Fluvoxamine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Luvox

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Fluvoxamine may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.

If you are taking fluvoxamine for obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may have to take it for up to 10 or 12 weeks before you begin to feel better . Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.

Dosing - The dose of fluvoxamine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of fluvoxamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder:
    • Adults - At first, 50 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 300 mg a day. If your daily dose is higher than 100 mg, your doctor may want you to take it in two divided doses.
    • Children younger than 8 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • Children 8 to 17 years of age - At first, 25 mg once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 200 mg a day. If your daily dose is higher than 50 mg, your doctor may want you to take it in two divided doses.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of fluvoxamine and your dosing schedule is:

• One time a day - Take the missed dose as soon as possible if remembered the same day and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Two times a day - Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.