insomnia, and pro-cognitive effects in treatment of psychotic depression & schizophrenia
  • - may have ↓ sexual SEs than other SSRIs
  • - can be cautiously combined with clomipramine for treatment-resistant OCD
  • - considered to be the "weight neutral" SSRI
  • - actually ↓'s QTc by -5 msec
Special Populations

Category C—A case study of 26 infants exposed to fluvoxamine in utero reported that exposure was not associated with increased risk of malformations, lower birth weights, or younger gestational age.

RID 1-2%; ∅AE's have been reported


Consider a lower dose, titrate slower.


No dosage adjustment necessary.


No dosage adjustments in manufacturer's labeling. Limited data suggest clearance ↓ in patients with impairment

References
Luvox Package Insert
Overview Of The Pharmacokinetics Of Fluvoxamine.
The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook Of Psychopharmacology
Drugbank
Concise Guide To Drug Interaction Principles For Medical Practice
The Use Of Antidepressants In Pregnancy And Lactation
Sigma-1 Receptor Agonists As Therapeutic Drugs For Cognitive Impairment In Neuropsychiatric Diseases

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Last updated August 14 2025 21:35:12. Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice, nor is it a substitute for clinical judgment.