Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine is an antidepressant medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. This medication is primarily prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and may also be used for depression and various anxiety disorders.
Fluvoxamine is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat OCD and anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AB08
- RxNorm
- 42355
- Generic
- Fluvoxamine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50-300mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25-200mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once or twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25-50mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antidepressants with more established safety data
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestertaper before delivery if possible
consider tapering in third trimester to reduce neonatal withdrawal symptoms
monitor newborn for respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and withdrawal signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
fluvoxamine is excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, feeding problems, or weight loss
monitor infant for sedation, poor feeding, and developmental milestones
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose (25-50mg), titrate slowly
use caution due to increased sensitivity to side effects; increased risk of hyponatremia and bleeding
monitor sodium levels, signs of bleeding, and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsstart at lower dose, maximum 200mg/day for ages 8-17
FDA approved for OCD in pediatric patients age 8 and older; monitor closely for suicidal ideation and behavioral changes
close monitoring for suicidal thoughts and behavioral changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose in severe impairment
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50%
fluvoxamine is extensively metabolized in liver; use lower doses and monitor liver function
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid concomitant use
avoid alcohol consumption while taking fluvoxamine; combination increases CNS depression
monitor for increased sedation and impaired coordination
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antidepressant classification
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for OCD treatment
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological mechanism
Fluvoxamine is FDA-approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children. It is also used off-label for depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain. This increases serotonin levels in the synaptic space between neurons, enhancing mood regulation and reducing anxiety symptoms associated with OCD and other conditions.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, insomnia, and drowsiness. Do not take fluvoxamine with MAO inhibitors or thioridazine. Discontinuation should be gradual under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms. May increase suicidal ideation in young adults, particularly when starting treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy