Fluvoxamine Maleate

Generic Details

Generic Name

Fluvoxamine Maleate

Other Names

  • Fluvoxamine

Drug Class

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Chemical Formula

C15H21F3N2O2S

Molecular Weight

356.4 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Indications

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablets
  • Extended-release capsules

Typical Dosage

  • 50-300 mg daily in divided doses

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosage and administration should be individualized based on patient's weight and condition

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower starting dose may be required for elderly patients

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight changes

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to fluvoxamine
  • Concomitant use with MAOIs
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - use only if potential benefits outweigh the risks

Lactation Safety

  • Caution advised, excreted in breast milk

Drug Interactions

  • MAOIs
  • Warfarin
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Theophylline

Overdose Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tachycardia
  • Seizures

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, general supportive measures

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta
  • Metabolism: Primarily hepatic
  • Excretion: Mainly in urine

Precautions

  • Caution in patients with history of mania/hypomania
  • Monitor for suicidality especially in young adults

Warnings

  • Black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder

Others

  • Avoid abrupt discontinuation, taper off slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms