Fluvoxamine (Luvox) for Anxiety, OCD, and Depression
Fluvoxamine, commonly known by its brand name Luvox, has evidence for treating anxiety, OCD, and depression across all ages. Below is more information about mechanism, efficacy, dosing, and possible side effects.
What is Fluvoxamine?
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other mental health conditions. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
What are the Benefits in Treating OCD?
Studies have shown that close to ⅔ of patients with OCD experience significant improvement with Fluvoxamine. It is also effective for other conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.
Quality of Life and Disability in OCD: Impact of Sertraline and Fluvoxamine Treatment
The study titled "Effect of sertraline and fluvoxamine on quality of life in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder" assessed the impact of these SSRIs on first-episode, drug-naïve patients with OCD over 12 weeks. Patients showed significant improvement in quality of life (QoL) and reduction in disability. The mean baseline scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) were 23.48, indicating moderate illness severity. After 12 weeks, these scores dropped to 12.88, showing a marked reduction in symptoms. Disability scores on the WHODAS 2.0 also significantly decreased in several domains, including understanding and communication (from 1.54 to 0.60) and self-care (from 1.74 to 0.92). These results highlight that effective treatment of OCD by fluvoxamine can significantly enhance QoL and reduce disability in OCD patients.
Dosing of Fluvoxamine in Adults
Immediate-Release (IR) Tablets:
Starting Dose: 50 mg once daily, preferably at bedtime to minimize drowsiness.
Maintenance Dose: The dose may be gradually increased in 50 mg increments every 4-7 days based on response and tolerability.
Maximum Dose: Up to 300 mg per day (or up to 600 mg in severe OCD). Doses above 100 mg per day should be divided into two doses (morning and bedtime).
Extended-Release (XR) Capsules:
Starting Dose: 100 mg once daily, usually at bedtime.
Maintenance Dose: The dose may be increased by 50-100 mg increments every 4-7 days, depending on clinical response and patient tolerance.
Maximum Dose: 300 mg per day. It is typically taken once daily.
Important Considerations for OCD:
For treatment resistant OCD, doses of up to 600 mg per day have been studied and shown to be safe.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of Fluvoxamine are similar to other SSRIs, although it is generally considered well tolerated relative to most other SSRIs.
Examples of side effects include nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Serious side effects are rare but can include serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Always report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
Patients are encouraged to discuss the information with their healthcare provider. For comprehensive side effect lists, visit Drugs.com and WebMD.com, which are continuously updated as new research emerges.
In patients 24 and under, there is a rare risk of increased suicidal thinking when starting antidepressants.
Potential Contraindications
Fluvoxamine should not be taken with certain medications such as MAO inhibitors, certain pain medications, and blood thinners. It is also contraindicated in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug. A detailed discussion with your provider is essential to avoid any harmful interactions.
FDA Approval Information
Fluvoxamine was approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of OCD in adults and children aged 8 years and older. It is also approved for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
Off-Label Benefits Supported by Research
Research supports the off-label use of Fluvoxamine for several other conditions, including:
Depression: Fluvoxamine can be effective for major depressive disorder, particularly in patients who also have anxiety symptoms.
PTSD: Some studies suggest Fluvoxamine may help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Eating Disorders: There is evidence that Fluvoxamine can be beneficial in treating symptoms of eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
For further reading on this and closely related subjects, please refer to the following blogs:
Discover how we treat OCD with a comprehensive approach at Philadelphia Integrative Psychiatry.
Unveil the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in managing and overcoming OCD.
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Follow our guide to seeking OCD treatment for a structured path to recovery.
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