FLUVOXAMINE
(Luvox)Standard Prescription
fluvoxamine__mg PO__(frequency)
Dosages
Initial:
Increment:
Maximum Dose:
(Daily doses > 50 mg should be given BID in divided doses with the larger portion given at bedtime)
Children/Adolescents: 25 mg PO QHS
Adults: 50 mg PO QHS
Increment:
Children/Adolescents: 25 mg increments at 4-7 day intervals
Adults: 50 mg increments at 4-7 day intervals
Usual dose range: 50-200 mg/day
Maximum Dose:
Children: 200 mg/day
Adolescents/Adults: 300 mg/day
(Daily doses > 50 mg should be given BID in divided doses with the larger portion given at bedtime)
Mechanism of Action
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Forms Supplied
tablet: 50 mg, 100 mg
Comments
Effective in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder. Also used to treat depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range. Lower fluvoxamine doses may be more effective in females than in males.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). Recommend tapering dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Most sedating and nauseating of the SSRIs
Many CYP drug interactions (strong CYP 1A2 and CYP 2C19 inhibitor)
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range. Lower fluvoxamine doses may be more effective in females than in males.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). Recommend tapering dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Most sedating and nauseating of the SSRIs
Many CYP drug interactions (strong CYP 1A2 and CYP 2C19 inhibitor)
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
References
4, 44, 83
Last Edited
2021-08-03 06:25:02