Fluvoxamine maleate is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's one of the first-choice treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children ages 8 years and older. Fluvoxamine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily, depending on your dose and whether you're taking the immediate-release tablet or the extended-release capsule. Fluvoxamine can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, sleep problems, and headache. 
 
The Fluvoxamine 100 mg tablet is utilized for several purposes, including:
Depression: Individuals grappling with depression can find relief by using this medicine, alleviating overthinking and depressive thoughts.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): People dealing with OCD can benefit from the medicine, offering respite to their minds.
Social Anxiety: Those experiencing social anxiety can seek assistance from this medication.
Severe Phobias: Physicians may recommend the medicine for individuals with severe phobias that disrupt their normal lives. It is advised to take the medicine occasionally when the phobia becomes overwhelming.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF FLUVOXAMINE 100 MG IN THE BODY
Understanding the medication's action involves grasping brain function. The brain utilizes neurons and serotonin to transmit signals to different body parts. When a signal passes from one neuron to another, serotonin is absorbed in the synapse, facilitating information transfer. Disrupting this process by inhibiting serotonin absorption in the synapse helps stop excessive thinking.
TIPS TO OPTIMIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FLUVOXAMINE 100 MG DOSAGE
To maximize the benefits of the Fluvoxamine 100 mg dose, consider the following tips:
Take the tablet whole; do not break or chew it.
Use water to aid in swallowing the medicine.
Maintain a consistent daily schedule for taking the medicine, preferably at the same time each day.
FLUVOXAMINE 100 MG DOSAGE
In the majority of cases, physicians recommend a daily dosage of one Fluvoxamine 100 mg tablet, which is generally sufficient for various issues. However, if the medication appears ineffective, consult your physician for a potential adjustment in dosage.
WHAT TO DO IF A DOSE IS MISSED?
Missing a dose may lead to the resurgence of strong thoughts one aims to avoid. To address this:
Make up for the missed dose as soon as possible.
Ensure that the time remaining until the next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours.
If the time is less than 12 hours, seek guidance from your physician on the appropriate course of action.
 
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Seizure
Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
Serious bleeding: bruising that doesn't improve, black-colored stools, pink or red urine, unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
Low blood sodium levels: weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headache, memory problems
Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling in the face or tongue, rash
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
 
Common Side Effects
Immediate-release tablets:
Nausea (40%)
Headache (22%)
Sleepiness (22%)
Trouble sleeping (21%)
Dry mouth (14%)
Weakness, feeling like you have no energy (14%)
Nervousness (12%)
Dizziness (11%)
Diarrhea (11%)
Constipation (10%)
Upset stomach (10%)
 
Why was fluvoxamine (Luvox) taken off the market?
Fluvoxamine is currently still on the market, but only available as generic medications. It's unclear why brand name Luvox is no longer available. Talk with your provider if you've more questions about the availability of fluvoxamine.
 
How is fluvoxamine (Luvox) different from other SSRIs?
Most SSRIs are taken to help with depression and anxiety. But fluvoxamine is only approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, fluvoxamine is more likely to cause side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea, compared to other SSRIs. It also tends to have a higher risk for medication interactions. If you're not sure about which SSRI is right for you, talk with your mental health provider.
 
How long does fluvoxamine (Luvox) take to work?
It might take 4 to 6 weeks of taking fluvoxamine before you start to see an improvement in your OCD symptoms. For some people, however, it can take 10 to 12 weeks. Be patient, and don't stop taking this medication without talking to your mental health provider first.
 
Is fluvoxamine (Luvox) a controlled substance?
No, fluvoxamine isn't a controlled substance because it's unlikely to lead to addiction or dependence.
 
Does fluvoxamine (Luvox) cause weight gain?
In general, weight gain is a side effect of SSRI medications. But not all SSRIs have the same risk for weight gain. People who took fluvoxamine extended-release in clinical studies experienced similar weight gain as people who took placebo. People who took fluvoxamine immediate-release (IR) reported both weight gain and weight loss, but children tended to experience weight loss more often than weight gain. If you're concerned about how fluvoxamine might affect body weight, talk with your provider.
 
Can you take fluvoxamine (Luvox) for anxiety?
Fluvoxamine is only FDA-approved to treat OCD. Researchers have looked at how well this medication works for certain anxiety conditions, including panic disorder and social anxiety, but more studies are needed in these areas. Talk to your provider if you're looking for ways to manage your anxiety.
 
Is fluvoxamine (Luvox) safe to take during pregnancy?
If you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, let your provider know. Limited research don't clearly link fluvoxamine to any major birth defects or with a higher risk of miscarriage, but more studies are needed in these areas. In general, babies born to mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy are at risk for having adaptation syndrome at birth, and can experience trouble feeding or sleeping. Your provider can talk with you about your options for treating OCD during pregnancy.
 
Can you drink alcohol when you're taking fluvoxamine (Luvox)?
You should avoid drinking alcohol when you're taking SSRIs like fluvoxamine. Mixing the two can worsen the medication's side effects like sleepiness, confusion, and dizziness. Drinking alcohol can also worsen mental health conditions, making it harder for fluvoxamine to work well for you.