About fluvoxamine maleate
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant
Used for
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Depression, depending on local approval
Usual adult dose
Usually starts at 50 mg daily; adjusted gradually. Typical range is 100–300 mg daily, divided above 150 mg.
Usual dose in children
For obsessive-compulsive disorder in ages 8–17: usually starts at 25 mg nightly; adjusted gradually, maximum 200 mg daily under specialist care.
Common side effects
- Nausea, diarrhoea, or indigestion
- Sleepiness or difficulty sleeping
- Headache, dizziness, or tremor
- Sexual problems or increased sweating
Important warnings
- May increase suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment or after dose changes.
- Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Risk of serotonin syndrome, bleeding, or low blood sodium.
- Can trigger mania; use caution with seizure disorders or significant liver disease.
Pregnancy
Use only after weighing benefits and risks with a clinician; late-pregnancy exposure may affect the newborn.
Breastfeeding
Passes into breast milk in small amounts; monitor infants for feeding problems, unusual sleepiness, or irritability.
Interactions
- Do not combine with MAO inhibitors; allow required washout periods.
- Interactions with tizanidine, pimozide, and some other medicines can be dangerous.
- Raises levels of medicines including theophylline, warfarin, and some benzodiazepines.
- Other serotonergic medicines, including tramadol and St John’s wort, raise serotonin-syndrome risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.