Products
Fluvoxamine is commercially available in the form of film-coated tablets (Floxyfral). It has been approved in many countries since 1983.
Structure and properties
Fluvoxamine (C15H21F3N2O2, Mr = 318.33 g/mol) is present in drugs as fluvoxamine maleate, a white, odorless, crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Fluvoxamine (ATC N06AB08) has antidepressant properties. Effects are due to selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake in presynaptic neurons.
Indications
- For the treatment and relapse prevention of depression.
- For the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dosage
According to the professional information. Tablets are usually administered once or twice daily, independent of meals. Treatment is started creeping in and stopped creeping out.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Combination with MAO inhibitors
- Combination with tizanidine, ramelteon or agomelatine (CYP1A2 substrates).
Full details of precautions and interactions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Fluvoxamine has a high potential for interaction. It is a potent inhibitor of CYP1A2 and an inhibitor of CYP2C and CYP3A4. Fluvoxamine is also partially biotransformed by CYP2D6.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include indigestion, poor appetite, weakness, malaise, agitation, anxiety, drowsiness, insomnia, tremor, drowsiness, nervousness, headache, sweating, palpable heartbeats, and rapid pulse. Fluvoxamine may cause serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic agents.
