Fluvoxamine is indicated for use as a treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may also be prescribed to individuals managing social anxiety disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition that causes unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts or fears (known as obsessions). These obsessive thoughts lead individuals managing the condition to do repetitive behaviors (known as compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can cause severe mental distress and interfere with everyday life.

Common obsessions include:

• Fear of germs or infection
  
• Having things in perfect symmetrical order
  
• Aggressive thoughts about harming yourself or others
  
• Unwanted aggressive, taboo, or sexual thoughts
  

Common compulsive behaviors include:

• Excessive cleaning
  
• Orderliness
  
• Repeatedly checking or counting things
  

The exact nature and severity of OCD symptoms vary from person to person.

Fluvoxamine works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in our brain cells. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical messenger (called a neurotransmitter) that is responsible for regulating your mood and helping you feel happy. Neurotransmitters send signals between your brain and neurons in the body. Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin to be recycled.

By blocking the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, SSRI medication allows the neurotransmitter to stay active in the brain longer. This can help balance your mood and reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors caused by OCD.

Fluvoxamine has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from fluvoxamine use include:
Decreased sex drive
Drowsiness
Loss of appetite
Behavior or mood changes

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects caused by fluvoxamine. If you experience any severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fever, dizziness, swelling, or confusion, contact your doctor immediately.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine can interact with other forms of medication and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects. Do not drink alcohol while taking fluvoxamine.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with fluvoxamine. If you become pregnant while taking fluvoxamine, notify your health care provider immediately.

Fluvoxamine is commonly supplied as an extended-release capsule or oral tablet. Exact dosage will depend on the patient's age, bodyweight, and the condition requiring treatment.

It is usually recommended to take fluvoxamine right before bed. Discuss proper storage and use methods with the health care provider prescribing the medication.

If your child has been prescribed fluvoxamine oral tablets, consult with the health care provider who wrote the prescription about the exact dosage and when to take the medication.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of fluvoxamine without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Fluvoxamine is currently only available via prescription. This means that the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not fluvoxamine might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for fluvoxamine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.