Generic Fluvoxamine

Introduction

Fluvoxamine is a prescription‑only medication classified among the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. It is primarily approved for the treatment of obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) and, in the United Kingdom, for major depressive disorder when other agents are unsuitable. The active compound, Fluvoxamine, is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies worldwide and is listed under the broader medication group “Antidepressants”. In addition to its psychiatric indications, Fluvoxamine has been investigated for certain anxiety disorders and, more recently, for its anti‑inflammatory properties in viral illnesses.

What is Fluvoxamine?

Fluvoxamine is the generic version of the brand‑name drug Luvox, which was first launched by Solvay Pharmaceuticals (now part of AbbVie) in the early 199s. Both the brand and generic formulations contain the same active compound, Fluvoxamine, at equivalent strengths. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, complying with UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards for quality and safety.

The medication is supplied as immediate‑release tablets, most commonly in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. It is taken orally and absorbed systemically, resulting in measurable plasma concentrations within a few hours of ingestion.

How Fluvoxamine Works

Fluvoxamine exerts its therapeutic effect by selectively inhibiting the serotonin transporter (SERT) on presynaptic neurons. This inhibition reduces the re‑uptake of serotonin (5‑hydroxy‑tryptamine, 5‑HT) from the synaptic cleft back into the neuron, thereby increasing extracellular serotonin levels. Enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission is associated with improved mood regulation and reduced obsessive‑compulsive symptoms.

Pharmacokinetically, Fluvoxamine reaches peak plasma concentrations (C_max) approximately 3–8 hours after oral dosing. It possesses a half‑life of about 15–20 hours, permitting once‑daily dosing for most patients. The drug is metabolised primarily by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and to a lesser extent by CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, with renal excretion accounting for the majority of eliminated metabolites.

Conditions Treated with Fluvoxamine

• Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Fluvoxamine is licensed in the UK for adults with moderate‑to‑severe OCD. Clinical trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in Yale‑Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y‑BOCS) scores after 12 weeks of therapy.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Though not a first‑line SSRI in the UK, Fluvoxamine may be prescribed for patients who have not responded to other antidepressants or who experience intolerable side effects with alternative agents.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Panic Disorder: Off‑label use is supported by evidence from randomized controlled trials showing modest benefit in anxiety symptom severity.
• Adjunctive Treatment in COVID‑19: Preliminary data from the TOGETHER trial suggested that early administration of Fluvoxamine reduced the risk of clinical deterioration in high‑risk outpatients. This indication remains investigational and is not yet approved by the MHRA.

In the United Kingdom, approximately 5 % of the adult population experience OCD, and 15 % suffer from depressive disorders at some point in their lives, underscoring the clinical relevance of an effective SSRI such as Fluvoxamine.

Who is Fluvoxamine For?

Fluvoxamine is most appropriate for adults who meet the diagnostic criteria for:

• Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder with persistent intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviours that impair daily functioning.
• Depressive episodes that have not responded adequately to other SSRIs, provided liver function is normal and there are no contraindicating drug interactions.
• Anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, panic disorder) when clinician judgment supports an SSRI approach.

Patients with severe hepatic impairment, known hypersensitivity to Fluvoxamine, or concomitant use of potent CYP1A2 inhibitors (such as fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, or oral contraceptives containing estrogen) may require dose adjustment or alternative therapy. Likewise, individuals with a history of bipolar disorder should be monitored closely for manic switching.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or gastrointestinal upset
• Headache
• Insomnia or excessive somnolence (dose‑dependent)
• Dry mouth
• Increased sweating

Rare

• Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• Weight gain or loss
• Tremor
• Hyponatraemia, particularly in older adults

Serious

• Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life‑threatening condition characterised by hyperthermia, agitation, hyperreflexia, and autonomic instability. Prompt medical evaluation is essential if symptoms develop.
• Suicidal ideation: As with all antidepressants, the risk may be heightened in younger adults (18‑24 years) during the initial treatment period.
• QT‑interval prolongation: Though uncommon, caution is advised in patients with known cardiac arrhythmias or those taking other QT‑prolonging agents.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluoroquinolone antibiotics, oral contraceptives, cimetidine) can raise Fluvoxamine plasma levels, increasing side‑effect risk.
• CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, smoking) may reduce efficacy, necessitating dose escalation.
• Other serotonergic agents (e.g., tramadol, triptans, meperidine, St. John’s wort) heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Anticoagulants (warfarin) may experience enhanced anticoagulant effects; INR monitoring is recommended.

Patients should disclose all prescribed, over‑the‑counter, and herbal products before initiating Fluvoxamine.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Starting dose: Typically 50 mg once daily, taken in the evening to reduce daytime insomnia.
• Titration: The dose may be increased by 50 mg increments at intervals of 1–2 weeks, based on clinical response and tolerability. The usual therapeutic range for OCD is 100–300 mg per day; for depression, 50–150 mg may suffice.
• Maximum recommended dose: 300 mg daily. Exceeding this dose provides no additional benefit and raises toxicity risk.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is more than 6 hours away, the patient should take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next dosing time, the missed dose should be skipped; double‑dosing must be avoided.

Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, tremor, drowsiness, or cardiac arrhythmia. Immediate medical attention is required. Supportive care, gastric decontamination, and monitoring of cardiac rhythm are standard interventions.

Food and alcohol: Fluvoxamine can be taken with or without food; however, a light snack may lessen gastrointestinal irritation. Alcohol should be limited, as it can potentiate central nervous system depression and impair judgement.

Buying Fluvoxamine from Our Online Pharmacy

Fluvoxamine can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing verified generic medicines at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost, without sacrificing quality.

• Affordable pricing: Our wholesale relationships allow us to offer Fluvoxamine at a fraction of typical retail rates.
• Verified quality: All batches are sourced from MHRA‑registered suppliers and undergo third‑party testing for potency and purity.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is dispatched via express courier (delivery within 7 days) or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for every order.
• International access: By operating as a pharmacy‑broker service, we work with licensed overseas pharmacies to ensure continuous stock, even when local availability is limited.
• Privacy‑focused service: Orders are processed confidentially, respecting patient anonymity and complying with UK data‑protection regulations.

Our platform provides a reliable, cost‑effective route for patients who encounter barriers accessing Fluvoxamine through conventional pharmacy channels.

FAQ

• Is Fluvoxamine available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is marketed as Luvox, while generic formulations containing the same active ingredient, Fluvoxamine, are widely available. Generic versions are typically lower in cost and are approved by the MHRA.

• Does Fluvoxamine require refrigeration or special storage conditions?
  No refrigeration is needed. The tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (15‑30 °C), protected from excess moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

• What do the Fluvoxamine tablets look like, and how can I identify the strength?
  In the UK, 25 mg tablets are white, 50 mg tablets are pink, and 100 mg tablets are blue, each bearing the imprint of the manufacturer’s logo and dosage strength.

• Can I travel internationally with Fluvoxamine, and are there any customs restrictions?
  You may travel with a personal supply of Fluvoxamine for personal use, provided you retain the original pharmacy label and a copy of the prescription. The UK permits export of a three‑month supply without additional documentation, but you should check the destination country’s import rules.

• Are there any known differences in Fluvoxamine formulation between the EU and the US?
  The active ingredient is identical, but some manufacturers use different inert fillers or binders. In the EU, lactose is a common filler, whereas some US formulations may contain starch. Patients with specific excipient allergies should verify the full ingredient list before purchase.

• What are the implications of Fluvoxamine on drug testing for employment or sport?
  Fluvoxamine is not a prohibited substance in standard workplace drug screens or most sporting anti‑doping programs. However, it may appear on extended panels that test for prescription medications, so informing the testing authority of a legitimate prescription is advisable.

• How does smoking affect Fluvoxamine treatment?
  Tobacco smoke induces CYP1A2, the primary enzyme responsible for Fluvoxamine metabolism. Heavy smokers may experience reduced plasma concentrations, potentially requiring a higher dose for therapeutic effect. Conversely, quitting smoking can raise drug levels, so dose adjustments may be needed.

• What is the historical significance of Fluvoxamine in psychiatric therapy?
  Introduced in the early 199s, Fluvoxamine was the first SSRI approved specifically for OCD, establishing a new therapeutic class for the disorder. Its selective SERT inhibition and favourable side‑effect profile contributed to broader acceptance of SSRIs in anxiety and mood disorders.

• Can Fluvoxamine be used safely in patients with kidney disease?
  Since Fluvoxamine is primarilyised by the liver and eliminated as inactive metabolites, mild to moderate renal impairment does not typically require dose modification. Severe renal failure, however, warrants clinical monitoring and possible dose reduction.

• What distinguishes Fluvoxamine’s anti‑inflammatory effects from other SSRIs?
  Fluvoxamine demonstrates sigma‑1 receptor agonism, which modulates cytokine production and may attenuate the inflammatory cascade seen in viral infections. This property is not shared uniformly across all SSRIs, making Fluvoxamine a candidate for repurposing studies in conditions like COVID‑19.

• Is there a risk of dependence or withdrawal when stopping Fluvoxamine?
  Physical dependence is not typical, but abrupt discontinuation can lead to discontinuation syndrome, presenting as dizziness, flu‑like symptoms, irritability, or electric‑shock sensations. A gradual taper, overseen by a clinician, minimizes these effects.

Glossary

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

A class of antidepressants that block the re‑absorption of serotonin into neurons, increasing its availability in the brain.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life‑threatening reaction caused by excess serotonergic activity, characterised by agitation, hyperthermia, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities.

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes

A family of liver enzymes that metabolise many drugs; Fluvoxamine is principally processed by CYP1A2.

Discontinuation Syndrome

A set of withdrawal-like symptoms that can arise after abrupt cessation of an SSRI, often alleviated by tapering the dose.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Fluvoxamine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Fluvoxamine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.