Fluvoxamine and sexual dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\nLike other SSRIs, fluvoxamine can decrease the quality of a patient\u2019s sex life. For immediate-release fluvoxamine, 8% of clinical trial participants experienced ejaculation problems, and another 2% reported decreased libido or inability to orgasm. These sexual problems are more likely when taking extended-release fluvoxamine: 11% of participants experienced ejaculation problems, and both men and women (4% and 5%) complained of an inability to orgasm, as well as decreased libido, impotence, and other sexual problems. These side effects may persist for as long as fluvoxamine is taken. However, in most cases, sexual function gradually returns to normal when the drug is stopped. If fluvoxamine is interfering too much with sexual satisfaction, consult the prescriber for medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\nFluvoxamine and severe allergic and skin reactions<\/span><\/h3>\nAlthough severe allergic or skin reactions are rare, it is important to be aware of the symptoms, so that patients can seek emergency care if symptoms occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Symptoms of a severe skin reaction may include fever, burning eyes, sore throat, red or purple rash, and\/or blistering, peeling skin. If any of these symptoms occur, get emergency medical attention.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow soon do fluvoxamine side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\nMany of the most common side effects of fluvoxamine\u2014headache, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, and others\u2014happen early in treatment. Some of the more concerning side effects such as sexual dysfunction, extrapyramidal symptoms, and severe skin reactions are usually delayed side effects, occurring after the drug has been taken for weeks or months.<\/span><\/p>\nHow long do fluvoxamine side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\nIn many cases, fluvoxamine side effects will improve over a few weeks or months as the body adapts to the drug. Some side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, may not. But nearly all fluvoxamine side effects are reversible if the drug is discontinued. It may take a while, though. Expect to take a gradually decreasing dose once it\u2019s time to stop\u2014your doctor will provide you with a tapering schedule. Within about a week after taking the last dose, most side effects should clear up.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are the long-term side effects of fluvoxamine?<\/span><\/h2>\nFluvoxamine is intended to be taken as a maintenance treatment for several months or longer even after symptoms of OCD have subsided. There are no adverse effects specifically due to the long-term use of fluvoxamine in adults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHowever, for children, weight loss or insufficient weight gain may be a long-term side effect. Weight and growth should be monitored throughout treatment.<\/span><\/p>\nFluvoxamine contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\nFluvoxamine is never prescribed to people who have had an allergic reaction to fluvoxamine or other SSRIs. People who have taken a drug in the MAOI drug class within 14 days should not take fluvoxamine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nPregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\nIn some cases, fluvoxamine may be prescribed to pregnant women (early in the pregnancy) under close supervision of the healthcare provider. However, fluvoxamine should not be taken in the third trimester, because there is a risk the newborn baby will experience complications that may require extended hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBreastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\nFluvoxamine may be taken by women who are breastfeeding, if approved by the healthcare provider. The drug is present in breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Women who take fluvoxamine while breastfeeding will be asked to monitor the infant for side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, agitation, and sleep problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nChildren<\/span><\/h3>\nFluvoxamine is FDA approved to treat pediatric patients as young as 8 years old with OCD. Safety tests, however, have only been conducted using short-term trials, so long-term safety is uncertain. Decreased appetite and weight loss are a concern, so the child\u2019s weight and growth should be regularly checked.<\/span><\/p>\nOlder adults<\/span><\/h3>\nIn clinical trials, fluvoxamine was as effective and safe in older adults as in younger adults. However, fluvoxamine is used cautiously in people ages 65 years and older. Most importantly, older adults are more vulnerable to low sodium. They also eliminate the drug from the body more slowly than younger adults, so healthcare professionals will start with low doses.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t
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Fluvoxamine warnings<\/span><\/h2>\nBlack box warning<\/span><\/h3>\nAs with all SSRIs, fluvoxamine comes with a <\/span>black box warning<\/span> on its drug information sheet about the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults taking the drug. Patients of any age who take fluvoxamine should be closely monitored for changes in mood and\/or behavior, as well as suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Any changes should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nCautions<\/span><\/h3>\nSome pre-existing conditions can be worsened by the side effects of fluvoxamine. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bipolar disorder<\/span> or a history of mania or hypomania<\/span><\/li>\n
- Seizure disorders<\/span><\/li>\n
- Dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n
- Bleeding problems\/risk of bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n
- Angle-closure glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n
- Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\nFluvoxamine is not a <\/span>controlled substance<\/span>. It does not cause physical dependence. It is not associated with drug abuse or misuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWithdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\nAlthough fluvoxamine does not cause physical dependence, the abrupt discontinuation of the drug can bring on withdrawal symptoms including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Bad mood<\/span><\/li>\n
- Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n
- Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n
- Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Numbness and tingling<\/span><\/li>\n
- Electric shock sensations<\/span><\/li>\n
- Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n
- Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n
- Headache<\/span><\/li>\n
- Low energy<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sleeplessness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hypomania<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
When it is time to stop taking fluvoxamine, the healthcare provider will prescribe a gradually decreasing dose (referred to as a taper) to prevent withdrawal symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\nOverdose<\/span><\/h3>\nCall a poison control center or get emergency medical attention if too much fluvoxamine is taken. Symptoms of an overdose include vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, changes in blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, seizures, altered mental status, serotonin syndrome, or coma.<\/span><\/p>\n
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