Fluvoxamine extended-release capsules
Fluvoxamine extended-release capsules
What is this medicine?
FLUVOXAMINE (floo VOX a meen) is an antidepressant. It is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxious
black, tarry stools
changes in vision
confusion
elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
eye pain
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
feeling agitated, angry, or irritable
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
loss of balance or coordination
loss of memory
painful or prolonged erections
restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
seizures
stiff muscles
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in appetite or weight
change in sex drive or performance
headache
increased sweating
indigestion, nausea
tremors
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
alosetron
cisapride
linezolid
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
methylene blue (injected into a vein)
pimozide
thioridazine
tizanidine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
amphetamines
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin
clozapine
diltiazem
diuretics
fentanyl
furazolidone
isoniazid
lithium
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
medicines for sleep
methadone
metoprolol
mexiletine
NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
omeprazole
procarbazine
propranolol
quinidine
ramelteon
rasagiline
supplements like St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian
tacrine
theophylline
tramadol
tryptophan
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from humidity. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
bleeding disorders
glaucoma
heart disease
liver disease
low levels of sodium in the blood
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
take MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to fluvoxamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your medicine even if you do not immediately feel better. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of this medicine.
Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your doctor.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018