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Fluvoxamine |
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What is Fluvoxamine and why is it prescribed? Fluvoxamine is prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder. Before starting therapy with Fluvoxamine, be sure your doctor knows what medications you are taking since combining Fluvoxamine with certain drugs may cause serious or even life-threatening effects. You should never take Fluvoxamine with thioridazine (Mellaril) or pimozide (Orap). You should also avoid taking Fluvoxamine within 14 days of taking any antidepressant drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, including Nardil and Parnate. How should you take Fluvoxamine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose and you are taking 1 dose a day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. If you are taking 2 doses a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible, then go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Fluvoxamine at room temperature and protect from humidity. Are there any Fluvoxamine side effects? Fluvoxamine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Fluvoxamine side effects may include abnormal ejaculation, abnormal tooth decay and toothache, anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, feeling "hot or flushed," "flu-like" symptoms, frequent urination, gas and bloating, headache, heart palpitations, inability to fall asleep, indigestion, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, taste alteration, tremor, unusual tiredness or weakness, upper respiratory infection, and vomiting. Less common Fluvoxamine side effects may include abnormal muscle tone, agitation, chills, decreased sex drive, depression, difficult or labored breathing, difficulty swallowing, extreme excitability, impotence, inability to urinate, lack of orgasm, persistent erection, and yawning. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Fluvoxamine? If Fluvoxamine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not drink alcohol while taking Fluvoxamine. If you smoke, be sure to tell your doctor before starting Fluvoxamine therapy, as your dosage may need adjustment. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Fluvoxamine with Anticoagulant drugs (such as Coumadin), Antidepressant medications (such as Anafranil, Elavil, and Tofranil, as well as the MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate), Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers (including Inderal and Lopressor), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clozapine (Clozaril), Diltiazem (Cardizem), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Methadone (Dolophine), Mexiletine (Mexitil), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Pimozide (Orap), Quinidine (Quinidex), Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Tacrine (Cognex), Theophylline (Theo-Dur), Thioridazine (Mellaril), Tranquilizers and sedatives (such as Halcion, Valium, Versed, and Xanax), or Tryptophan. Are there any special warnings about Fluvoxamine? You should discuss all your medical problems with your doctor before starting therapy with Fluvoxamine, as certain physical conditions or diseases may affect your reaction to Fluvoxamine. If you suffer from seizures, use Fluvoxamine cautiously. If you experience a seizure while taking Fluvoxamine, stop taking the drug and call your doctor immediately. If you have or have ever had suicidal thoughts, be sure to tell your doctor, as your dosage may need to be adjusted. If you have a history of mania, use this medication cautiously. If you have liver disease, your doctor will adjust the dosage. Fluvoxamine may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery, or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know your reaction to Fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine can also deplete the body's supply of salt, especially in older adults and people who take diuretics or suffer from dehydration. Under these conditions, your doctor will check your salt levels regularly. If you develop a rash or hives, or any other allergic-type reaction, notify your physician immediately. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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